From their symbolic meanings in love and war to their surprising roles in skincare and space exploration, roses have stories as rich as their fragrance. Dive in and discover fun and fascinating facts about roses that will leave you seeing this iconic flower in a new light!

1. Roses Have Over 300 Species

There are more than 300 species of roses worldwide, making them one of the most diverse types of flowers. These species range from wild roses growing in forests to hybrid garden varieties. This incredible variety allows roses to thrive in different climates and meet diverse gardening needs.

2. Roses Are Related To Fruits

Roses are part of the Rosaceae family, including fruits like apples, cherries, and strawberries. This botanical connection means that roses share some structural similarities with these fruits, such as their flower shapes.

3. Roses Grow In Almost Every Color

Roses naturally bloom in nearly every colour except true blue, which doesn’t exist due to the lack of blue pigment in roses. Scientists achieved a breakthrough in 2004 by creating a genetically engineered blue rose. Today, you can find red, yellow, pink, white, and even green roses for every taste and occasion.

4. Rose Stems Have Prickles, Not Thorns

What we often call "thorns" on roses are prickles—small, sharp growths that emerge from the stem. Unlike true thorns, prickles don’t grow from the plant’s core tissue but are surface-level outgrowths. These prickles help protect the rose plant from animals that might eat it, adding a natural defence system.

5. The Oldest Rose Bush Is Over 1,000 Years Old

A rose bush in Hildesheim, Germany, has been growing for over 1,000 years and still blooms annually. This incredible plant has survived wars, natural disasters, and even bombings during World War II. Its longevity proves the resilience and adaptability of roses as a species.

6. Roses Bloom Multiple Times A Year

Some roses, known as remontant varieties, can uniquely bloom multiple times throughout the growing season. This trait sets them apart from single-bloom roses that flower once a year. With proper care, remontant roses can fill your garden with vibrant colours from spring through fall.

7. The Word "Rose" Has Ancient Roots

The word "rose" has been part of human language for centuries, originating from the Latin word rosa and the Greek rhodon, both of which mean "rose." 

These names highlight the flower's timeless appeal and connection to ancient cultures. Its consistent naming across languages reflects its global recognition and symbolism.

8. "Rose" Is Linked To Growth

The word "rose" traces back to the Indo-European root "wer", meaning "to grow." This etymology is fitting for a plant that has thrived for millions of years and continues to flourish across continents. The connection to growth also symbolises the rose’s resilience and role in celebrating life and renewal.

9. Roses In Different Languages

Roses are cherished worldwide, and their names vary beautifully across languages:

• French: Rose
  
• Spanish: Rosa
  
• Japanese: バラ (Bara)
  
• Arabic: وردة (Wardah)
  
• Hindi: गुलाब (Gulab)
  

10. Roses Are Linked To Love In Mythology

Greek mythology associates roses with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who created them from her tears and her lover Adonis’s blood.

11. Romans Used Roses For Secrets

In ancient Rome, roses symbolised secrecy and discretion. The phrase "sub rosa," meaning "under the rose," signified that discussions held confidently were not to be shared with others.

12. Roses Feature In Christian Lore

Christian legends recount that roses grew from the drops of Christ’s blood during the crucifixion. In Christian tradition, roses symbolise love, sacrifice, and divine beauty.

13. Persian Poets Loved Roses

The Persian poet Rumi often used roses as metaphors for love, spiritual awakening, and life’s mysteries. In Persian culture, roses have long symbolised beauty and the connection between the earthly and divine.

14. Roses Inspired Shakespeare’s Famous Lines

Shakespeare wrote, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," emphasising the beauty of the flower regardless of its label. This line in Romeo and Juliet has become one of the most enduring metaphors for timeless love and identity.

15. Roses Went To Space

In 1998, roses travelled aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to study how microgravity affected their fragrance. Scientists found that roses developed unique scent profiles when grown in space conditions.

16. Rose Hips Are Packed With Vitamin C

Rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant, contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges. They’re often used in teas, jams, and syrups, making them nutritious and delicious.

17. The Largest Rose Bloom Was Over 33 Inches Wide

The largest rose bloom ever recorded measured an astonishing 33 inches in diameter. This gigantic flower was grown in California and remains a record-breaking wonder.

18. Rose Fossils Are 35 Million Years Old

Fossilised roses found in Colorado have existed for at least 35 million years. This makes them one of the oldest flowering plants known to science.

19. Rosewater Is A Skincare Staple

Rosewater, made from rose petals, is a common ingredient in various skincare products due to its soothing and hydrating properties. It’s also a key ingredient in many Middle Eastern desserts, adding a fragrant twist to traditional recipes.

20. Rose Petals Are Edible

Rose petals are decorative and edible, with a mild, sweet flavour. They’re commonly used in candies, syrups, and dishes like Turkish delight, bringing a floral touch to culinary creations.

21. A World Record Rose Bouquet Had Over 150,000 Roses

The largest bouquet ever made contained 156,940 roses and was created in India in 2020. This massive arrangement set a world record and highlighted the cultural significance of roses in celebrations.

22. Making Rose Oil Takes Thousands Of Petals

It takes around 10,000 rose petals to produce just 1 gram of rose oil. This labour-intensive process makes rose oil one of the world's most luxurious and expensive essential oils.

23. Roses Were Symbols During The Wars Of The Roses

In England’s Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), warring factions used roses as emblems. The House of Lancaster adopted the red rose, while the House of York chose the white rose.

24. The First Blue Rose Was Created In 2004

Natural roses don’t have blue pigments, but scientists created the first genetically engineered blue rose in 2004. This innovation brought a new and rare hue to the rose family.

25. Roses Grow Natively On Every Continent Except Antarctica

Roses are native to Asia, Europe, North America, and parts of North Africa. They are incredibly adaptable, growing in a wide range of climates, but they cannot survive the extreme conditions of Antarctica.

Conclusion On Fun Facts About Roses

Roses have played significant roles in history, mythology, and even science. Whether you’re marvelling at a rose bush, sipping rose tea or giving someone a bouquet, you’re part of a tradition that spans millennia.

These fun facts about roses remind us why this flower remains an enduring symbol of love, beauty, and resilience. Which of these interesting facts about roses surprised you the most?

At Windflower Florist, your trusted florist in Singapore, we celebrate the timeless charm of roses by curating stunning arrangements for every occasion. Whether it’s a classic red rose bouquet or a unique floral creation, we’re here to help you express your feelings beautifully.

Visit our shop today!

Frequently Asked Questions About Roses

What Are the Most Common Types of Roses?

Roses are classified into three main categories. Wild roses are natural, unaltered roses that grow in the wild. Old garden roses existed before 1867 and are loved for their fragrance and timeless charm. Modern roses, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras, are bred for their unique colours and shapes.

What Do Different Rose Colors Symbolise?

Roses carry special meanings based on their colours. Red roses symbolise love and passion, white roses signify purity and remembrance, and yellow roses represent friendship and joy. Pink roses express gratitude and admiration, while orange roses convey energy and enthusiasm.

Are There Roses Without Thorns?

Yes. Some rose varieties, like the Zephirine Drouhin and Lady Banks roses, are almost thornless. These are great options for gardeners who prefer a smoother handling experience.

Why Do Roses Have Fragrance?

Roses produce their fragrance through a complex mixture of chemicals that attract pollinators like bees. Some modern hybrid roses have reduced fragrance due to breeding for appearance, but many varieties still have their signature scent.