Roses Symbolism, Roses Meaning, and More!

Roses: Symbolism, Meaning & How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet 

Whether you’re sending roses for love, friendship, sympathy, or celebration, roses speak a powerful language of emotion. Their beauty is timeless, but the meanings behind their colours, presentation, and even the number you give are steeped in history, culture, and emotion.

We’ll explore what roses mean, how to use rose symbolism thoughtfully, and how to choose the right rose for every occasion — whether it’s Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, a heartfelt sorry, or just “thinking of you.”

A Flower With a Story

Roses have been cherished for centuries not just for their beauty but for the emotions they express. Across cultures and eras, roses have appeared in myth, poetry, art, ceremonies, and celebrations. In ancient Greece and Rome, roses were connected to goddesses of love and beauty, symbolizing passion that transcends time.

Over time, roses have come to represent love, respect, beauty, admiration, purity, and more — depending on their colour, number, and arrangement. Today, people continue to give roses to express emotions when words don’t feel enough

The Language of Rose Colours 

Choosing rose colour isn’t just about looks — each colour can enhance your message.

Bridal rose	Bridal roses symbolize purity, love, and new beginnings. Traditionally found in soft whites, creams, blush tones, and gentle pastels, bridal roses are timeless and deeply romantic
Black & Dark Roses	Black roses (or very deep maroon/ink tones) aren’t about negativity — they often symbolize mystery, change, rebirth, or the end of one chapter and the beginning of another
Rainbow Roses	Rainbow roses are bold, playful, and full of personality. Rather than carrying one traditional meaning, they symbolize joy, individuality, creativity, and celebration.
Red rose	Red roses are the most iconic expression of romantic love and passion. They say “I love you deeply.” Perfect for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or major romantic moments.
Pink rose	Pink roses are warm and tender. They speak of admiration, gratitude, and joy — perfect for birthdays, congratulations, or simply thanking someone special.
Orange rose	Orange roses convey energy and desire — a vibrant choice that bridges the gap between friendship and romance.
Yellow rose	Formerly associated with negative feelings like jealousy or infidelity but has since evolved to being associated with much warmer feelings like friendship and caring.
Lavender rose	Lavender and purple roses speak of enchantment, elegance, and unique admiration — perfect when you want someone to feel truly special and admired.
White rose	White roses symbolize purity, innocence, and peace. They’re classic for weddings, new beginnings, and sincere respects in sympathy or remembrance.

The Meaning of Rose Counts

The number of roses you give can also send a message. These traditional meanings are widely recognized:

• 1 Rose — Love at first sight, or “You’re the one.”

• 3 Roses — “I love you.”

• 6 Roses — “I love you and I miss you.”

• 8 Roses — Support and encouragement.

• 9 Roses — Eternal love.

• 12 Roses — Perfect love.

Numbers can be deeply personal — feel free to mix and match for meaningful messages.

The standard for number of roses in arrangements are typically 1, 6, and 12, however requests for other quantities are not uncommon.

More Than Romance: Roses for Every Occasion

Roses aren’t just for lovers. Their symbolism extends into:

Celebrations & Friendships

Yellow or orange roses are joyful and celebratory, great for birthdays, achievements, or simply brightening someone’s day.

Gratitude & Appreciation

Soft pinks and pastel roses are perfect for showing thanks to a friend, coworker, or mentor.

Sympathy & Reflection

White roses speak of peace and remembrance, especially when words fall short.

Milestones & New Beginnings

Lavender or mixed-colour bouquets can mark promotions, graduations, or new life chapters.

Why Roses Still Matter Today

Roses have evolved from ancient symbols in mythology to everyday language for emotion. They help us celebrate love, show appreciation, offer comfort, and mark life’s big moments. Their meanings are layered, rich, and resonant — making them more than just a gift.

The next time you send roses, think about what you want them to say. Every colour, count, and arrangement can add emotional depth and intention.

After all, roses don’t just look beautiful — they communicate what sometimes words cannot

Roses: Symbolism & Meaning — FAQ

1. What do roses symbolize in general?

Roses most commonly symbolize love, beauty, and emotion, but their meaning changes depending on colour, number, and context. They can express romance, friendship, gratitude, respect, sympathy, or celebration.

2. Are roses only for romantic occasions?

Not at all. While red roses are strongly linked to romance, roses are incredibly versatile. Yellow roses are perfect for friendship, pink roses for appreciation, white roses for sympathy or new beginnings, and mixed roses for celebrations.

3. What colour roses should I choose if I’m unsure?

If you’re unsure, soft pink, white, or mixed-colour roses are always a safe and thoughtful choice. They feel warm, elegant, and appropriate for most occasions.

4. What do red roses really mean?

Red roses traditionally symbolize deep love, passion, and commitment. They’re most often given for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or meaningful romantic moments.

5. What do white roses represent?

White roses symbolize purity, peace, sincerity, and new beginnings. They’re commonly used for weddings, sympathy arrangements, and moments of remembrance.

6. What is the meaning of yellow roses today?

Today, yellow roses represent friendship, joy, warmth, and positivity. While they once symbolized jealousy in older traditions, modern meanings are overwhelmingly cheerful and uplifting.

7. What do pink roses symbolize?

Pink roses express admiration, appreciation, grace, and gratitude. They’re a beautiful choice for birthdays, thank-you gifts, congratulations, or just because.

8. Do the number of roses really matter?

They can, if you want them to. Certain numbers have traditional meanings (like 12 roses for love or 3 roses for “I love you”), but personal intention always matters more than strict rules.

9. How many roses should I send for Valentine’s Day?

Classic choices include 12, 18, or 24 roses, but there’s no “wrong” number. What matters most is the gesture and the thought behind it.

10. Are mixed-colour rose bouquets okay?

Absolutely. Mixed rose bouquets are modern, expressive, and often feel more personal. They can combine different meanings into one thoughtful arrangement.

11. Can roses be used for sympathy or funerals?

Yes. White, cream, or soft pastel roses are commonly used in sympathy arrangements. They convey peace, respect, and remembrance in a gentle way.

12. What roses are best for saying thank you?

Pink or peach roses are ideal for expressing gratitude and appreciation. They feel warm, sincere, and elegant without being overly romantic.

13. Do roses last longer than other flowers?

Roses are known for their longevity when properly cared for. Fresh roses can last a week or longer with clean water, trimmed stems, and basic care.

14. What if I don’t know the meaning of a specific rose colour?

That’s okay — most recipients focus on the beauty and gesture rather than exact symbolism. If you’d like guidance, our team is always happy to help you choose something meaningful.