Facts About Rose Petals

Roses derive much of their beauty from their colorful, fragrant petals.

Roses are ancient flowers that have captured hearts and imaginations for centuries. It is not, however, the woody, thorny stems of rose plants that have earned the rose the nickname "Queen of Flowers," but rather the soft, scented petals of rose flowers that have earned such affection. Rose petals are the silky components of a rose flower that unfurl as it blooms. The petals are what lend the rose plant its beauty and fragrance.

Types of Rose Petals

There are as many types of rose petals as there are varieties of roses. Each rose plant is characterized in part by the distinctive hue, size, shape and configuration of its petals. For example, a miniature rose has petals that are much daintier than the average rose; a species rose, which is an old type of rose from which all roses have evolved, contains only five circular petals; an English garden rose is lush, large and densely packed with petals; and a hybrid tea rose has elegant, slightly elongated, ovoid petals that curl slightly at the tips.

Colors of Rose Petals

Rose petals appear in virtually every color of the rainbow, red, orange, yellow, green, purple and assorted variations of these hues. For example, the petals of tea roses are known for possessing colors that are associate with dawn: warm, glowing shades of pink, gold, apricot and yellow. Black Magic roses are characterized by petals of such a deep shade of red they appear to verge on black. Sterling Silver roses feature petals in shade of purple that is so pale it has a cool, silvery quality.

Methods for Preserving Rose Petals

Several different methods are used to preserve the beauty of rose petals. You can air dry rose petals by spreading them out on a baking sheet in a dry, cool location for several days; air dried rose petals will have a slightly shrunken, curled appearance. You can leave rose stems intact and place them in a solution of glycerin and water, which results in preserved petals that are soft and supple; you can then remove the petals from the rose stems if you desire. You can also press rose petals between the pages of a heavy book and leave them undisturbed for several days while they dry into smooth, flat forms.

Symbolism of Rose Petals

Rose petals are commonly understood to be symbols of love and romance. However, rose petals can symbolize different sentiments depending on their colors. For example, red rose petals are symbolic of passionate love; white rose petals indicate feelings of reverence and humility; and yellow rose petals are associated with joy and gladness.

Uses of Rose Petals

As their multitude of uses indicates, rose petals can be as functional as they are beautiful. Rose petals have traditionally been used to fashion scented rosary beads; they are simmered in water until they become a pulp, which is then shaped into individual beads. Rose petals are also added to black, green and herbal teas, and used to flavor such edible products as rosewater. Bakers and chefs use pesticide-free rose petals are to embellish deserts and other foods. Numerous beauty products, ranging from face creams to perfumes, are made with rose petals.

References

• "The Ultimate Rose Book: New Expanded Edition;" Stirling Macoboy; 2007
• "Roses for Dummies;" Lance Walheim; 2000