What Is the Meaning of Roses?

Rose Color Meaning Basics

You probably know that there are certain definitions attached to rose color, i.e., the meaning of roses.

But do you know what all the rose color meaning beliefs really are?

You probably know that red roses = LOVE, but I bet you didn't know that orange roses = desire, did you?

Perhaps, the meaning of roses doesn't hold any significance for you, as a serious rose gardener. Maybe they're just the fantasies of silly romantics. But, if—like many rosarians—you DO plan which roses you plant based on their special meanings, then you might be interested to learn more...

Just like different varieties of flowers, roses have meanings, especially when they are used as gifts. The color meaning of roses given as gifts represents different things.

While there are few people left in today’s world who actually care about the language of flowers and, more specifically, the meaning of roses, it is still interesting to know what different colored roses mean. Besides, if you know what the colors mean, and the recipient knows, then you share something that has more meaning than any mere flower.

Red Roses = Love, Beauty, Courage and Respect, Romantic Love, Congratulations, I Love You, Job Well Done, Sincere Love, Respect, Courage and Passion.

These are the classics. Everyone knows that the meaning of roses that are red is that they are symbols of love. A single red rose with a long stem can communicate, "I love you" more eloquently than a grand bouquet of any other flower variety.

They are the most popular variety because their message is unmistakable. They are a symbol of enduring romantic love.

White Roses = Purity, Innocence, Silence, Secrecy, Reverence, Humility, Youthfulness, I am worthy of you, Heavenly, or sometimes Platonic Love.

Like all things white, these are symbols of innocence, purity, and truth. In this case, the meaning of roses is that the sender is worthy of the recipient (has pure intentions, is pure in body and soul). White roses also send an "I miss you" message.

PLUS... White roses used for weddings mean "happy love."

Pink Roses = Appreciation, "Thank you", Grace, Perfect Happiness, Admiration, Gentleness, Please Believe Me, Elegance and Refinement.

Pink roses come in three main colors. Each of these colors — pale, light, and deep — means something slightly different. Pale pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, and gentleness. Light pink roses indicate happiness and fun. They mean that the recipient is a joy to behold, someone who is fun to be around. Deep pink roses are expressions of gratitude. They are sent in thanks for some benefit the sender received from the recipient.

Yellow Roses = Joy, Gladness, Friendship, Delight, Promise of a new beginning, Welcome Back, Remember Me, and Jealousy, "I care", even Familiar Love and Domestic Happiness.

Yellow roses are appropriate for a variety of occasions, and are used often in congratulations. Weddings and graduations are very good reasons to send yellow roses. New mothers are also prime candidates for receiving yellow roses. And, because the yellow rose is the flower of Texas, no excuse is ever needed to send yellow roses to a Texan. The meaning of roses—yellow ones, that is—is always clear to a Texan.

But there is one thing that yellow roses communicate loud and clear — friendship. You should never send yellow roses to someone for whom you have romantic feelings. These flowers also indicate a desire for freedom, so if your significant other is sending you yellow roses, he or she might be giving you a subtle hint.

PLUS, yellow roses with pink or red tips (like the Peace Rose) signify Friendship and Falling in Love.

Orange Roses = Desire, Enthusiasm, or even "I am proud of you."

Orange is a rather enthusiastic color, and this is exactly what orange roses are meant to convey. Orange roses are an indication of the enthusiasm that the sender feels for the recipient. It is a happy, loving sort of enthusiasm. These brightly colored roses also indicate desire.

Peach Roses = Appreciation, Closing of the deal, Let's get together, Sincerity, Gratitude,

Sending peach roses just like sending pink roses, is a more platonic gesture. These roses can have two different meanings. The first is of gratitude and appreciation, and the second can be an expression of sympathy.

PLUS... pale peach means modesty.

Purple (Lavender) Roses = Love at first sight, Enhancement, Opulence, Majesty, and Glory. Also mean "I will always love you."

Roses of this light purple, sometimes also called lilac, are indicative of love at first sight. When someone sends these flowers, he or she is saying that the recipient has enchanted the sender, and that he or she felt an immediate attraction.

These roses are especially appropriate to send just after meeting someone, or if you particularly enjoyed a date and felt that there was a strong mutual attraction.

Besides the rose color meanings described above, there are other meanings of roses too. Here are a few:

• Red and white roses given together signify unity
• Red and yellow roses together mean jovial and happy feelings.
• A coral rose is bright and seems to burn with passion. And for a color so bright, the only message that can be sent is desire.
• Black roses (which only exist in fantasy, although sometimes deep red roses are referred to as "black") mean death or farewell. The death may be just the death of an idea or a relationship.
• Blue roses (another fantasy only) equal the unattainable or impossible, or sometimes sadness.
• Any single rose of any color signifies simplicity and gratitude.
• A red rosebud is associated with purity and loveliness.
• A white rosebud is symbolic of girlhood.
• A thornless rose can mean "love at first sight."

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So, there's today's lesson on the meaning of roses, especially rose color meanings. Hope you enjoyed it!

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