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Peace Rose
PEACE~~The history of a great rose The history of PEACE is as monumental as the rose itself. Prior to World War II, the Francis Meilland family was an established hybridizer of roses in France. As France was being occupied, Mr. Meilland was still testing rose number 3-35-40, (known today as PEACE). When the Nazis invaded France, he sent a one-pound package of budwood to the United States, Germany, and Italy. The Italian name for the rose became Gioia (Joy); the German name became Gloria Dei (God's Glory). Robert Pyle, an American friend of Francis Meilland began testing 3-35-40 throughout this country in all types of soil and under all types of weather conditions. The rose was destined for greatness. The reports were outstanding. The American Rose Society decided to pay tribute to this exceptional rose by organizing a Name Giving Ceremony. The date was set months in advance. It was Robert Pyle's desire that this greatest new rose of our time should be named for the world's greatest desire PEACE. On the pre-determined date, April 29, 1945, many rosarians gathered at the Pacific Rose Society's exhibition in Pasadena, California where two white doves were released into the beautiful California sky. PEACE was named, just as Berlin fell! The All-American Rose Selection Award is given to the best all-around rose in the United States. When PEACE received this award, the war with Japan came to an end. Then, another memorable day came as the American Rose Society gave PEACE its supreme award: The Gold Medal the same day the peace treaty was signed with Japan. PEACE was the first rose ever to be so honored. This wonderful piece of rose history by Antonia Ridge's, from For Love of a Rose, was found and re-printed by Tom Taffel, while he was editor of the San Francisco Rose Society. by Tom Taffel
Entering a rose garden – (so the roses can see me) – I shut the door on the world and enter the perfumed atmosphere of love where things naturally resolve into the very thoughts they represent. I feel the comfort roses communicate, the poetry of their promise, the tranquility they instill, the forgiveness they offer, the foundation of friendships, the gratitude of a grateful heart, the radiance of love, the unspoken blessings they bring and the life they represent so simply, purely and naturally in their myriad of colors.
The past tense of “rise” is “rose” and how appropriate that the “Queen of Flowers” has risen to the honor of most loved flower of the world. I even find the names of roses inspiring. Take for example: Amazing Grace, Angel Face, Ave Maria, Awakening, Cherish, Cathedral, Compassion, Emanuel, Friendship, Grace, Honor, Joyfulness, Paradise, Peace, Prosperity, Rosa Mystica (named after the Virgin Mary), Solitude and Smile.
The most fascinating history of roses unquestionably belongs to the Gold Medal winning “Peace” rose, the most beloved and famous of all roses. Its Italian name is “Gioia” or “Joy” while the German name is “Gloria Dei” or “God's Glory.” History revolved around this glorious rose as it made ceremonious history on April 29, 1945.
While form, substance, color, beauty, size and aroma may be the rose’s endearing physical qualities, at the same time we can see love and kindness expressing themselves as a rose.
“Smelling like a rose” – well, that’s how I first look at a rose - first with my nose, and then, with my ears, in “quietude” I hear a magnificent symphony of fragrances. Whether it’s a balsamic fragrance reminding me of mint, lavender, sage or rosemary, or spicy such as cloves, cinnamon, pepper, anise or nutmeg, I particularly enjoy the heavy jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia aroma. For many the sweet fragrances of honeysuckle, wisteria, lily of the valley, lilac, vanilla and clover are most appealing. Then too, there are fruited fragrances such as pineapple, orange, mango, melon, nectarine, plum, apricot, peach, lemon, passion flower and violet. And let’s not forget the quintessential rose fragrance of rose attar used to make perfume, the damask fragrance – ounce for ounce more valuable than gold!
Did you know that in the 18th Century, rose flavoring was more popular than vanilla; and related to the apple and the peach, the rose is as delicious to look at as it is to eat – brimming with food value as well.
When lecturing around the world - on roses and their multitude of fragrances - without fail, I’m asked to name my favorite rose? Well, without a doubt it’s “Mr. Lincoln.” This hardy, robust, vigorous, easy-to-grow variety is rich with gigantic non-fading red, maroon, crimson flowers. “Mr. Lincoln” is an exhibition, hybrid tea rose that defines classic beauty with the most intense melon-damask fragrance to seduce the senses. And yes, its petals look and feel just like velvet. On a still, sunny day you may be able to detect “Mr. Lincoln” up to nine feet away…and if you find yourself overcome…fret not…it’s such a sweet surrender. This multi-award-winning rose was introduced to the United States in 1965 by Conrad-Pyle, and for me, its 4”to 6” diameter, (up to 40 velvety petals), is beyond compare making it my favorite rose of all time.
Giving a rose speaks not just to the recipient, but to the presenter as well and never diminishes when shared. There’s a wonderful Chinese proverb: “A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives roses.”
If it’s true that friends are the family you make, than make someone in your family of friends smile and pick a rose, any rose, perhaps “French Lace,” and let it speak to your heart and theirs - if ever so quietly - the language of love.
*Award-winning San Francisco Rose Society Editor Emeritus and lecturer, Tom Taffel has been growing and writing about roses for 40 years.
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