You may be admiring a special rose, or planning to give one as a gift, and you’re wondering about the rose symbolism and meaning by colors.

Roses have long been used to symbolize or represent certain thoughts and feelings over the years. From friendship to passion, hope or condolences the rose symbolism runs deep in the human heart.

Even more than with other flowers, the different colors of roses have different meanings. If you want to give roses to someone in your life, you may want to learn about the colors and what they symbolize so you can give the message you intend with your roses.

To learn the different rose symbolism by colors can help you learn the right rose color for whatever social occasion. Whether it’s a first date or a 50th wedding anniversary; a wedding or a funeral, there may be a best rose color and meaning to know about.

First, a Little Rose History With Meaning

Surprisingly, the rose is a native flower to the US, as verified by 40 million year old rose fossils found in Colorado’s Florissant Fossil Beds.^[1]http://npshistory.com/publications/flfo/pprs-2.pdf

That rose is called Fossil Rosa Hilliae after the pioneer homesteader, Charlotte Hill.

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Charlotte Hill was a wife and mother of five who — along with her husband, Adam Hill, faithfully saved and documented their finds from their property, the richest fossil fields ever found in the US. ^[2]https://www.nps.gov/flfo/learn/historyculture/charlotte-hill.htm

The Rose as the National Flower in the US

The rose is the national flower of The United States of America, so designated by President Ronald Reagan on November 20, 1986, in a special ceremony in the White House Rose Garden. The proclamation reads, in part:

“More often than any other flower, we hold the rose dear as the symbol of life and love and devotion, of beauty and eternity. We see proof of this everywhere.

The study of fossils reveals that the rose has existed in America for age upon age… Our first President, George Washington, bred roses. The White House itself boasts a beautiful Rose Garden. We grow roses in all our fifty states.

We decorate our celebrations and parades with roses. Most of all, we present roses to those we love, and we lavish them on our altars, our civil shrines, and the final resting places of our honored dead.“

REFERENCE: BirdsAndBlooms.com^[3]https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/gardening-basics/national-flower-bird-tree-united-states/

The Tudor Rose is the National Rose Symbol of England

The history of the symbol as the national flower emblem of England was created through the marriage of Henry VII of Lancaster and Elizabeth of York, and the birth of their son, Arthur, the infant Prince of Wales.

The red and white roses together became a symbol of peace following the Wars of the Roses, a 30 year period of civil wars between (1455-1485). The Tudor rose signifies the unification of the royal house of Lancaster, whose emblem was a red rose, and the royal house of York, whose emblem was a white rose.

Is the Tudor Rose a Real Flower?

No, the Tudor Rose is an artistic creation of the merging of two royal families, each with their respective white rose and red rose family emblems. The Tudor rose of red and white, was traditionally created with a white center and surrounded by red petals.

REFERENCE: BritainUSA.com^[4]http://www.britainusa.com/sections/articles_show_nt1_d_0_i_41110_L1_41013_L2_41013_a_28484.html

Roses Are a Symbol of Love and Appreciation

Roses are known foremost as flowers of love and appreciation, which is one of the reasons why roses are often given as romantic gifts. But a rose can mean different things to different people, and instantly call forth special feelings associated with memories and meaning.

There are over 100 rose species and over 5,000 rose cultivars. The color of a rose can vary greatly depending on the species or cultivar.

Understanding rose color meanings is a great way to send the right message every time you give roses. It can also be fun for anyone who is growing roses in their own gardens. Learning about what the colors represent, like learning the name of a new plant, can help us connect more deeply with the symbolism behind these beautiful flowers. 

So, let’s dive in and learn more about the meaning of different rose colors. Here are some common rose colors and what they represent. 

What is the Meaning of the Different Rose Colors?

Black Rose Symbolism and Meaning

Black roses are not used as often but they have multiple meanings behind them. A black rose is often used in fiction and are sometimes called black beauty, black magic, black velvet rose, or black jade. What many people don’t realize is that roses that are commonly called black rose are actually deep shades of red, maroon, or purples. 

Black roses don’t actually exist on their own in nature, meaning, they are not naturally occurring. If you see black roses, they’ve either been dyed that color, or they are a very dark version of another color rose. That said, we do see symbolic black roses in different cultures, in fiction, and in everyday life. Black roses sometimes represent change or courage. 

Depictions of black roses make up logos, book covers, music album covers, and so much more. Black roses are often used to represent death and mourning or to express grief, such as in a memorial service. They could be used to represent the ending of a relationship, or the closing of one door as another opens. 

The history of black roses can be traced back to Ancient Rome and Greece, where it was often used as a symbol of strength and power. In the Victorian Era of the 19th century it grew in popularity through literature and the Language of Flowers, called Floriography.

Floriography is where people communicated subtle messages through flowers which language was eventually published in books. Find floriography books on Amazon.

Black Rose Meanings

• Change
• Courage
• Death
• End of a relationship
• Mourning
• Power
• Strength

Blue Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The blue rose is often associated with mystery and intrigue. It can also be seen as a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Blue roses may be given as an expression of congratulations or appreciation. Blue is a wonderful way to represent or honor someone who is not afraid to be themselves. 

They are also used to symbolize the impossible or something that is unattainable. You may give them as a gift as a way of telling someone to dream big, for example. Blue roses can also be the “something blue” given traditionally on a wedding day. 

Blue Rose Meanings

• Appreciation
• Congratulations
• Hope
• Intrigue
• Mystery
• New beginnings
• Uniqueness

Lavender Rose Symbolism and Meaning

Lavender roses represent wonder, mystery, and enchantment, conveying a whimsical feel that can also be associated with love. They could be a good choice to give to a crush so they know you have their eye on them. The lavender rose can also be used in other flower arrangements or in a bouquet with other colored roses. Sometimes lavender roses are also used to represent “love at first sight”. 

Lavender Rose Meaning

• Enchantment
• Interested (romantically)
• Love at first sight
• Mystery
• Whimsy
• Wonder

Orange Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The orange rose is often associated with joy, enthusiasm, and happiness. It can also be seen as a symbol of fascination. Orange roses may be given as an expression of congratulations or appreciation. Orange roses are associated with energy and desire and they are a great gift for a loved one who has reached a big accomplishment. 

The orange rose is a blend of the yellow and red rose. So orange can represent a budding romance and are good for early stages of a romantic relationship when you’re not quite ready for the classical red rose. Sending orange roses gives a message of passion and romance, before taking it to the next level with the red rose. 

Orange Rose Meanings

• Achievement
• Appreciation
• Congratulations
• Desire
• Energy
• Enthusiasm
• Fascination
• Happiness
• Joy

Pink Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The pink rose is often associated with love, gentleness, sweetness, and admiration. Pink roses may be given as an expression of thanks, congratulations, or congratulations on a new job or promotion. They have also been used for sympathetic occasions. 

This is a classic choice for friendship and admiration. They can also be given to a romantic interest or crush. Different shades of pink can sometimes carry different meanings. For example, dark pink says “thank you” and a light pink represents gentleness. 

Pink Rose Symbolism and Meaning

• Admiration
• Congratulations
• Friendship
• Gentleness (light pink)
• Gratitude (dark pink)
• Love
• Romance
• Sweetness
• Sympathy
• Thank you (dark pink)

Find help creating your greeting card with these gratitude quotes.

Purple Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The purple rose is often associated with royalty, love, admiration, and respect. It can also be seen as a symbol of luxury. Purple roses may be given as an expression of congratulations or appreciation.

Purple roses are not as common as other colors but they often represent adoration or royalty. They can be a good choice for a happy occasion, or to confess your feelings to a crush. They are nice, fun, flirty flower of choice. 

Purple Rose Meaning

• Admiration
• Appreciation
• Congratulations
• Love
• Luxury
• Respect

Red Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The red rose is often associated with love, passion, romance and undying love. Red roses may also be given for appreciation or admiration. Red roses come in a variety of shades, from coral roses to burgundy roses, and more. They are a classic way to express romantic feelings. 

Red roses are a popular choice for romantic partners, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and other events related to love. You may see them given for prom or other fancy dances or parties. Red roses have long become synonymous with saying “I love you”. 

They can represent love and commitment, and also mutual respect and admiration between a couple. They may serve as a symbol of taking a relationship to the next level, or be given as an anniversary gift. Red roses pair well with other romantic flowers like baby’s breath and this is why you often see them together in a romantic bouquet.  

Red Rose Symbolism and Meaning

• Admiration
• Anniversaries
• Appreciation
• Love / undying love
• Passion
• Romance
• Romantic occasions
• Valentine’s Day

White Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The white rose is often associated with innocence, purity, virginity, and new beginnings, and can be seen as a symbol of reverence and humility. White roses may also be given as an expression of congratulations or appreciation.

Ivory or white roses are often used in weddings or other special occasions, along with other white flowers. White roses make us think of youthfulness and innocence. In weddings, they are sometimes used for the flower girl. They can be used with other white or ivory flowers to complete an elegant bouquet. 

White roses are also used to represent loyalty and new beginnings. Ivory roses can represent grace and charm. They are great for a significant other who represents these traits, or from a mother to daughter, for example. 

White Rose Meaning

• Appreciation
• Charm (ivory roses)
• Congratulations
• Daughter (gift from mom)
• Grace (ivory roses)
• Humility
• Innocent
• Loyalty
• New Beginnings
• Purity
• Reverence
• Virginity

Yellow Rose Symbolism and Meaning

The yellow rose is often associated with joy, happiness, and sunshine. It can also be seen as a symbol of friendship. Yellow roses may be given as an expression of congratulations or appreciation. They are cheery and bright, and a perfect way to say hello and “I’m thinking of you” to a friend in your life. 

In the Victorian Era, yellow roses were a sign of jealousy, but that is no longer recognized as a common meaning. In addition to representing friendship and joy, they are also believed to bring good luck. Sometimes they are also sent as a way of saying “remember me” or “welcome back” to a friend who has been away. 

Yellow Rose Meaning

• Appreciation
• Cheerful
• Congratulations
• Friendship
• Happiness
• Joy
• Luck / good luck
• Sunshine
• Welcome back

Green Rose Symbolism and Meaning

Green roses are not something you see often, but they represent growth and abundance. They can also be used to symbolize fertility or renewal. Green roses are believed to bring on feelings of stability, balance, and peace. 

They can bring on a feeling of rejuvenation of spirit and energy. They could be given to someone embarking on a new path in life, starting a new job, transitioning into retirement, or celebrating the birth of a new child, just as a few examples. 

Green Rose Meanings

• Abundance
• Balance
• Beginnings
• Birth
• Energy
• Fertility
• Growth
• Peace
• Rejuvenation
• Renewal
• Retirement
• Spirit
• Stability

Mixed Color Rose Symbolism and Meaning

Have you seen multicolored roses like rainbow roses? These are growing even more in popularity these days and are more commonly found. These unique roses represent joy and happiness. They can be given as friendship, or as something more to someone you care about. 

Mixed color rose bouquets are also a great way to share different emotions through one gift. They are also a lot of fun to give and to receive. From rainbow roses, to roses with tips of color at the ends, or other multi-colored roses, they are beautiful to look at and the perfect option for nearly any occasion. 

Mixed Color Rose Meanings

• Cheerful
• Friendship
• Happiness
• Joy
• Multidimensional meanings
• Versatile

Rose Symbolism and Meaning

As you will have noted throughout this article, there are many roses that have similar meanings. That’s because each person has his or her own favorite colors, where to gift that is special. Beyond that, the rose itself is a flower long imbued with depth of emotions and meaning, regardless of color.

Traditional Meaning of Roses

Traditionally, roses have a rich history associated with love and romance for centuries.

Beyond that, the beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance have made them a great choice for gifts, anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and many more occasions.

Though often considered a symbol of love, the rose has a long and varied past. Its meaning has been shaped by many different cultures over the centuries, and it continues to be a powerful symbol today.

China and Rose Symbology

In China, the rose is a symbol of spring and new beginnings. And in modern America, the rose is often seen as a symbol of romance. No matter what culture it comes from, the rose is clear evidence that symbols can have a profound impact on our lives.

European Middle Ages and Rose Symbolism

And in the Middle Ages, roses were often used as symbols of courtly love. The rose’s connection to love and romance continues today. 

Also in Medieval Europe, the rose was associated with the Virgin Mary and used as a symbol of purity.

Greece and Rose Symbolism

In ancient Greece, the rose was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Rome and Rose Symbology

In Rome, roses were associated with Venus, the goddess of beauty.

The Rose is the Reason

Each rose color may have a special meaning, but sometimes just presenting or choosing a rose itself is the meaning. 

From your wedding day to Mother’s Day, roses are a great way to show someone you care. When you learn the symbolic meanings of roses, it just makes them all the more special. When you choose a beautiful bouquet based on what it represents, rather than just the popularity of roses, it seems to mean so much more. 

Sometimes, roses say what we can’t say with our words. They offer a smile or a hug when we’re not there to do it ourselves. They are the perfect way to show someone how you feel about them, and to offer comfort and love. 

Rose Meanings for Creating Greetings and Poems

Another advantage in discovering the meaning of rose colors is that it gives you a headstart in words to use when writing a greeting. But if you find yourself falling short of ideas, you might peruse some of these garden quotes, poems and flower poems.

3 Main Categories of Roses

1. Old Garden Roses – double layered, very fragrant, but bloom once per season; bred before 1867
2. Wild Roses – usually a single bloom and 5 petals in pink (red, white or yellow wild roses are rare)
3. Modern Garden Roses – Bred after 1867, offer a larger continuous blossoms, but are less fragrant and less hardy.

When it comes to the modern roses, they may have gain quantity over quality when it comes to fragrance.

REFERENCE: JacksonAndPerkins.com^[5]https://www.jacksonandperkins.com/ultimate-guide-rose-types/a/types-of-roses/

Conclusions of the Meaning of Different Rose Colors

As you can see, the history runs deep on the are many beautiful, unique meanings behind rose symbolism and colors. Now that you known more about the meaning of roses, you can be sure to select the perfect rose choice for each and every occasion. 

With over 300 species and several thousand varieties of the Rosa genus, there’s something for every gardener to enjoy from the three main categories of roses.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the rose symbolism and meanings of the different colored roses.

Find more on the wild Rugosa rose, and the “nearly wild” Knockout roses.