The orchid is one of the most alluring and captivating flowers we have. Known to symbolize luxury, love, and beauty, it carries with it a certain mystique and undeniable charm that delight anyone who receives one of these plants. It’s no wonder, then, that orchids frequently appear on luxurious gift lists.
But don’t let the “luxury” label scare you off. You definitely get your money’s worth with orchids, as these blooming machines can produce flowers for months with the proper care. And with the variety of show-stopping colors and shapes they come in, orchids make a perfect gift for new homeowners, adding beauty and style to any space.
Learn more orchid facts and secrets behind these stunning blooms.
1. Orchids are old
Orchids are one of the oldest flowering plants known to man. Biologists at Harvard University discovered a fossilized bee carrying orchid pollen dating back at least 15 million years. Scientists have speculated that orchids have been around much longer than that, possibly as much as 100 million years.
2. Orchids have healing powers
In traditional Chinese medicine, the orchid was used to help cure coughs and lung illnesses. The Aztecs were known to drink a mixture of vanilla, orchid flowers, and chocolate to give them strength. The ancient Greeks believed certain species to be aphrodisiacs.
3. Orchids are symbolic
In general, orchids represent luxury, beauty, and strength. Keep in mind, though, that when gifting orchids, different types and colors can convey different messages.
4. Orchid hunting in Victorian times was no joke
In Victorian times, people were struck with “Orchidelirium,” as orchid collecting reached its peak. Wealthy fanatics dispatched explorers to exotic locations in search of new orchid colors, shapes, and textures. Victorians were so mystified by the orchid’s irresistible beauty that the flower became a status symbol and was displayed like a treasure in the home.
5. Orchids are deceptive
Orchids have a way of “tricking” the bees that pollinate them. Some species of orchids emit a special scent to attract pollinators, while others go so far as to resemble their female counterparts.
6. Orchids are suitable for eating (sort of)
Look in the pantry of almost every American household, and you’re likely to find a byproduct of one specific variety of orchid. One of the most common food preparation ingredients, vanilla, is actually cultivated from a seed pod of the vanilla orchid. This plant is native to Mexico and Belize, and also grows in other subtropical areas, such as Tahiti and Madagascar.
7. Orchids are used in feng shui décor
The orchid is one of the celebrated four noble plants in Chinese culture. In feng shui, the orchid is used to enhance family and fertility.
The color of the orchid plays a vital role in determining its potency. Pink can help mend or maintain harmonious relationships, and white brings harmony to the household by filling the space with calm, clarity, innocence, and peace.
When placed in the relationship corner of the house — from your front doorway, it’s the far-right corner of your overall floor plan — an orchid, it’s believed, can help singles get hitched by drawing romance luck.
8. Orchid blooms can last for months
An orchid can bloom for two months or more and can continue to bloom year after year when cared for properly. Orchids like warmer daytime temperatures and cooler overnight temperatures to induce them to bloom.
To encourage future blooms, once all the flowers have fallen off, cut the stems back to about an inch above the planting line and continue watering as usual. Place the plant in a north-facing window with no direct sunlight for 45 days, or until a new stem develops. Once the new growth begins, place your orchid in the usual temperature for that species. Care for it like normal, and the flower stalk should soon grow back.
9. Orchids are easy to care for
Even in the winter, orchids are low maintenance. Give them indirect light, don’t water them too much, and keep them away from vents, and they can last for years.
10. Orchids come in almost 30,000 varieties
Phalaenopsis, or moth orchid, is the most popular and easiest type of orchid to grow. Dendrobium orchids are also popular and like bright sunny windows. Cymbidium orchids are the showiest kind, displaying many large, colorful flowers even in the darkest months of winter.
Here’s a small sampling of popular types and species of orchids.
Of all nature’s splendor — from its fascinating animals and birds to its breathtaking sunset vistas and colorful life on the ocean floor — few elements are as immediate, personal, and accessible as flowers. From sight and smell to texture and, in some cases, even taste, flowers deliver an all-natural sensory experience like nothing else. And with more than 400,000 known species of flowering plants, it’s no surprise humans have been gathering, studying, and gifting flowers to one another for centuries.
The practice of giving flowers as a gift is a way “for us to speak when there are no words to convey an emotion,” says Jackie Lacey, a floral designer and director of education at the Floriology Institute in Jacksonville, Florida. The exact messages suggested by specific floral gifts can differ widely from one culture to the next, however, so to enhance your next flower giving experience — and to avoid any miscommunication — we asked Lacey to help explain the history of the silent power of gifting flowers.
Greece
Man’s fascination with flowers can be traced back to the spiritual traditions of the ancient Greeks, who Lacey says “used flowers as props for storytelling…[in a] mythology which is full of references to certain flowers being representative of certain gods and goddesses.” Despite this reverence for flowers as signs of the highest of deities, the greatest philosophers of the era also spoke of the blooming and wilting process of every flower as a direct and ever-present reminder from the gods about the briefness of all human lives.
Egypt
Ancient Egyptians also considered flowers holy, placing them in the tombs of the pharaohs as gifts thought to ward off evil spirits and using them in festivals like the extended 11-day “Beautiful Festival of Opet,” which honored the Nile River’s powers of fertility. This celebration saw intricate floral jewelry crafted for the ruling class and towering flower arrangements, featuring the nation’s treasured blue lotus, carried on ceremonial altars along a processional path that featured hanging rose, poppy, and lily garlands.
Japan
Further east, the tradition of constructing floral shrines was resurrected in Japan during the Asuka period, an era of great artistic, political, and social change. Here, however, it took the form of an anytime, any-class national art known as kado, or “way of the flowers.”
“As far back as the 7th century, when floral altars were created, the art [of kado] has been a way of life,” Lacey explains. “This was more of a male discipline historically, but all can practice it in today’s society.”
In modern-day Japan, kado pieces are especially popular housewarming gifts, as well as a commonly used means of raising the spirits of the sick (though never given potted, lest the recipient’s illness take deeper root). Even the simplest of events, such as coming home from vacation, are kado-worthy: The Japanese tradition of gifting souvenirs to friends and family, known as “omiyage,” often involves regional flowers in kado arrangements.
France
One of the earliest practices of assigning specific meanings to certain flowers started when French royal forces traveled through Turkey in the mid-1500s. Upon returning home from his trek, a high-ranking knight named Louis Girard presented a single lily of the valley to King Charles IX, who described the flower as a Turkish good-luck token and sign of spring’s return. King Charles took such a liking to the flower that he gifted a full bouquet to every lady in the royal court, launching a holiday that eventually became known as La Fête du Muguet (“celebration of lily of the valley”).
Over the following century, the tradition spread from the monarchy down to the peasantry, and to this day, every May 1 in France sees flower vendors traversing the streets selling lilies of the valley to passersby of all classes — at tax-free prices, as commanded by the government! Legend has it that any who purchase or receive a lily with 13 blossoms on this day are in for some serious prosperity during the coming season.
England
In Victorian-era England (1837-1901), a society that demanded its citizens maintain airs of constant calm and composure, flower gifting evolved into a means of expressing especially strong emotions that could be considered uncomfortable, or a breach of etiquette, to be spoken aloud. To further this purpose, its citizenry developed floriography, an art of speaking with flowers, including detailed dictionaries explaining specific meanings behind the species, colors, arrangements, and numbers of flowers given to a recipient.
Floriography became an especially useful means of communication between those of different social classes and personal identities. “Many flowers took on special meaning and transferred ‘unspoken’ messages during the time of Oscar Wilde, in 1890s London, [including] the earliest symbols of the LGBT community,” Lacey says. “One of the earliest is the green carnation, worn on the lapel by a man to signify to others they were ‘open to same-sex liaisons.'”
Russia
A group of Russian schoolchildren carry flowers for Teachers’ Day.
The language of floriography also exists in Russia, as adopted from western European nations. One uniquely Russian tradition sees flowers of brighter hues as representative of a feeling’s intensity; for example, in romantic circumstances, white roses would be given as a first-date gift, pink roses as appropriate for early-relationship stages, and deep red roses reserved for head-over-heels love. One exclusion is flowers of any yellow hue, as these have come to represent lies, sadness, and a hint that a break-up is approaching (as explained in the famous Russian pop song “Yellow Tulips”).
Beyond all the classic reasons and occasions for gifting (to mourners, the sick, as signs of romance, for birthdays and academic accomplishments), flower gifting in Russia absolutely must occur on specific national holidays, such as Teachers’ Day, Knowledge Day, and Women’s Day (red carnations, symbolic of official national holidays, are always to be reserved for days like these). Regardless of the occasion, plants rooted in pots, rather than cut flowers, are considered the proper gift for elderly women, as signs of extended life.
China
Nearly all the Chinese culture’s earliest poems, proverbs, and artworks utilize flowers known as “The Four Gentleman” — orchid, plum blossom, bamboo, and chrysanthemum — to represent the characteristics of uprightness, purity, humility, and perseverance. Though chrysanthemums are still highly revered, and have come to represent honorable life, Mandarin tradition dictates that gifting chrysanthemums to a tutor is an inappropriate, and even intentionally insulting, act. In such a situation, substituting “sunflowers and carnations, which can show love and respect to a teacher,” is the way to go, Lacey recommends.
Chinese tradition also considers flower gifting as a means to produce real-life results. The culture believes, according to Lacey, that “peonies or dahlias for elders can foster good fortune, and bamboo can send a friend financial success.” Tangible medical reasons for gifting exist as well: Flowers like the Japanese honeysuckle and pagoda flower are historically gifted by loved ones as herbal remedies for the flu and circulatory system ailments.
Spain
Gifting flowers in Spain is seen as a serious move, and, according to Lacey, presents with petals “should be sent specifically, and for special occasions only.” In addition to weddings, funerals, and major holidays, flowers can be sent as an appreciation of hospitality, he notes, adding “potted plants are often sent after dinner parties but never chrysanthemums, red roses, dahlias, and white lilies, as these flowers suggest death.” The safest bets include lilies and Spanish bluebells — both considered free of great emotional meaning — but remember to count your stems: Spanish tradition has it that flowers should be given only in odd numbers (except for the unlucky 13), as even-numbered bouquets are to be saved as funeral gifts.
Australia
While Father’s Day in the U.S. typically sees more tools gifted than blooms, Australian dads have been receiving flowers on their special day since the continent’s early Aboriginal era, when a father’s base responsibility was teaching survival skills to his children. In the wild Outback, this could become a fierce task, so, in recognition of their bravery, flowers were seen as a gentle gift of gratitude from children whose innocence a father sought to protect.
A scene from the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. (Photo by Chris Phutully, licensed by CC BY-ND 2.0)
Australia’s appreciation of flowers has continued to blossom throughout its colonial era, and is displayed in full during the annual Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show — the largest such festival in all the Southern Hemisphere — which last year drew more 100,000 visitors.
Germany
As in Spain, the number of flowers gifted to a German is just as important as the flowers’ freshness, and for the same reasons. (Beyond superstition, floral traditions in some central European areas, including Germany, insist that odd numbers of flowers are easier to arrange. This claim is based on the fact that many popular blooms grow only an uneven number of petals.)
Unlike Spaniards, however, Germans insist on a greater level of generosity: Simply being invited to a home merits both a bottle of wine for the host and flowers for his or her partner. In such a circumstance, tea roses and yellow roses are favorites (save the reds — they’re suggestive of deep romance, as in America), which, like all floral gifts in Germany, should be unwrapped from any bouquet housing before being handed to a recipient.
There are around 150 wild species of roses and a staggering 30,000 cultivated varieties. Organizing them all can get complicated, so this article will try and simplify how types of roses are categorized and highlight the distinct characteristics of each kind.
Types of roses by category
Roses can be sorted into three groups: species roses, old garden roses (before 1867), and modern roses (after 1867). They can also be grouped informally into categories by their growth habits (more on that later).
Species roses
These wildflower roses are the ancestors of old garden and modern roses. Most are native to Asia, but others come from Europe, North America, and northern Africa. They generally bloom once a year and have simple flowers with five flat petals and a strong fragrance. Many are grown as garden flowers, some are involved in the hybridization of new varieties, and still others are used as rootstocks because of their vigor and hardiness.
Types of species roses
Lady Banks’ rose (Rosa banksiae)
Originally from China, this rose has small, light-yellow flowers that grow in bunches at the ends of its long, arching branches and have a sweet, violet-like scent. It is an evergreen, thorn-less, shrubby vine that can grow 20 feet high and blooms earlier than most other rose species. It is often grown as an accent or border plant, or against a support, such as a fence.
Musk rose (Rosa moschata)
Native to the Himalayas, the musk rose is a medium-sized rambler that can grow to 10 feet tall. It has simple white flowers with yellow centers that grow in loose groups at the ends of the branches and bloom repeatedly from spring to fall. The musk rose does well as a hedge or border plant, or in a wildlife garden.
Prairie rose, Virginia rose (Rosa virginiana)
The prairie rose is native to eastern North America and is grown in coastal gardens — it is a salt-tolerant plant — as well as in cottage and pollinator gardens. It has pink petals with yellow centers, fiery red-orange leaves in the fall, and red rose hips. It has not been used much for hybridization, but it is grown for its fragrance, repeat blooming, fall colors, and fleshy fruit.
Sweetbriar, eglantine rose (Rosa rubiginosa)
This wild rose, originally from Europe and western Asia, grows along roadsides and is known as a screening or border shrub. It grows to about six feet high and has pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer. Both its flowers and leaves are fragrant; the former have a spicy scent and the latter’s smell is reminiscent of apples. Attractive red rose hips develop after the flowers have faded.
Old garden roses
Old garden roses, or heritage roses, were developed from early European and Chinese cultivars before the arrival of the hybrid tea rose in 1867. They are typically disease resistant and very hardy, and their double flowers are highly fragrant. European cultivars bloom once a year on old canes, and Chinese hybrids of China and tea roses bloom continuously from spring to fall on new canes.
Types of old garden roses
Alba roses
One of the earliest old garden roses, these fragrant flowers are cream colored to pale pink and bloom once in late spring or early summer. They are vigorous climbers, disease resistant, hardy in northern climates, and tolerant of cold and shade.
Bourbon roses
These beautiful roses were developed on Bourbon Island (now called Réunion Island, a French island located in the Indian Ocean about 600 miles east of Madagascar). They are intensely fragrant, almost thorn-less, possess a dense flower head with up to 40 petals, and bloom repeatedly in hues of pink, white, or red. Bourbon roses are tender in northern climates but adaptable to sun or shade, and can be trained to climb.
Centifolia (cabbage roses)
These roses were developed in the Netherlands and named for their dense, cabbage-like flower heads. They were popular during the 17th century and frequently appeared in the Dutch Old Masters’ paintings. Nodding flowers in white, pink, lavender, or red bloom once in the early summer. They are hardy and can grow tall, but their floppy canes bend over and often need support.
China roses
These four- to 10-foot-high shrubs from China bloom from spring to fall and have single, and sometimes double, fragrant pink or red flowers. They have been used extensively in the development of tea roses and long-blooming varieties. China roses are a perfect addition to cottage gardens but are not hardy in colder climates.
Damask roses
Damask roses are named for the city of Damascus, Syria, and were important in the lineage of old European garden roses. Light pink to red fragrant flowers grow in groups on tall, thorny stems and bloom either early or late, depending on the variety. Damask rose hybrids were the start of the hardy, repeat-flowering roses that are so popular today.
Gallica roses
Gallica roses originated in Europe and western Asia, and are considered the first hybridized roses of the old garden category. Their highly fragrant double, or semi-double, flowers come in various shades of pink, red, or maroon, or can be striped. They bloom once in the summer on canes that grow to 4 feet high and are tolerant of cold and shade.
Hybrid musk roses
These roses grow in clusters on long, arching canes up to six feet. Their delicate light pink, white, yellow, or peach-colored flowers have a strong, musky scent. They are disease resistant, repeat flowering, and vigorous — perfect for growing against a wall or fence.
Hybrid perpetual roses
These hybrids of the repeat-flowering Asian roses and the old European hybrids were all the rage in Victorian England. They are tender, upright shrubs with clusters of large, fragrant, double flowers that bloom profusely in the spring and then sporadically until fall. Their popularity began to fade as hybrid teas gained favor in the gardening world.
Hybrid rugosa roses
Originally from Asia, hybrid rugosa roses have dark green, wrinkly foliage and highly fragrant, repeat-blooming, single or double flowers. They are hardy, disease resistant, and salt spray tolerant, and are excellent for a wildlife or pollinator garden.
Moss roses
These roses, known for the moss-like growth on the sepals that give off a woodsy scent when touched, originated from mutations in cabbage or damask roses. Those with a cabbage rose heritage flower once, and those hybridized from damask roses are repeat flowering. They are hardy and densely branched, with fragrant flowers in a variety of colors.
Noisette roses
A chance cross between a China rose and a naturalized musk rose led to the development of the blush noisette. Other varieties were developed and became highly popular in Europe and the United States. They have deliciously fragrant flower clusters on tall, bushy plants and are usually repeat bloomers, but are tender in northern climates.
Portland roses
These fragrant flowers were developed from one rose that was sent from Italy to the English Duchess of Portland in 1775. They grow to no more than 12 inches in height, with small, pink flowers that mainly bloom in the summer. Abundant in the early 19th century, Portland roses soon saw their popularity diminish with the development of the bourbon and hybrid perpetual roses. Today, only a handful of varieties remain.
Tea roses
Hybrid tea-scented roses arrived in Europe from China in the early 19th century, when breeders crossed them with China roses, bourbons, and noisettes. The results were tall, elegant tea roses in white or pastel, with high central petals and wide lower petals that curl under. Tea roses are not hardy in cold climates but are disease resistant, with repeat-blooming, fragrant, gently nodding flowers. They are still grown today and are used for breeding modern hybrid teas.
Modern roses
The introduction of the hybrid tea rose “La France” in 1867 marked the starting point for modern roses. Since then, breeders have developed thousands of varieties that can be grouped by their growth and flowering habits. Unlike old garden roses, most modern roses are repeat bloomers from summer to fall. They are generally not fragrant and less hardy and disease resistant than old garden roses, but their blooms are larger, and they have a longer vase life.
Types of modern roses
English/David Austin roses
British rose breeder David Austin developed new varieties of roses in the 1960s with the rosette shapes and intoxicating fragrances of old garden roses, and the repeat-blooming traits and color spectrum of modern roses. These were highly successful, and new varieties are still being developed today.
Floribunda roses
Floribundas are small, bushy, easy-to-grow roses that present lavish flower clusters from spring to the first frost. Their flower color varies with the cultivar, and they are fairly hardy and disease resistant. Floribundas are excellent in mass plantings and are often seen in public and commercial spaces, in addition to home gardens.
Grandiflora roses
Hybrids of floribundas and hybrid teas, grandiflora roses were fashionable during the 20th century. They are tall, vigorous, hardy shrubs that have large, showy flowers with rolled-under petals similar to hybrid teas. Like floribundas, they grow in clusters and are reliable repeat bloomers.
Hybrid tea roses
Hybrid teas were created from hybrid perpetuals and tea roses, and have qualities of both. They are important in the floral industry, as their long, upright stems and large, regal blooms make them perfect cut flowers. Hybrid teas were the most popular roses of the 20th century because of their elegance, fragrance, and spring-to-fall flowering. They have a reputation for being difficult flowers to grow, though, due to their lack of hardiness and need for high maintenance.
Polyantha roses
These roses are perfect for the garden or containers. The small bushes, covered in bunches of tiny flowers in white, pink, or red, were developed by crossing two species of roses, Rosa chinensis and Rosa multiflora. Polyanthas bloom prolifically from summer to fall, and are disease resistant and easy to maintain.
Types of roses by growth habit
In addition to the categorizations above, roses can also be loosely grouped into five categories according to growth habit.
Miniature roses
These tiny plants are hybrid teas or grandifloras in miniature, ranging from six inches to 18 inches tall. They come in a number of colors and are profuse repeat bloomers from spring to fall, usually for two to three weeks at a time. Miniatures do well in containers indoors or outdoors and are excellent border plants in the garden.
Climbing roses
Climbers can grow up to 15 feet tall on stiff canes. They are repeat bloomers with large flowers in clusters of five, and they bloom more profusely if allowed to grow horizontally. Climbing roses can be encouraged to grow upright against a wall or fence, or tethered around a pillar or trellis while the canes are young and flexible. They are not hardy and will only survive the winter in warmer climates (USDA hardiness zones seven and above, generally speaking).
Groundcover roses
Also known as landscape roses, groundcover roses are typically one to three feet tall and wide, and are excellent for mass planting. They are hardy, low-growing, fragrant roses with disease and pest resistance, repeat flowering, and little to no maintenance. These roses do well in the garden, window boxes, or hanging pots.
Rambling roses
Ramblers have flexible canes and will grow over anything near them, such as a trellis, fence, or arch. They have clusters of seven medium-sized flowers and usually bloom once a season.
Shrub roses
Shrub roses are any type of rose that does not fit into any other category. They are often hybrids of modern roses that have been crossed with species or old garden roses and can be almost any shape, with blooms either singly or in clusters. They are generally repeat bloomers, very hardy, and easy to grow.
When it comes to summer flowers, the sunflower is the real showstopper. These brightly colored blooms are symbols of vitality and happiness, and giving a bouquet of them is a great way to send smiles to others.
And if receiving a single arrangement of these striking flowers makes you feel that good, just imagine what visiting an entire sunflower field is like! Standing in a field surrounded by thousands of these amazing blooms is an experience you won’t soon forget.
If that sounds like something you’d enjoy doing, read on to learn where to find the most stunning sunflower fields in the United States.
This farm, according to Terry Selk, director of tourism for Yolo County in California (the greater Sacramento area and parts west of the city), has it all: a viewing platform setup, a farm tour, a wine tasting, and an amazing sunflower field you can explore (with purchase of a Sunflower Field Pass). Enjoy a glass of wine on the shaded patio, and then grab your camera to capture photos of sunflowers in all their glory. (Photo by Kristina Cilia)
South Dakota is the top sunflower producing state in the country. Pay a visit to the Hydeout Bed and Breakfast — whose owners, John and Beth Simonson, raise all types of crops on their farm, including sunflowers — and take a tour of the surrounding fields and facilities. You can learn all about how sunflowers are grown and harvested, as well as the agriculture industry in the area. You don’t even have to be a guest of the bed and breakfast to go on an excursion. (Photo by Beth Simonson)
After South Dakota, North Dakota is next on the list of top sunflower producing states. Many fields are visible from the road, but these are usually part of private working fields, so it is best to check with the North Dakota Tourism Division when planning your visit. It maintains a weekly “bloom update” on its website from late July through August, showing visitors where they can find the best flower fields. (Photo courtesy of North Dakota Tourism)
Kansas is known as the “Sunflower State,” so it goes without saying there are some awesome fields across the state. One of the best is at Grinter Farms in Lawrence, which boasts more than 40 acres of sunflowers. Admission to this must-see stop for photos and flower picking is free, although the farm suggests you make a donation for the flowers you take home and enjoy. (“Grinter Farms 2016” by Kansas Poetry [Patrick] is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.)
Open to the public since 1858, this family-run farm has planted over 13 acres of sunflowers on its property. The farm is also a popular stop for horse lovers: You can bring your own horse and spend the day riding the trails around the farm while soaking up the sunflowers in full bloom. Fausett Farms also offers mule-drawn wagon rides, BBQ sandwiches, and local honey. (Photo courtesy of Fausett Farms)
The fields at Buttonwood Farm have a very special purpose. Every year, the farm plants over 14 acres of sunny blooms that produce approximately 300,000 sunflowers for its “Sunflower for Wishes” annual fundraiser — all the proceeds of which benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Connecticut. Buttonwood is also known for its small-batch ice cream, which comes in more than 50 flavors. (“ButtonWood_5956” by tivolatman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.)
This field was planted in honor of Babbette Jaquish, who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. It now serves as a field of hope for other patients, with a mission to raise money for organizations that engage in cancer research and support patients going through cancer treatment. The fields are open 24/7 to visitors as a place of peace and solitude. (Photo courtesy of Visit Eau Claire)
The sunflower field at Coppal House Farm is the location for New Hampshire’s longest-running sunflower festival. The yearly event runs from July to August and features music, crafts, children’s story time, and, of course, sunflowers. The main field is 14 acres and is used for producing sunflower oil, which received a Good Food Award — given to exceptional food crafters who also meet certain environmental and social responsibility standards — in 2016. (Photo by John Gisis)
One of the largest and most diverse “pick your own” sunflower farms in the U.S., Maple Lawn Farms boasts more than 50 different varieties of sunflowers and offers wagon rides out to the over 10 acres of bright blooms. During the month of August, it hosts a sunflower festival on the weekends, with food trucks and live music. In addition to sunflowers, festival goers can pick peaches and apples. (Photo courtesy of Maple Lawn Farms)
If you are looking for a field of sunflowers where you have the freedom to wander in and around the blooming flowers, this farm just outside Pittsburgh is the spot for you. During the Schwirian Farm Sunflower Festival in July, visitors are invited to get up close and personal with the main attraction. Another attraction of this farm? The sheep, alpacas, and horses that live on it. The owners of the farm use the wool from these animals to manufacture socks. (Photo courtesy of Schwirian Farms)
This certified organic farm in southwestern New Jersey started as an organic vegetable farm in 2012 but switched to flowers in 2018. Today, it specializes in sunflowers and dahlias, and also grows stargazer lilies, gladiolus, zinnias, and cosmos. In addition to offering visitors the chance to pick their own sunflowers, the farm hosts events including “Sips, Sunflowers, and Sunsets” — a BYOB date night — and a yoga class in the sunflower field. (Photo by Allen Ward)
The sunflowers in these fields are planted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a food source for mainly mourning doves, but they are also enjoyed by other songbirds as well as mammals and pollinators, such as honey bees. However, you cannot pick the flowers here, as the land is maintained by the state with the purpose of enhancing wildlife and their natural habitats. (Photo courtesy of Maryland Department of Natural Resources)
When you think of sunflowers, Florida may not spring to mind, but these tall flowers can grow just about anywhere, and the Sunshine State is no exception. This 120-acre farm just outside Orlando produces a variety of fresh produce, such as blueberries and peaches, with sunflowers being a relatively new crop. Sunflowers are available to be cut and taken home during its pick-your-own events in the spring and fall. (Photo courtesy Facebook/@southernhillfarms)
The sunflower, with its large, yellow heads that reach to the sky, is as recognizable as any flower in the world. Over the centuries, this striking bloom has captured the attention of artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.
But for Ukrainians, the sunflower is much more than just a pretty plant with a happy disposition — it’s a powerful symbol of national pride and resilience.
“I grew up around the sunflower in its many forms,” says Katya Malakhova, a Boston resident who grew up in Ukraine. “My dad was a farmer who grew fields of sunflowers and made sunflower oil. For me, the flower has always been special.”
Malakhova founded Sunflower of Peace, a nonprofit organization that benefits the Ukrainian people, in 2015. Since February 2022, the organization has raised about $8 million in donations to provide medical and humanitarian aid to areas devastated by the Russian invasion.
She recalls a trip back home to southern Ukraine just a year ago. “There was just no end to the sunflower fields; they were just limitless,” she says. “It’s very magical to see the fields of sunflowers.”
Today, Malakhova’s hometown of Nova Kakhovka is occupied by the Russians, and its future is uncertain. After living in a bomb shelter for weeks, her mother and sister fled to safety in another part of the country. In addition to her concern for family and friends, Malakhova grieves for the fields her late father tended with care for so many years.
However, the flower that once grew there in such abundance gives Malakhova a sense of hope. “A week ago, a friend gave me some sunflowers,” she explains. “Instead of throwing them out when they started to fade, I placed them out in the sun.
“They blossomed again in the sun, and that gave me the feeling that we are going to win the war. … Just as the sun goes down, it comes up again.”
Ukraine’s national flower
After their explorations of the new world, Spaniards brought sunflowers to Europe in the early 17th century. Historians believe the plant made its way to Ukraine by the mid-18th century. The region’s dry, arid climate proved suitable for the plant, and Ukrainians soon began eating sunflower seeds and crushing them to make oil.
This flower has an international language. Everyone likes it, and it reminds me of my roots.
Olga Nikolaenko
Ukrainian native and owner of Livilove Flowers
Sunflower oil, a popular alternative to butter and lard, grew to become a significant part of the Ukrainian economy. Before the current crisis, Ukraine and Russia provided 75 percent of the global exports of sunflower seeds. In 2021, Ukraine was the world’s largest source of sunflower oil, providing one-third of the world’s supply.
Over the years, the bright flower also has played an increasingly important role in everyday Ukrainian life. Sunflowers are prominently displayed in festive celebrations, as decorations woven into clothing, wreaths, and headdresses.
Further, Ukrainians view the vibrant flower as a symbol of peace and resilience. After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in 1986, Ukrainians planted sunflowers in the devastated area. The flowers not only represented renewal and hope, but they helped extract toxins from the soil.
A decade later, Ukrainians planted a field of sunflowers to celebrate the dismantlement of a nuclear missile base in Pervomaysk, Ukraine.
The sunflower in today’s climate
As the conflict in Ukraine persists, the sunflower has once again taken its place as a symbol of Ukrainian strength and resolve.
A video clip that went viral in the early days of the Russian invasion shows a Ukrainian woman giving sunflower seeds to armed Russian soldiers. “Take these seeds, so sunflowers grow here when you die,” she told the soldiers.
Here in the U.S., interest in the sunflower also has been high, and displaying or wearing sunflowers has become a way to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
“Sometimes I make designs with sunflowers, as this flower has an international language,” says Olga Nikolaenko, a Ukrainian native who owns Livilove Flowers in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Everyone likes it, and it reminds me of my roots.
“When I was a little girl, I loved to travel with my parents out of town, across the country, and look at the whole fields of sunflowers from the car. … The sunflower is a symbol of the sun, love of life, optimism, faith in the future, good luck, and prosperity.”
Other flowers of significance to Ukraine
Although the sunflower is the flower most closely associated with Ukraine, the country also has strong ties to other plants.
Nikolaenko says that the lilac, mallow, peony, magnolia, and chamomile are also important to Ukrainian culture. Here’s a little more about those connections.
Lilac
The M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv features more than 20 different cultivars of lilac and more than 1,000 individual lilac bushes. Lilacs also grow wild in Ukraine’s woodlands and hills, filling the countryside with lush, sweet scents in the spring.
Mallow
Mallows have a special place in Ukrainian culture, serving as a symbol of love for the motherland. According to Ukrainian folklore, the good souls of ancestors settle on the mallow flowers and protect the inhabitants of a house. The colorful flowers have found their way into Ukrainian poetry and song lyrics, including the lovely “Ballad of the Mallows” by the composer Volodymyr Ivasyuk.
Peony
When woven into a Ukrainian headdress, a stunning peony bloom represents longevity and good health. Peonies only bloom from April to June in Ukraine, making them even more special.
Magnolia
Graceful, flowering magnolia trees grace many of the public parks and botanical gardens in Ukraine, including the National Botanical Garden and A.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. Along with cherry trees, the magnolia has come to symbolize the beauty and rebirth of spring for Ukrainians.
Chamomile
The chamomile, with its bright daisy-like flowers, grows wild in many parts of Ukraine. This flower symbolizes goodness and health, and chamomile teas and other concoctions are widely used in Ukrainian folk medicine.
Nikoleanko says, “I always like to use them (flowers with significance to Ukraine) in my arrangements or event decorations, as each has its own unique character, look, color, and charm.”
The sunflower is one of the most interesting and unique flowers on earth, one that has delighted and inspired humans for millennia. A cousin of the daisy, the sunflower is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae), or Composite (Compositae), plant family, a group of more than 32,000 formally recognized species with more than 1,900 genera, or types.
The common sunflower is most often recognized by its large head, fuzzy stalk, vibrant yellow petals, and large, round dark center; however, there are more than 70 varieties that come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The American Giant, for example, can grow as high as 14 to 16 feet tall, whereas the cute, pouf-like Teddy Bear Dwarf maxes out at 3 feet in height. The plant’s color palettes include myriad shades of red, purple, orange, and brown. Additionally, a single sunflower can produce up to 2,000 seeds — talk about an extended family!
Dig deeper into this remarkable flower with these 11 sunflower facts.
1. World travelers
The sunflower was originally discovered, and subsequently grown, around 4500 B.C. by indigenous tribes in North America. It was used for food and medicinal purposes by its cultivators, who extracted its seeds and petals to make flour and meal, oil, paint, and dye, and to treat maladies including chest paints, rheumatism, and sunstroke. They also used the stalks as a building material.
When European explorers arrived in the New World in the 1500s, they were so captivated by the sunflower that they harvested thousands of its seeds and exported them back to their home continent. Rather than use the flowers for practical purposes, however, the Europeans of that time employed sunflowers primarily for decorative and ornamental means.
The sunflower grew in popularity and demand over the next 300 years continued to make its way across Europe and into Russia. By the early 19th century, the benefits of sunflower oil became more widely recognized, particularly in Russia, where nearly 2 million acres of farmland were dedicated to growing sunflowers for seed extraction.
2. Coming full circle
By the late 1800s, Russian immigrants began arriving en masse on North American shores, bringing with them a new, larger variety of sunflower from their homeland. Dubbed the “Mammoth Russian,” this colossal flower — rich in protein and nutrients — became a staple with U.S. farmers. The hardy stalks were burned for fuel, while the seeds were ground and mixed into animal feed. This renewed demand for sunflowers increased cultivation in the U.S., and by the 1920s, the flower had become a commodity.
3. The Sunflower State
During the North American sunflower boon, the flower grew wildly and abundantly in Kansas. While most appreciated its beauty and utility, the state legislature passed a law in 1895 declaring the sunflower a “noxious weed” to be eliminated. Nevertheless, its popularity persisted, and in 1903, Senator George P. Morehouse drafted a bill designating the sunflower the state’s official bloom. The bill was signed into law March 12, 1903, and Kansas thereafter became known as the Sunflower State.
4. What’s in a name?
Officially known as the helianthus annuus, the sunflower derived its name from the Greek root words helia, meaning “sun,” and anthos, meaning “flower.” While it may boast sun-like characteristics in its appearance, the sunflower was not actually named for the sun. Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they track with the movement of the sun from east to west before returning to an eastward-facing position after sunset. This phenomenon occurs only in young buds. Once the plant has flowered and is plentiful in seeds, it assumes a fixed position facing east.
5. A sum of its parts
At first glance, this cheerful golden-hued bloom appears to consist of hundreds of silky petals surrounding a dense, coarse center. But the sunflower is, in fact, made up of thousands of tiny individual flowers. That dark center consists of disk florets: little flowers, each consisting of five tiny dark petals folded into an oblong-shaped tube. Its colorful “petals,” meanwhile, aren’t really petals at all. They are known as ray florets: more tiny flowers that compose the vibrant outer ring.
6. Good day, sunshine
As heliotropic flowers that call to mind the sun, sunflowers signify loyalty, devotion, and admiration, as well as warmth and happiness. In some Asian cultures, sunflowers also are believed to bring good fortune and foster healing.
7. Reverence and respect
The sunflower was a significant symbol in ancient Aztec and Inca culture. It has been said that both civilizations worshipped sunflowers as sun gods; moreover, images of sunflowers were depicted on the shields of warriors, a sign that the flower was also a sign of war and military might.
8. Family drama
The sunflower has ties to Greek mythology, in the story of Apollo, god of the sun, and Clytie, his love. In this myth, Apollo is captivated by the beauty of Clytie’s sister, Leucothoe, but the sisters’ father, the king, forbids the union. When Clytie learns of a secret meeting between Apollo and Leucothoe, she succumbs to a fit of jealousy and reveals the rendezvous to the king. Outraged, the king has Leucothoe buried alive. A heartbroken Apollo refuses to forgive Clytie, who subsequently starts to wither in grief. In an act of final revenge for her cruelty, Apollo turns Clytie into a sunflower.
9. Art of the sunflower
Known as the “painter of sunflowers,” post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh selected this subject as his muse at a time when his contemporaries were painting more traditional floral still lifes in less vibrant palettes. He completed dozens of sunflower paintings and was thrilled to discover that his friend, mentor, and fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, also admired them greatly. Upon learning of Gauguin’s intent to visit his artist colony, van Gogh painted several more sunflower still lifes and hung them in Gauguin’s guest room. When Gauguin saw the paintings, he remarked that they were “completely Vincent.”
10. Good things happen in threes
Sunflowers are the traditional celebratory flower of the third wedding anniversary. The sunflower head relies on its sturdy stalk to provide a supportive foundation for growth —a metaphor that represents the strong bonds of marriage.
11. World’s tallest sunflower
No article about sunflowers would be complete without revealing the world record holder for the tallest specimen on earth! That distinction goes to Hans-Peter Schiffer of Karst, Germany, who, in August 2014, needed to call in the support of the local fire department to scaffold his plant so that its height could be accurately recorded. The result was a whopping 30 feet, 1 inch. Schiffer also holds the three previous world records for tallest sunflower, those coming in 2009 (26 feet, 4 inches), 2012 (27 feet), and 2013 (28 feet, 8 inches). Talk about a green thumb!
When it comes to plants that are said to bring good fortune, indoor gardeners have a lot of options. There’s the shamrock, which has its moment every year on St. Patrick’s Day, as well as the hardy succulent jade plant and water-dwelling bamboo. But by most accounts, the luckiest plant you can add to your houseplant menagerie — and the best for growers of any skill level — might just be the money tree. Want to know more? Here’s an assortment of seven lucky facts every plant lover should know about this charming houseplant essential.
Family matters
A member of the Malvaceae plant family — and cousin to plants as diverse as cacao, cotton, hibiscus, and okra — the Pachira aquatica (as it is known in Latin) has a variety of nicknames, including the Malabar chestnut, Guiana chestnut, French peanut, Saba nut, and Monguba. Whatever you call it, you’d be hard pressed to find a better or more forgiving type of greenery with which to share your home, says Claire Akin, creator of the Houseplant Resource Center.
Money trees are an ideal houseplant for many reasons, Akin says: They’re pet friendly, low maintenance, don’t require a ton of light, and somewhat forgiving if you’re the type who doesn’t always remember to water your plants as often as you should.
Double the tree, double the luck?
Best of all, they’re incredibly striking, with thick, bark-like, generally braided stems and lush and vibrant glossy green leaves that have a distinct tropical vibe, similar to a palm tree.
Luck be a tree
Although money doesn’t grow on trees, money trees are treasured for their supposed ability to channel good luck into a home. They are thought to be a harbinger of good luck, positive energy, and financial success, says Nikole Washington Nelson, floral merchandiser for Harry & David.
A staple in feng shui, the money tree’s unique structure is believed by followers of the ancient Chinese traditional practice to perfectly encapsulate the five distinct elements that make up the universe: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
Placing a money tree plant in an area where you deal with money, such as a business or home office, is thought to summon that good luck and good fortune. And, to make the plant’s supposed powers even stronger, money trees are also often adorned with additional luck-bringing symbols, such as coins and red ribbons.
Keeping your money tree healthy
“The secret to a happy money tree is to give it the conditions it wants — or at least as close to them as you can provide,” according to Justin Hancock, a horticulturist with Miami-based plant nursery Costa Farms, which specializes in growing more than 1,500 different varieties of houseplants. Those conditions break down to as much indirect sunlight as you can provide; natural or artificial light are both fine.
“Ideally, keep your plant within three feet or so of an east- or west-facing window,” Hancock advises. He also recommends giving your plant slow release fertilizer a couple times a year and plenty of water: Let the top couple inches of your money tree’s soil dry out in between waterings — roughly once a week — and then add water to the soil until it starts to drain out the bottom of your pot. When done, empty the drainage tray immediately so the plant’s roots aren’t left standing in excess liquid.
“It is thought that good fortune can be trapped within the braided folds of those trunks.”
Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
Watch out, too, for anything that creates hot or cold drafts, such as old windows or heating, or air-conditioning vents, he adds. “Blasts of air that are noticeably hotter or colder than the ambient air temperature can cause the leaves to go yellow or brown and drop.”
In the wild, the money tree can grow up to 60 feet tall. However, indoor plants usually top out at three to six feet.
“With good care, you can enjoy a money tree in your home for years, or even decades,” Hancock adds.
A globe-traveling history
Although money trees are originally native to the swampy wetlands of Guyana and Central and South America, the tropical aquatic is also widely grown in Japan and East Asia. And that’s where its popularity truly exploded.
“As the story is commonly told, it was a Taiwanese truck driver who first cultivated the plant and helped it become so popular,” says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
Although the legend of the money tree may sound like something that dates back centuries, its cultivation really only goes back to the 1980s, Bunting adds.
As its popularity increased, he says, growers began braiding several individual seedlings together when the plants were very young. Then, as the plants grew, their stems would fuse together and become one.
“It is thought that good fortune can be trapped within the braided folds of those trunks,” he says.
Did somebody say bonsai?
Although the term “bonsai” generally conjures up images of tiny, immaculately trimmed evergreens, money trees are also an unusually popular plant choice for the practice of bonsai.
“Bonsai plants can vary greatly,” Bunting says. “Most of us are used to seeing more temperate plants used in the practice of maintaining these tiny trees in a small and artful manner. However, many tropical plants like the money tree work exceptionally well and offer a unique spin on this traditional art practice.”
Put your money tree where you mouth is
Although it’s rarely considered “food,” the money tree’s relationship to vegetables, such as okra, and fruits, such as cacao (which is where we ultimately get chocolate from), means that the plant can actually be eaten.
“Though you almost never see them indoors, the money tree can develop really beautiful and interesting flowers,” Hancock says. The large yellow-ish white blooms open at night, are incredibly fragrant, and sport hundreds of feathery red-tipped stamens.
“Surprisingly,” he adds, “they’re generally pollinated by bats.”
The pollinated fruit grows in a pod and bursts open when ripe, exposing dozens of large, reddish-brown seeds. The nutty-tasting seeds can be eaten raw or cooked and are also commonly ground into flour. Young leaves from the plant can also be eaten, as can the flowers themselves — although we’d recommend you spend your time admiring and caring for your money tree rather than sautéing it!
More than 400,000 different species of flowers exist in the world, but when it comes to a favorite, one in particular stands out: the red rose. With over 150 different species and 3,000 members of the rose family in existence — the majority of them some shade of red — this flower is as culturally significant as it is ubiquitous in our lives. Nearly everyone has some type of treasured memory involving a red rose, whether it’s buying them for a first love, receiving them on an anniversary, gifting them to a friend or family member, or treating yourself to one to mark a special day.
But as much as we know about and love red roses, we’re betting a few of these fun facts and unexpected tidbits about the flower might just surprise you.
Mythic power
In ancient Greek mythology, the red rose was said to have been created when the goddess of flowers, Chloris, went walking in the woods and stumbled across the body of a lifeless nymph. Saddened by its death, she transformed the creature’s body into the most beautiful flower imaginable. When another of the gods, Aphrodite, saw her work, she was instantly smitten. The goddess of love is said to have named the flower “rose” in honor of her son Eros, also known as Cupid. Flash forward to today, and we still celebrate Cupid’s holiday — Valentine’s Day — with lush bouquets of vibrant red roses!
In Roman mythology, the origin of the red rose is slightly different but no less dramatic. In this tale, it’s Venus (also the goddess of love) who is rushing to warn her lover Adonis of a murder plot that is being carried out against him. As she runs, she accidentally cuts her ankle on a thorn bush. But, in a beautiful twist, everywhere her blood dripped on the plant a lush rose was said to bloom — creating the red rose bushes we know and love today.
In loving color
Each rose color has its own unique meaning. For example, white roses symbolize purity, and yellow roses equate to friendship. But the color red is a much more complex beast — and every shade of red roses has a slightly different meaning. (One easy rule of thumb: The deeper the color of red, the greater the level of passion the color is said to invoke in the giver.)
Traditionally speaking, light red and pink roses symbolize femininity, grace, and elegance. Go a shade darker to dark pink, and that rose evokes feelings of gratitude and appreciation. Salmon-colored roses, which fall somewhere between red and orange, represent excitement and enthusiasm, and are an ideal symbol for a budding new relationship.
Bright ruby red roses are the true sign of love and usually symbolize passion, desire, and romance. Deeper red roses that fall more into the burgundy color family connote commitment and devotion, while roses with a merlot-like red tint represent beauty. And, finally, deep dark red roses — which can sometimes be so rich in color as to appear black — symbolize rebirth and new beginnings.
Two more color basics to know:
Multi-colored roses, such as yellow roses with red tips, symbolize transition or movement — in this case, the yellow of friendship turning into the red of love.
The combination of two different colors in one bouquet merges the best of what each color represents into one perfect union. So, for example, a bouquet of red and white roses combines the ideas of purity and passion into a type of even more harmonious everlasting love.
Numbers matter
While quality obviously matters when giving someone a red rose, so, too, does quantity. The meaning of red roses changes significantly with the number of blooms included in a gift bouquet. Here’s a quick rundown on what those numbers mean, and the symbolism behind the number:
1 Rose
The purest symbol of new love, love at first sight, or a “one and only love,” giving someone a single red rose symbolizes the giving of your heart.
2 Roses
A pair of red roses equals bonded or mutual love and affection — being two of a kind or two halves of the same bunch.
3 Roses
A traditional one-month anniversary gift, three red roses represent the three syllables in the phrase “I love you.”
6 Roses
A sign of wanting to take things to the next level, six red roses convey a meaning of “I want to be yours.”
10 Roses
In many sports or ratings systems, 10 is a perfect number — and it is with roses, too. Ten red roses is considered the way to tell someone you feel they are perfect and number one in your heart.
12 Roses
From a dozen donuts to a dozen eggs to 12 months on the calendar, the number “12” has a long history of representing “completion” or “wholeness” — and so it is with love, too. A dozen red roses means your love is complete or whole, and that you couldn’t ask any more from the person whom you are gifting your roses.
What’s in a scent?
Besides a rose’s beautiful appearance, one of its most appealing traits is its incredible scent. And while most people assume that all roses might smell the same, nothing could be further from the truth.
In general, scientists have found that the more scent-producing glands a rose has, the more fragrant it smells. That’s because more glands equates to more “essential oils” in the bloom — in other words, more natural rose smell! When shopping for roses, remember that darker-colored roses (such as the red rose) tend to be more fragrant than lighter-colored ones.
Size matters, too. The more petals a red rose has, the stronger its scent tends to be. And the thicker the petal, the deeper the scent.
As for color, most experts say red and pink roses almost always have the most traditional “rose” smell. In contrast, orange roses tend to smell more like fruit or clove, while yellow and white roses smell most like violets, nasturtiums, or lemon.
A tasty add-in
Hungry for one more rose-flavored tidbit? While all varieties of roses are safe to eat, the ones with the sweetest fragrance tend to have the most flavor. Meaning, if you want to use a few rose petals to add flavor to sugar or butter — or to make your own rose water to then use in rose water ice cream — red roses are the way to go.
You say rose, I say rosé. One’s a flower and the other’s a type of wine, and their connection goes beyond their color — all the way back to ancient times and the first bottlings of delicious rosé wine.
Rosé got its start in Rome
In the sixth century A.D., the Phoenicians planted red and white grapes in modern-day Marseilles, France. They crushed them together, producing a pink wine with a pleasant color and refreshing flavor that people enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean. In fact, the Romans loved it so much that they traded it across their empire. Along with their armies, they brought grapevines to the areas they conquered, including Provence, France, where they cultivated and began to export their pink wines. From there, the term rosé, meaning “pink” in French, was born, and Provence became and has remained the epicenter of the best rosés in the world (though some folks in Southern Oregon might say otherwise…).
Modern-day winemaking
While the ancients made rosé by blending red and white grapes, modern rosé is created exclusively from red grapes using two standard methods. The first is the “skin contact” method, and it happens during the wine’s maceration — the process during which the juice of grapes is left in contact with the skins and seeds so that a wine’s color, as well as its tannins and flavors, are reflected in the juice. Whereas a red wine takes weeks to macerate, the “skin contact” method of rosé winemaking requires the grapes to macerate for just 12-24 hours, yielding a paler wine with lighter flavors and less tannin.
The second method, called saignée (French for “bleeding”), involves a winemaker pouring off some of the red wine juices early in the maceration process. This lighter juice then becomes rosé. This method is frowned upon in the wine world, however, as it is a by-product of the red winemaking process.
Enjoying roses in rosé
Floral notes are among the wide-ranging aromatics you’ll discover in a glass of rosé. Provence’s rosé wines boast distinctive flavors ranging from citrus, white flower, and bright lime zest to the deep-colored and dark berry flavors of rosé wines from its southerly Bandol area.
Rosé made from the red grapes grown in hot and sunny southern Italian regions like Sicily and Puglia offers up aromas of dried thyme, black cherry, and violets.
Europeans aren’t the only ones who produce delicious rosé wine — we Americans make it, too! Harry & David’s version of this varietal boasts bright fruit flavors, with notes of melon and strawberry.
And if it’s roses you’re looking for, try sipping the rosé wines made from the Nebbiolo grapes in the cool climate of the northern Piedmont region of Italy. They feature gorgeous flavors of cherries, aromas of roses, and the tang of rosehips (the tart part of the rose flower). Their light scents announce that spring is in the air — and in your glass.
