April 23, 2014

Ottawa –

Red is for love, pink for gratitude and white for purity. After one of the coldest, longest winters in recent memory, Canada Post celebrates the warmer weather and the symbolic rose with the annual issue of the floral stamp series.

One of Canada Post’s most popular series, these springtime stamp issues are prized by brides-to-be and gardening enthusiasts.

The two Permanent™ rate stamps each feature a spectacular rose. On one, the velvety red hybrid tea 'Konrad Henkel' and on the other, a creamy white hybrid tea with warm gold undertones called 'Maid of Honour.' The Official First Day Cover features a peachy-pink graniflora 'Rainbow Sorbet.'

All of the roses featured on the stamp products were photographed at the Montréal Botanical Garden. Founded in 1931 by botanist Brother Marie-Victorin, the Montréal Botanical Garden is recognized as a National Historic site due to its major role in advancing the botanical sciences. The garden has a collection of 22,000 plant species and cultivars, ten exhibition greenhouses, 20 thematic gardens, an arboretum and the Tree House. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Quebec.

About the stamps

The Roses stamps measure 26 mm x 32 mm and use lithography in six colours. Lowe-Martin will print the stamps, which are available in booklets of 10 stamps, on souvenir sheets of two stamps and in a coil of 50 stamps measuring 24 mm x 20 mm. The stamps were designed by Isabelle Toussaint Design graphique featuring photos taken at the Montréal Botanical Garden / Montréal Space for Life. The Official First Day Cover will be cancelled in Montréal, Quebec. To purchase philatelic products, please visit canadapost.ca/shop.