Roses are the most-sent flower in the world, and the color you choose says almost as much as the card. Send the wrong shade and a friendly thank-you can read as romance, or a heartfelt apology as a casual hello. Here is a simple guide to rose color meanings, and how to pick the right one.
Red roses: love and romance
Red is the language of love. It says I love you more clearly than any other flower, which is why it fills our studio every February. Send red for anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, proposals and any moment where you want there to be no doubt. Browse our red rose bouquets.
Deep, dark red feels more intense and passionate. Bright red feels joyful and confident.
Pink and blush roses: sweetness and admiration
Pink roses say I adore you, softly. They are romantic without being as serious as red, which makes them perfect for early dating, monthsaries and birthdays. Blush, the palest pink, is our most-requested shade for modern, elegant bouquets.
Hot pink feels playful and fun. Pale pink feels tender and gentle.
White roses: new beginnings
White roses stand for new beginnings and sincerity. They are beautiful for a new baby, a new home, a graduation, or an apology that comes from the heart. Paired with blush, white feels romantic and clean.
Yellow roses: friendship and joy
Yellow is the color of friendship and happiness. Send yellow roses to a best friend, a colleague who just got promoted, or anyone who needs a bright day. Because yellow reads as friendship, it is usually not the color to send a new love.
Peach and orange roses: gratitude and enthusiasm
Peach roses say thank you with warmth, and orange roses carry energy and excitement. Both are lovely for thank you gifts, congratulations and birthdays.
Lavender roses: enchantment
Lavender and lilac roses are rare and dreamy, often linked with love at first sight. They make a memorable choice when you want something unexpected.
How many roses should you send?
- 1 rose: love at first sight, or a simple I’m thinking of you.
- 3 roses: I love you.
- 12 roses: a dozen, the classic way to say be mine.
- 24 roses: I’m yours, every hour of the day.
- 50 roses: a love with no conditions.
- 99 or 100 roses: forever. The proposal and milestone number. See our grand bouquets.
Mixing rose colors
Combining colors lets you say more than one thing. Red and white together mean unity. Pink and white feel sweet and romantic. Red and yellow feel joyful and celebratory. When in doubt, a mix of blush, cream and white works for almost any relationship.
Roses for every occasion
- Anniversary: red, or red with blush. See anniversary flowers.
- Romance and proposals: red, in a big number. See love and romance.
- Apology: white or soft pink. See I’m sorry flowers.
- Birthday: pink, peach or a bright mix. See birthday flowers.
- Mother’s Day: pink and pastel. See Mother’s Day flowers.
Keeping your roses fresh
Trim the stems at an angle every two days, change the water, and keep them away from direct sun and aircon drafts. Most roses last five to seven days. For a rose that lasts for years, choose a rose bear.