Definition and Origins of Long Stem Roses

The phrase "long stem roses" is actually a term that describes a set of characteristics related to particular varieties of Hybrid Tea roses and their relatives. These characteristics include a particularly large bloom set on a single thick stem, a variety of vibrant colors, and a medium to low level of fragrance.

Long stem roses are one of the most recognizable symbols of love and human caring. When making a statement of affection or appreciation to someone, there is no better way than to give them a beautiful bouquet of roses. Long stem roses are appreciated in particular for their large, stunning blooms and rigid stems that allow them to be displayed easily either singly or in large quantity.

The history of the long stem rose begins centuries ago on two opposite sides of the world. For thousands of years roses were grown in China, with the main varieties being characterized by their alluring "black tea" scent and ability to bloom multiple times throughout the year. The first interbreeding between Chinese and European roses resulted in an immensely popular type of rose called the Tea Rose. The Tea Rose blooms repeatedly throughout the year, but has delicate stems liable to "nodding," or drooping.

In Europe, the most popular type of rose was the Hybrid Perpetual. These hardy flowers are able to survive the colder climates of Europe, unlike the Tea Rose. Hybrid Perpetual roses only come in few colors, namely red, pink, and white.

The advent of the modern age of roses and long stem roses began in 1867 when the Tea Rose and Hybrid Perpetual were first interbred to create a new rose named "La France," the first of a new classification of rose called the Hybrid Tea. These roses were instantly recognized as having inherited the best characteristics from both parents. Hybrid Teas are hardy, flowered several times throughout the year, and could be bred in a far wider variety of colors than was previously possible. These fresh new colors included the traditional red, white and pink, plus varieties of yellow, apricot, orange, copper, light purple, gray, brown and multi-colored. In addition, Hybrid Tea roses tend to grow with a single very large bloom atop a hardy stem, making them the epitome of perfection in cut flowers.

Today, long stem roses are grown in different areas of the world, but the best of the classic style of large, long stem roses are currently grown in South America. With the inclusion of new strains like 'Bermuda Mystery' with its resistance to nematode damage and fungal disease, the tropical climate of this region of the world has proven to be ideal for growth of the modern generation of roses.

Throughout hundreds of years the rose has remained the most popular of flowers across the world, and a symbol of strength, unity and love. The rose is the national flower of the United States and England, as well as four US states: Iowa, North Dakota, New York and Georgia. As the rose stands out as the most recognizable of flowers, long stem roses are the iconic image of the perfect rose.