The celebrity of flora 

Proven to be popular already, supply of Sphinx Gold started in January and currently more than three million stems have been sold at the auction. However this comes as no surprise. History books tell us that roses, in general, have been popular for centuries. 

Roses first came up in references to rosewater. Explorers brought cultivated roses from South East Asia to the Middle East, which were probably intended for the Sultan of Baghdad. It was believed that the Sultan ordered his subjects to supply 30,000 jugs of rosewater each year for his harem to bathe in and to scent their rooms. 

Uses and Meaning

History also reveals that rosewater was successfully used to treat a wide range of bodily ills including trembling, constipation, drunkenness, throat and skin infections and insomnia. Today rosewater is more commonly used by aroma therapists to treat depression.

Along with its numerous healing properties, Roses symbolize many thoughts and feelings. Love, luck, joy, beauty, happiness and silence are the most common. In some countries they are also linked to celebrations such as Halloween and All Saints day.

The orange tint of Rosa Sphinx Gold screams Halloween so why not use this flower to promote ‘Halloween Bouquets’ with style. Teamed with the rich green of Anthurium leaves and other orange medium-large roses such as ‘Dakar’ and ‘Explosion’, an arrangement can be made that customers will be howling for.
    

Additional editorial information:

Supply    

Supplied in wrapped bunches of 20 stems

Care Tips        

• Place in water as soon as possible    
• Roses are very sensitive to bacteria so always use clean water    
• Use flower food in the water    
• Use a glass container as this is easier to clean to eliminate bacteria    
• Store empty containers upside down, this allows them to dry better reducing the risk of bacteria    
• Using a very sharp knife cut the last 2 inches off the stem at an angle    
• Never scrape the stems as this can lead to bacteria development    
• Remove any leaves that are hanging in the water    
• Top off  the water a little at a time    
• Never mix old roses with new ones    
• Do not use a thorn remover    
• Keep away from ripening fruit
• Keep away from wind and draughts

Background   

• All  roses originated in Central Asia and Europe 
• Roses are the most important flower in Holland and in many other countries 
• ‘Rose’ derived from the Celtic word ‘rhodd’ meaning red. It is assumed that the first roses were red. 
• Sphinx Gold is a mutant of the original Sphinx 
• Known as the ideal flower for any occasion