The rose is intriguing. She can display the blush of innocence or present great sophistication. She loves deeply but can be prickly if crossed. She often reflects what others project on to her, while her own personality remains quite earthy. Rose is, in fact, both delicate and strong. Her leaves arrive in pairs, grown alternately along the stem (pinnate), with one leaf at the endpoint. Giving the illusion of balance, in fact, our Rose is inclined toward the odd. Her flowers will have five petals each along with a minimum of 5 stamens (or multiples of five). Each petal is divided into two distinct lobes, often white or pink. Beneath the petals are five green sepals. Together, the five petals and the five sepals remind us that when odd things fit together, harmony can be found. Rose thorns are actually prickles – outgrowths of the epidermis. These sickle-shaped hooks are her protection and can provide quite the bite. This flower has some fight in her. She is tenacious and can grow in the most unexpected places. Her fruit of the rose is a called a hip. These tart elements of the rose contrast with the very sweet flower, as her gentle spirit gives way to a sassy note. It is an often a much-needed element of truth that may have been tempered too much by the gentle blossom.

The Magic of Rose

The Medicine of Rose

Science of Rose