I used to not be a big fan of roses -- but with over a hundred species and thousands of cultivars, I've definitely found some I love!
Yes and their smell is very distinctive. 
They have got to be one of the most popular ingredients in perfumes -- and they have a cultural significance in many societies, too.
I personally don't like rose smelling perfumes but a red rose is considered a symbol of love.
The Red Rose of Lancashire also served as a heraldic symbol and badge of Henry IV of England...just one of many times the rose has served as symbol!