Roses, long celebrated as a symbol of love, have captured the hearts of countless individuals with their unique charm.

However, beyond their beauty, roses harbour numerous little-known secrets that add depth to their allure.

To begin with, roses are not only admired for their appearance but are also edible. Among the popular edible varieties are the Damascus rose, the Centifolia rose, and the black-red rose.

Notably, rose hips, the fleshy berries that form after the rose blossoms have withered, are rich in vitamin C and have become a favoured choice for healthy eating. These fruits are not only used to make tea but are also transformed into jams and various delicacies, adding a nutritional twist to the rose's traditional role.

The status of the rose as a national flower in several countries underscores its global significance. Nations such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Morocco, and Romania have all adopted the rose as their national emblem, a testament to the flower's widespread influence.

This widespread adoption has cemented the rose's position as the most popular flower in the world, followed closely by tulips, chrysanthemums, lilies, and other varieties.

Historically, roses have been revered as symbols of love. However, their significance extends beyond romantic connotations. In various cultures, roses are also employed to express sympathy and sorrow, serving as symbols of comfort and consolation. This versatility in emotional expression allows roses to play a unique role in different contexts, enhancing their cultural resonance.

Additionally, the rose family is incredibly diverse, boasting over 100 different varieties, each with its unique shape and size. Historical records even note that the tallest rose bush can reach an astounding height of 7 meters, making it a natural marvel.

Bulgaria is often referred to as the "Rose Country," a title earned due to its position as the world's largest producer of roses and a major exporter of rose essential oil. The country has a long-standing history in the rose industry, with rose essential oil becoming a crucial raw material in perfume production.

The extraction process for rose essential oil requires a vast quantity of rose petals to produce even a small amount of oil, which contributes to the high value of this fragrant substance.

The colour of roses also presents several intriguing phenomena. Although black roses are frequently mentioned in literature and art, there is no true black rose in existence. What is commonly referred to as a black rose is, in reality, a very dark red rose.

Similarly, blue roses do not occur naturally. The blue roses available in the market are typically artificially dyed. Even though Japan's Suntory Company succeeded in cultivating the world's first "blue rose" in 2004, the resulting colour is closer to lavender or a pale shade rather than a true blue.

Dutch florists have taken rose cultivation to new creative heights by developing rainbow roses through artificial dyeing techniques. These roses, with their multi-coloured petals, spark the imagination and represent a fusion of art and nature. The creation of rainbow roses is not just a breakthrough in horticultural technology but also a testament to the limitless possibilities of human creativity.

Among the many varieties of roses, the Juliet rose stands out as one of the most expensive. This rose, painstakingly cultivated by David Austin for 15 years, is often referred to as the "3 million pound rose." The Juliet rose not only symbolizes the luxury associated with love but also reflects humanity's ultimate pursuit of beauty.

Typically, roses have five petals. However, during the cultivation process, genetic mutations can lead to a significant increase in the number of petals in certain rose varieties. This phenomenon, while not uncommon in horticulture, adds to the diversity and visual appeal of roses.

Roses have also demonstrated remarkable resilience, securing their place not only in modern society but also throughout history. The roses growing in the Hildesheim Cathedral in Germany, for instance, have been thriving for over 1,000 years.

This extraordinary longevity is a testament to the rose's tenacious vitality and serves as a symbol of life's endurance and continuity.

The beauty of roses is not limited to their appearance; it extends to the rich meanings and fascinating stories that lie beneath the surface. Whether through their diverse varieties, or their role in history and culture, roses continue to captivate and inspire, embodying both the fragility and strength of life.