Family: Rosaceae
Common name: Rose
My personal favorite and envy of any garden, Roses are loved all over the world. There are over 300 species of roses and many thousands more created through selective breeding.
Plant characteristics
The plants range in size from miniature roses that are few inches long, to tall climbing roses that can grow to 7 or 8 feet.
The flowers range in shades from white, cream, yellow, orange, peach, pink, purple, red, maroon and even green. Since hybrids can be created quite easily, there are many hybrid varieties with weird colored flowers.
Roses grown in home gardens seldom ever produce seeds, and even if they do, the germination is very poor.
Gardening tips
Rose plants prefer bright, direct sunlight for 5-6 hours a day, blooming well only in sunlight. They cannot be grown in the shade or indoors successfully.
They need well-drained soil, regular watering, and fertilization. The leaves and flowers are prone to pest attacks, and spraying neem oil or other organic pesticides is essential.
Prune the roses gently after flowering to keep them bushy and beautiful.
Uses of Rose plants
Roses are used as ornamental plants; at homes, weddings, altars, convention halls and almost any religious festival. They are one of the most popular cut flowers, having thriving industries in many nations.
Rose flowers are used in making perfumes and cosmetics; and also in different cuisines, for making rose water, rose tea, jams and jellies.
Interesting facts
- There is no evidence of the existence of black rose, though internet is full of images of black roses.
- The hybrids have been manipulated so much, that it’s difficult to grow these without constant care and application of pesticides.
- Wild varieties of roses are quite sturdy and can withstand pests and fungi much better than hybrids.
- Rose is one of the three flowers mentioned in the Bible.
Photographed: All over the world in eye-catchingly beautiful colors, sizes, and shapes.
