Flowers sprung up: start of spring? (5)

I believe the answer is:

roses

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'flowers' is the definition.
(rose is a type of flower)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for roses that I've seen before include "Thorny shrubs with bright flowers" , "These flowers in one's cheeks usually denote health" , "Flowers of 15th century war" , "the wars" , "Flowers for watering cans?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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