Rose symbolism: The meanings of roses

Fancy a deeper dive?

We’ve got you. Keep scrolling to find out each rose’s individual meaning. 

Red Roses

Here’s a meaning many of us are already familiar with. For centuries, red roses have been used to represent love and romance. That’s why they’re a popular choice on Valentine’s Day. (Not for us though. We haven’t sold a single one at Valentine’s since 2021.)

But there are even more meanings to discover within this shade. A deep-toned red rose is thought to show that you are ready for a stronger bond (like serious commitment), while lighter red roses are slightly more carefree. They symbolise passion and desire.

Pink roses

Want to show someone how much you appreciate everything they do? Pink roses are for you. They express gratitude and admiration. We can’t think of a better pick for a particularly dedicated teacher. Or for that person who knows exactly what to say when you’re feeling low.

Pink roses are also said to represent femininity. Which makes them an ideal gift for events like engagement parties and baby showers.

And, like red roses, the symbolism of this stem can vary based on its shade. Hot pink expresses recognition and appreciation, while baby pink can signify grace and joy.

Peach Roses

Many use this delicate shade to show their gratitude. But, because peach roses also represent sincerity, we’d save them for those moments when you need to send a deep and heartfelt thank you. Perhaps to show a mentor how much of an impact they’ve had.

Their final meaning is loyalty. Making them a thoughtful choice for a coworker who’s gone above and beyond recently. Or a friend who’s helped you through a really tough spell.

Yellow Roses

It’s impossible to look at a bunch of sunny yellow roses and not feel all warm inside. So their meaning should come as no surprise. These blooms represent lasting happiness. 

Yellow roses are a popular pick between mates. That’s because, over the years, they’ve become a symbol of friendship. So, if you’re celebrating someone who makes life a whole lot brighter, pick this shade. 

Funnily enough, yellow roses were used to show jealousy in the Victorian era. We’re thankful that’s not the case anymore. 

White Roses

There’s a reason white roses are a common choice for weddings. This colour signifies grace and new beginnings. If there’s one you can’t RSVP-yes to, send a bouquet with these blooms to celebrate the happy couple instead.

Now, white and ivory may be similar in tone. But they have slightly different meanings. Ivory roses are a symbol of thoughtfulness, without any romantic meaning. Use these flowers to show someone you’re thinking of them. 

Orange Roses

This flower’s meaning is as full of zest as its shade. Orange roses represent enthusiasm and energy. Send this stem if you’re celebrating in a big way – maybe for a brave move across the country. Or, to applaud someone who just got the promotion they’ve been dreaming of. 

You can also use orange roses to give a friend a much-needed boost. If they’ve not been themselves lately, this cheerful colour should help them get their sparkle back.

Purple Roses

Purple is one of the rarest colours in nature. So, back in the day, it was reserved for royalty. Fast-forward a few centuries and it’s a shade that is still associated with opulence. 

Purple roses share this symbolism. Because you won’t come across them too often, they have a certain allure about them. These roses are our choice for someone who’s an absolute gem. That person who effortlessly steals everyone’s attention as they walk into a room.

Green roses

Thanks to its abundance in nature, the colour green has become a symbol of renewal and rejuvenation. The same can be said for green roses. They’re the kind of stem you send if you’d like to share a message of hope. 

Maybe they’ve had a few shaky weeks. Or perhaps they need help focusing on the good again. Either way, a bouquet with green roses can bring some much-needed balance back into their life.

Black roses

We know what you’re thinking. And yes – traditionally, black roses have a pretty morbid meaning. But more recently, that has changed to reflect a more positive outlook.

Now, black roses symbolise the end of old patterns, with a shift towards new beginnings. A good reason to treat yourself to some is if you’re moving through a big life change.

What about the different rose varieties?

Rose types have their separate meanings too. We’ve popped some of our favourites below.

Avalanche roses

This is one of the most popular rose types around right now. Because of their delicateness, they’ve become a symbol of new beginnings. That’s why you’ll often see them in engagement and wedding bouquets. But we’d also recommend sending them to someone who’s started a new job.

Miss Piggy Roses

A playful rose with an equally playful meaning. Their outer punchy-pink petals hide a glowing peachy centre. So it’s easy to see why they signify surprises. (There’ll be plenty of oohs and ahhs as they go from bud to bloom.) Shopping for someone who fills your days with silly moments of fun? Pick Miss Piggy roses.

La Belle

This stem boasts a pistachio-like palette. It blends subtle greens with gentle pinks for an effortlessly timeless look. Unsurprisingly, this is also their meaning. Send La Belle roses to someone you have endless amounts of love for – be that your bestie or partner.

Madame Roses

These extra-frilly roses are naturally eye-catching. They’re the stem you pick when you want to make a statement. Like letting someone know you fancy the pants off of them. They’ve become a symbol of passion and desire.

How did roses get their meanings?

Roses have been packed with meaning for centuries, and different cultures have put their own spin on them. 

Back in 551 BC, Chinese literature was already talking about roses and their symbolism. The ancient Egyptians saw them as offerings to the gods, and as symbols of love and death – you’d even find them in tombs. The Romans were all about luxury and power, so they used roses to decorate banquets, public spaces, and even made perfumes with them. For the Greeks, roses were tied to Aphrodite, the goddess of love – their stories suggest these stems grew from her tears and Adonis’s blood. And during the Victorian era, they used roses to send secret messages (aka floriography).

What else is there to know about roses?

Friends with any June babies? Roses are June's birth flower. And now that you’re clued up about this stem’s different meanings, you can make the best choice on their big day.

If you send a bouquet of roses with us, they’ll find expert care tips in the box. So their blooms can last for even longer. Need some tips now? Have a read of our rose care guide here.

Explore our thoughtfully curated range of gifts by posts designed to help you care wildly for those special people in your life. From delectable edible treats and artisanal chocolates to luxurious pamper sets, scented candles, and beautiful home accessories – our collection extends far beyond our signature flowers and plants.