A half dozen facts about roses!

Everyone has seen a beautiful bouquet of roses, but how much do you really know about this iconic bloom? Today, Bloom Works would like to look at some lesser-known aspects of the quintessential Valentine’s Day flower.

1.)  Roses aren’t just beautiful; they’re edible!  The petals of the rose are used in a myriad of recipes and can be soaked and strained into a flavorful water, which is then added to jams, cookies, cakes, tea, and more. In fact, you’ll be sure to find roses among the flavors featured at Art in Bloom!

2.) Roses are thought to be one of the oldest flowers. They have been found in fossils that date as far back as 35 million years. We have a myriad of historical artifacts and documents that suggest the rose has always been highly beloved. In fact, roses are a symbol of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

3.) Roses can grow fruit too: the small rosehip fruit is a popular tea flavor, and skincare ingredient. For good reason, as it’s an excellent source of vitamin C.

4.) Black roses are actually dark red. While roses grow naturally in many colors and varieties, black isn’t one of them! However, roses can be grown in a deep, dark, red hue that appears almost black to the eye.

5.) Different colors have different meanings. Everyone recognizes the romance and love implied with the gift of a red rose, but other rose colors have their very own meanings. So don’t forget the yellow, pink, and orange roses to let your friends know how much you admire their joyful nature, elegance, or infectious energy. A white rose also sends a spiritual message or one of purity, making it a good choice for gifts related to religious ceremonies, memorials, and well wishes for health.

And here's a special Valentine's Day bonus fact:

6.) People who receive the traditional bouquet of a dozen red roses for Valentine’s Day count each rose to make sure there are 12, which symbolizes loyalty and passion.

We love appreciating the beauty of roses all year, but especially in February. Hopefully you learned something new too! Check back next month for our next floral feature.