Steps of being a flower…

My first thought was that this beauty was a Peony; but the leaves did not fit that category. Meet a Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa). Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg

Lincoln Park Zoo gardens this month are showing off; distracting my eyes from the animals as I pass by. This garden bed included these lush,  white flowers: Rose Rugosa. The large thick silky petals reminded me of Peonies but not quite. In fact the leaves provide the name “Rugosa” meaning wrinkled in Latin. And the buds were oblong as a rose instead of the ball shaped Peony buds. Once again I’ve learned of a new flower.

See the “wrinkled” rugosa leaves surrounding the yet to open flower bud. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
Sunlight seems to be inviting the flower to emerge from it’s cocoon of surrounding sepals. Summer is coming indeed. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
White reflects light but this Rose Rugosa appears to be lit from the inside demanding attention. Other buds are nearby and will provide a longer blooming period for this planting. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
Beautiful anticipation. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
Shadow and sunlight provides a view of the texture of the petals. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg
One remaining petal, still beautiful in itself, remains on the stem of the Rose Rugosa. Copyright 2022 Pamela
A trio of Rose Rugosa adds beauty to the Lincoln Park Zoo grounds. Copyright 2022 Pamela Breitberg

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