Rose

Rose (genus Rosa) is a group of flowering plants in the family Rosaceae. They are perennials, typically shrubs or climbers, characterized by thorny stems, compound leaves with leaflets, and large, often fragrant flowers. Most species have five-petaled flowers, though many cultivated varieties are double and show numerous petals; colors range from white to yellow, pink, red, and orange. Hybridization has produced thousands of cultivars. The genus includes about 100 species, with Rosa damascena, Rosa rugosa, and Rosa gallica among well-known examples.

Distribution and habitat: Roses are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, with centers of diversity in the temperate regions and the Himalayas. They have been cultivated worldwide and adapted to a wide range of climates, though they prefer temperate environments with well-drained soil and adequate sunlight.

Ecology and cultivation: Roses require well-drained soil and full sun; pruning is commonly used to control shape, encourage flowering, and remove diseased wood. Propagation methods include cuttings, grafting onto rootstock, and, less commonly, seeds. Common diseases and issues include powdery mildew, black spot, aphids, and rose rosette disease.

Uses: Beyond ornamental value in gardens and landscapes, roses produce hips after flowering that are edible and used in jams, teas, and as a vitamin C source. Rose oil and rose water are widely used in perfumery, cosmetics, and culinary applications.

Varieties and classification: Old garden roses are typically valued for fragrance and form, while modern roses emphasize repeat flowering and hardier characteristics. Modern commercial classes include hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, shrub/landscape, and climbing roses, reflecting breeding focuses on bloom form, color, fragrance, disease resistance, and growth habit.

Symbolism and culture: The rose is a longstanding symbol of love, beauty, and balance in many cultures and appears in art, literature, religion, and heraldry.