The Garden Bug: Roses

By Brenda Weaver

These plants are said to be around 35 million years old. They have a very long history as both a symbol for love and beauty and for politics and war. Cultivation of roses began some 5,000 years ago, probably in China. During the Roman period, they were used as confetti at celebrations, for medicinal purposes, and as a source of perfume. The nobility established large public rose gardens in Rome.

Source: urbanext.illinois.edu/roses/history