"'The rose is the flower of love--the world has acclaimed it so for centuries.  The pink roses are love hopeful and expectant--the white roses are love dead or forsaken--but the red roses--ah, Leslie, what are the red roses?' 'Love triumphant,' said Leslie in a low voice."

--Anne's House of Dreams by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Flowers, especially roses, are used to convey the many emotions we have for each other.  Be it "I love you" or "I'm sorry," sending roses is the perfect way to give someone a lift as well as send a message that you may be reluctant to say.  How simple and wonderful to be able to say, "Thanks so much!" by simply picking up the phone and ordering a dozen yellow roses.

So where and when did the color meaning of rose originate?  Jack Goody, in his book 'The Culture of Flowers', says that giving meanings to flowers originally came from the East and while meaning can be highly subjective some are universally accepted.  Also called floriography, the art of speaking with flowers originated in Persia where illiterate women of the Ottoman seraglios used flowers to communicate, as written language was forbidden.

The tradition of using flowers as an expression then traveled to Europe and was used to impart feelings of High Society or Ton in Regency England.  Though the exact meanings are lost to us for all the different flowers and colors, we still use the rose to get our emotions across to the recipient.  "The single rose is, in essence, a symbol of completion, of consummate achievement and perfection", says J. E. Cirlot in his 'A Dictionary of Symbols'.   Be it red, white or yellow, roses convey so much alone or in a bunch, or matched with other, complementary flowers.  If you learn a bit about the "floriography" of the different colors of roses you can understand their true meaning and the color you choose can add special meaning to your gift.

White Roses
Purity, Secrecy, Innocence, Reverence, Worthiness

One of the oldest varieties of rose, Rosa Alba or the white rose has been a favorite of all civilizations, ancient and modern alike.  White roses symbolize purity and innocence.  Brides traditionally wear white and the Pope wears white on holy days.  The white rose is the perfect emblem of innocence, loyalty and purity that comes in many different shades and nuances - 20 that are easily accessible.  From almost pure white to shades of ivory, white roses are the perfect choice for bridal bouquets, corsages and dramatic arrangements.

White roses are often used in bridal ceremonies because of the wholesomeness and virtue these flowers bring to mind.  For use in bridal arrangements, try Escimo, a small, almost pure white rose that is very delicate in appearance and opens beautifully.  Bianca is another almost pure white rose that's sure to please any bride.  This medium sized beauty has rounded buds that fill out a bouquet with style and flair.  If you like a fuller petal in a rose then Vendela is a perfect choice.  This medium-sized rose is a gorgeous ivory color that is sure to stun viewers.

Red Roses
Love, Respect, Courage, Passion, Well Done, Congratulations

Red roses immediately bring to mind passion and true love.  A single red rose signifies "I love you" and has been made even more popular these days with the success of TV shows like "The Bachelor", where each chosen lady is given a single, long-stemmed rose to show the star's appreciation and growing passion toward her.

Red roses can also convey thoughts of courage and congratulations.  The "Run for the Roses" is the symbolic name for the first race of Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown.  Held in Lexington, Kentucky at Churchill Downs, the race rewards the triumphant young racehorse with a blanket of gorgeous red roses.

Popular varieties include the scarlet red Kardinal, the dark red and very fragrant Mr. Lincoln, and the deep red tea rose Madame Delbard, which has been brought back due to popularity.  Cara Mia is another deep red favorite of floral designers.


Pink Roses
Happiness, Elegance, Romance, Admiration, Sweetness, Thank You

Ranging from a subtle hint of color to deep and bright, pink roses have come to mean joy, happiness, gratitude and admiration.  They're often seen in bridal arrangements, thank you or congratulations bouquets.  Considering the word "rose" brings to mind the faint blush of a fair maiden's cheeks, it's not surprising these blooms are a favorite to give and receive.

There are many different variations of pink, from a pale blush to a gentle medium pink to a vibrant pink, each having its own meaning and implication.  The palest pink roses are a sign of gentleness, joy and grace. Bridal Pink is a perfect pale pink floribunda rose that is long lasting and offers a spicy scent.  The light to medium pink roses can show sympathy or admiration.  Lady Diana is a beautiful light pink rose perfect for either emotion.  Deep pink roses, such as Laser and Diplomat are perfect choices to show someone how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Yellow Roses
Friendship, Caring, Welcome or Welcome Back, Joy

In German culture these beauties are a symbol of infidelity and dying love, but more traditionally they're a symbol of friendship and happiness.  Rose Magazine states that yellow roses, though actually an ancient flower as shown through fossil evidence, weren't prevalent until discovered in the Middle East in the 1700s.  Since then it's been a popular favorite in gardens and bouquets alike.

Although the song, "The Yellow Rose of Texas" popularized the flower in that state, it's interesting to note the flower isn't the official State Flower - that honor goes to the Bluebonnet.  Nor is the song about a rose - it's about a woman named Emily West Morgan.

However, there was a yellow rose grown at the time of the song's creation called Harrison's Yellow.   The yellow rose became famous because the song was often sung at battle. 

Send some of these golden beauties to a sick friend and watch the recipient perk right up!  They are also perfect for new mothers, someone newly engaged or as a colorful thank you. Some gorgeous yellow roses to consider sending are the lightly fragrant and deep yellow Gold Strike, the long-lasting favorite Aalsmeer Gold.  For very special friends consider the spray rose Rhumba, with five yellow-fringed-with-orange blossoms on each stem.

Roses in Hues of Orange

Orange, coral and peach are closely related colors, with orange being the more vivid and coral and peach being subtler, a perfect contrast for emotions that range on both ends of the scale.  Meaning desire and fascination, the various hues of orange, coral and peach lend myriad nuances to the language of flowers.  All make a great gift for a friend to say "Congratulations!" or a lover to show your desire and affection.

Orange Roses
Desire, Enthusiasm, Pride

Just as the red rose means passion and the yellow rose means friendship, orange roses often mean a cross-over between these two emotions.  Orange roses are vibrant, cheerful and express fascination when you give them to someone.  Who wouldn't be fascinated with these alluring, fiery blooms?  They come in all the colors of a romantic and enthralling sunset.  Whether it's the brilliant orange of Lambredo, the vermillion orange of the long-stemmed Fire King or the pale apricot of Pareo, orange roses are sure to please anyone who captivates you.

Coral Roses
Desire, Enthusiasm, Happiness

Just as a sunrise varies in intensity, coral is the dusky, subtle orange that graces the sky at first light.  The coral rose still speaks of desire but also of happiness and would be a perfect "thank you" gift, or a great way to remind someone that you still desire him or her.  Some popular coral roses are Sonic, the peach coral mix of Harmony.

Peach Roses
Appreciation, Sincerity, Gratitude, Modesty

Peach roses are often sent as gesture of appreciation or gratitude rather than as a token of love.  Their gentle yet pleasing color can also be sent as an expression of sympathy.  These subtle, gorgeous blooms are ideal to say "thanks!" or to show how much you miss a dear friend.  Choose from the palest peach of Champagne; the spray rose Porcelina, with up to five stunning peach blooms on each stem; and the deeper peach of the flawless Orsiana.


Lavender Roses

Probably the most mystical and fairy-tale perfect color of rose is lavender.  It is said if someone gives you a purple rose it means they fell in love with you at first sight, just like Cinderella's Prince Charming!

It's interesting as well to note that purple is a royal color, so sending a single purple rose means you find her majestic, opulent and special.  If you are seeking to voice your deepest love and admiration for someone consider sending the dynamic Blue Curiosa or the blend of colors in Lavender Duet.




Blue Roses

The quest for a blue rose continues, since they are merely a fabrication of the eager, dreaming mind at this point.  The blue roses that exist are actually variations of purple or lavender, which look blue in certain light.  However, you wouldn't really want to send a blue rose to someone, as it means a figment of the imagination, or something unobtainable.  If you like blue roses just because they are different, consider the decadent Blue Moon hybrid tea rose.

Black Roses

Though true black roses don't exist, blooms that are the darkest red can look black. Giving someone black roses would mean the death of a relationship or idea. Some, however, suggest that black roses could symbolize rebirth or the beginning of something new.  If these unique dark blooms interest you or would thrill a loved one, consider choosing the mysterious and beautiful Black Magic rose for your next arrangement.

Expressing Yourself With Color

Now that you know a little more about the colorful language of flowers, consider using a gorgeous rose bouquet to express your message with an added depth of meaning. Whether you're feeling the passion of a red rose or the subtle desire of a peach rose, this timeless method of communication is sure to please the recipient.  Be it a single stem or a vase full of roses, these colorful, beautiful blooms are enough to make anyone want to take a moment to stop and smell the roses.



The perfect words to accompany your gift of roses.