It is also the day of the miniature rose

October 7th has two "birthday flowers". Osmanthus, which I introduced in the previous post, and miniature roses. In Japan, miniature roses are called "mini roses". Quite a cute name. Indeed the flowers themselves are very cute, and dainty too. It is said that miniature roses were developed in Europe in the 19th century.

Like the name suggests, miniature roses are usually petit versions of roses. And like regular roses they come in many different varieties. Most of the ones I have seen in Japan have been climbers. The ones in this post are also climbers. The photo was taken in Higashimatsuyama in early June. Generally miniature roses, like roses, bloom twice a year; spring roses in May and autumn roses in October. But you can also find some roses in summer too. 

Miniature roses are said to mean "endless love" and "special achievements". They are the birth flower not just of October 7th, but also May 4th and October 22nd. Have you seen miniature roses during your time in Japan?