A History of the Fragrant Rose

The rose has been held in special and sacred regard for thousands of years and has been associated with heraldry, painting, music, myth, and religion across the ages. Grown for its medicinal and culinary properties as well as for perfumery, the rose in ancient times formed an integral part of carnivals, festivals, and the cosmetic industry. From the rose gardens of Malmaison belonging to Napoleon's Empress Josephine, to the Wars of the Roses, the rose has a fascinating history. Since the few known roses of the Middle Ages, the curiosity of travellers, the patience of plantsmen, and the dilligence of botanists all contributed to bring together roses from every part of the globe, crossing and developing them to produce the thousands of different varieties seen today.