Rose Colour Meanings: Which Rose to Send and When

Roses are the world's most popular gift flower, but not every rose says the same thing. Colour changes the message — and so does the person and the moment. Here is a simple guide to rose colour meanings.

Red roses: passion and love

The universal symbol of romantic love — perfect for a partner, an anniversary or Valentine's Day. In many countries, Germany in particular, sending red roses to a colleague or friend can be misread.

White roses: purity, new beginnings, respect

White roses are chosen for weddings, new babies and fresh starts. They also express respect and remembrance, so they are common in sympathy flowers.

Pink roses: tenderness, gratitude, admiration

Light pink conveys grace and tenderness; deep pink says thank you. Ideal for mothers, teachers and friends you want to thank.

Yellow roses: friendship and joy

In Turkey and much of the West, yellow roses mean friendship, cheerfulness and "get well soon". But in Russia, yellow flowers are traditionally linked with separation — don't send yellow roses to a partner there.

Orange roses: enthusiasm and congratulations

Orange is the colour of energy and excitement — great for a promotion, graduation or new job.

Purple and lavender roses: enchantment

Rarer purple and lavender roses symbolise fascination and love at first sight — a choice for those who want to stand out.

What the number of roses means

• 1 rose: love at first sight, "you're the one".
• 3 roses: "I love you".
• 12 roses: the classic dozen — "be mine".
• 101 roses: a grand declaration of love.

Numbers are read differently across cultures: in Russia, flowers for happy occasions must come in odd numbers, and even numbers are for funerals — so give 11 or 13 roses rather than 12.

Which colour for which occasion?

• Valentine's Day, anniversaries: red
• Mother's Day: pink and white
• Birthdays: pink, orange or mixed colours
• Get well soon: yellow or pink (but not yellow in Russia)
• Sympathy: white

Browse all our rose bouquets on the roses page, and if you're sending abroad, read flower etiquette around the world.