How do I make jpeg image background transparent?

[nutmeg]

Thanks for the links! but isn't the answer I'm looking for.

I don't want to remove the background as there's nothing to remove.
I want to know how to make the white background of the Rose invisible when it is placed in illustrator. Please look at the example attached.
Anyone know how I could do that either with Photoshop or Illustrator?
Thanks!