Did you know pink roses are history’s first roses? With a legacy spanning 35 million years, they represent elegance and love. From perfumes to Rosa ‘La France’, pink roses are more than stunning—they’re tough, thriving in gardens everywhere, while adding romance and charm to every bouquet.
Pink roses have captivated hearts and minds for centuries. Their soft hues and delicate blooms symbolize grace, admiration, and romance, making them a favorite choice for gardens, celebrations, and gestures of affection. But there’s so much more to these iconic flowers than meets the eye. From their ancient origins to their roles in science, art, and culture, here’s a deep dive into fun and fascinating facts about the pink rose.
The pink rose is considered the original rose, with fossil evidence dating back over 35 million years. These wild roses were among the first to grow naturally, long before humans began cultivating roses for specific traits like color, size, and fragrance.
The introduction of Rosa ‘La France’ in 1867 marked the birth of the modern hybrid tea rose. Bred by French nurseryman Jean-Baptiste Guillot, this silvery-pink rose is credited with revolutionizing rose cultivation. Its refined blooms and delightful fragrance became the blueprint for countless hybrid varieties that followed.
Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany is home to the world’s oldest known living rose bush, believed to be over 1,000 years old. This ancient pink rose has survived through wars, fires, and natural disasters, symbolizing resilience and longevity.
In ancient Egypt, pink roses were used in religious rituals, often adorning altars and tombs. Cleopatra herself was said to have strewn rose petals in her chambers to create an intoxicatingly romantic atmosphere during her encounters with Mark Antony. Similarly, in ancient Rome, pink roses symbolized luxury and were often used in lavish celebrations.
Floriography, the Victorian art of assigning meanings to flowers, owes much of its popularity to roses. Pink roses came to symbolize admiration, gratitude, and gentleness. They were often exchanged to convey messages of affection and respect in a time when verbal expressions of emotion were considered inappropriate.
Pink roses have inspired countless artists and writers throughout history. Claude Monet’s paintings often featured pink roses in his garden at Giverny, while poets like Robert Frost and Rainer Maria Rilke used roses, including pink ones, as symbols of beauty and love in their works.
Introduced in 1945 by Meilland, Rosa ‘Peace’ is widely regarded as one of the most iconic roses in history. Celebrated for its timeless beauty and symbolic association with hope and resilience following World War II, ‘Peace’ set the gold standard for hybrid tea roses and inspired a new era in rose breeding.
Its pink variant, ‘Pink Peace’, expanded the legacy of this legendary cultivar, demonstrating how a single rose could drive innovation and inspire entirely new directions in horticulture. By blending soft pink hues with the original’s exceptional traits, ‘Pink Peace’ became a symbol of elegance and refinement.
‘Chicago Peace’, a natural sport (mutation) of ‘Peace’ discovered in the 1960s in Chicago, Illinois, took the original rose’s charm to new heights. Its blooms feature deeper, more vibrant pink hues compared to the original, adding a bold and striking dimension to gardens while maintaining the same elegant form and reliable durability.
Introduced by Meilland in 2002, ‘Love and Peace’ represents a modern reinterpretation of ‘Peace’. This descendant features vibrant yellow petals edged with bright pink, echoing the original rose’s coloration but with a more pronounced and dynamic contrast. In addition to its stunning appearance, ‘Love and Peace’ boasts an improved fragrance and enhanced disease resistance, making it a favorite among contemporary gardeners.
‘Enchanted Peace’, a more recent derivative, adds yet another captivating dimension to the ‘Peace’ family. Its unique coloration blends golden-yellow petals with deep pink and red edges, creating a dramatic and enchanting look. This striking variation continues the legacy of ‘Peace’, proving that the iconic rose remains an enduring source of inspiration for breeders and gardeners
In 2006, a pink rose achieved global recognition for breaking records with its extraordinary size. Cultivated by Nikita K. Rulhoksoffski in California, this Centifolia rose produced a bloom measuring an astonishing 33 inches (84 cm) in diameter, captivating gardeners and horticulturists worldwide.
Pink roses, particularly varieties like Rosa x damascena and Rosa x centifolia, are prized for their fragrance and are extensively used in the production of rose oil. It takes about 2,000 roses to produce a single gram of this luxurious oil, making it one of the most valuable ingredients in perfumery.
In 1998, pink roses were sent aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to study how their scent changed in microgravity. The results of this experiment were later used to enhance rose fragrances on Earth, showcasing how these flowers can contribute to scientific advancements.
In 2003, roses, including pink roses, became a symbol of the peaceful Rose Revolution in Georgia. Protesters carried pink roses during demonstrations, which ultimately led to political reform. The pink rose became a global emblem of peaceful resistance and change.
Pink roses have long been associated with romance and admiration. Unlike red roses, which symbolize passion, pink roses convey softer emotions like gratitude, affection, and admiration. They are often given as a token of budding romance or deep appreciation.
The ‘Juliet Rose,’ a soft peachy-pink hybrid, is the world’s most expensive rose. Developed by famed breeder David Austin, it took 15 years and $5 million to perfect. Its unique beauty and delicate hue make it a favorite in high-end weddings and luxury floral arrangements.
While many associate roses with delicate beauty, pink roses are surprisingly tough. Many varieties, such as ‘Bonica’ and ‘Queen Elizabeth,’ are disease-resistant and can thrive in various climates, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Roses, and more particularly pink roses, hold a special place as one of the birth flowers for June, symbolizing gratitude, admiration, and joy. June is known for weddings and celebrations, making pink roses a popular choice for bouquets and garden displays during this vibrant month. Their association with early summer’s abundance and romance makes them a perfect match for June’s cheerful spirit. Giving pink roses as a birthday gift in June adds a touch of thoughtfulness and symbolism, celebrating the recipient’s uniqueness and grace.
Pink roses are often used to celebrate milestones in women’s lives, from birthdays and weddings to graduations. Their association with femininity and grace makes them a popular choice for expressing admiration and support.
Rose petals, including those from pink roses, are edible and are used to make rosewater, tea, and syrups. Rosewater has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare and wellness products.
Pink roses are one of the most popular flowers for weddings. Their romantic hue and soft fragrance make them a favorite for bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arches. They symbolize love, joy, and gratitude—perfect for celebrating a new chapter in life.
In ancient times, pink roses weren’t just admired for their beauty—they were also valued for their medicinal properties. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used rose petals to create soothing balms, teas, and oils believed to alleviate ailments such as headaches and digestive issues. The petals’ natural antibacterial properties also made them useful in skincare remedies.
Advances in rose breeding continue to push the boundaries of what pink roses can achieve. From drought-tolerant varieties to roses with enhanced fragrances, the future is bright for these iconic blooms, ensuring their place in gardens and hearts for generations to come.
| Hardiness |
4 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Climbers, Roses, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Rambling Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa - Hybrid Tea Rose, Rosa - Groundcover Rose, Rosa - Floribunda Rose, Rosa - Grandiflora Rose, Rosa - English Rose |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
| Spread | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Ground Covers, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Pink roses are much more than beautiful flowers; they are icons of history, symbols of emotion, and contributors to science and art. From their ancient origins to their modern-day uses, these blooms carry a legacy of romance, resilience, and fascination. Whether gracing a garden, inspiring a work of art, or symbolizing a heartfelt gesture, the pink rose proves that its appeal is truly timeless.
| Hardiness |
4 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A1, A2, A3, H1, H2 |
| Plant Type | Climbers, Roses, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Rosa, Rosa - Climbing Rose, Rosa - Rambling Rose, Rosa - Shrub Rose, Rosa - Hybrid Tea Rose, Rosa - Groundcover Rose, Rosa - Floribunda Rose, Rosa - Grandiflora Rose, Rosa - English Rose |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
| Height | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
| Spread | 1' - 20' (30cm - 6.1m) |
| Maintenance | Average |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees |
| Landscaping Ideas | Wall-Side Borders, Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Ground Covers, Edging, Banks And Slopes, Beds And Borders, Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Small Gardens |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
