Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and though it falls on February 14th each year, it can often spark a last minute panic about what to give to your loved one. Instead of the usual presents of chocolate or wine, why not gift a red rose plant this year?

In the language of flowers, the red rose represents love.

In the days of Greek and Roman history, the red rose was closely linked to Aphrodite, or Venus, the goddess of love. Shakespearian times then affirmed the romantic symbolism of the red rose. It has appeared in poetry and pop culture throughout the ages. To date, it remains a powerful symbol of passion and love.

Martin Cuthbert is highly knowledgeable when it comes to roses. Her most favourite rose is the Papa Meilland.

“Its lovely velvety dark red petals give off the most magnificent perfume!”

On planting roses, she advises growing them in the ground or in a large pot in a sunny position. They’ll need to be watered on the dry days and pruned throughout the winter.

And if rose maintenance is not your forte, MCLA offer a rose pruning, spraying and fertilising service during the winter months.

When cutting flowers for your loved one, our Senior Horticulturist recommends cutting a long stem to promote the growth of new flowers.

So don’t be predictable this year! Consider a living gift, a red rose shrub, that will flourish for years to come.