The Language of Roses: Symbolism and Colour Meanings for Valentine's Roses

Picking the perfect rose for your Valentine can feel like decoding a mysterious language.

Red, yellow, pink…each and every colour has a different meaning. And don’t even get us started on what the number of roses in a bouquet might mean (just kidding, we will definitely get started on that.)

Fear not – we've got you covered. In this fun guide, we'll dive into the colourful world of rose symbolism: the hidden meaning behind the rose itself, colour variants, and even how the number of roses you give can tell a story.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic or just trying to avoid a floral faux-pas, we'll help you choose the bloom that says exactly what you mean. Order fresh flowers online anytime or visit a Forest of Flowers near you to get the best roses for Valentine’s Day and let your emotions bloom!

The History and Symbolism of Roses

Roses have painted our world with their vibrant colours for centuries, from the subtle whites and yellows to the deepest of reds.

But these flowers aren't just a pretty face – their history is as rich as their scent. Roses have adorned Roman banquets, perfumed medieval parties, and even served as ancient medicines.

The rose's journey through history is like a love story itself. The ancient Greeks linked roses with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The Romans picked up the torch, using roses for luxurious fragrances and opulent party décor.

Fast forward to the 1700s, and Europe falls under the rose's spell, setting the stage for the floral celebrity we know today.

By the 19th century, the rose was already steeped in layers of myth and meaning, but this didn’t stop Victorians aristocrats from making it even more complicated. Enter floriography – the art of saying what you can't say with words, using flowers. Suddenly, every bloom, every colour, and every arrangement held a secret message. This is what really set the stage for the colour meanings of Valentine’s roses today.

Nothing says “I love you” like a romantic bouquet of roses. Our beautiful arrangements are always delivered fresh in a variety of colours to express your deepest affection. Send red roses by the dozen or mix it up with blooms in pink, yellow, orange, or white.

Meanings evolve, and sometimes, a rose is just a rose. But understanding the history and meaning of the adds a layer of depth to choosing the best roses for Valentine’s Day.

Colour Meanings for Valentine's Roses

Navigating the rainbow world of rose colours can be tricky. You don't want to end up giving a floral arrangement that says “let's just be friends” when you're aiming for “be mine forever!”

Here's your cheat sheet to make sure your roses are speaking the right love language this Valentine's Day:

1. Red Roses: The Classic

Red roses are the A-listers of Valentine's Day. Red is all about deep, passionate love and admiration. Dark red? Think of deep commitment and a timeless declaration of love. And if you're feeling bold, a preserved red rose says, "I want us to last forever."

2. Pink Roses: From Gratitude to Congratulations

Pink roses are the multi-tasker of the rose world. Deep pink says "Thank you for being amazing," while medium pink is your go-to for "Congrats on being awesome!" Light pink? That's all about sweet thoughts and innocent affections – perfect for new love or a dear friend.

3. Purple Roses: The Enchantress

Ah, purple roses, the symbol of that butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of love. They're all about passion, majesty, and those 'just can’t get you out of my head' feelings.

4. Orange Roses: Bright and Energetic

Orange roses are the life of the party, symbolizing fascination and excitement. Perfect for a blooming romance or cheering up a friend, they're like sending a ray of sunshine in flower form.

5. Black Roses: The Mysterious Charmer

Black roses are the enigmas of the rose world. They speak of mourning but also symbolize rebirth and major life changes. While more at home in a Halloween arrangement, a black rose could be perfect for the edgy, alternative soul in your life.

6. White Roses: Pure and New

White roses are the epitome of innocence, loyalty, and new beginnings. Ideal for weddings, graduations, or that fresh romance, they say, "Here's to our beautiful journey ahead."

7. Yellow Roses: The Joyful Friendship

Yellow roses are sunshine in bloom. They're the ultimate symbol of friendship and care, perfect for brightening someone's day or saying, "You're a fantastic friend."

8. Blue Roses: The Unattainable Mystique

Blue roses are the stuff of legends and secret crushes. They're all about the unattainable, the mysterious, and the desire for the unknown. Sending blue roses is like whispering, "You intrigue me."

9. Rainbow Roses: Love and Joy

Rainbow roses are a celebration of joy and love in all its forms. A symbol of happiness and pride, particularly in the LGBTQ community, rainbow roses shout love from the rooftops!

How Do I Know Which Rose Colors are Natural?

When it comes to roses, it's not just the colour that counts, but also how that colour came to be!

Understanding the art and science behind natural and artificially coloured roses can deepen your appreciation for these botanical wonders.

• Red, pink, white, yellow and orange roses are all tinted with nature’s paintbrush, which is to say these are natural colours.
• Blue, black, purple, and rainbow roses are the rebels of the rose world, defying nature’s rules with a little help from florists. These special roses exist thanks to artificial colours.

Both natural and artificially coloured roses have their own charm. Natural roses are like timeless classics, a tribute to the beauty of the natural world. On the other hand, artificially coloured roses are a canvas for human creativity, allowing us to dream in colours that nature hasn’t thought of yet.

Nothing says “I love you” like a romantic bouquet of roses. Our beautiful arrangements are always delivered fresh in a variety of colours to express your deepest affection. Send red roses by the dozen or mix it up with blooms in pink, yellow, orange, or white.

Whether you’re drawn to the traditional charm of a naturally hued rose or the bold statement of an artificially coloured bloom, each rose has its own meaning. The best roses for Valentine’s Day sweetheart will be the ones that speak your language.

Symbolism in the Number of Valentine’s Roses

When it comes to expressing love on Valentine's Day, the number of roses you give can be just as important as their colour. Here's what those numbers mean:

• A Single Rose: The ultimate gesture of a focused and dedicated love. Think of it as saying, "You're my one and only." Perfect for love at first sight moments.
• Two Roses: Two roses intertwined are like a silent proposal or a nod to an unspoken understanding. It's a romantic way to say, "We're in this together."
• Six Roses: Got a crush or a new relationship? Six red roses shout out that growing desire and the wish to be yours.
• Twelve Roses: The classic dozen roses is a full cycle of perfection. It's a traditional way to say, "You're my everything," and by far the most popular pick for Valentine’s Day.
• Fifteen Roses: Sometimes, you just need to say sorry. Fifteen roses are your go-to for a heartfelt apology. It's like saying, "Please forgive me." Not necessarily a great choice on Valentine’s Day.
• Twenty-Four Roses: Two dozen red roses are a round-the-clock declaration of love, saying, "I'm yours, every hour of every day."
• Sixty Roses: Sixty red roses mean you're all in – this is love without limits or conditions. It's a grand way to declare unconditional love.

Remember, whether it's one rose or a hundred, it's the act of giving that truly counts. Each number adds a special layer of meaning, making your Valentine's Day gift a beautiful, unspoken declaration of your feelings.

Choosing the Best Roses for Valentine’s Day

Still not sure what flowers to get for your Valentine? Our expert florists are here to help. They can guide you to the perfect rose colour, give you advice on the latest floral trends, and even help craft a custom floral arrangement that tells your unique love story.

Order fresh flowers online anytime or visit a Forest of Flowers near you to let your emotions bloom!