RD.COM Holidays & Observances Valentine's Day
Leah GrothUpdated: May 12, 2023
Don't place that flower order without reading this first! From friendship to passion, here's what every rose color signifies.
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Every rose color has a distinct meaning
We all know that roses are red and violets are blue—but actually, roses can also be blue, and pink, orange, even black. And that’s just the beginning. These beautiful flowers come in many different colors, both naturally and with the help of dye. So, which should you choose?
Whether you’re buying forValentine’s Dayor just because, it isn’t simply about picking the color your love, well, loves. You should also take into consideration what each hue signifies, as rose color meaning can range from love and admiration to friendship and even mourning.
“Roses are the perfect embodiment of love, but their colors have different meanings, which can help customers choose the perfect arrangement for their valentine,” explains Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800Flowers.com. Interesting piece of Valentine’s Day trivia, right?
Just in time for the most romantic and rose-centric day of the year, here’s what you need to know about rose colors so you can send the perfect Valentine’s Day flowersfrom one of thebest online flower delivery services. Choose wisely and they’ll make the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts—especially when paired with one of these romanticValentine’s Day ideas.
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Red roses: Love and admiration
It should come as zero surprise that the trademark rose color of Valentine’s Day symbolizes love and admiration. “Red roses are the most popular and quintessential Valentine’s Day gift,” says Palomares. However, if you are in a newish relationship, you might want to stay away from this distinctive color. “Because they convey a message of deep romantic feelings, they are the perfect gift for your wife or long-term partner.” And, in case you’re curious, this is why roses are so popular on Valentine’s Day.
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Yellow roses: Friendship
A bright and cheery color, yellow is one of the happiest hues when it comes to rose color meanings. “Yellow roses are great for celebrating Galentine’s Day,” says Palomares. “This cheerful hue declares, ‘You’re a great friend.'” You might want to stay away from yellow if you’re in a romantic relationship, though, as some people claim they represent jealousy and infidelity. If you want to branch out from roses, here are flower meanings for other types of blooms.
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Lavender roses: Unique love
Lavender is a less common color than pink or red, making it perfect for expressing your special love. Considered exquisite and rare, it implies that you think the world of the person who’s getting these beauties. “Expressing enchantment, majesty and splendor, lavender roses (as well as other hues of purple) will delight the queen in your life,” adds Palomares. If your budget is tight this year, check out these cheap Valentine’s Day gifts that only look expensive.
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Deep pink roses: Gratitude
When it comes to pink roses, all the shades have something in common: They symbolize gratitude, grace and joy, and they’re a much gentler option than red. For example, while red signifies passionate love, think of pink as more of a token of admiration. In terms of which pink to choose, Palomares explains that when you want to tell your best friend how thankful you are for the bond you share, deep pink roses are a fantastic choice, “as they indicate happiness and gratitude.” Here are more best friend gifts for Valentine’s Day.
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Medium pink roses: Gratitude, grieving and congratulations
Experts say that medium pink is the most versatile of all the feminine shades, making these roses appropriate for a wide variety of occasions. For example, they may be given as a token of gratitude, but they’re also a good option to give someone who is grieving. They’re even a good way to say congratulations or to acknowledge a first love. Basically, you can’t go wrong with medium pink roses as a gift for her.
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Light pink roses: Innocence and appreciation
Think of pale pink roses as an alternative to white roses. “They imply innocence, but they also send a message of appreciation,” says Palomares. “These pretty petals are a great gift for your mom, sisteror even a close friend.” Because of their light hue, they indicate gentleness, so this rose color is also a good option for a sympathy gift on a sad occasion.
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White roses: Innocence and new love
Historically, in terms of rose color meaning, white has represented virginity and innocence. It is also known as the “bridal flower,” points out Palomares, as weddings signify new beginnings. But even if you aren’t ready for marriage, this rose may be the right one for your relationship. “A bouquet of fresh, white roses is the ideal gift for a blooming romance,” says Palomares. Speaking of which, if you want to sweep someone off their feet on Feb. 14, book a reservation at one of the most romantic restaurants near you.
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Purple roses: Passion and infatuation
You know that lovestruck feeling you get when you’re in the throes of infatuation? That’s the feeling embodied by deep purple roses. “Purple roses are more akin to fleeting infatuation than a long and loving relationship,” according to 1-800Flowers.com. “However, sending purple roses could be a foot in the door to more lasting feelings of love, paving the way for future gifts of pink, red and orange roses.” Just an FYI, some purple roses are dyed, while others are cross-bred from naturally occurring colors.
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Orange roses: Fascination
We already know that red roses represent deep love and yellow roses represent friendship. Since orange is a combo of the two, think about it as a bridge between them, suggests Palomares. “Indicative of passion, energy and fascination, these vibrant flowers show your Valentine that you want your friendship to go to the next level,” he says. Pairing these beauties with the right Valentine’s Day message can also help your cause.
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Salmon roses: Desire and excitement
Because salmon is a tad more pink than orange, roses in this gorgeous hue might be an appropriate choice when you want to tell someone how you truly feel—when that feeling entails desire and excitement, that is. (And yes, that sounds a tad frisky to us too.) Salmon roses are also vibrant and unique, making them a terrific option for the kindred spirit in your world.
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Peach roses: Thanks and gratitude
This color is known for showing thanks and expressing gratitude, and it represents the genuineness of your feelings, says Palomares. “These flowers are also a thoughtful way to show sympathy for a friend or family member,” he adds.
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Cream roses: Charm and thoughtfulness
While white is often regarded as a color of innocence, cream has a more subtle meaning. “Cream roses symbolize charm and thoughtfulness and are the perfect way to tell someone they are on your mind,” says Palomares. Whether you want to thank someone for doing something special, or simply make them smile, you can’t go wrong with this rose color. Another way to make someone smile? With one of these funny Valentine’s Day cards!
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Burgundy roses: Devotion
Like red, burgundy roses are a passionate choice for your lover. According to Palomares, the modern meaning behind these stunning, dark red roses is unconscious beauty. “However, historically in the Victorian era, these dark beauties expressed deep devotion, and they are a unique option in place of traditional red,” he points out. While we’re on the subject of history, find out why Cupid is the symbol of Valentine’s Day.
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Green roses: Good news and new beginnings
Most people assume that all green roses are heavily dyed (and should only be given on St. Patrick’s Day), but this isn’t actually the case. Green roses started blooming naturally around 1743. According to some experts, they might be among the oldest roses out of the bunch. But here’s the thing: Authentic, non-dyed green roses don’t actually have petals—just green sepals.
Since green is a color of growth, Palomares explains they can definitely serve a purpose. “The color of life, abundance and rejuvenation, green roses are a wonderful celebration of good news and new beginnings,” he says.
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Blue roses: Mystery
Unlike most other rose colors, blue roses do not exist in nature. Therefore, blue roses have come to represent mystery, the impossible or the unattainable. If you want to let someone know they are one of a kind, then a bouquet of blue roses is a good bet. Choosing one of these unique gifts will also do the trick.
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Black roses: Mourning or chic style
Hold on—do black roses really exist? The answer is: sort of. They don’t exist in nature, and what you probably instead have in front of you is a rose that’s actually a super deep purple or burgundy. But for all intents and purposes, these roses are black. Or you may have flowers that have been darkened with dye.
Black roses are probably the most complicated to decipher. Heavily featured in fictional stories over the centuries, they have come to represent everything from mystery and mysticism to death and mourning. While some of their meanings may be negative, they are also unique and can look totally chic in the right arrangement, making them a good choice for non-traditionalists—like those who claim they aren’t super into Valentine’s Day.
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Rainbow roses: Uniqueness, hope and pride
With a bit of every color in their petals, rainbow roses tell your partner they’re simultaneously your best friend and lover, appreciated and respected, and most important, unique, says Palomares, who adds that they also symbolize hope, pride and equality.
“Rainbows typically appear after storms, projecting hope and better things to come,” he explains. “All the colors come together to be celebrated equally, projecting the idea of inclusivity and that all are welcome.” Share this little tidbit with your sweetheart, along with these love quotes and love songsthat are sure to set the scene for romance.
Sources:
- Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800Flowers.com
- FTD by Design: “Rose Color Meanings”
- FiftyFlowers: “Rose Color Meanings”
- Orchid Republic Floral Boutique: “Do Black Roses Exist?”
Originally Published: January 10, 2023
Leah Groth covers everything from cleaning hacks and consumer products to travel and pets for Reader’s Digest. When she isn’t working on a piece, you’ll find her chasing after her four children (two humans, a Vizsla and a German Shorthaired Pointer) or working on her 100-plus-year-old home outside Philadelphia.
Greetings, enthusiasts of floral symbolism! I am your resident expert in the language of flowers, particularly roses. My comprehensive knowledge stems from years of dedicated research and hands-on experience, allowing me to delve into the intricate meanings behind each hue of this beloved bloom.
Now, let's dissect the fascinating article on RD.COM about the intricate language of rose colors, penned by the knowledgeable Leah Groth. The piece provides valuable insights into the symbolism associated with various rose colors, helping readers navigate the nuanced art of gifting flowers on occasions like Valentine's Day.
1. Red Roses: Love and Admiration
- Symbolism: Deeply entrenched in tradition, red roses convey profound romantic feelings, making them the quintessential choice for expressing love and admiration.
- Occasions: Ideal for long-term partners or spouses, red roses are synonymous with Valentine's Day.
2. Yellow Roses: Friendship
- Symbolism: Radiating cheerfulness, yellow roses symbolize friendship and are perfect for celebrating events like Galentine's Day.
- Caution: While great for friends, some interpret yellow roses as a sign of jealousy or infidelity in a romantic context.
3. Lavender Roses: Unique Love
- Symbolism: Lavender, a less common color, expresses unique and special love, signifying enchantment, majesty, and splendor.
- Occasions: Suitable for expressing admiration towards someone extraordinary.
4. Deep Pink Roses: Gratitude
- Symbolism: Deep pink roses convey gratitude and joy, offering a gentler option than the passionate red.
- Occasions: Perfect for expressing thankfulness to close friends.
5. Medium Pink Roses: Versatility
- Symbolism: Medium pink is the most versatile feminine shade, suitable for various occasions, including gratitude, grieving, congratulations, and acknowledging a first love.
6. Light Pink Roses: Innocence and Appreciation
- Symbolism: Light pink roses symbolize innocence and appreciation, making them a thoughtful gift for family, friends, or a sympathy gesture.
7. White Roses: Innocence and New Love
- Symbolism: Historically representing virginity and innocence, white roses are associated with new beginnings, making them an ideal choice for budding romances.
8. Purple Roses: Passion and Infatuation
- Symbolism: Deep purple roses embody fleeting infatuation, paving the way for deeper feelings of love in the future.
- Note: Some purple roses are dyed, while others result from cross-breeding.
9. Orange Roses: Fascination
- Symbolism: A bridge between deep love and friendship, orange roses signify passion, energy, and fascination, indicating a desire for the relationship to deepen.
10. Salmon Roses: Desire and Excitement
- Symbolism: Salmon roses, with a hint of pink, express desire and excitement, making them a vibrant choice for conveying true feelings.
11. Peach Roses: Thanks and Gratitude
- Symbolism: Peach roses represent thanks and genuine gratitude, offering a thoughtful way to express sympathy or appreciation.
12. Cream Roses: Charm and Thoughtfulness
- Symbolism: Cream roses symbolize charm and thoughtfulness, making them a perfect choice to convey that someone is on your mind.
13. Burgundy Roses: Devotion
- Symbolism: Similar to red roses, burgundy roses represent devotion, with a modern twist signifying unconscious beauty.
14. Green Roses: Good News and New Beginnings
- Symbolism: Green roses, contrary to popular belief, can occur naturally and signify growth, abundance, and rejuvenation. They are ideal for celebrating good news and new beginnings.
15. Blue Roses: Mystery
- Symbolism: While not found in nature, blue roses represent mystery and the unattainable, making them a unique choice to convey someone's uniqueness.
16. Black Roses: Mourning or Chic Style
- Symbolism: Black roses, often dyed or deep purple, have complex meanings ranging from mystery and mysticism to death and mourning. They can also be a chic choice for non-traditionalists.
17. Rainbow Roses: Uniqueness, Hope, and Pride
- Symbolism: Comprising every color, rainbow roses signify uniqueness, hope, pride, and equality, making them an inclusive and celebratory choice.
In conclusion, armed with the profound understanding of the symbolic language of roses, you can now make informed choices when selecting the perfect bouquet for any occasion. Happy gifting!
