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As Oscar Wilde wrote: "No one ever claimed that a rose is flawless, but it’s a flower with deep meaning." What do we need to know about red roses and how they have come to symbolise Valentines Day?

Writer's picture: ScentscapologyScentscapology


Red roses are strongly associated with Valentine's Day due to a combination of cultural, historical, and symbolic factors. The colour red has traditionally been linked to love, passion, and desire, making it the preferred choice for conveying romantic emotions. However, there is also a deeper historical aspect involved.


  1. Roman Mythology: In ancient Rome, roses were associated with the goddess Venus, the deity of love and beauty. Mythology states that Venus’s tears, mixed with the blood of her beloved Adonis, turned the roses red, symbolising eternal love.


  2. Victorian Symbolism: In the Victorian era, flowers were frequently used to express specific messages through a language known as floriography. The red rose emerged as a powerful emblem of love and passion, reinforcing its ties to romance and affection.


  3. Cultural Continuity: Throughout the centuries, the red rose's link to love and romance persisted, becoming a fixture for romantic occasions like Valentine's Day. The tradition of giving roses gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly with the advent of mass-produced greeting cards and flower shops.


So, it's a mix of mythology, historical symbolism, and modern tradition that keeps red roses as the quintessential Valentine's Day flower.


There are numerous types of roses, each possessing distinct features related to their shape, scent, and growth patterns. Specifically, red roses are continually being cultivated, but which ones are favoured when it comes to Valentines Day?


These are just a handful of the many types of red roses, and each variety can have different shades of red, from light scarlet to deep crimson. It's like a traffic light of emotions—just make sure you don’t accidentally send a yellow rose unless you want to say, “I’m not quite sure how I feel about you yet.”


If you're thinking of gifting roses, the type you choose can say something about the relationship or emotion you want to convey. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the floral minefield:


  • Hybrid Teas: The tuxedo of roses. Perfect for formal events, but also sends a message that says, "I’m serious about our relationship—like, I’ve already picked out our retirement home."

  • Knock Out Roses: The laid-back bro of the floral world. They say, "I like you, but I also like pizza and sweatpants, so let’s keep it casual!"

  • Long-Stemmed Roses: The “I’m trying really hard” kind. They’re great for impressing someone, but watch out; they can also say, “I’m awkwardly trying to sweep you off your feet while also tripping over my own.”

  • Miniature Roses: The “I’m cute and I know it” variety. Perfect for when you want to say, “I think you’re adorable, but I also have commitment issues.”


So, the next time you're picking out roses, remember: choose wisely! You don’t want to accidentally send a message that says, “I’m only here for the snacks.”


At times, opting for a Scentscapology Red Roses candle as a gift might be a safer choice...



The scent of red roses is often described as rich, sweet, and romantic, with layers of complexity that can vary depending on the variety. Some of the key elements people often note when they describe the fragrance include:


1. Sweet and Floral

The most common description is that red roses have a sweet, floral fragrance that’s instantly recognizable. It’s a very classic scent that feels almost timeless, evoking feelings of romance and nostalgia. This sweetness tends to be fresh and light, without being overpowering.


2. Warm and Spicy Notes

Some red roses, especially varieties like "Mr. Lincoln", have spicy undertones that give the fragrance a bit of depth and warmth. These warm, slightly musky notes can give the scent a more sensual feel.


3. Fruity

Occasionally, you might catch a subtle fruity note, particularly in the mid-range of the scent profile. Some roses might smell faintly of berries or citrus, adding a slight tanginess to the overall sweetness.


4. Powdery or Earthy

Older rose varieties, such as some Damascena roses, can have more earthy or powdery undertones. These roses tend to have a deeper, more complex scent that might remind you of a classic floral perfume or the fragrance of roses found in nature.


5. Citrusy or Green Notes

Some red roses also feature a fresh, green note that gives the fragrance a clean, crisp element. This might feel like the scent of fresh leaves or a touch of citrus zest, which helps balance the sweeter floral tones.


6. Intense and Bold

Compared to lighter-coloured roses (like white or yellow), red roses often have a more intense, heady fragrance. The scent can be somewhat bold, creating a strong presence that lingers, which is part of why they're so commonly used in romantic contexts.


7. Classic and Timeless

Overall, the scent of red roses has a classic feel to it—something that’s instantly associated with love, elegance, and even luxury. The fragrance tends to have a certain full-bodied richness that makes it a favorite for special occasions like Valentine's Day or anniversaries.


So, the scent of red roses is an enchanting combination of sweet floral, warm spice, and perhaps a hint of fruit or green freshness. It’s a beautiful, layered fragrance that feels as romantic and passionate as the flower itself!


Environmental Impact

The ethicality of cut roses is a nuanced issue, and whether or not they're considered ethical depends on several factors, including environmental concerns, labor practices, and sustainability. Let’s break it down into a few key areas. The environmental footprint of cut roses can be significant, especially when they are grown in regions far from where they are sold (like roses grown in South America and shipped globally).


  • Pesticides and Chemicals: Many large-scale rose farms use chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm the environment, especially if not properly managed. This can lead to soil degradation, water contamination, and harm to local wildlife.

  • Water Usage: Roses require a lot of water to grow. In some regions, the water needed for large-scale rose production can be a strain on local resources, especially in areas that already face water scarcity.

  • Carbon Footprint: The transportation of roses, especially long-distance shipping via planes, adds to their carbon footprint. Airfreighting flowers to international markets contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, making the environmental impact significant.


Labour Conditions

In many rose-producing countries, such as Colombia, Ecuador, and Kenya, labor practices can be a concern. Large rose farms may exploit workers, often employing low wages, long hours, and poor working conditions.


  • Child Labour: In some cases, there have been reports of child labour and unsafe working environments in the flower industry, although many producers are working to improve conditions.

  • Fair Wages and Rights: In general, the labor practices on rose farms can be problematic if they are not regulated, with workers often facing limited rights and lack of proper benefits.


However, there are also many fair trade certified and ethical flower farms that prioritize better wages, safe working conditions, and environmentally friendly practices. If you are concerned about the ethics of your flower purchases, look for certifications like Fair Trade or Rainforest Alliance, which ensure certain standards of social and environmental responsibility.


Sustainability of Flower Farming

Sustainable rose farming focuses on organic practices, using fewer pesticides and fertilizers, and adopting techniques that improve soil health and water conservation. Farms that follow sustainable agriculture practices typically grow roses without harming the surrounding ecosystem, reduce waste, and use less water.


Alternatives to Cut Roses

If you want to minimise the ethical impact, there are alternatives to cut roses that can be just as beautiful:

  • Potted Roses: These can be replanted in gardens, allowing them to live longer and reducing the environmental impact of a single-use flower.

  • Dried Roses: Dried flowers, including roses, can be used as decorations and have a much longer lifespan than cut roses, reducing waste.

  • Locally Grown Flowers: Supporting local flower farms that grow roses (and other flowers) sustainably can greatly reduce the carbon footprint and ensure better labor practices. Buying flowers in-season also cuts down on the need for imports.

  • Eco-Friendly Florists: Many florists are starting to prioritize eco-conscious practices, such as using sustainable packaging or working with local, organic flower growers.


Cultural and Emotional Value

On the other side of the ethical debate, flowers like roses are deeply tied to human tradition and emotions. Giving cut roses as a symbol of love, celebration, or remembrance is a practice that many people find meaningful. In many cultures, flowers are considered symbols of beauty and affection, and they can be a way of connecting with others.


So, cut roses can be considered ethical or unethical depending on how and where they are grown, the farming practices used, and the social conditions of the workers involved. If you’re concerned about the ethics of cut roses, consider the following steps:


  • Buy locally grown roses to reduce the carbon footprint.

  • Look for Fair Trade or eco-friendly certifications to ensure that the roses were produced under ethical labor conditions and with environmentally responsible practices.

  • Choose alternative flowers or potted plants if sustainability and reducing waste are important to you

  • Stick with a Red Roses Scentscapology candle...


In the end, being a more ethical consumer involves being aware of the origins of your roses and endorsing practices that match your values.


Photography by @thymelanephoto



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