According to a famous quote by Matshona Dhliwayo, “If roses were not special, weeds would not envy them.” We think that is a sentiment shared by many people. Roses have always occupied a special place in most people’s hearts.

They are a symbol of beauty, love, and passion, yet they don’t always get the respect they deserve. However, what many people might not realize is that roses have been celebrated with their own month for over six decades. June was designated as Rose Month, and it has been celebrated by rose enthusiasts since the late 1950s.

The History of Rose Month

In 1959, the first National Rose Month was observed. It was the centerpiece of a campaign to make the rose the national flower of the United States. Unfortunately, that campaign didn’t gain much traction, and it would be another 27 years before the campaign to make the rose the national flower of the U.S. came back around. In 1986, U.S. President Ronald Reagan designated the rose as the national flower, and it has remained so ever since.

Interesting Facts About Roses

Anyone looking for some facts about roses has come to the right section in the right holiday month article. We’ve gathered together a beautiful collection of rose-related facts that we think everyone can appreciate. Let’s take a look at them below.

• Rose fossils have been found that date back over 35 million years.
• Roses are the oldest species of plants to be grown for decoration.
• The oldest living rose grows on the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany. It’s over 1,000 years old.
• In 1945, Hildesheim Cathedral was destroyed by Allied bombers, yet the rose bush survived.
• Roses are classified as herbs and have been eaten for thousands of years.
• Rosehips are a good source of Vitamin C.
• During the Middle Ages, rosewater was seen as a luxury item.
• In Western culture, the color of roses has specific meanings.
• Red roses symbolize love and passion. They also signify romance.
• White roses symbolize innocence, spirituality, and purity.
• Pink roses symbolize elegance and grace.
• Orange roses symbolize energy and enthusiasm.
• Yellow roses symbolize friendship and cheer.

Observing Rose Month

All a person has to do to observe National Rose Month is to take the time to enjoy the beauty of roses. This can be done by buying roses, planting roses, or viewing art where roses are the central theme. It’s also a good month to share quotes about roses online using the hashtag #NationalRoseMonth.