The history of the rose dates back 35 million years to the first fossilised Rose leaves. The cultivation of garden roses dates back more than 5,000 years. Today the oldest living rose is around 1,000 years old. Located at the Cathedral in Hildesheim, Germany, the roots of the rose have even survived a bombing during the Second World War.

During Roman times, roses were cultivated in the Middle East. Their petals were mainly used as confetti by the Roman emperor Nero who staged rose feasts. The Romans also used them for medicinal use and fragrances. The Romans often planted roses at the graves of their loved one’s roses, seeing them as a symbol of death and rebirth. Cleopatra once filled a room 30 cm deep with rose petals to win over Mark Antony.

In the 15th century, the rose symbolised war for the battle for the English throne. Set between the houses of Lancaster, represented by the red rose and York, represented by the white rose, the conflict later became known as the ‘War of the Roses.’

During the 17th century, roses were used as legal tender to barter and make payments.
The use of Rose oil for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient China. Today, we primarily use rose oil to manufacture skincare and perfumes and produce mild sedatives and antidepressants. Rose petals are also commonly used to brew teas and make potpourri.