There are many different types of roses and while the rose has long been a symbol of love and romance, did you know that each colour rose has a special meaning? Or did you know that there is some significance in the number of roses exchanged? We've decoded the secret language of roses so that next time you give or receive the gift of a rose you can enjoy the symbolism as well as the beauty!


Photo by Hamed Masoumi

Red: Love, Romance, Passion
Give a red rose to your partner as a romantic gesture if the relationship is new or for longer standing relationships, to show them you still think they're sizzling!

Deep Crimson: Loss, Mourning
If there is a flower that best honours a lost loved one, it's a deep crimson rose. Use the rose decoratively or as part of your fascinator.

White: Purity, Innocence
Use the petals from white roses and scatter at the base of a gift box filled with bits & pieces for a new child.

Pink: Gratitude, Appreciation
Gift a few pink roses to a friend who has gone over & above regular girlfriend duty to be wonderful... or to your under-appreciated mother!

Orange: Desire, Enthusiasm
Use orange roses to inspire yourself, pop a few into a vase and place them by your desk to invoke greater enthusiasm in the task at hand.

Yellow: Friendship, Joy
Give a yellow rose to that friend who inspires positive energy in you every day, the one whose friendship you know you can count across no matter the distance or circumstance.

Lavender: Enchantment
Wear knotted around a headband to a fairy tale fancy dress evening with your favourite friends.

1 rose signifies devotion, 2 roses are for engagement or marriage and 11 roses indicate deep and true love, while a thornless rose is for love at first site and leaves on the stem of a rose are said to indicate hope!


Who deserves a rose in your life?