Roots and Routes

Rosa ‘Rosie the Riveter’

• Introduced by Weeks Roses in 2017
• Bred by Christian Bedard
• Class: Floribunda
• Multi-toned blend of orange-gold suffused with pink shading, complemented by a distinct gold reverse on the petals
• Moderate fruity scent with spicy undertones and a hint of cinnamon
• Parentage: Hotel California x Distant Drums

The Rosie the Riveter rose produces clusters of richly colored, old-fashioned blooms and carries a moderate fragrance combining fruity notes with spice and cinnamon. The variety was created as a tribute to the women whose work in factories, shipyards, and other industries helped sustain the American war effort during World War II.

Rosie the Riveter became the enduring symbol of the millions of American women who entered wartime industries during World War II, taking jobs as riveters, welders, machinists, and factory workers while millions of men served overseas. The name originated with a popular 1942 song about a fictional defense worker named Rosie and was reinforced by images such as Norman Rockwell’s 1943 Saturday Evening Post cover and J. Howard Miller’s famous “We Can Do It!” poster.

More than a symbol of wartime production, Rosie came to represent women’s strength, competence, and expanding opportunities in American life. With its warm metallic colors and vigorous, hardworking nature, the Rosie the Riveter rose makes a fitting floral tribute to the generations of women represented by her.