A Few More Roses

As I’ve been going through my files, I keep finding sets of rose photos that I’ve never shared with you. With as gray as it has been here in the Washington DC area, I’m already wondering when spring will be arriving. If you’re feeling the same way, I hope these additional rose photos help remind you that winter will end and we will see spring and summer again. 🙂

The Madame A. Meilland Rose (also known as a Peace Rose) has a wonderful history. In the late 1930s, the French horticulturist Francis Meilland developed this amazing pink and yellow rose. Fearing the impact of the coming German invasion of France in 1939, Meilland sent cuttings of the rose to horticulturists is several countries. One cutting is said to have left France on the last plane to the United States before the war – the cutting went to the Conrad Pyle Company that propagated the roses.

During World War II, the rose became known by different names in different countries. In France – it is known as the Madame A. Meilland rose. In Italy – Gioia (Joy). In Germany – Gloria Dei (honor of God). In 1945, Meilland contacted Field Marshal Alan Brooke thanking him for his efforts to liberate Europe and asking if he could the rose after Brooke. Brooke declined and suggested that the rose be called “Peace”. Delegates to the inaugural meeting of the United Nations in 1945 were all given Peace Roses with a note that read “We hope the ‘Peace’ Rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting peace.”

Honey Bouquet Rose is a floribunda rose known for it’s soft yellow color and large blossoms. It was introduced in 1999.

Mrs. R.M Finch Rose is Polyantha shrub rose. Originally introduced in Australia in 1923, it has wonderful cupped semi-double rose-pink blossoms.

And finally the Walking on Sunshine Rose. This is a very new rose – a 2011 AARS winner. It should be available this year. The flowers start in a bright shade of yellow gradually fading to a paler shade.