30 Special Rose Color Meanings You Should Know Now and Forever
Red roses aren't the only flowers you can give your crush this Valentine's Day.
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While red roses are popular for showcasing love, it's not the only option. Believe it or not, there are a slew of rose color meanings. You may be looking to gift the special someone in your life a red rose to signify your romance or appreciation during a critical time, but choosing a different colored option might work better in your favor.
The language of flowers, otherwise known as floriography, was popular during the Victorian era (check out our list of flower meanings that may surprise you). While flowers are now considered simple gifts for events and holidays, they once held a secret meaning to tell those in your life just how much they mean to you. From your childhood best friend and favorite family member to your secret crush and forever partner, different roses were meant for different people (browse through our list of best flower delivery services to deliver your V-Day roses). That said, consider this comprehensive list of rose color meanings that'll come in handy the next time you're flower shopping. Whether you want to show gratitude to a loved one with a dark pink rose, make your significant other feel like royalty with a purple rose or, on the other hand, express your sympathy with a white rose, you're sure to find this guide helpful.
Light Pink and White Roses
When you combine light pink and white roses into one bouquet, they represent happiness and joy, with the white flowers radiating the purity of intention.
Red and Yellow Roses
If you're looking to tell someone they make the best version of you, then gift them a bouquet of red and yellow roses. The yellow represents the sun, while the red symbolizes deep passion.
Cherry Brandy Roses
These roses are unique for their orange and yellow hues. The gratitude meaning of the orange and joy that comes with yellow makes this flower an ideal gift to show someone you care and "won't abandon them."
Light Pink Roses
Unlike their darker counterparts, light pink roses represent admiration and sympathy — perfect to gift during difficult moments in someone's life or applaud their successes.
Light Blue Roses
Unlike their darker coloring's mysterious representation, light blue roses symbolize sensitivity and feelings (not romantic love).
Damask Roses
As the Persian ambassador of love, this pink-colored rose represents freshness and beauty.
Lilac Roses
Unlike lavender roses, this lilac color is meant to show someone "your intentions for the future." So if you have a special someone in your life that you want to take to the next level in your relationship, lilac roses make beautiful gifts.
Hibiscus Roses
Give your romantic partner a red hibiscus rose to symbolize your affection and show your fondness for their "delicate beauty."
Pale Peach Roses
Pale peach roses represent modesty. Gifting a young girl this light color is a symbol of your appreciation.
Red Roses
If you planned on delivering this classic choice to your significant other, you're in luck: It means "love."
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White Roses
It might be best to save these beauties for a more somber moment. Generally associated with marriage and spirituality, they actually mean "a heart unacquainted with love."
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Yellow Roses
You wouldn't think it's cruel to gift someone a bouquet, but these sunny flowers imply jealousy and infidelity. In modern times, however, this variety is associated with friendship and cheer due to the vibrant color.
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Yellow Roses With Red Tips
When yellow roses have red tips, however, they take on an entirely different meaning. These multicolor roses mean "falling in love," so they're perfect for a new relationship — especially if you two were friends first.
Pink Roses
Deliver the gift of grace and elegance when you send your sweetheart these pretty blooms.
Blue Roses
Since blue roses aren't exactly natural, they symbolize mystery and intrigue. A perfect option for a secret admirer, no?
Rainbow Roses
While the Victorians probably wouldn't know what to say about these modern creations, maybe take a cue from Shakespeare instead: "To paint the lily ... is a wasteful and ridiculous excess."
Peach Roses
Sweet and understated, this variety signifies sincerity, and gratitude. Send these flowers in place of a thank-you note to tell people how you really feel.
Orange Roses
An energetic, curious color comes with a meaning to match: enthusiasm and passion.
Salmon Roses
Pinker than orange and darker than peach, salmon blooms suggest "excitement and enthusiasm." That makes them perfect for budding relationships.
Cream Roses
Don't be fooled — an off-white rose takes on a different definition than its starker cousin. Ivory indicates both charm and thoughtfulness, according to Passion Growers.
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community, a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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