Every so often a magazine, newspaper or website will run a poll to discover the nation's favourite flower. Though quite why they bother is beyond me. The results are never in doubt. With an inevitability akin to knowing it’ll rain on the day you’ve scheduled a family barbeque the polls are always topped by the rose. Lilies, tulips and orchids are often in the running but the rose always comes out on top. And certainly, here at Direct Plants we always see our rose bushes and plants in high demand. But why are roses such a perennial favourite in the UK?

The rose is simply a beautiful flower

Of course, it isn’t just in the UK that the rose is so revered. The whole world loves a rose. And always has done. The ancient Greeks and Romans adored them - and the victorious legions would be showered with them on their ceremonial processions through the city. Cleopatra surrounded herself with rose petals. Wars have even been fought over them - OK that’s tongue in cheek. But the War of the Roses was symbolised by the white of the Yorkists and the red of the Lancastrians.

The rose plays a part in many religions and of course it has come to symbolise romance. Woe Betide the hapless lover who forgets to buy their partner a bunch of roses on Valentine’s Day. But the popularity of the rose, of whichever colour, is mainly down to one thing. It’s such a beautiful bloom. Whether bunched in a vase, blooming in the garden or nestling in a buttonhole roses are simply beautiful. There are many different shapes, sizes and colours but no one with a shred of good taste can fail to see how stunning a rose truly is.

Wonderfully fragrant roses

Roses smell divine. Though some varieties are more fragrant than others. But there’s no doubt, as Cleopatra knew only too well, that roses can make a room smell extraordinary. But a roses perfume is also powerful in the garden. Position your roses near a patio seating area or around a bench or arbour and you’ll create a wonderfully relaxing space ripe with the heady aroma of roses in bloom.

But, as we mentioned earlier, the level of fragrance produced by different rose bushes does vary. Some hybrid tea roses are far more fragrant than some floribunda roses for example. But if you’re in any doubt about which roses to choose feel free to drop us an email and one of our experts will happily point you in the right direction.

Rose bushes produce so many blooms

Many roses will bloom continuously from summer through the autumn. Some judicious deadheading will ensure repeat flowering and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of beautiful and fragrant blooms.

Are roses easy to look after?

Yes, they are. Which can come as a surprise to some novice gardeners who may be slightly intimidated by roses. They don’t require too much in the way of maintenance and pruning them once a year before the new growth starts will keep your rose bushes in shape. As a side note rambler roses are best pruned immediately after they finish flowering for the season. Another big tick in the box for roses is that they will live for a very long time.

Big, bold, colourful borders

Roses look wonderful in containers or rambling up the side of an arbour. But personally, I love to see them in a border. Plant in clusters and you will see the most amazing riot of colour and there is no sight quite like that of a long border populated by rose bushes in full bloom. It’s truly spectacular. Though do be careful where you plant if you're a dog owner whose four-legged friend likes to stick his nose it where he shouldn't.

Direct Plants stock a wide range of roses; bushes, patio, climbing and of course hybrid tea and floribunda varieties. You can see the full selection here. Should you need any further information or advice on our roses feel free to email us at sales@directplants.co.uk and we’ll do our best to answer any queries you may have.