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If you’ve ever had to buy roses for someone, you know there are many different colors to choose from. While it may seem like a difference in preference, rose color meanings can actually play a huge role in the message you send someone. Even though roses typically are seen as an expression of love, the meaning behind a lavender rose and a yellow rose is vastly different. Once you’ve decided giving a rose sends the right message, you’ll want to consider which color depicts your feelings most accurately using the guide below!
Red roses are often considered the universal symbol of love. In most places around the world, everyone knows that receiving red roses—whether it’s one or a dozen—is how you say “I love you.” This rose color meaning conveys deep affection, such as desire or longing for your significant other.
Different shades of red signify different degrees of affection. For example, the typical bright red rose indicates romance, whereas a more burgundy shade suggests your feelings have not yet been revealed.
Pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, and joy. Overall, pink roses suggest a gentleness compared to the typical bright red rose. They are seen as a token of admiration when given to someone.
Just like with red roses, pink’s varying shades all have different rose color meanings. A dark pink is a way of saying thank you for showing your appreciation, whereas a pale pink indicates gentleness, especially when given for more sympathetic occasions. A medium pink rose can be used for all sorts of occasions, whether someone is grieving or when you want to say thank you, making it the most versatile of the different shades.
White has always been a symbol of purity, innocence and in some cases, chastity, and for roses, it is no exception. For that reason, white roses are often given at weddings and other ceremonial occasions like christenings and graduations.
However, white roses can also be given as a sign of respect or remembrance. It is a way to say “I’m thinking of you,” making them the appropriate choice to send someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one.
Though purple roses are not nearly as common, they indicate a fascination or adoration. Purple roses are often associated with royalty and splendor and were often given to queens and kings.
As a result, deep purple roses are great flowers to send for a happy occasion or celebration that make the receiver feel particularly special. Lavender roses, by contrast, mean “love at first sight.” Like it’s dark purple counterpart, this sentiment is coupled with a sense of enchantment, but the message is much more direct with lavender roses.
Yellow roses are a symbol of friendship and caring. Never send yellow roses to someone you are romantically interested in, as this suggests you would prefer to stay in the friend zone. In fact, yellow roses are one of the only roses that have no romantic meaning behind them.
Sending yellow roses to a friend is a lighthearted and kind way to show them you were thinking of them. It speaks towards optimism and is not likely to be mistaken as a romantic advance should you send them to a co-worker or friend.
Orange roses indicate enthusiasm and passion, making them a creative substitute for Valentine’s day roses and other holidays when people typically buy red roses. Sending orange roses conveys romance, but not nearly as much as a bouquet of red roses might.
Beyond passion, with its blend of red and yellow, the orange rose can also symbolize a budding romance or one in its early stages, especially if that romance stemmed from a friendship first. This makes orange roses a safe bet for the earlier phases of your relationship, but also offers variety from the red rose for long-term relationships.
Once you know the different rose color meanings, you can confidently send your loved one a bouquet that matches your feelings. Plus, if you’re feeling creative and want to express more than one feeling with your roses, send a bouquet of mixed roses! Just make sure to include the right colors based on how you feel!
Blue roses, like the black rose, represent mystery and illusion from their mesmerizing hue. In terms of love, blue roses embody ultimate desire and lust. Given as a gift they also represent unattainable love but unfathomable favor.
Blue Rose Meaning : Unattainable Love, Desire and Mystery
Black roses, commonly used during Halloween, represent death and the ending of a feeling, idea, or relationship. Like blue roses, black roses are not created naturally so they represent mystery and elusiveness. Spooky! If you are to receive or give black roses you are conveying the end of your relations with another or signifying death.
Black Rose Meaning: Death, Elusiveness and Farewell
“Rainbow roses," are unique gifts that represent happiness and joy. The brightness and range of colors in multicolored roses convey fun and make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or a new baby. Like mixed rose color bouquets, multicolored roses can be a great way to share multiple emotions and messages into one gift.
Mixing different rose colors into a bouquet is a personalized way to combine many messages into one display. Mixing pink and green roses can symbolize gentleness and harmony which would be a great gift to show love and affection to a family member or kind friend. Mixing red and ivory roses could mean your love is intense and tasteful. Sending a message through rose color meanings is an extraordinary way to share your true feelings.
For a complete breakdown of rose color meanings our floral expert Kate Law explains them in this video:
