Historically the bloomers of war? (5)

I believe the answer is:

roses

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'war?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for roses that I've seen before include "chocolates" , "Ramblers, for example" , "''They are not long, the days of wine and ...'' (Dowson)" , "Flowers, usually red, pink, white or yellow" , "Occupants of bed" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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