The rose has long been one of the most popular of all the flowers due to its beauty and fragrance. It has a lengthy and varied history. The rose’s symbolism changes with the centuries and in various cultures but it is usually synonymous with romance.
The rose is one of the most significant symbols of love in modern times. It has been given the honor of being the national flower of both the United States and England. The rose is also the choice for the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, North Dakota and New York.
The rose ranks the highest of all flowers sold at florists and it is the most popular garden shrub. There are thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars that have been bred. Roses are generally categorized in three ways: Wild Roses, Old Garden Roses and Modern Garden Roses. It is this last category that produces the favorite of florists, the Hybrid Teas. This is also the most difficult of all roses to try to grow by home gardeners.
Roses still reign as supreme among all cut flowers and have been used for centuries to convey messages to their recipient. They are rich in history and tradition. Regardless of the rose color, they are always gifts that make someone smile.
Red
There is no doubt the red rose is the universal symbol of true love and romance. The color red has long been associated with passion and the red rose is no exception. This is the color to give to a serious love relationship. The red rose is also known as symbolic of respect and courage. Red can be given as a congratulatory message of a job well done.
Deep burgundy
This rose as a beautifully subtle difference from the red rose. It is deeper and richer than traditional red. A burgundy rose symbolizes beauty.
Pink
The message of pink roses varies with the hue, but are similar in meaning. A medium pink rose is sweetness and femininity. It also says elegance, happiness and gentleness.
Light pink
The light pink rose is the symbol of grace. It can also send a message of happiness.
Dark pink
The dark pink rose shows gratitude and appreciation. This color is a beautiful way to tell someone thanks.
Purple and lilac
The purple rose seems to have changed its meaning from early Victorian times. In that era the purple rose was the symbol of protection or maternal/paternal love. Today the purple rose appears to unanimously stand for mystery and enchantment. Whether the hue is purple or lilac, this color rose today can send the recipient a message of desire or even love at first sight.
White
White roses probably have the next most well-known meaning after the red rose. White is the universal symbol of purity and innocence. It is associated with young love as well and is used as a bridal rose. The white rose is also a symbol for humility, reverence, loyalty and truth. It also is a symbol of secrecy.
Orange
The orange rose is a statement of fascination. This color shows you are enthusiastic about the person receiving the gift.
Coral
The coral rose with its almost electrifying color sends the strong message of desire.
Peach
The peach rose is more subdued in its message. It can tell the recipient you want to get together with them. This delicate color can also mean sincerity and appreciation.
Yellow
The yellow rose is symbolic of friendship but it has other meanings as well. It stands for freedom and can simply send the message that you care. The yellow rose can also be given as a welcome back gift to someone. In Victorian times, the yellow rose was the symbol of jealously.
Red and white
This combination of roses has the meaning of unity.
Red and yellow
These colors together always show happiness and excitement.
Custom mixes
The color combinations aren’t limited to the previous duos. They can be customized by combining any colors by their meanings to make a unique statement.
Quantity
The message sent by the gift of roses can be further enhanced by the number of roses in the bouquet.
One single rose can announce love at first sight for a new relationship. For an established relationship, one rose can let someone know you still love them.
Two roses send a message of mutual love and affection.
Three represent a couple’s shared love and are traditionally given as a one month anniversary gift.
Six roses symbolize infatuation.
Nine tell the recipient you want to be with them forever.
Ten roses tell that special someone their love is perfection.
Twelve roses are asking the person to be your love.
Thirteen roses send a message of forever friendship.
Fifteen are sent to someone as an apology.
Twenty roses tell someone you are sincere.
Twenty-one send the message you are dedicated to the recipient.
Twenty-four roses tell the person you are theirs only.
Twenty-five is the number to send as a congratulatory message.
Thirty- six simply states you are head over heels in love.
Forty roses send the message that your love for the recipient is genuine.
Fifty roses express that love does not have boundaries.
