Roses are known as the "Queen of Flowers." With their lush, silk petals, their long, thorny stems, and their intoxicating fragrance, roses possess a majesty and elegance that few other flowers can rival. And, unlike most other flowers, roses come in virtually every color of the rainbow. The color of a rose determines its symbolic meaning. In the language of flowers, white roses have a meaning that is both singular and significant.
Meaning of White Roses
Each color of rose has its own meaning. Throughout history, people have used roses to express certain sentiments when words do not suffice. For example, red roses symbolize passion, romance and love, while yellow roses symbolize friendship. White roses signify purity and innocence, and they are a favorite flower for bridal bouquets. They are also a sign of sympathy and spirituality, which explains why white roses are a popular choice for sympathy and funeral floral arrangements.
Types of White Roses
There are numerous varieites of white roses, each with its own unique appearance and scent. The Sombreuil rose is a white climbing rose that is also considered an antique rose. It has lush blooms comprised of as many as 100 petals, and a scent reminiscent of honeysuckle. White hybrid tea roses, which are commonly available at most flower shops, have elongated blooms and elegant petals that curl slightly at the tips. They are not very fragrant. Aime Vibert roses are antique shrub roses with hundreds of deliciously densely-packed petals and a sweet scent.
Planting White Roses
Plant white roses in the garden and enjoy them in abundance throughout the growing season. Like all rose plants, white roses do well in warm, sunny climates. They thrive when exposed to full sun. Plant white roses in the spring after all danger of frost has passed in your region. Place new rose plants in holes that are twice as deep and equally as wide as their root clusters, and create a small mound with soil around the base of the rose once it is planted. Water the newly planted rose, and spread mulch around its base to keep moisture in and prevent weeds from growing.
Caring for Cut White Roses
White roses make lovely and meaningful bouquets. To prolong the freshness and life of cut white roses, do the following: make sure they are placed in a thoroughly clean container that is free from bacteria; replace the water in the container each day so that it is always fresh; add a tiny splash of bleach to the water to prevent the development of bacteria which can shorten the life of the roses; cut the bottom ½ to 1 inch off of the stems at a sharp angle each day immediately before replacing them in the fresh water; keep the roses in a cool place away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.
Preserving Cut White Roses
Cut white roses can make meaningful mementos. A bundle of preserved roses can be a lovely bit of décor when placed in a container or hung on a wall. Preserved rose petals make a lovely and fragrant display when placed in a basket or other container. A single pressed white rose is suitable for framing. To preserve cut white roses, use one of the following methods: air dry the roses by tying them in a loose bundle and hanging them upside down in a cool, dark place, such as a closet, for a week or more until they are thoroughly dry; remove the petals from the roses and spread them in a thin layer on a baking sheet in a cool, dry place until they are completely dried; press individual rose stems between the wax paper-lined pages of a heavy book for a week or more until they are dry and flat. White roses will darken in color after they have dried.
No comments:
Post a Comment