Long a symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love. Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, they also represent confidentiality. In fact, the Latin expression "sub rosa"(literally, "under the rose") means something told in secret, and in ancient Rome, a wild rose was placed on the door to a room where confidential matters were being discussed.

Each color offers a distinct meaning: red, the lover’s rose, signifies enduring passion; white, humility and innocence; yellow, expressing friendship and joy; pink, gratitude, appreciation and admiration; orange, enthusiasm and desire; white lilac and purple roses represent enchantment and love at first sight. The number of stems in a rose bouquet can also express specific sentiments.

The June birth flower and the 15th wedding anniversary flower, roses are also the national flower of the United States and the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia. And, not surprisingly, June – the month so often associated with weddings – is National Rose Month.

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Roses are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most rose species are native to Asia, though some are native to North America, Europe or northwest Africa. Roses from different regions of the world hybridize readily. Of more than 100 species of roses, fewer than 10 species were involved in the crossbreeding that ultimately produced today’s many types of garden roses.

Roses are available year-round and are in high demand for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Many of today’s commercially grown roses are produced in South America due to the nature of the climate. Long days of sun and temperate nights create an ideal growing condition. Although roses are still grown in North America, production has decreased due to the high costs of heating and cooling greenhouses.

Roses belong to the genus Rosa and are often considered to be one of nature’s most fragrant flowers. However, due to hybridizing, roses range from having no fragrance smelling tea-like, spicy, musky, fruity or even citrusy. The oils produced by compressing rose petals are a valuable ingredient of fine perfumes and liqueurs, and are also used to flavor lozenges and scent ointments and toiletries.

Some fresh rose petals are edible and are used as garnish on salads and fruit trays. Petals are also used in jellies, vinegars, honeys, syrups and sorbets.

Medicinally, rose petals help to cool circulating blood and are useful in treating depression.

Cut roses can be enjoyed anywhere from 4 to 16 days depending on post-harvest care.