Red Rose Day

It turns out that the symbol of love, tenderness, and romance—the red rose—has its own holiday: Red Rose Day. On this day, the flower receives special honors. It’s the perfect time to visit a botanical garden or park, enjoy the luxurious aroma of these scarlet blooms, and reflect on how they have inspired poets and artists throughout history. Remarkably, the red rose is over 50 million years old, with the first cultivars appearing around 5,000 years ago.

History

The red rose, steeped in mystery and mysticism, has an enigmatic history. The exact reasons for the holiday’s inception remain unknown, but it’s clear the flower was revered in Ancient Greece and Rome. In these cultures, the rose was a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

Interesting Facts

• The earliest known mentions of roses come from Ancient China, where the flower was used for aesthetic pleasure and in cosmetology 5,000 years ago.
• Today, more than 300 types of roses in red shades are officially registered worldwide.
• The “Juliet” rose, bred by David Austin, is the most expensive rose variety. It took 15 years and $5 million to develop and was sold for $15.8 million.
• Archaeologists have discovered rose fossils over 35 million years old.
• Since 1986, the red rose has been the national flower of the United States, a designation made by President Ronald Reagan.
• The Netherlands leads the world in rose sales, while France excels in growing rose bushes. The oldest rose bush, over 1,000 years old, grows in Germany. Meanwhile, Bulgaria is the largest producer of rose oil.
• In ancient Rome, a red rose was placed outside a door as a sign that outsiders should not enter and disturb the privacy within.

How to Celebrate

Every year on June 12, we have the perfect opportunity to honor this symbol of love, passion, and romance. Celebrate by giving yourself or a loved one a bouquet of red roses, or better yet, plant a rosebush in your garden or purchase a potted rose. Visit a park or botanical garden to admire these beautiful blooms and delve into their fascinating history. Explore literature and art dedicated to the Queen of Flowers—it’s a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation.

When is Red Rose Day in 2025?

Red Rose Day is observed on June 12 each year.

Observations