The Meaning of Roses

Sending a bunch of roses to the one you love, sounds simple in theory.

You browse through a few online flower shops, find an arrangement that looks pretty, maybe write a nice message, click the mouse and they're on their way.

But did you realise that the colour, number and type of roses, each has a particular meaning?

You might think you were just sending a friendly bunch of flowers to cheer them up, when the traditional meaning was actually a declaration of love, or virtual marriage proposal!

Here are some of the generally understood meanings of roses.

Red roses: The traditional romantic flower, they are the best way to say “I love you”, especially on Valentine’s Day. It can also mean desire, passion, courage, respect, beauty, sincerity, perfection and congratulations.

White roses: Innocence, spiritual love and purity. The classic rose for brides. They can also mean heavenly, truth, reverence, confession and silence.

Pink roses: Grace, elegance and gentility. Also may mean happiness, sweetness, appreciation, gratitude and thank you.
Deep pink roses: Appreciation, admiration and thanks.

Light pink roses: Admiration or sympathy.

Lavender or lilac roses: Enchantment, love at first sight.

Peach roses: Gratitude, appreciation, admiration, sympath, sociability and friendship.

Light peach roses: Modesty.

Coral roses: Desire and passion.

Orange roses: Passionate desire, enthusiasm, fascination and pride.

Yellow roses: Happiness, friendship, joy, gladness, freedom, a new beginning, as a cheer me up, or for congratulations.

Burgundy roses: Unconscious beauty

If that wasn’t enough to remember, a combination of flowers also has a particular meaning.

Red and yellow roses: Happiness and celebration.

Red and white roses: Unity, an engagement.

White and yellow roses: Harmony.

The type of flower has a significance,

Rosebuds: Youth and beauty.

Thornless roses: Love at first sight.

A single rose in full bloom: I love you (still).

A bouquet of roses in full bloom: Gratitude.

Last but not least, take care with the number of roses you send.

One rose: I love you.

Two roses: Mutual love.

Two roses intertwined: Marry me.

Six roses: I want to be yours.

A dozen roses: Go steady with me.

Two dozen roses: Thinking about you twenty-four hours per day.

Given that the colour of roses in particular may have multiple meanings, it’s a good idea to make it clear how you feel, on a note accompanying your gift of flowers.

That way you’ll avoid strange silences next time you meet, as your partner anxiously waits for you to say some special words.

So if you’re thinking about sending some flowers, first of all decide what kind of meaning you’d like the flowers to send. For example: love, friendship, congratulations or admiration. Then choose one of the appropriate colours.

Spend some time crafting a personal message. If you’re sending flowers to someone at work, they’ll probably be surrounded by other people when they receive them, and someone will ask what the message says.

For a finishing touch, arrange to meet your partner after work, to give them a lift home. They’ll feel extra special, and it’s much better than balancing a big bunch of flowers on a crowded train or bus.

Even better - send them chocolate as well!