Middle Aged Mama

Blogging about my Midlife Adventures

Lessons from a Chameleon Rose

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I seem to be on a bit of a flower theme this week … yesterday it was poppies and sunflowers, today it’s roses!

The kids gave me a potted chameleon rose for Christmas, and it finally bloomed a week or so ago.

I’ve loved watching this beautiful display of nature in my very own backyard.

For those not familiar with a chameleon rose, the flowers gradually change colour completely, as they bloom.

My rose started out as a tiny yellow bud (apologies for the blurry photo, that’s what happens when you try to take pics without wearing your reading glasses) …

chameleon rose bud

Before opening to reveal a glorious yellow flower, the petals tipped with just a hint of pink and red …

barely open chameleon rose

As it reached full maturity, I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful blend of yellow and scarlet.

chameleon rose edged with blush pink
But even as it moved past the first – and even second and third blushes – of youth, it was still a spectacular bloom. The yellow faded to a creamy white, but the scarlet pink was more vibrant than ever!

pink chameleon rose

I couldn’t help but draw a parallel to our human life cycle.

Whatever stage of life we may find ourselves at, we can still be gorgeous: as teenagers; as young women; as middle aged mamas; and beyond.

Our lives may take many twists and turns, and don’t necessarily turn out the way we thought they would – and yet …

Even though my chameleon rose looks completely different as it nears the end of its days, it’s still the same flower.

I think there’s something in that for all of us, don’t you?!

Have you ever seen – or grown – a chameleon rose before?

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    • I have half a dozen miniature rose bushes, I love them too and often cut the flowers to put in a vase on my kitchen bench. My original one is the best, it seems to flower constantly. I have pink striped with white (the original), lavender, the chameleon, and a couple of red roses.

    • I have half a dozen miniature roses now, they are so pretty – I often pop the flowers in a vase on my kitchen bench. This particular one has a very faint scent.

  6. Wow! Most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen. You must have pretty awesome kids to get you that 😉 Glad it’s blooming at long last xxx

  7. That was a beautiful story and with the rose…what a lovely way to look at life. Nature teaches us so much doesnt she? Denyse x

  8. Oh yes, very true Janet. I’m more zen about the ageing process than I was a year ago and – I have to admit part of that has to do with connecting with more ‘mature aged’ bloggers and peeps with similar interests. I realise it’s just a new phase.

  9. I have never seen or heard of one before – now I want some in the garden. It’s nature amazing. And I love the comparison to life….

    • I love my miniature roses, though a couple of them don’t have any scent. How sad!!! This one has a very delicate smell.

  10. I love cameleon roses – and you know what Janet? I think it got more beautiful as it aged – I’m hoping people will say that about me too 🙂

  11. What a very gorgeous rose. And a great comparison. Yup, we can be beautiful at any age 🙂

    • We sure can, just look at all the ladies who’ve commented here, I think they’re all bloomin’ beautiful 😉

  12. Oh that is gorgeous Janet and a great analogy. We are all beautiful at each age and I love the way you have compared aging to that of the rose. The colour is spectacular I need some tips on growing roses my husband and I just can’t get them to grow!!!

    • I seem to have success with miniature roses, they thrive on neglect LOL