Each rose colour has a different meaning, and these meanings can be used to unveil different layers of rose symbolism. No matter whether you’re trying to express love, joy, friendship or sadness, roses will always be able to convey the perfect sentiment.

Red Roses

Most of us are familiar with what the red rose means, having been used across cultures to represent love and romance for centuries.

The meaning of red roses is universally understood to be love and passion. However, even within red roses there are rose colour meanings to be explored. A deep red rose is sometimes thought to mean that you are ready for commitment, and can symbolise a deeper bond than lighter coloured red roses which are said to symbolise passion and desire.

Pink roses

The meaning of pink roses is gratitude and admiration. They’re the perfect choice for the people you appreciate most, like your friends, siblings or teachers. Pink roses can also represent femininity and elegance, which makes them perfect for events like engagement parties, proms and baby showers for a baby girl.

As with red roses, pink rose symbolism can vary with hot pink expressing recognition and appreciation and lighter pink being used to symbolise grace and joy as well as gratitude.

Peach Roses

The meaning of peach roses is gratitude. But, they can also mean sincerity and genuineness of your feelings. So, if you’re looking for a thank you gift, then look no further! They’re also commonly used to celebrate work related news like a promotion, a new business deal or a job offer as they can be a sign of loyalty. And, since their lovely tone and pale colour matches lots of interiors, you can’t go wrong when buying peach roses for yourself or someone else!

Yellow Roses

The meaning of yellow roses is warmth and happiness. This comes as no surprise as their bright, sunny colour can instantly put a smile on anyone's face!

They’re commonly known as a friendship flower because of all the joy they give, and a yellow rose bouquet is also thought to represent the joy that friend gives. It’s a lovely way to say “you make me very happy”.

Interestingly, during Victorian times the yellow rose used to symbolise jealousy however that rose meaning is long gone and now it’s a universal symbol for pure and abundant joy.

White Roses

The meaning of white roses is purity and grace. Perhaps that’s why they’re such popular wedding flowers as they symbolise young love and eternal loyalty. The colour white can also be representative of fresh beginnings and a pure, clear path which makes them the ideal flower for weddings and unions.

It’s important to note though that the white rose meaning differs to the ivory rose meaning, although they are very similar in colour. Ivory roses mean purity and grace, but also thoughtfulness. They are devoid of romantic meaning, which makes them a great friendship flower vs the white rose meaning which is much more romantic and passionate.

Orange Roses

The meaning of orange roses is enthusiasm and energy. So they’re the perfect flower to send for promotions and new jobs.

It’s no wonder that the orange rose is used to convey admiration and enthusiasm when they make you so happy just to look at! Their bright hues and engaging tone lighten any room and remind us all to go into the world with a little more energy. They are a great motivational flower for someone who is starting something new or simply needs a little boost.

Purple Roses

As one of the rarest coloured roses around, purple roses symbolise enchantment and love at first sight. Because these roses are so hard to come by, back in the day, they were also only meant for royalty. And, still now, they carry an air of regality with them and are seen as very majestic flowers. So, if you receive some purple roses from someone, they must think very highly of you!

Blue roses

A blue rose means mystery and unattainability. As they do not exist in nature, they can be hard to create and attain which makes them a great flower to express unrequited love. If you love someone but you know that it can’t be, for whatever reason, then a blue rose is perfect to symbolise unrequited love with the understanding that it cannot be.

Green roses

Green roses represent nature, rejuvenation and fertility. This can be a rejuvenation in spirit or body, and often the green rose is used to symbolise stability and balance. Green roses can be sent to express hope in times of struggle.

Black roses

Traditionally black roses symbolise death and passing away, which isn’t the most positive message. But, in recent years the black rose meaning has shifted and meant the death of old patterns and habits and a movement into new order.

In this sense the black rose can mean confidence and new birth. When coupled with green roses, they can symbolise a new era of hope and positivity for the future.