Fun Facts

Roses have a rich history stretching back millions of years, with fossil evidence found from the Oligocene epoch. Classified into wild, Old World, and modern types, roses have long been cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and versatility. Ancient cultures used roses in medicine, perfume, and celebrations, while myths and legends often wove them into tales of love and divinity. From their cultivation in China as early as 3,000 BCE to their symbolic role in Greek and Egyptian traditions, roses have held a unique place in human history. By the 18th century, hybrid "tea roses" emerged in Europe, known for their delicate aroma and blooms, while figures like Napoleon’s wife Josephine further popularised roses by creating celebrated gardens. Today, roses remain symbols of beauty, romance, and cultural significance worldwide.

The earliest members of the rose family (Rosaceae) are believed to have appeared millions of years ago. Fossil traces of rose-like plants were found in the Oligocene epoch (a geological period 34 to 23 million years ago) in Europe, Asia, and western North America!

There are different types of roses, including Species, Old World, and Modern Roses. Subcategories of Modern Roses include Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, and Grandifloras!

The world record for the tallest rose bush is over 18 feet tall!

Rose petals and hips are used in wines, teas and jams, and are a source of vitamin C!

Scientists sent roses into space to study them in zero gravity! 

Tiny spines on rose stems help roses climb and protect themselves!

The first domesticated roses may have been deliberately cultivated as early as 3,000 BCE.

They were used in the making of rosewater, in perfumed oils, for medicinal purposes, and as confetti for celebrations!

Roses were valued by ancient people in places like China, Babylon (where they were said to be part of the famous Hanging Gardens), Persia, Egypt, and even Europe!

In ancient Egypt, roses were believed to link the living and the afterlife, and worshippers of the goddess Isis offered her roses!

In a Greek myth, roses turned red when Aphrodite (goddess of love, beauty, and desire) cut her foot on rose thorns while rushing to save her dying lover, Adonis. Adonis' story is often seen as a symbol of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in nature.

In another Greek myth, a bee stung Eros (god of love and desire) while he was smelling a rose. In anger, he shot arrows at the bush, causing it to grow thorns.

French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821) grew to power during the French Revolution. His first wife, Josephine, helped popularise roses by purchasing the Malmaison estate near Paris and filling its gardens with roses from around the world.

Medieval monks grew roses in monastery gardens for medicines, perfumes,rose water, and spirituality.

There was intense competition in the 1600s among Dutch rose breeders to create the most beautiful and fragrant roses, driving the development of the varieties we enjoy today.