Uncovering the Secret Code of Roses and the Meaning of Rose Colors

Roses have been a symbol of love in all of its forms since the Victorian era. Suitors of the time often presented roses to their intended as gifts, symbolizing emotions that were considered too delicate to verbalize. In this time, courtships were carried out with these little floral gifts (called tussie-mussies) – from first blush all the way to the alter – as a primary form of communication, almost as though it were a form of romantic code. To this day, there are many that still follow this fascinating “code,” using the meaning of rose colors as a guideline when selecting the flower to give to someone they care for. “Say it with roses” continues to apply.

Roses in pale colors, such as pink or peach, symbolize friendship. Alone, light pink roses represent grace and admiration, while peach roses represent gratitude and appreciation. A common symbol of friendship is the yellow rose, but the yellow rose in and of itself has several meanings. Alone, it can mean joy and gladness or it can mean jealousy, or a decrease in affection – at times yellow roses have been known to represent infidelity! When paired with red roses in a bouquet, they represent happy times and offer congratulations, and when paired with orange roses, they signify passionate intentions toward the person receiving the bouquet.

Red roses, no matter what their hue, represent a romantic love. A dozen red roses is often considered the ultimate declaration of love and affection. If it’s within your budget, a gift of fifty red roses signifies a deep and unconditional love for that special someone. Paired with white roses, they represent unity and true love, which makes the union a perfect wedding day bouquet or table decoration.

If you’re the type to believe in love at first sight, lavender roses are quickly becoming the way to show that to your loved one. White roses, which are often seen as a symbol of purity, also represent happy and true love and often say “I’m worthy of you.” If you want your love to know that she fascinates you, consider offering orange-tinted roses, as they signify fascination and desire is best represented by a coral-colored rose.

It isn’t just the color of roses that symbolize stages in the relationship. The way the roses are presented to the recipient also speak volumes about your feelings. A single rose represents simplicity, and is a very simple way to say, “I love you” without words. Winding two red roses together at the stems represents an upcoming engagement as it symbolizes two separate entities becoming one. A rosebud without thorns with the leaves intact says that you no longer fear, only hope for the future. In the same aspect, a rosebud without thorns or leaves means that there is nothing more to hope or fear, turning the symbol of love into something that signals the end of a relationship as well. Giving someone a withered red rose means that love has ended, while a withered white rose signifies despair.

Even certain types of roses have their own special significance! The damask rose typically represents youth and brilliance and beauty everlasting. However, one type of damask rose, the York and Lancaster rose, represents conflict. The cabbage rose is considered an ambassador of love, while the Carolina rose claims that “love is dangerous.” Hybrid tea roses tell the recipient “I will remember you always,” and the moss rose, an interesting flower, symbolizes a confession of love.

No matter what the reason for the gift of roses, you should always take the color, type, and presentation into account, even if you don’t typically follow such traditions. The flowers you give might be saying far more than you realize!