Rose

A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species. They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America, and northwest Africa. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and often are fragrant. Rose plants range in size from compact, miniature roses, to climbers that can reach 7 meters in height. Different species hybridize easily, and this has been used in the development of the wide range of garden roses.

Famous quotes containing the word rose:

“The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apple’s a rose,”
—Robert Frost (1874–1963)

“I did not pray Him to lay bare
The mystery to me,
Enough the rose was Heaven to smell,
And His own face to see.”
—Ralph Hodgson (c. 1871–1962)

“The rose and poppy are her flowers; for where
Is he not found, O Lilith, whom shed scent
And soft-shed kisses and soft sleep shall snare?
Lo! as that youth’s eyes burned at thine, so went
Thy spell through him, and left his straight neck bent
And round his heart one strangling golden hair.”
—Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882)