In Search of the Perfect Rose

Of all the flowers in the garden, or a vase or bouquet, none are more beautiful than the rose. Roses come in several different sizes, they can be found in almost every color imaginable, and the aromatic ones have a unique scent that adds to their appeal. Roses are the perfect flower to show someone you care. They are the perfect complement to any well-tended garden.

Types of Roses

One of the most popular is the hybrid tea rose. A single bud on a long stem, it is available in a complete range of colors and often gives off a light to moderate scent. This variety works well in both vases and bouquets. A single perfect rose and a box of chocolate truffles - who could resist this winning combination?

Climbing roses make wonderful additions to a garden. This variety grows on vines, climbing up and around walls, arbors, fences and trellises, or just about anything that will support its upright growth. Its lush foliage, brilliant color and heady fragrance make it a popular choice for many well-landscaped gardens.

The floribunda rose is an easy-to-grow plant reaching 2-4 feet in height and producing large clusters of blooms on short stems. Its continuous blooms make it a great landscape rose, and it looks stunning when planted in groups in perennial beds or borders. While not typically fragrant, some do give off a heavenly aroma.

Miniature roses are the smallest variety in the garden. Because of its small size, several can be planted close together to enhance its impact. This rose looks great in small containers and vases, borders and rock gardens, and works particularly well when used for decoration.

Shrub roses are hardy plants producing arching canes that can grow 2-5' in height. A heavy bloomer, it can have single or double flowers. It can appear as a single rose or as part of a cluster growing at the end of a cane or on the side branches. Some of the plants bloom only once while others bloom repeatedly. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among landscapers.

The Message in the Color

When sending a bouquet of roses to someone, keep in mind that different colors express different sentiments. Make sure you select the appropriate color to convey your message so as not to confuse your intended. Remember too that combining different colors in the same bouquet can express a different sentiment than a single-colored bouquet.

There are numerous Websites you can visit for more information on the meaning of rose colors, as well as the significance of rose color combinations, and the difference between a bouquet containing a single rose versus two or more roses. ProFlowers.com, Teleflora.com, RoseforLove.com, rkdn.org, and WhatRosesMean.com all have excellent information on this subject.

I can't imagine anyone not enjoying receiving a bouquet of roses for a special occasion from that special someone. And a garden would not be complete without at least one rose plant or bush. With the wide variety of rose varieties and colors available, you are sure to find the perfect rose for your garden or bouquet.