By Kathleen Gresham
William Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet.” From the days of Romeo and Juliet to modern times, the red rose has been synonymous with love.
There are many famous red rose varieties, from the red rose of Lancaster, which is perhaps the first cultured rose variety, to the hybrid tea rose, Mister Lincoln. In Greek and Polish languages the word rose itself denotes the color red.
Today, roses are popular all around the world. Originally, however, roses grew abundantly only in Central Asia. The Persians and Egyptians, who later developed a cultivated variety, discovered the wild rose.
A red rose held in a person’s hand symbolizes socialism and social democracy to the United Kingdom Labor Party. Later, several other European and South American socialist parties also adopted the red rose as their symbol.
Red roses are often chosen for romantic gifts, for dates and for valentine day bouquets. As a dramatic and unusual gift, a red rose plant makes a bold statement. Red roses are available in many rose categories, including English roses, climbers, shrub roses, hybrid teas and miniatures.
Many emotions can be represented by giving red roses. They can express love, passion, magnificence, bravery and admiration. Other occasions for sending red roses include best wishes, appreciation, sincerity and passion.
Whatever your reason for choosing red roses, there is a wealth of gorgeous varieties to choose from.
