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Federation Flower for the ACT
The Canberra Federation Rose
As part of the Centenary of Federation commemorations, each state and territory
of Australia has selected a Federation floral emblem. The ACT Centenary of Federation
floral emblem is the Canberra Rose.
This Australian-raised rose was selected for its strong association with Canberra and Federation, through the history of the National Rose Gardens. These gardens were a testing ground for Australian-raised roses and were made possible by roses and funds donated by other states, the Canberra community and wives of Parliamentarians.
The roses of Canberra held symbolic significance for the residents of the new capital. The Canberra Times wrote that the politicians and civil servants of the day could 'look up from their responsible tasks to see the faith of a people blooming in their midst'.
The Canberra Rose is a link between one of our capital's historic sites, the National Rose Gardens, and the contemporary city of Canberra. Both are testing grounds for new enterprise and developments through the efforts of the Australian people.
Rosa 'Canberra Rose' bears clusters of light pink flowers, which change to burgundy with age. It has a pleasant fragrance and is ideal for home gardens.
Extracted from: material produced by the ACT Centenary of Federation Committee Tel: 02-6207 2001