United Kingdom National Symbols: National Flower
Rose (common name)
Rosa (scientific name)
Designation
Official
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Rosales
- Family: Rosaceae
- Genus: Rosa
The Flower
Most cultivated roses originated in Asia. Rose plants are usually shrubs, though vine-like climbing roses are relatively common. Height differs significantly among cultivars. The flowers may be single—usually with five heart-shaped petals around a cluster of yellow stamens. Tea roses and many older varieties, however, are often multi-petaled. Red, white, and pink are the most common colors, though yellow, orange, and lavender also are popular hues. Leaves are pointed, with slightly serrated edges. Branches are thin, straight, and often very thorny, though some hybrids have relatively few thorns. The shrubs normally grow from a single trunk that gets thicker with age, occasionally up to 5-6 cm (2-2.5 in) in diameter. The trunk and older branches are covered with gray-brown bark. New shoots are normally green and flexible. Wild or older varieties often produce red hips full of small tan seeds, but hybrid varieties may be sterile.
Physical Details
Duration: Perennial
Plant: Shrub
Mature Height: .6-3 m (2-10 ft)
Flowering: June
Flowers: 2.5-12.7 cm (1-5 in) wide single or double blooms with heart-shaped or teardrop-shaped petals
Flower Color: Red, pink, white
Leaves: 1.3-6.3 cm (.5-2.5 in) long, pointed, serrated deep green with a light green underside
Fruit / Seed Color: Red / Tan
Habitat
Location: Sunny areas with well-drained soil
Range: Temperate regions worldwide
Trivia
- The Tudor Rose is the official heraldic floral device of England. This stylized design of a white rose superimposed over a red rose was adopted when Henry Tudor wrested the crown from Richard III, ending the War of the Roses. During this conflict, the House of Lancaster (which had the red rose as its emblem) contested with the House of York (which used the white rose).
- Though roses are rarely consumed today, pesticide-free roses are edible. The petals can be candied with egg white and sugar or sprinkled over desserts. Rose hips have long been used in jams and syrups. The leaves are a favorite with pastry chefs, who use them as molds for exquisite chocolate decorations. In North Africa and the Middle East, rose petals are also used to flavor syrups, pastries, and drinks.
Article written for World Trade Press by WTP Staff.
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