The garden rose has a long history behind it. It was cultivated in China as early as 2700BC,
and by the Sumerians at almost exactly the same time. At all events, ancient tablets from the royal
tombs of Ur in Chaldea report that the Sumerian King Sargon 1 (2684-2630BC) brought back vines,
figs and rose trees to his country from a military campaign. Later on, roses were also grown in Japan,
Kashmir the Assyrian Empire and Persia. It was so popular in Persia that the Persian word “gül” doesn't
just mean “flower”, but also “rose”. Nowadays, it's a popular girl's name in the Middle East.
Later, the Ancient Greeks discovered the rose and promoted its cultivation. In 600 BC,
the Greek poetess Sappho described it as “the grace of the earth” and “queen of all flowers”.
Roses first cultivated in China
Chinese, Sumerians, Japanese or Persians: all wanted the rose.
The rose culture of the Chinese even belonged for a long time to the most advanced in the world.
And by the way:
these early varieties had a major influence on European rose varieties.
these early varieties had a major influence on European rose varieties.
All about the queen of flowers
About rose gifts
Roses are classic gifts of love. But why is there the custom of always giving an odd number of roses? And at what point is a rose long-stemmed?
Why roses don’t have thorns?
«No rose without a thorn», they say. Well, that's just plain wrong. Because roses have no thorns. Learn more about a big misunderstanding here.
Wild roses have been around for 25 million years
Unbelievable, but true: even before there were humans, the first wild roses were blooming. They were simple, had five petals and still exist today.
Roses first cultivated in China
Chinese, Sumerians, Japanese or Persians: all wanted the rose. The rose culture of the Chinese even belonged for a long time to the most advanced in the world.
Europeans discover rose cultivation
For a long time, roses in Europe only bloomed once. This only changed with the discovery trips of the English and Dutch to Asia in the 16th century.
Roses for fragrances and cosmetics
Roses have stimulated creativity in many areas, also in the beauty world. Here you will find exciting things about rosewater, rose oil, rose perfume and smelling bottles.
Roses and their healing properties
The rose has always been used as a medicinal plant. Not only in ancient China, but also in Persia, Greece and Rome. This has remained so until today.
12 June: World Red Rose Day
Roses seduce - and red roses even more so. No wonder, a day is dedicated to them worldwide. They symbolize love and passion and play the leading role on 12 June.
Roses with the Max Havelaar Fairtrade label
Learn more about the Max Havelaar Fairtrade label and Fleurop's collaboration.