The Parts of a Rose
For aspiring rose gardeners, it can be helpful to learn more about the anatomy of a rose flower to better understand the nourishment, hydration, and growth cycle requirements of these lovely, vine-growing plants. While rose bushes may appear to be drastically different in terms of color, shape, style, height, foliage, and thorns, on the inside, each rose is remarkably like its neighbor in terms of basic anatomy. Each rose is divided into three parts: the asexual parts, the female reproductive parts, and the male reproductive parts. For gardeners interested in cross breeding to produce hybrid varietals, a basic understanding of how the rose plant can reproduce will be vital, but any gardener can benefit from an understanding of all that is contained within the fragile lovely petals of the rose.
Petals
The petals form the protective, and beautiful, outer covering of the rose.
Sepals
The sepals are modified smaller leaves that protect the rose flower while it is in its bud state.
Pistil
The pistil is the anatomical term used by horticulturists to describe the full female reproductive system of the rose.
Stamen
The stamen is the anatomical term used by horticulturists to describe the full male reproductive system of the rose.
Stigma
The stigma is the highest innermost filament in the rose flower onto which pollen is deposited by visiting bees and butterflies.
Style
The style is the tube through which pollen travels to reach the female reproductive ovary deep within the rose.
Ovary
The ovary is the female reproductive part of the rose. It contains egg cells called ovules.
Anthers
The anthers are the male reproductive centers of the rose. These are the small bulbous granules that sit atop the filaments and contain pollen for pick up by visiting bees and butterflies.
Filaments
The filaments are the male reproductive supporting structures atop which the anthers are balanced for easy reach by bees and butterflies.
