`ARCADIAN ARCHIVES

Red Roses and Romance

In literature and folklore, red roses have a rich, romantic history. For the past five thousand years, mankind has cultivated roses – a relatively short length of time when you consider the oldest rose fossils are estimated to be thirty-five million years old. Along with figs and vines, roses were an essential crop during the period of early civilisation. At that stage in history, the rose was valued for its practical use. When both rose blossom and hips were found to have medicinal qualities, they were collected in quantity from the wild, before being cultivated in quantity in the early gardens of apothecaries. Although the aesthetic qualities and romantic connotations of roses were not documented until much later, the Romans did use rose petal confetti during special occasions. This is probably the main indication of a connection between roses and events considered worthy of celebration. Some events, however, were more warlike than romantic. During the ‘Wars of the Roses’ in the 15th century, a red rose was the House of Lancaster’s emblem, while the House of York was symbolised by a white rose.

Flower symbolism was well developed in early society in both the east and west. In eastern countries, the lotus flower was associated with love, light and life. In the west the rose represented sweetness, and because of its thorns, the pangs of love. Red roses in particular symbolised romantic attachments. Ironically, red roses now selected by plant breeders for the cut flower trade are as thornless as possible, denying the original representation of inevitable angst tangled amidst love’s euphoria.

The language of flowers was taken to new heights by the Victorians who were also extremely enthusiastic about roses. At that time, rose gardens were in high fashion and there was great excitement about the breeding and introduction of new rose varieties. This surge of passion for roses coincided with the arrival of the first printed valentine card, and ever since, red roses have been associated with February 14th.

There is no colour more suited to displaying the velvet texture of rose petals than dark red. The reflection or absorption of light by other colours somehow renders petals down to a more silky and less velveteen appearance, but the textural qualities of red petals are undoubtedly the most pleasing to the eye.

Shrub roses are probably the group best suited to cooler and damp climates. Mild winters often seem to predispose many hybrid teas and floribundas to diseases that shrub roses are more able to tolerate. Within in this category, there is a wealth of red blossom to be found. If I were to choose only one red rose for its quality of blossom colour, it would have to be Rosa ‘Scharlachglut’, sometimes known as ‘ScarletFire’. Although vigorous and requiring ample space, it displays large, single blooms with luxuriant, red petals around a centre of golden stamens. It is a rose with very little fragrance, and although not repeat-flowering, it does provide an abundance of orange-red hips in late summer and autumn. And, in keeping with the romances of myth, fable, and reality, it is well endowed with thorns!