rose-tree
Definition
- Noun:
- A shrub or bush of the genus Rosa: "rose-tree" refers to a woody perennial plant of the rose family, typically bearing fragrant flowers with thorns on its stems. It is the plant from which roses grow, often cultivated in gardens for its ornamental blooms.
Usage Examples
- (A rose bush or shrub.)
- (A long-established rose plant.)
Advanced Usage
"to train a rose-tree": to shape or guide the growth of a rose bush, often by tying branches to a support.
- He trained the rose-tree to climb the trellis. (He directed the plant's growth upward.)
"a standard rose-tree": a rose bush grown on a tall, straight stem, resembling a small tree.
- A standard rose-tree lines the pathway, creating an elegant entrance. (A rose bush with a single, elevated trunk.)
Variants and Related Words
Rose (n): the flower itself, or the plant more generally.
- The rose on the bush is deep red. (The flower of the rose-tree.)
Rosebush (n): a synonym for rose-tree, emphasizing its bushy form.
- The rosebush needs pruning in early spring. (The rose plant as a shrub.)
Rosaceous (adj): belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae).
- Apple trees are also rosaceous plants. (Related to the rose family.)
Synonyms
- Rosebush: a shrub bearing roses.
- Rose shrub: a bush-like rose plant.
Phrasal Verbs
Grow up (a rose-tree): to cultivate or raise a rose bush.
- She grew up the rose-tree from a cutting. (She nurtured the plant from a small piece.)
Cut back (a rose-tree): to prune the plant to control growth.
- You should cut back the rose-tree after flowering. (Trim the branches.)
Related Idioms
Under the rose-tree: an obsolete idiom meaning "in secret" or "confidentially" (from the Latin sub rosa).
- They discussed the matter under the rose-tree. (They spoke privately, as if under a rose symbolizing secrecy.)
A bed of roses: an easy, comfortable situation (not directly using "rose-tree" but related to roses).
- Life is not always a bed of roses. (Life is not always easy.)