Rose Garden in Regents Park

What is the world's favourite flower?

Today there are over 30,000 varieties of roses worldwide and they have quite a complicated but interesting family tree. Most roses today derive from about 100 species of rose, few of which are grown today. Most of our modern garden roses are hybrids but there are still a few species roses in cultivation. 

Wild roses were used in the production of rosewater, scented oils and other fragrances long before they were cultivated. Many uses can be traced back to Iraq in 2000 BC. Deliberate cultivation of roses was well under way in China by 500 BC and undoubtedly the Romans and other early European civilisations also grew large quantities for commercial use.

By-products of Roses

In the UK the most commonly grown are the Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Miniatures, and Dwarfs.

Rosa Alba a rose of uncertain origin that may have been introduced to Britain by the Romans. The rose is thought to be the White Rose of York of Wars of the Roses fame and was crossed with existing gallicas and damasks to produce hybrids with very scented flowers-the alba roses.

Visit the rose garden in Regents Park, London

There is a rose garden in Regents Park and if you hurry you will be able to enjoy the last of the roses there, some of which have rather unusual names including Keep Smiling, Grand Hotel and Thelma Barlow.......enjoy!

Fit for Roman Emperors

Some Roman emperors filled their swimming baths and fountains with rosewater, and sat on carpets of rose petals for their feasts and orgies. Roses were used as confetti for celebrations, for medical purposes, and as a source of perfume.

One Roman emperor used to enjoy showering his guests with rose petals which tumbled down from the ceiling during festivities. Roses became synonymous with the worst excesses of the Roman Empire when the peasants were reduced to growing roses instead of food in order to satisfy the demands of their rulers.

In the UK the most commonly grown are the Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Miniatures, and Dwarfs. Rosa Alba a rose of uncertain origin that may have been introduced to Britain by the Romans. The rose is thought to be the White Rose of York of Wars of the Roses fame and was crossed with existing gallicas and damasks to produce hybrids with very scented flowers-the alba roses.


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