The quick answer: Red roses mean romantic love, pink means gratitude and admiration, yellow means friendship, white means purity and new beginnings, orange means enthusiasm and attraction, and peach means sincerity and partnership. The colour you choose adds a message to your gift.
Roses have carried messages for centuries. The Latin phrase sub rosa, "under the rose," even means something told in secret. Pick the colour that says what you mean.
Rose colour meanings chart
| Colour | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Romantic love, passion, respect | Anniversaries, Valentine's Day, "I love you" |
| White | Purity, innocence, reverence | Weddings, sympathy, fresh starts |
| Yellow | Friendship, joy, remembrance | Friends, congratulations, get well |
| Light pink | Grace, gentleness, admiration | New relationships, moms, thank-yous |
| Dark pink | Gratitude, loyalty | Thank you, recognition |
| Orange | Enthusiasm, desire, excitement | Attraction, celebrations |
| Peach | Sincerity, friendship, partnership | Colleagues, clients, closing a deal |
| Lilac & purple | Enchantment, love at first sight | A first date, a crush |
| Blue | Fascination, the unattainable | A thrilling new connection, something unique |
| Black | Farewell, loss, or courage | Sympathy, dramatic statements |
What each rose colour means
Red roses: romantic love
The ultimate symbol of love and lasting passion, known everywhere as the lover's flower. Red roses also express deep respect.
White roses: purity and new beginnings
Often called the bridal rose, white stands for innocence, young love, truth and reverence. It's also a respectful choice for sympathy.
Yellow roses: friendship and joy
In Victorian times yellow meant jealousy. Today it means friendship, remembrance, joy and caring. It's the warm, sunny choice when romance isn't the message.
Light pink roses: grace and admiration
Soft and elegant, light pink says gentleness, grace and admiration.
Dark pink roses: thank you
Deeper pinks say gratitude and appreciation, along with loyalty.
Orange roses: enthusiasm and attraction
Warm and fiery, orange roses express admiration and attraction with a spark of excitement.
Peach roses: sincerity and partnership
Peach roses range from warm pink to rich salmon. They say sincerity, friendship and partnership. They're a smart, safe pick for a great working relationship or celebrating a new deal.
Lilac and purple roses: love at first sight
Almost mystical, lilac and purple roses suggest enchantment, desire and love at first sight.
Blue roses: fascination and the unattainable
Blue roses are a modern addition to the lineup. They stand for electric attraction, the thrill of a new encounter, and the impossible or unattainable. Blue roses don't grow naturally; they're dyed or tinted.
Black roses: farewell, or courage
Velvety black roses can express loss, farewell and sorrow. They can also stand for courage and resistance. "Black" roses are really very deep red varieties, or dyed.
What does the number of roses mean?
| Number | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Love at first sight, or "you're the one" |
| 3 | "I love you" |
| 6 | "I want to be yours" |
| 12 | "Be mine," a classic declaration of love |
| 24 | "I'm always thinking of you" |
| 50 | Unconditional love |
| 100 | Complete devotion |
Can I mix rose colours?
Yes. Mixing colours blends their messages. Red and white together mean unity, which makes them popular for weddings. Red and yellow together say joy and celebration. A mixed bouquet is a safe bet when you're not sure which message to send.
FAQ
What colour rose means friendship?
Yellow, with peach a close second.
What colour roses are good for a coworker or client?
Peach. It says sincerity and partnership, with no romantic signal.
What colour rose should I give on a first date?
Pink, lavender or orange. Save red for when things are serious.
What rose colour is for sympathy?
White, or black for a more dramatic farewell.
Are blue and black roses real?
Not naturally. Blue roses are dyed or tinted, and "black" roses are very dark red varieties or dyed.
What do a dozen red roses mean?
"Be mine." It's a classic declaration of romantic love.
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