Before Picking a Valentine’s Day Bouquet, Learn What Rose Colors Mean

15 Rose Color Meanings Explained Feifei Cui-Paoluzzo - Getty Images

Roses are red.... and pink, white, purple, orange, green, and blue, too! And that's only the beginning. When picking out a bouquet of beautiful blooms for a special someone in your life, you'll quickly realize that there's a variety of roses with so many shades to choose from. Some of the pretty petals grow naturally; others are enhanced with dyes.

And though they're all undeniably and equally lovely, differing colors don't actually send the same message! While you might want to pick stems based on your recipient's favorite color, it helps to know all the rose color meanings so you can plan accordingly with the best flower delivery services. For example, we all know red roses stand for romance, making them perfect Valentine's Day flowers or for anniversaries. But did you know there are subtle differences in the meanings of light red roses and dark red roses? Or that yellow roses symbolize friendship?

Additionally, some rose colors are better suited for specific occasions than others. Consider pale pink roses for the best Mother's Day flowers, orange roses after major accomplishments, or white roses for weddings. So, read on for different rose colors and their meanings so you can pick the perfect arrangement for your significant other, friends, or family members. (P.S. you can also read up on birth flower meanings.) Just don't forget to stop and smell the roses—literally!

Red Roses: Romance and Passion

As classic as they come, red roses are perfect for showing your significant other just how much they mean to you. The bright and beautiful red rose is known as the rose of romance—and conveys feelings of passion and longing. That's why it's the most popular flower sold on Valentine’s Day!

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Burgundy Roses: Eternal Love and Devotion

Perhaps even more significant and sophisticated than its more popular counterpart, deep burgundy roses express deep devotion, affection, and loyalty to a lover. The rich hue makes for a unique option in place of traditional red that is great for February 14, anniversaries, and beyond.

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Pale Pink Roses: Appreciation and Grace

These petals are, well, pretty in pink! The classically beautiful color can be used to say, "I appreciate everything you do for me." Send them to your mothers, sisters, and close friends for a variety of occasions—or to yourself as a gesture of self-love. The gentle nature of the pale roses also makes them an appropriate choice for a sympathy gift.

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Bright Pink Roses: Admiration and Gratitude

Grab a bundle of bright pink roses to let your loved ones know that you're grateful to have them in your life. The vibrant, eye-catching hue can also be used as a token of admiration either in friendly or romantic relationships. On days like Valentine's Day, the color can convey allure and attraction without the intensity associated with red roses.

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Salmon Roses: Excitement

The salmon shade is a stunning mix of pink and orange! It conveys a message of both excitement and enthusiasm, which makes it the perfect rose to give at the beginning of a relationship. But since this flower also represents desire and appreciation, you can give a bouquet to your partner at any stage to show them that they've made your life better.

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Yellow Roses: Friendship

Though they once symbolized jealousy and greed, yellow roses now widely convey feelings of friendship and care. The delightfully sunny blooms offer warmth and happiness to new friends and old BFFs alike. You can send them to celebrate a birthday, give them a little pick-me-up, or just because!

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Lavender Roses: Enchantment and Wonder

Often associated with love at first sight, this soft yet stunning shade is the perfect way to show that you were immediately smitten and delighted with whoever is on the receiving end. Just as romantic but even more unique than pink or purple roses, lavender roses also have meaning tied to enchantment, whimsy, and magical love or desire.

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Deep Purple Roses: Intrigue and Majesty

A deep purple has long been associated with royalty—and these striking roses are no exception! Often given as gifts in committed, long-term relationships, dark purple roses will help you tell your partner that they’re the most important person in your life. They can also add a touch of sharpness or moodiness to any decorative arrangement.

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White Roses: Innocence and New Love

Known as the "bridal" flower for their symbolism of innocence, new beginnings in love, and eternity, these roses are a wonderful choice for weddings. Alex Drummond even used some in her wedding bouquet! You can also send white roses during the early months of a new relationship as an expression of hope for your future together.

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Green Roses: Good News and New Beginnings

Much like the blooming greens of spring, green roses have come to mean growth, abundance, rebirth, and rejuvenation. For this reason, buy a bouquet for someone to celebrate a new milestone in their life or for well wishes such as the recovery of good health. And while you can buy dyed green roses to get extra vibrant petals, they actually do bloom naturally.

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Orange Roses: Fascination and Enthusiasm

Here's another great option for your significant other! Light the orange flame of love with brightly colored buds so reminiscent of a fire. Orange roses will let them know that you're both fascinated by them and have a great passion for them. They also symbolize energy, pride, and enthusiasm, so consider gifting them to your loved one after a big accomplishment.

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Peach Roses: Thanks and Gratitude

A subtle shade that's just as stunning as any bloom with a bolder coloration, the peach rose is a gentle and warm way to express gratitude for someone in your life. Along with the genuineness of your feelings. For that reason, they make great thank you gifts or hostess gifts.

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Blue Roses: Mystery

Because blue roses don't actually exist in nature, this gorgeous genetically engineered flower typically has an air of mystery surrounding it. So, it has come to signify just that—along with the impossible or unattainable. You might also gift this rose to someone as a way to let them know they're one-of-a-kind or even dreamy.

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Black Roses: Change and Courage

While the color black is commonly known to signify death and mourning, black roses can also have a more positive meaning. These dark, luxurious flowers can mark transition, major change, or the end of something. In fact, they're great to give to anyone who needs some encouragement as they welcome a new era in life or can be sent as a respectful farewell gesture.

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Rainbow Roses: Joy and Celebration

Undeniably the most unique roses of them all, these blooms get their kaleidoscope of colors when the stem of a white rose is split into different cups of dyed water. A bouquet of rainbow roses will brighten anyone's day and are a great gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or graduations as they symbolize happiness, celebration and love in all forms.

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