Roses through the ages

Historically, the flower was of great importance to the Romans and Egyptians. For the former, anything that was said “under the rose” was deemed to be a secret.

George Washington, the first US president, was also the first US breeder of the flower.

The world’s oldest living example is believed to be 1,000 years old. It grows on the wall of the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany and its presence has been documented since 815 BC, despite being bombed in 1945.

Rose hips contain more Vitamin C than any other fruit or vegetable.

Columbus’ crew picked a rose branch out of the ocean on October 11 1492. This signalled the presence of land. The very next day, Columbus discovered America. Holland is the world’s leading exporter of roses.

The first rose to leave the Earth was a miniature one called “Overnight Scentsation” that had been cultivated for experiments in space.

A multicoloured breed is said to be the most expensive in the world. A single Happy Rose costs around £25.