It seems as though roses have always been sold with their buds tightly closed to slightly open. With the introduction of the large flowered cut rose Carousel Illusion and now First Edition this image will need some revision.  Both are supplied to the Dutch auctions with their buds fully open. Newcomer First Edition looks more like a carnation or a Dahlia than a rose, with its extremely large petal count.  Is this evolution or revolution?

The major benefit of this new type of rose is its presentation: what you see is what you get. On the flipside, the ‘freshness perception’ will need to be taught again. Otherwise it might be perceived that the rose is nearly in full flower. Which is by no means the case. First Edition has a vase life of at least 14 to 20 (!) days after delivery. This has been proven in numerous tests that were carried out by the Aalsmeer flower auction. 

If you want to make an good impression, than this is the rose for the job.  It is especially suitable for gift bouquets, single flower use and funeral flowers. An additional plus is that the stem is virtually thornless. 

The initial reactions from the trade have been enthusiastic. Rosa First Edition (vbn-code 22693) has an average stem length of 24 to 31 inches and is available year round.

• small flowered roses (smaller than 3 inches)
• large flowered roses (larger than 3.5 inches)
• floribunda roses (at least 3 flower buds per stem)  

• The rose has always symbolized love. This originated in Christian symbolism. The red rose represents the blood of those who gave their life for Christ and Christianity, the white rose symbolizes virginal purity surrounded by thorns and injustice.  
•  The rose is particularly linked to the Virgin Mary, who is sometimes called the rose without thorns because she is free from sin. An early legend claims that roses bore no thorns before the Fall from Grace.
• There is also the use of the Rosary: those wishing to love and honor the Virgin Mary should weave a garland of roses. Roses are often used as decorative elements in churches where they appear on doors, the organ or chancel.  
• The rose often appears on gravestones and obituary notices, where it is shown with a broken stem as a symbol of a broken life. A wilted rose represents a wilted body. 
•  The five leaves of the rose are said to be symbolic of the five wounds suffered by Christ and are a sign of martyrdom

1. Red
2. Yellow
3. Pink 
4. White
5. Bi-colored