Don’t Send Roses Without Knowing What Each Color Means

June is National Rose Month, a time for gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike to celebrate the beauty of the iconic bloom. Before you send a fresh bouquet to a loved one this month or any other time of the year, it's important to know what each rose color means.

“[Roses] are and have always been a symbol of love,” said April & Ashley Co-CEO and Founding Member Tyler Francis in a press release. “Roses are timeless. They never go out of style, they just get better, and the various hues have different meanings universally.”

Below, we outlined all there is to know about rose colors, from traditional deep reds to vibrant, peach-toned petals.

Rose Colors and Their Meanings

So, what do all the different colors of roses mean? What each rose color symbolizes can change from country to country, but in the U.S., there are a few agreed-upon meanings for every color of rose. 

Red

A traditional symbol of affection, red signifies love and passion—the perfect color to gift to a significant other. An arrangement of red roses or scattered petals is a classic choice for Valentine's Day and anniversaries.

Yellow

Yellow roses signify friendship and good luck, making them a great color to give friends or family. You could also choose a yellow rose arrangement when giving a congratulatory gift for a monumental occasion, like a graduation or promotion.

White

Purity, loyalty, and new beginnings are often associated with white roses. This makes them fairly versatile; you could incorporate white roses into a romantic bouquet or gift them to someone celebrating a major life event.

Pink

Pink roses depict admiration and appreciation, offering an alternative to red roses for a romantic partner. A pink rose arrangement can also show a close family member or friend that you care about them.

Purple

Royalty and luxury are the two key meanings of gifting a bouquet of purple roses. This hue works for any happy occasion, though its special meaning could work well for a housewarming gift, or someone celebrating a new job.

Peach

Delicate, peach-colored roses often reflect sincerity and gratitude. Gifting peach roses is a meaningful "thank you" gift for all occasions, including holidays like Mother’s Day. You could also use them as a centerpiece while hosting dinner.

Orange

Orange roses represent enthusiasm, energy, and desire. What makes orange roses a go-to is how versatile they are; you can gift these colored roses romantically to a partner or as encouragement for a friend.

Cream

Often perceived with grace and thoughtfulness, cream roses make for a sweet and elegant option expressing gratitude and comfort. It can even be a "just-because" bouquet!

Blush

Beautiful blush-colored roses represent innocence and gentle affection. They're another beautiful way to show your partner you care, or to let your friend or family member you're thinking of them.

Adding Color to Your Garden

You can keep these meanings in mind when creating a rose garden, too. For example, planting vibrantly orange rose bushes will bring life and energy to your backyard, whereas blush-colored roses will create a sweet and delicate look to your garden.

If you're planning on using your newfound rose color knowledge to send a bouquet or add a touch of elegance to your garden, you can order farm-fresh roses from April & Ashley's official website.