National Peace Rose Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Appreciation Environment
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every April 29
Holiday emoji:: 🌹

National Peace Rose Day blossoms every April 29, honoring the world-renowned hybrid tea rose that became a symbol of hope after World War II. Its vibrant yellow petals edged with crimson-pink represent enduring beauty and strength. Join us in celebrating this remarkable flower and its message of peace by planting a rose, learning its history, or sharing its story.

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Expected National Peace Rose Day Deals

National Peace Rose Day, a cause-driven observance, inspires support for peace initiatives and gardening education rather than commercial sales. Organizations like the American Rose Society often promote educational resources and local garden clubs may host open gardens. Retailers such as Jackson & Perkins and David Austin Roses may highlight rose care products or offer special collections that encourage new gardeners. Consider donating to peace-focused non-profits like the International Peace Institute or supporting local botanical gardens that cultivate diverse rose collections. We will update this page with confirmed live events as April 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Peace Rose Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PeaceRoseDay. Share photos of your favorite roses, showcase your garden, or highlight the Peace Rose’s unique beauty.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PeaceRoseDay. Post about the history of the Peace Rose, share gardening tips, or organize a virtual rose show.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PeaceRoseDay. Tweet facts about the Peace Rose, share messages of peace, or highlight organizations promoting gardening and environmental causes.

National Peace Rose Day Hero

Francis Meilland

Francis Meilland (1912–1958) was a French rose breeder who developed the 'Peace' rose. He began breeding roses at a young age, inheriting the passion from his family's nursery. During World War II, he secretly cultivated the rose, sending budwood to allies just before the invasion of France. Its official introduction in 1945, coinciding with the end of the war, led to its symbolic name and global recognition.

History of National Peace Rose Day

Francis Meilland, a French horticulturist, developed the Peace rose by crossing a hybridized tea rose known as the Margaret McGredy rose with another seedling. He named the rose Madame A. Meilland, after his late mother.

However, before the German invasion of France, Meilland sent the cuttings of the rose to his friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States to protect the new flower. It is in these different countries that the rose was given other names. The official name for the rose in France is still “Madame A. Meilland”, in honor of the breeder’s mother. In Italy, it was given the name ‘Gioia,’ meaning ‘joy.’ In Germany, it was called ‘Gloria Dei,’ meaning ‘glory to God.’ In the United States, it was named the Peace rose.

In the United States, Robert Pyle of the Conard Pyle Company, based in Pennsylvania, gave it its American name in 1945. While the war raged on in Europe, Pyle cultivated the rose and sent the samples to the American Rose Society for review. After Germany left France, he contacted Meilland and informed him that the rose would be introduced to the American public as the war ended. The name ‘Peace’ was given to the rose by Pyle in honor of the impending global peace. These roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural United Nations meeting in 1945 in honor of Germany’s surrender.

It is since then that National Peace Rose day is celebrated to mark the day that this rose received its American name and the symbolism behind it.

National Peace Rose Day timeline

1930s

The Invention of the Peace Rose

French horticulturist Francis Meilland develops the Peace Rose in France by mixing different breeds of roses.

1945

Peace Rose at the United Nations

Peace roses are given to delegates at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations with a note that reads: “We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.

1976

Rose Hall of Fame

The Peace rose is chosen as the World’s Favorite Rose and gets inducted into the Rose Hall of Fame.

1992

One Million Plants Sold

The Peace rose sells in quantities of over a million and gains more popularity.

National Peace Rose Day FAQs

When is National Peace Rose Day?

In 2027, National Peace Rose Day is observed on a Thursday, April 29, providing a fresh opportunity to appreciate this resilient flower and its global significance.

What does the Peace Rose symbolize?

Beyond its association with post-war peace, the Peace Rose embodies the universal desire for harmony and reconciliation. Its widespread cultivation across various cultures reinforces its role as a botanical ambassador for global unity and the triumph of beauty over conflict.

Who created the Peace Rose?

Francis Meilland’s dedication to rose breeding led to the creation of this iconic hybrid tea rose. His foresight in distributing budwood before the war’s escalation ensured its survival and eventual global recognition, solidifying his legacy in horticultural history.

What are the characteristics of the Peace Rose?

Recognized for its robust nature, the Peace Rose is a popular choice for gardeners due to its strong stems and lush, dark green foliage. The subtle fragrance and classic form of its blossoms make it a standout variety, consistently earning high marks for both beauty and ease of care.

How to Observe National Peace Rose Day

Plant your own rose
What better way to celebrate Peace Rose Day than sharing the love and peace amongst your friends and family? Why not send them a Peace rose plant as a gift? Or plant it in your own home and see it grow and blossom.
Visit a rose garden
Why not spend Peace Rose Day in a rose garden? Visit a nearby rose garden or a nursery that houses roses and spend time with these beautiful flowers. They will instantly uplift your mood.
Read a book about roses
You can even indulge in some reading about roses such as “Roses” by Peter Beales. In fact, in his book he even states that the Peace rose is without a doubt, the finest hybrid tea rose ever cultivated and will remain a standard variety forever.

5 Facts About Roses That Will Blow Your Mind

World’s oldest rose
The world’s oldest rose is believed to be 1,000 years old and grows on the Cathedral of Hildesheim in Germany.
World’s most expensive rose
Juliet, a 2006 variety of rose by renowned rose breeder David Austin is the world’s most expensive rose, and breeding it amounted to $5 million.
Tallest rose
Roses, in general, can grow quite tall and the tallest rose ever recorded stands at over 23 feet tall.
Long lifespan of roses
Roses are known to have a rather long life span and, interestingly, there are rose fossils that were discovered that date back 35 million years.
No black roses
While there are a plethora of colors available in roses, there are no black roses, and if there are roses that look black, they’re actually a dark red.

Why National Peace Rose Day is Important

It encapsulates life and history
The Peace rose was sent off to different parts of the world during the Second World War for its protection and thus it makes us remember and honor our history
It promotes peace
The rose was literally named after the impending global peace and thus this day marks a day of harmony and peace. You can offer a Peace rose plant to your nearest and dearest and manifest peaceful energy.
Roses are beautiful
Roses are an absolutely beautiful flower and they also promote and symbolize love. The Peace rose, which looks exotic with its crimson-pink edges, can make anyone fall in love with it and evoke a sense of calm.