Do you know the different rose color’s distinct meanings and what each of them signifies individually or when used in a bouquet? Here’s every rose color meaning you SHOULD know!
A rose is a beautiful flower, regardless if it’s a garden rose or a standard one. Throughout history, it’s been used to symbolize romance and love. However, did you know that the meanings behind roses change according to the rose color you choose?
By choosing the right color, you could really get your desired message across. Of course, get the color wrong, and you could be saying something very wrong indeed!
To help you out, let’s dig a little further into the wonderful world of roses. The different colors have different meanings, but let’s explore why this classy flower is so special in the first place.
[Read: How to express love – The best ways to share love without using words]
What makes a rose so special?
Why is a single rose so special? Firstly, it’s a very attractive flower, which is probably enough to answer the question – who doesn’t love a pretty flower? However, there are other things at play here.
A rose symbolizes love and romance, but it also has a spiritual meaning. Many people deem a rose to be a symbol of God’s love. That is why you’ll often see roses in religious ceremonies, e.g., as part of a funeral wreath.
However, the most common use of a rose is to give to a loved one. On Valentine’s Day, roses are known to be in huge demand!
A single red rose has long been a sign of love, and giving a rose to a loved one shows them that you care and that you adore them with all your being. But there are many different colors of roses. You can mix and match them to get the right message across.
[Read: 28 cute and sweet ways to show love without using words]
Let’s delve into the world of rose colors and their meanings, but remember that you don’t always have to go by tradition. If you simply like the color of a rose and want to have it in your house, or give it to a loved one, go for it!
Why different rose color meanings are so important
The various colors of roses are not only good for decorations. By learning the symbolization of every color, you will save yourself from the horror of insinuating infatuation.
What if you mean to say “I love you as a friend” but send the red roses instead? Or worse, you’re sending your boss the flirty roses on their birthday. Yikes!
To avoid these awkward situations, it’s better to learn the different meanings of rose colors before sending them.
[Read: Color heart emoji – 16 ways to decode heart emojis, the meaning & use it right]
Rose colors and their meanings
Roses come in all different colors. Some are naturally a particular shade, while others have been synthetically created that way. Let’s look at each of the most common roses, their colors, and their meanings in turn.
[Read: The best wedding flowers by the seasons and colors and how to pick the best ones]
1. Red rose and what the color means
The red roses represent love, passion, beauty, and courage. It is the most iconic type of rose. The Romans invented the tradition of scattering red rose petals in order to set a romantic mood. ‘English Rose’ is the term used to describe a beautiful woman. Christians associate the red rose with the dainty virtue of the Virgin Mary. In every culture, the red rose is a timeless beauty.
This is a traditional flower that represents strong romantic love, passion, and desire. It’s the easiest to find as people will send a bouquet of red roses to their loved ones as special day gifts. It’s also often mentioned in songs and poetry. [Read: 20 meaningful, long love quotes to inspire and enthuse]
2. White rose and the meaning of its color
It was believed in Greek Mythology that the white roses turned red because the goddess Aphrodite bled all over them after being pricked by a thorn. So there are some theories that all different rose colors are born from the ‘original’ white roses.
Nowadays, a white rose is often associated with weddings and funerals. White roses convey respect, innocence, hope, and everlasting love. White roses can also symbolize young love, eternity, and new beginnings, but it’s also the perfect choice for remembering someone dear. [Read: Wedding night sex – How to make it an unforgettable experience]
3. Yellow rose and what the color says
Yellow symbolizes friendship and care, but this bright color is also used in funeral wreaths as a sign of remembrance. A yellow rose makes a lovely gift to give to a friend or family member simply to say “thank you” and express your appreciation for them.
This rose is also perfect as a celebration of an accomplishment. Some people also send this rose as a way to say “I’m sorry,” so if you’re not great with words, why not let the roses do the talking?
[Read: 28 heartfelt ways to say you’re sorry & apologize to someone you love]
4. Pink rose and the meaning behind the color
A graceful pink rose is a good choice to say thank you to someone or to show your love for someone in a gentle and sophisticated way. Pink roses hold the symbol of sweetness too, which means they’re a flexible flower that you can use for a lover, friend, or colleague.
This rose is surprisingly versatile. It can express sympathy as easily as it communicates admiration and joy. You can send a pink rose as a token of admiration or to say “thank you” or “congratulations.” And if you’re seeing someone you really like but are not ready for the red rose commitment, the pink rose is one safe option as a gift. [Read: How to tell your crush you like them – 20 low-risk free methods that work]
5. Black rose meaning
A black rose is often used during times of loss. You’ll often see them as part of a funeral procession. However, these roses also symbolize the end of a relationship or the end of a particular endeavor or thought. Of course, black roses aren’t grown naturally and are synthetically made.
The black rose is featured in fiction as black magic and black beauty, so it also signifies rebirth or a major change. Although this meaning is not as popular as the meaning of death, hatred, and loss, it proves that the black rose doesn’t only associate with negative things and has positive meanings as well.
6. Blue rose and the meaning of the blue color
Blue roses look beautiful, but again, they’re not grown naturally. A blue rose is used to symbolize desire, but it’s also a mysterious flower, probably because it’s not a naturally grown option.
The blue rose’s unique hue expresses sensitivity, vulnerable feelings, and unattainableness. So If you love someone but know they don’t feel the same way back, a blue rose will symbolize that. [Read: Requited love: 17 ways to turn unrequited love into reciprocation]
7. Orange rose and its meaning
Orange is the resulting color of red and yellow.
Bright and vibrant orange roses are a perfect choice if you’re feeling upbeat and happy. If you want to give thanks and show that you have a passion for something or someone, an orange rose is a great symbol.
Orange roses can be used if you’re selecting a rose to give your boss or your co-workers to show how much you appreciate and respect them without making it too awkward.
8. Ivory rose and the subtle meaning behind it
Some people can’t really tell the difference between a white rose and an ivory rose, but when looking at rose colors and their meanings, there is something to notice here.
Ivory roses are elegant and often play a part in wedding bouquets, as they’re luxurious and stylish. [Read: 40 most romantic songs for your wedding dance]
9. Lavender rose and its meaning
You must admit that a pastel lavender rose is a pretty beautiful sight to behold! These are often seen during the spring months and symbolize fascination and have a regal, majestic feel to them.
They’re also a sign of love at first sight. So if you meet that special someone and instantly know that they’re The One, send them a lavender rose! [Read: 41 girlie things girls do that guys love & that make them crazy for you]
10. Peach rose and the meaning behind the color
A beautiful bouquet of peach roses conveys sincerity, genuineness, gratitude, and sweetness. It’s also used as a sign of thanks and loyalty. If you want to give thanks to someone, a bouquet with some peach roses is a perfect choice.
Because of their bright stunning color, peach roses are also a popular addition to spring and summer weddings! [Read: Wedding flowers by the seasons – 20 types to pick from]
11. Burgundy rose and what it means
Burgundy roses have a specific connotation of unconscious beauty. It was commonly known in the Victorian era that the deeper the color of the rose, the deeper the passion. So a burgundy rose represents a deep and intense passion that goes beyond that of the red rose.
If you want to show your partner that you’re absolutely and madly in love with them, the perfect way to do that is to send them a bouquet of gorgeous burgundy roses.
[Read: The dilemma of love – Should dating be passionate or practical?]
12. Green rose and its meaning
Yes, green roses do exist! These beautiful and serene flowers are rarely seen. If you do catch them, they’ll be around during the spring months.
Green roses have become the symbol of fertility, serenity, calm, and rebirth. Green roses are a good choice to give to someone who has just had a baby or someone who has found out that they are expecting. These roses are great, too, if you want to wish someone a speedy recovery after an illness. [Read: How to develop empathy and master the art of growing a real heart]
13. Coral rose and what it symbolizes
The coral rose represents enthusiasm and desire. It’s the perfect gift for someone you’re enthusiastic to get to know.
It’s one step down from the “I love you” red rose and is mostly viewed as the flirting rose. Do you have someone in mind to whom you want to give a coral rose? [Read: Friendly vs flirty – 22 signs to tell if someone is flirting with you]
14. Purple rose and its meaning
You might have heard of the purple rose as the ‘mystical rose’ for its royalty, enchantment, and majesty vibes. Purple roses come in different shades, from light purple to dark purple. While the lighter shades signify love at first sight or true love, the darker ones are associated with a more long-term romance.
Don’t hesitate to give your partner purple roses in different shades on your anniversary, be it deep purple roses or some other lighter ones; they will definitely appreciate it! [Read: Long-term relationship advice: tips to transform your love life]
15. Rainbow roses/multicolored and what the different colors tell you
You might be lucky enough to see a rose that has an ombre appearance to it, with several different colors merging into one. These are great choices to give someone for any happy occasion, such as welcoming a new baby, new job, anniversary, or birthday. Rainbow roses symbolize fun, happiness, and good wishes.
You can, of course, mix together different colors of roses and put together a bespoke message that you want to give to that person. By knowing the different rose colors and their meaning, you’ll be able to choose the right color to tell the recipient what you want them to know.
[Read: 25 best six-month anniversary date ideas & 100+ romantic date ideas]
Do you have to take notice of the traditional meanings?
Not necessarily! You can just give someone a rose because you like the color, and you don’t have to know what it means or even agree with it if you don’t want to. After all, the meaning would depend on your intention. That’s what is so great about flowers in general.
They can just be a gift to say, “thank you,” or “I’m thinking of you,” and you can delve into meanings if you choose to, or just keep it simple. Despite that, it’s a nice thing to know about, isn’t it?
[Read: 67 sweet but small romantic gestures that show love in the biggest way]
The way you send roses and what it means
Aside from the color, there is a meaning behind how you choose to send your roses, especially when it comes to red roses.
You can send your roses as a single rose, a dozen, two dozen, or opt for the long-stemmed type. Again, you can just choose to go with what looks good to you or what you can afford. But there is a meaning behind it if you want to go down the traditional route. [Read: How to write a heartfelt love letter like a true romantic]
For instance, sending a single, long-stemmed rose is normally done with a red rose. This is a simple yet effective way to tell someone that you love them.
A dozen roses often tell someone that you love them, you want them to be yours, or that you care. Two dozen roses are quite an extravagant gift. It takes the simple message of the rose’s color and amplifies it by two dozen!
If you’re looking for other flowers beyond a rose, use this list of the top 22 flowers that are a favorite among women!
Now you know about rose colors and their meanings, you can get your message across completely and without any misunderstanding!
