Roses are red, and sometimes they’re blue, how prepared for July 4th are you? June is
National Rose Month and while the 4th might be right around the corner, there is still plenty of time to
celebrate a flower more patriotic than meets the eye. From its distinction as the official flower of the United
States to being the symbolic calling card for love, peace, and unity, roses are a flower bursting with intrigue
and backyard
garden potential. Here are seven patriotic facts about roses in celebration of the Fourth of
July.
Rose Month Started in 1959
In 1959, it was proposed that the United States make the rose its national flower:
however, this did not officially come to fruition until 1986. Since, the rose has become a symbol of love,
country, and eternity as well as a representation of love for all mankind. Today, the White House Rose Garden
notes the rose as an institution celebrating the founding of our nation, calling back to George Washington’s
admiration for the flower.
White House Rose Garden
The White House Rose Garden was created in 1913 by Ellen Louise Axson Wilson during
her husband’s first term as president. In 1962, the rose garden was redesigned at the request of John F. Kennedy
by Rachel Lambert Mellon. It is now adjacent to the East Garden and features prominent roses such as the Queen
Elizabeth grandiflora, Pascali, Pat Nixon, and King Ransom, all of which serve as a gorgeous backdrop to news
conferences that are held periodically in the garden to this day. Additionally, garden gnomes are placed
throughout the garden every year on July 1st, representing how many presidents are alive at that moment.
Recordbreaker
The record for the world’s largest rose belongs to a California grown pink rose that
measured a whopping 33 inches in diameter. As far as the world’s largest rosebush goes, that title belongs to a
White Lady Banksia found in Tombstone, Arizona. Spread across 9,000 square feet, the rose bush is owned by the
Devere family, who have built a platform for visitors to admire the yearly blooming of their rose bush. The
blooms only last for six weeks around Easter Sunday, so fans flock for a chance to see this amazing display of
natural beauty in its gorgeous full form.
Overnight Scentsation
In 2002, the smallest rose, named the Overnight Scentsation, was taken into space to
test the effect low gravity can have on the way roses smell. The rose was the first to grow in space, where it
resided aboard NASA’s Discovery Space Shuttle in an Astroculture commercial plant growth chamber. This
experiment led to a fascinating discovery: Overnight Scentsation ended up producing an entirely new and unique
aroma not found in any earthbound roses. As a result, the study became the baseline for research on how to
improve fragrances in consumer products like perfume.
Prices May Vary
The prestige of “the most expensive rose in the world” belongs to the Juliet rose, a
specific variety of rose grown in 2006 by a breeder named David Austin. The rose took 15 years to grow and ended
up costing Austin 5 million dollars in upkeep and growth. The Juliet is known for its large-headed bloom in
comparison to smaller flowers, as well as its delicate pink hue.
Black Rose
Dark red roses have pigments so deep that they’re often mistaken as black. Originating
from Halfeti, Turkey, these black roses that might seem like creepy creations from a halloween store are
actually just very dark shades of red. Black Magic, as they’re more commonly referred, are noted for their
unique foliage and strong smell. As members of the Guinee family, they’re larger than the average breed and
serve as symbols of farewells and departure.
How To Grow Them
Roses are typically planted in the Spring and ready to bloom in the Summer, just in
time for their special month. The soil they are planted in requires deep irrigation, while making sure to keep
their foliage dry to help prevent disease. Roses of all types require regular pruning as well as regular
feedings of Alfalfa, which provides the solid nutrition and vitamins your plants need for healthy growth.
Rose month comes but once a year, but can be celebrated in many different ways. You
can hold a yard party and quiz each other on rose trivia, attend a Rose growing competition, or even pay a visit
to the White House Rose Garden.
You can also flex your green thumb and try to plant your own rose garden. Keep your
precious petals covered in cool months with a custom cover,
or an insulated cover to keep their temperature
in check so they are ready for next Spring. No matter which cover you choose, your new roses will be blooming
with potential for years to come.
Recent Comments