The rose is the common name for various plants and cultivated flowers in the Rosaceae and Rosa genus.

They are erect, trailing, or climbing shrubs, often armed with prickles, thorns, or bristles, occasionally without thorns, with varying hairiness or glandular characteristics.

The leaves are alternate, the flowers solitary, with a receptacle that ranges from globose to urceolate to cup-shaped. The petals, usually five (rarely four), are expanded and arranged imbricately in colors ranging from white, yellow, and pink to red. The stamens are borne on the top or sides of the ovary, extending outward, sometimes free or partially fused in the upper part.

The petals are obovate, either double or semi-double, with various colors such as purple, yellow, pink, white, and multiple blends.

Roses are among the most famous and beloved flowers among all floral species. For centuries, roses have held a special place of reverence. Historical evidence suggests they have existed for approximately 5000 years, consistently playing a role throughout history.

Whether for the ancient Greeks, Romans, or other civilizations, roses have symbolized eternal themes such as love, beauty, and equilibrium. While different colors may convey slightly different messages of love, beauty, and peace, the overarching message remains one of love.

Regarding botanical features, roses and roses of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) are quite similar, but they have distinct differences upon closer examination. Rose stems are densely covered with sharp thorns, bearing only one flower per stem, with upright petals and deeply veined and wrinkled leaves.

On the other hand, roses of Sharon have sparser thorns, display a standard flower shape of "full-centered, upturned petals," often several blossoms per stem, and feature larger, glossy leaves.

Due to the limited number of rose species native to Europe, Europeans historically didn't make detailed distinctions among them, commonly referring to roses, garden roses, and roses of Sharon as "roses" (originally meaning "red"). However, roses come in many colors: red, pink, yellow, and peach.

Before the 16th century, Europe only knew roses and roses of Sharon, which had small blossoms and limited color variations. Over 200 years ago, Chinese tea-scented, yellow tea-scented, and crimson roses, among others, were introduced to Europe and crossbred with local roses and roses of Sharon.

Through repeated hybridization and targeted breeding, numerous graceful hybrid varieties were developed, enriching the rose family's diversity in terms of species and colors and addressing the issue of roses blooming only once a year. Rose cultivation quickly became popular worldwide.

Empress Josephine of France facilitated the fusion and development of Eastern and Western roses. After marrying Napoleon, she established the Malmaison Garden on the outskirts of Paris. Under the influence and assistance of the renowned breeder Dupont, Malmaison became the world's largest and most comprehensive rose garden at that time.

In 1789, when Josephine's rose garden began to take shape, she warmly invited the renowned French botanical illustrator Pierre-Joseph Redouté. From that moment on, Redouté embarked on his life's most significant and longest creative journey.

He dedicated 20 years to creating the world's first "Rose Atlas." This atlas encompassed most of the rose varieties in the garden at that time: ancient wild roses (Gallicas), medieval roses (Albas), and various imported Asian rose types, amounting to approximately 170 varieties. This compilation, which merged the "most elegant scholarship" and the "most beautiful research," was acclaimed by posterity as the "Rose Bible."

Many people's love for roses stems from their beautiful appearance, but beyond their outer beauty, roses possess miraculous uses.

Roses are among the world's most famous perfume ingredients; they can be used to create various delicious foods for consumption by people. They can also be used medicinally, promoting blood circulation and qi flow. Moreover, roses contain high levels of vitamin C, indicating their exceptionally high value.