Roses, Roses, Roses for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day equates with gifts representing love and romance. Roses, especially red roses, which represent passion and love, are the flower most often associated with Valentine’s Day. As tokens of love, bouquets of roses are offered with a box of chocolates or jewelry and a fancy greeting card to celebrate this occasion.
In nature, roses (Rosa spp.) are found as shrubs or vines with stems that usually are covered in prickles (thorns). They are native to warmer areas of North America, Europe and Asia. Rose flowers found for sale in February are grown in Columbia, Ecuador, the Netherlands and Kenya. Columbia and Ecuador are the major suppliers for the United States. Cut roses are incredibly beautiful but relatively short-lived. If you are interested in exploring new avenues for giving roses to mark this day, consider one of the following ideas.
Rose shrubs can replace a rose bouquet, but not in February! A gift card to a local nursery for a native or cultivated rose shrub is appealing to gardeners and rose lovers alike. In preparation for spring, peruse online nursery vendors for rose shrubs that are hardy to USDA Zone 6 or colder. Assess your garden to determine the best site for a rose shrub, which is a location that is sunny with well-drained soil. There are many interesting varieties of roses, such as climbers, standards and reblooming shrubs. Choose a rose with the size and scale that will enhance your current landscape design.
Miniature roses grown in pots are also an option. Miniature roses are exactly as the name describes: perfect miniatures of larger roses. Flowers, leaves and prickles are all scaled-down versions of larger rose shrubs. Miniature rose plants range in size from 6 to 18 inches high. They are equally hardy and can be planted outside in a border.
A membership to the American Rose Society (www.rose.org) can be an option for those interested in learning more about growing roses. Subscriptions to nationally and internationally-based magazines, as well as instructional and beautiful coffee table books about roses abound.
In addition, free rose-specific resources, such as blogs, social media groups, state extension websites and other venues discuss all aspects of roses — from installation and care to propagation. Enroll your special valentine in a workshop, conference or seminar that focuses on growing native and garden roses.
In lieu of fresh roses, silk roses can also be an option. Unlike cut roses that die within a week or so, silk roses last many years. Silk flower arrangements can be displayed year-round or seasonally. They are easily cleaned by dusting with a cloth. If gifting a single rose is appealing, look for unique roses, such as those dipped in gold or preserved in a globe, cube or container. These lasting rose options make a Valentine’s Day memorable.
Botanical drawings or painting roses on paper or canvas are individualized approaches to rose appreciation. Enroll your Valentine in a drawing or painting class for an evening of creativity. Alternatively, a flower arranging class or course to learn how to arrange roses in vases can be useful and fun. Check community college listings, websites and social media advertisements for classes.
For those who do not want to grow roses or keep rose bouquets, purchase rose-scented items that offer the fragrance of roses. Rose-scented body products are available in retail and online outlets. Edible foods such as rose-flavored ice cream or teas are another alternative. Rose-based potpourris and candles can be purchased or made at home from recipes available in books and online.
Valentine’s Day is a time-honored holiday to demonstrate romance and love. Alternatives to rose bouquets abound, just follow your heart!
If you have questions about caring for garden roses, contact the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County’s Garden Hotline at 724-287 4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Lisa Marie Bernardo is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
