This image is found in a short Hebrew Scripture verse: "I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys" (Song of Solomon 2:1). This book---also known as the Song of Songs---was written by an unknown poet after the time of the Babylonian Exile (538 B.C.)
Besides romantic love, both the book and the phrase also describe the love God has for humanity. As the New American Bible states, "In Christian tradition, the Song has been interpreted in terms of the union between Christ and the Church...and Christ and the individual soul."
Therefore, Jesus is often called the "rose of Sharon" as in this 1911 hymn of the same name: "Lord Jesus, my sweet Rose of Sharon/my Prophet, my Priest and my King/To thee I will sing all my praises/ For blessings Thy mercy doth bring."
In 1994, various Gospel musicians also recorded a "Rose of Sharon" selection for the album, "From Savior: the Story of God's Passion for His People."
In addition, many mainstream bands, solo artists, and writers have included this image in their song titles or lyrics including Bob Dylan, Xiu Xiu, Kate Bush, Killswitch Engage and Robert Hunter.