Rockrose -- Cistus incanus, Cistus villosus or Cistus salvifolius
Genesis 37:12-36 tells the story of Joseph being sold by his brothers to a caravan carrying laudanum. Although some translations use 'myrrh' instead of laudanum, botanists have little doubt as to the true plant genus because myrrh is not native to the Holy Lands. The laudanum is a product of rockroses, shrubs a few feet tall that have a white flower with a slight purple tinge. When the stems are bruised, a gummy substance, which is sweet smelling leaks from the stem. Goats and sheep that eat this shrub wind up with the gum being stuck in their hair. The herdsmen collect the gum by combing their animals' hair. It has been used as a dressing for wounds, skin ointments and perfumes.
Cultivation: Plant in any well-drained garden soil. The plant is estimated to be hardy to about 20°F.
Rose of Sharon -- Narcissus tazetta
Both Isaiah 35:1 and Song of Solomon 2:1-2 mention roses. You may also find rose translated as crocus. Residents of the Holy lands called any bulb-forming plant a rose. There were true roses native to Palestine, but they don't have the bright flowers of the bulbous plants. The best guess botanists have made is that these are the wild daffodils (Narcissus) that grew throughout the region.
Cultivation: Daffodils will grow in any well-drained garden soil. They should be planted 6 inches deep. Use fertilizer with high amounts of calcium and phosphorus (bone meal is excellent). Daffodils have few pests but many get some viruses in warmer climates. If this occurs, destroy the plant.
Scarlet Turk' s Cap Lily -- Lillium chalcedonicum
The Shulamite maiden in Solomon 5:13 compares the red lips of her beloved to a lily). Bible scholars believe the plant referred to in this passage is the Scarlet Turk's Cap Lily that grows 3-4 foot tall and has brilliant scarlet flowers.
Cultivation: Plant in any well drained garden soil, about 6 inches deep. A full sun location will produce the best results. Check your package for other directions and hardiness zones. If this species isn't available, plant any of the 'Turk's Cap' type lilies.
