Rose colors and their meanings tell the person holding the bouquet what you feel before you say a word. Red says romantic love, yellow says friendship and white is common at weddings and funerals. This guide explains 20 different colors of roses, what each one means and when to give it. A quick chart and an occasion guide follow the list.
The meanings below come from the Victorian "language of flowers" and from how florists use roses today. They are traditions, not strict rules. The person you are giving them to matters more than the chart.
Rose color meanings at a glance
| Rose color | Meaning | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Romantic love, passion | Valentine's Day, anniversaries |
| Burgundy | Deep, lasting love | Long marriages |
| Pink | Admiration, gratitude, happiness | Mother's Day, thank-yous |
| White | New beginnings, purity, remembrance | Weddings, funerals |
| Yellow | Friendship, joy | Friends, get-well wishes |
| Orange | Energy, enthusiasm | Congratulations, new jobs |
| Coral | Desire, cheerful affection | Early dating |
| Peach | Sincerity, thanks | Thank-you gifts |
| Lavender | Love at first sight | First dates |
| Purple | Admiration, royalty | Honoring someone |
| Blue | The impossible, mystery | Unusual gifts |
| Green | Growth, renewal | New homes, new starts |
| Black | Farewell, endings | Goth weddings, Halloween, mourning |
Red and romantic rose colors
1. Red roses
Red roses mean romantic love and passion. UW-Madison Extension horticulture educator Margaret Murphy lists red as "love" in a 2024 guide to rose meanings (UW-Madison Extension). Give red roses on Valentine's Day, an anniversary or with a proposal.
2. Burgundy roses
Burgundy roses are a darker red. They stand for deep love that has lasted, so they suit a 10th or 25th anniversary better than a second date.
3. Hot pink roses
Hot pink roses sit between pink and red. They say "I like you a lot" with less weight than red, which makes them a safe choice for a new relationship.
4. Coral roses
Coral roses mix pink and orange. Florists use them for desire and cheerful affection, often in the early months of dating.
Pink, white and soft rose colors
5. Pink roses
Pink roses mean admiration, gratitude and happiness. The same UW-Madison Extension guide lists pink as "perfect happiness." They fit Mother's Day, a thank-you or a friend's birthday.
6. Light pink roses
Pale pink roses carry a gentler message: sweetness, kindness and admiration. They work well for new mothers, teachers and grandparents.
7. White roses
White roses stand for new beginnings, purity and remembrance. That is why they appear in both bridal bouquets and funeral arrangements. The UW-Madison Extension guide lists white as "you're heavenly."
8. Ivory roses
Ivory roses are white with a warm tint. They mean lasting charm and are popular in vintage-style weddings.
9. Cream roses
Cream roses are softer than white. Give them when you want to show care and respect without a romantic message.
10. Champagne roses
Champagne roses have a beige-pink tone. They suit elegant events and anniversary dinners where red feels too loud.
11. Peach roses
Peach roses mean sincerity and thanks. They make a good gift for a coworker, a host or a mentor.
Bright rose colors
12. Yellow roses
Yellow roses mean friendship and joy. They work for a best friend's birthday, a get-well bouquet or a "just because" visit.
13. Yellow roses with red tips
These two-tone roses mix friendship (yellow) with love (red). People give them when a friendship is turning into something more.
14. Orange roses
Orange roses mean energy, enthusiasm and pride. Send them for a promotion, a new job or a graduation.
Purple, blue and unusual rose colors
15. Lavender roses
Lavender roses are linked to love at first sight and enchantment. They are a thoughtful pick for a first date.
16. Purple roses
Deeper purple roses mean admiration and a touch of royalty. Give them to honor someone you look up to.
17. Blue roses
Blue roses mean mystery and "the impossible," because roses do not grow blue on their own. Most blue roses sold by florists are white roses dyed blue. The Japanese company Suntory spent about 14 years developing a bluish rose named Applause and began selling it in 2009 (Suntory).
18. Green roses
Green roses stand for growth, renewal and balance. They suit a new home, a new baby or a fresh start.
19. Black roses
Black roses mean farewell, endings or a dramatic style. Natural "black" roses, such as the Black Baccara variety, are a very dark red. Pure black roses are dyed. Give them for Halloween, a goth wedding or to someone who loves dark colors.
20. Rainbow roses
Rainbow roses are white roses dyed through the stem so each petal takes a different color. They mean joy and fun, which makes them a good birthday surprise.
Rose colors by occasion
- Valentine's Day or a proposal: red, or red mixed with white.
- First date: lavender, coral or hot pink.
- Anniversary: red for any year, burgundy for long marriages.
- Mother's Day: pink or peach.
- Friend's birthday: yellow, orange or rainbow.
- Wedding: white, ivory, cream or champagne.
- Funeral or sympathy: white, cream or pale pink.
- Thank-you: peach or pink.
- Congratulations: orange or yellow.
Can you mix rose colors in one bouquet?
Yes. Mixing colors lets you combine messages. Red and white together are a classic pair for weddings. Yellow and orange make a cheerful birthday bouquet. Pink and white feel soft and work for new babies.
The rose is the national floral emblem of the United States. President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5574 on November 20, 1986 (American Rose Society). That helps explain why roses show up at so many American celebrations.
Planning a big moment with red roses? Read our Valentine's Day proposal ideas and signs that you're falling in love. For a gift that lasts longer than flowers, browse our personalized embroidered gifts.
Frequently asked questions
What do the different colors of roses mean?
Red means romantic love, pink means admiration, white means new beginnings and remembrance, yellow means friendship and orange means enthusiasm. Lavender means love at first sight.
What is the difference between red and pink roses?
Red roses say romantic love and passion. Pink roses say admiration and gratitude, so they also suit family, friends and teachers.
Which rose color is best for a first date?
Lavender, coral or light pink. They show interest without the weight of a dozen red roses.
Which rose colors are right for a funeral?
White and cream roses are the most common. Pale pink and soft yellow also work for a celebration of life.
Do roses come in different colors naturally?
Yes. Roses grow in red, pink, white, yellow, orange, coral, peach and purple shades. True blue, rainbow and pure black roses are dyed or bred with special methods.
Is rose a colour?
Yes. "Rose" is also a color name for a soft pinkish red. "Dusty rose" is a muted version popular in weddings and home decor.
