The Meanings Behind Rose Colors

The most classic of them all. This stunning shade stands for romance, love, and deep feelings. This is a perfect choice for a significant other.

White roses symbolize purity, innocence, remembrance, and respect. “Suited to reverent occasions, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell,” says ProFlowers.com.

The shade of these subtle beauties represents sincerity and gratitude, according to Veranda. A bouquet for a hostess or if you’re looking for the exact right thank-you bouquet, peach roses are a gorgeous choice imbued.

These sunny blooms are the perfect choice for friends, old or new, or anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Per ProFlowers.com, “Yellow roses are the perfect way to toast friends, lift spirits, and send a general wish for well-being.”

The understated color choice symbolizes gentleness and grace, according to FTD.com, making it an appropriate choice for either saying sorry or offering sympathy.

Overall pink roses symbolize “gratitude, grace, and joy”, according to FTD.com, but if you’re looking for a way to truly show your appreciation for someone, opt for the darker hue, which can be seen as a token of admiration and a symbol of thanks.

These roses have petals that are a glorious blend of pink and orange with a meaning that borrows from both. Coral shows “a deeper level of desire and fascination”, according to Veranda, adding that “a bouquet of these energetic flowers is sure express any underlying messages of excitement.”

The vibrant shade of these fiery flowers rightfully symbolizes enthusiasm and passion. According to The Flower Expert, “Orange roses can be used to express intense desire, pride and fervor. They also convey a sense of fascination.” That means they can be a creative alternative to red roses.

The color purple has long been associated with royalty. It was once a rare and expensive shade that only the richest and most splendid people could wear. These days, anyone can wear purple, but a hint of the meaning remains making rare purple roses even more lovely. Per FTD.com, the color choice indicates “a fascination or adoration”, ideal for the king or queen in your life.

These rare blooms can make for a show-stopping centerpiece. According to The Flower Expert, green roses can signify harmony, opulence, fertility, as well as peace and tranquility. “Green roses … can symbolize best wishes for a prosperous new life or wishes for recovery of good health,” they write.

While these blooms don’t exist in nature, florists can transform darker roses with a little dye. The meaning behind these ominous, yet still beautiful flowers, is typically indicative of grief and mourning or the end of something or even impending revenge. However, the Flower Glossary notes that they can also symbolize rebirth or renewal. Because of the variety of potential meanings, if you’re planning on sending a bouquet of black roses, it’s best to include a card.