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Roses, not just for Valentine's Day

Roses, not just for Valentine's Day

Well today it’s all about Roses also known as the queen of flowers. But do you know the meaning behind the colour of a Rose? On Valentine's day Margie Phillips, Technician, Teagasc, College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens tells us many interesting facts about this romantic flower

For the past twenty years our students at Teagasc, National Botanic Gardens have the privilege to join Craig Savage, Gardener at the OPW War Memorial, Islandbridge, to prune Roses. The garden at Islandbridge is full of subtle symbolism which was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.  

Over 4,000 roses were planted at the site in Islandbridge, materialising in over 49,000 blooms, (a bloom for every soldier who died during World War II). Roses at the War Memorial vary in colour from Reds, Orange, Yellows, Pinks, White and Green which is in itself symbolic. And used very cleverly at Island bridge. This garden is a real gem and well worth a visit.

hort students

Photo above:Rose pruning at the war memorial

The meaning behind the colour of a Rose.

Roses can deliver a message without using words at all.

Red Roses

Red roses are widely associated with sincere love, passion and romance.  A single red Rose simply says ‘I love you’. This rose has a universal meaning of Love.

Yellow Roses

Yellow rose once symbolized envy and betrayal, nowadays they represent friendship and care. Like the warm sunflower, gifting a yellow rose to a friend conveys warmth and affection. Can also be given as a token of thanks. Yellow roses also symbolize remembrance, memory and appreciation to another.

Pink Roses

Representing grace and elegance. Associated with femininity and sweetness. Given to show admiration and appreciation to best friend or work friend.

White Rose

Traditionally associated with marriages, a gesture of remembrance, recognition of a new beginning or a farewell and an expression of hope for the future. Or simply "I’m thinking of you".

Orange Rose

This rose can express how proud you are of that person. Orange roses are the wild child of the rose family.  Orange roses represent fascination and pride, enthusiasm, passion, gratitude. 

Green Rose

Green roses represent harmony, opulence, fertility and tranquillity. As a gift, green roses symbolize wishes of good health, and a prosperous new life.

No matter what colour Rose you choose, Roses in your garden need some LOVE.

Here are some TIPS for healthy Roses

Rule 1. Remove Dead Diseased and damaged wood

Rule 2. Remove suckers

Rule 3. Remove any branches less than pencil thick

Rule 4. Open out the centre to allow light and air movement

Rule 5. Always prune to outward facing bud

Rule 6. Aim to have all your Roses pruned by 17th March.

If you want to learn more about Roses… Why not join our course at Teagasc, National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin

Rose Trivia

Would you believe cultivation of Roses began in Asia about 5000 years ago, and still play a centre role in every florists’ livelihood?

Cleopatra loved roses and used them to try and seduce Mark Anthony.

In the 5th century Egyptian tombs roses were painted on the walls.

Napoleon and his army collected and introduced many new varieties of Roses, for his wife Josephine, who had a passion for roses.

Rose Tea also has many powerful remedies.

Have you checked out the benefits of rosehip that contains essential oils, essential fatty acids, vitamin C and anti-aging…?  Roses more than just a pretty face.

And you thought Roses were just for Valentine's day……….

Happy Valentine's Day from Teagasc, College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens