Roses are one of the world’s most favoured flowers, from their popularity in Tudor times to their supposed origin from Roman mythology. Whether they’re being grown in your back garden or are the star of your Valentine’s bouquet, roses are undoubtedly one of the most famous flowers in the world.

Roses aren’t just loved for their classic garden aesthetic. Of course, they do look fabulous in any cottage garden display, but their deep and rich history is also why this beloved bloom is so widely preferred for any bouquet.

Ties to the Virgin Mary

I suppose if we’re going to dive deep into the rose’s history, we should start at the beginning. The birth-giver of Jesus Christ himself, the Virgin Mary, is often referred to as ‘a rose without thorns’. This was because she was seen as ‘pure’, without having sinned. At this point in time, roses were considered the queen of all flowers, a worthy symbol for Mary.

From the 12th century, depictions of Mary surrounded by roses became more common around Europe. Imagery of Christ also showed him with a halo of rose and thorns, which is said to be a representation of his Passion, of love, and of suffering. This is believed to be where the popularisation of giving red roses to your loved ones stemmed from (no pun intended).

The Tudor Rose

The Tudors are a prominent part of our past, and the Tudor rose is most famously tied to rulers of the United Kingdom. The houses of Lancaster and York are even depicted by white and red roses, and as they went to war in 1455, this became known as the war of the roses (which continued for 30 years!).

This feud continued until Henry VIII was crowned king. He decided that in order to end this ongoing war, he would marry Elizabeth of York, combining the two houses together. This saw the birth of what’s now known as the ‘Tudor Rose’ - a white and red symbol that has become the country’s national flower, labelled as the ‘flower of England’.

William Shakespeare’s Love of Roses

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” - Juliet Capulet, Romeo & Juliet.
William Shakespeare: author, playwright, and poet had a long-lasting love of the traditional rose. Like many, he felt it symbolised passion, love, and even beauty. In fact, he mentions roses over 70 times in his complete works, especially when referring to the harsher side of love, and even war.

“Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn”.

Shakespeare and his popular play about the War of the Roses depict his obsession with their symbolisation. In this case, the war and eventual unity of two houses. And if that wasn’t enough evidence on his favourite flower, this famous quote is enough to convince us: “Of all flowers, methinks rose is best.”

But Where did Roses Come From?

Although roses are an ancient genus, we can still pinpoint where they originated. It’s believed that they started their roots in Central Asia, spreading through northern Europe over centuries. The cultivation of roses and different varieties started in Central Asia around 5000 years ago. The philosopher, Confucius, wrote about growing roses in imperial gardens around 500 B.C.

As they grew in popularity, the more they were a luxury. Even Cleopatra was taken with roses and would use them to attract suitors. Centuries after that, those with money would bathe in rose water and would sit on carpets on rose petals during meals. Romans loved roses so much that peasants were made to grow them in gardens instead of crops to quench the Roman aristocrats' need for them during any event.

Does it all Circle Back to Greek Mythology?

It seems to be the case, doesn’t it? Like many flowers in history like Daffodils and Tulips, there is a Greek Myth that lies behind the popularity of roses. In this case, roses are linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. There are several versions of this story, but they all go something like this...

One day, the goddess of flowers, Chloris, happened across a woodland nymph who had died. Distressed and saddened by this finding, she decided to breathe new life into the nymph’s body by creating a new flower. She asked for help from many gods to make this happen, including Aphrodite to add beauty and Dionysus for an intoxicating fragrance. With all components brought together, Aphrodite named the flower a Rose.

There are of course numerous stories of the Rose’s origin, each with its own protagonist of gods and goddesses alike fighting or bringing love to others. As the rose is strongly linked to Aphrodite, this is where we can assume the link between roses and their connotation of love and passion originates.

Symbolism of Colours

Of course, we all know that the red rose is a symbol of love and passion. That’s why roses are gifted by couples in their millions on Valentine’s Day! However, it’s said that each colour has its own hidden meaning. The Victorians were the first to use this unspoken language, giving their loved ones assorted colours of roses to express their deepest feelings.

Pink

Pink roses are often considered a gift of appreciation. Usually, they’re gifted to say thank you to the recipient, whether that be a friend or a family member. Pink roses are also a great gift for any Galentine’s participants, a wonderful choice for your best friend, as they can also symbolise femininity.

Yellow

Traditionally, yellow roses are a sign of friendship and joy! That being said, in the Victorian era, yellow roses were a sign of jealousy. Now, that’s no longer the case, making them a perfect gift for friends and family without any romantic connotations.

White

Elegant, hopeful, and pure. White roses are another popular option, especially for weddings and important occasions. They can also symbolise a fresh start, as their pure white colour can be interpreted as something that is yet to be finished.


Roses are and always will be a staple in the modern garden. If you’ve grown some in your summer displays, make sure you go outside and appreciate how far they’ve come to be now sitting in your favourite bed or container!

Want to grow your very own gorgeous roses? Our extensive rose selection provides a selection of fan favourites to new products, all of which will add lots of colour and even fragrance to the summer garden! Shop our full range of roses online today.