When you think of Georgia, you may imagine juicy peaches, the bustling city of Atlanta, or beautiful coasts dotted with live oaks covered in Spanish moss. But what is the state flower of Georgia? Although this southern state boasts many beautiful blooms, the Cherokee rose gets the title of state flower.
About the Georgia State Flower
The Cherokee rose (Rosa laevigata) is a climbing plant that produces large, fragrant, white roses. Its scraggly vines can reach up to 30 feet tall and are covered with lots of thorns. The white flowers bloom in late spring and can reach over three inches wide. Although the Cherokee rose is the state flower of Georgia, it’s not native to this southern state. In fact, it’s not even native to the United States!
This rose originated in parts of Asia including China, Vietnam, and Laos. It was introduced to the United States in 1780 and soon became widespread throughout the southeastern United States in the same areas that the Cherokee call home. Although the rose wasn’t important to the Cherokee people, the plants’ and peoples’ overlapping ranges lead to the rose’s common name.
While the Cherokee don’t give this invasive plant much significance, others came to view it as a symbol of the Cherokee removal from Georgia. After the signing of the Treaty of New Echota, the United States Army began forcing Cherokee people in Georgia west to Oklahoma. The resulting journey was known as the Trail of Tears, due to the horrible conditions along the route. The rose’s white petals are viewed as symbols of the Cherokee, and the yellow stamens represent their stolen land.
History of the Cherokee Rose
The Cherokee rose became the state flower of Georgia on August 18, 1916. The Georgia Federation of Women’s Clubs supported the symbol, and the Governor Nathanial Harris signed it into law.
The rose was largely chosen due to its symbolism of the Cherokee removal from Georgia. It has remained the Georgia state flower for over 100 years.
The Legend of the Cherokee Rose
Although many people think the rose wasn’t important to the Cherokee people, there is a legend that speaks to the plant’s origins. During the Trail of Tears, some men witnessed the pain their people were suffering, so they called upon their creator to send something to brighten their journey and lift their spirits.
The legend has it that as women wept, plants appeared at each spot their tears hit the ground. The plant would produce beautiful white flowers with yellow centers that symbolized the white man’s greed for gold. The leaves would be made up of seven leaflets, with one representing each of the seven traditional clans.
The plant would spread throughout the trail, reminding people of the Cherokee people even after they were forced to flee. Today, this remains true, with the Cherokee rose flourishing throughout much of the southeast United States.
How to Grow the Cherokee Rose
Since the Cherokee rose is a non-native and invasive plant, you should think twice before you plant it at home. One plant can quickly spread and take over large sections of your yard or garden. Instead, consider planting native roses, like the common wild rose (Rosa virginiana) or prairie rose (Rosa arkansana). You can even find some of these native roses on our full list of state flowers!
If you decide you really want to plant a Cherokee rose, make sure you live in zones 7-10. If so, choose a well-draining location with full to partial sun. The plants aren’t picky about soil and can tolerate both clay and sand as well as rocky ground. Water deeply in the summer and make sure to plant in an area where the vines have room to expand. If you provide an arbor or trellis, the plant will grow on top of it.
Order Flowers You Love
Now that you know about the Georgia state flower, it’s time to examine the blooms that symbolize other states. We’ve put together comprehensive guides that will help you learn about the state flower of Indiana and other states.
If you just want to order fresh flowers, we can help with that too. We offer a variety of sustainable, fresh bouquets available for easy flower delivery. Browse our options, select your favorites, and schedule a delivery for yourself or a loved one.
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