The white rose is not just another flower!
Because white is an indication of purity, honor, and innocence, white roses are often the type of flower of choice for weddings. They seem to exude cleanliness, freshness and sophistication. A bush full of white roses is a first rate sight to behold! One might think that they have a heavenly beauty.
The beginning of a new relationship, a fresh start, the birth of a baby, can be met with a reward of exciting white roses. They can add an air of importance to any event or to your outdoor landscape. They can bring out the best in a formal setting and add a playful touch of bright color and beauty to a friendly environment.
White roses are used in garlands, as hair ornaments, as decorations on hats, or in corsages and boutonnieres. When used fresh, they can only last a couple of hours.
The correct preparation for long-term use of fresh white roses includes:
1. Soak the stem in room temperature water for a few hours before use.
2. Firmly wrap the bottom of the stem(s) with florist’s tape to contain moisture.
3. Discreetly pass the wires under the florist’s tape and pierce the calyx. The calyx is the outer group of protective leaves of a flower. The wire helps stiffen the stem.
There is such a thing as a glass label vase. When stuffed it will often keep blooms strong for days.
White roses can be ordered and shipped the next day. They can be found for about forty dollars a dozen. They can be mixed with other colored flowers to brighten up a gathering.
White on roses that should not be white can mean downy mildew. This problem is caused by hot days and cold nights; there may not be enough air circulation. There is a fungicide available. Always read the labels to determine what will be best for your particular climate and plant. As with any chemical, you must use a fungicide with care. The use of mulch on the roots is useful to take care of this condition.
A noteworthy white rose is a Cherokee rose. It comes from the East, made its way to Florida and escaped to become the wild rose of the South. Soldiers during the Civil War planted this rose on the graves of fallen comrades. Indian legends have been made about this rose. Also in the south, there is a white leafy rose native to north central Texas. The most famous rose gardens are in Tyler, Texas, known for its field-grown roses. An autumn rose festival is held there annually. It is not unusual to see wild white roses in South Texas, growing up to eight feet. Indeed, white roses add wild grace to an untamed field.
Early Christians used to avoid the rose, believing it to be a symbol of pagan corruption. The faith was also that the rose grew thornless in the Garden of Eden and acquired thorns to incite people from their sins. How ironic that the white rose, indeed any familiar rose, is shunned and is now a welcome symbol in so many ways.
