A Guide to Rose Colours and Their Meanings!

Roses are timeless. They’ve been admired for centuries for their beauty, delicate fragrance, and most importantly, their rich symbolism. Across cultures and generations, roses have stood for love, friendship, gratitude, and even prosperity. No wonder they’re the flower we reach for when words fall short.

But here’s the fun part: not all roses say the same thing. Their colours tell different stories, carrying subtle messages that can completely change the mood of your gift. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, showing appreciation, or surprising someone special, the right rose colour adds that extra touch of thoughtfulness.

So, let’s break down what each colour means and when to gift them.

Red roses have long stood as the ultimate symbol of love and passion. Universally recognised as the flower of romance, they’ve been part of heartfelt gestures and grand declarations for centuries. It’s said that their rich, velvety hue mirrors the depth of emotion they represent; the deeper the red, the stronger the love.

These are just a few of the occasions when red roses make the perfect gift, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, weddings, or simply any moment you want to say “I love you.”

Pink roses carry a quiet kind of charm, graceful, expressive, and endlessly versatile. 

Where red roses speak of passion, pink ones tell gentler stories of admiration, affection, and gratitude. Their hues reveal subtle shifts in feeling: the soft blush of pale pink often symbolises sweetness and new beginnings, while richer shades reflect deeper appreciation and heartfelt emotion.

Because of their soft charm and effortless appeal, pink roses are a perfect choice for almost any occasion, from celebrating a birthday, showing appreciation to a friend, offering comfort in difficult times, or making Mum feel extra special on Mother’s Day.

Elegant and timeless, white roses are a popular choice for marking new beginnings, celebrating enduring love, or paying tribute to a life well lived. Their association with eternity gives them a quiet, profound meaning, perfect for both joyful milestones and heartfelt farewells.

White roses lend themselves beautifully to many moments in life, from the joy of weddings and christenings, where they celebrate purity and fresh beginnings, to anniversaries that honour lasting love, and even funerals or memorials, where their quiet elegance offers respect and remembrance.

Once associated with jealousy, yellow roses have since blossomed into a vibrant symbol of friendship, joy, and positivity. Their sunny hue feels like a little burst of happiness in any bouquet. Bright yellow roses are a gesture that says “smile” without words, perfect for celebrating connections, lifting spirits, or simply spreading a little cheer.

Yellow roses bring a touch of sunshine to any occasion, whether it’s celebrating a graduate’s success, brightening a housewarming celebration, or just making an ordinary day feel special for a friend.

Just when you thought roses couldn’t get any more fascinating, their charm extends beyond colour; even the number of stems you give tells a story. Let’s dive into the Secret Language of Rose Numbers to make sure your gesture says exactly what you mean. 

1 Rose: Love at first sight.

6 Roses: Deep admiration and “I want to be yours.”

9 Roses: Eternal love and commitment.

10 Roses: Perfection and admiration.

12 Roses: The perfect dozen to say “be mine.”

24 Roses: A grand gesture of devotion.

100 Roses: Love you for eternity, often used for grand romantic gestures or marriage proposals.

At the end of the day, roses aren’t just pretty petals. They’re storytellers, carrying emotions we sometimes struggle to put into words. Whether it’s love, gratitude, joy, or support, you’ll always find a rose to say it for you.

So why wait? Deliver some love today!