The Rose: 35 Million Years of History, Myth, and Cultivation

Fossils date roses to 35 million years ago. Today 30,000+ cultivars exist—the most complex family tree of any flower.

Ancient Lore

• Greek myth: Chloris, Aphrodite, Dionysus, the Graces, Zephyr, Apollo collaborate to create the rose.
• Hindu legend: Vishnu chooses rose over lotus; Brahma creates Lakshmi from 1,116 rose petals.
• Crete frescoes (1700 BC) show five-petaled pink roses.
• Egyptian tomb wreaths (AD 170) contain the oldest preserved rose.

Historical Roles

• Roman excess: peasants grew roses for emperors’ baths, feasts, confetti, perfume.
• War of the Roses (15th c.): York (white) vs. Lancaster (red).
• 17th c.: Roses and rose water as legal tender.
• Napoleon’s Josephine: 250+ varieties at Malmaison; inspired Redouté’s Les Roses.

Modern Classes

Old roses (pre-1800 Europe) vs. modern roses (post-1800 repeat bloomers from China). Red roses arrived from China ~1800; yellow breakthrough ~1900 by Pernet-Ducher.

Roses dominate cut-flower markets, perfume, and national symbols—truly the world’s favorite flower.