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The Ultimate Rose Colour Guide: Meanings, Symbolism & Perfect Pairings
Roses aren't just flowers; they're a language. A whisper of romance, a shout of celebration, a gentle nudge of "I'm thinking of you." But here's the thing: not all roses speak the same dialect. The colour you choose? That's your entire vibe wrapped up in petals and perfume.
Whether you're wooing your Valentine, celebrating a milestone, or simply brightening someone's Tuesday, understanding what each rose colour means can transform your gift from lovely to legendary.
Red Roses: The OG of Romance
Meaning: Love, Passion, Deep Romance
Let's be honest, when you think "roses," you think red. And for good reason. Red roses are the Beyoncé of the flower world: iconic, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable. They're the universal symbol of true love, heartfelt connection, and that butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of passion.
Red is the warmest colour in the spectrum, bursting with energy, vitality, and confidence. It's sumptuous, tender, and yes—a little bit sexy. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, declaring your love, or planning a romantic surprise, red roses never miss.
Perfect for: Anniversaries, Valentine's Day, romantic date nights, marriage proposals
Top Pick: Our Love Supreme Red Rose Bouquet is pure romance in a vase. Available in hand-tied or vase arrangements, it's the kind of gift that makes hearts skip beats.
For something truly show-stopping, the Limitless Luxury bouquet takes red roses to the next level with premium blooms that say, "You're worth it."
Pink Roses: Sweet, Graceful & Grateful
Meaning: Love, Appreciation, Gratitude, Grace
If red roses are a passionate kiss, pink roses are a warm hug. They're graceful, sweet, and poetically romantic—without the intensity of their crimson cousins. Pink roses embody appreciation, gratitude, and unconditional love, making them perfect for showing someone you care without necessarily saying "I'm in love with you."
Pink is calming, relaxing, and radiates gentle affection. It's the best alternative to Valentine's red when you want romance with a softer touch. Think Mother's Day, thank-you gifts, or celebrating friendships that feel like family.
Perfect for: Mother's Day, birthdays, thank-you gifts, celebrating friendships, new mums
Top Pick: The Celebration Bouquet combines pink roses with cheerful gerberas for a gift that's equal parts sweet and celebratory. Available as a hand-tied bouquet or vase arrangement.
For a luxurious pink experience, check out the Dlicious in Pink Gift Box—flowers meet gourmet treats in the most delightful way—or Blooming Marvelous, 50 mixed pink roses.
White Roses: Pure, Elegant & Timeless
Meaning: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, New Beginnings
White roses are elegant, timeless, and appropriate for almost any occasion. They're sacred blooms that represent purity, innocence, unity, and virtue. White roses speak of honest reflection, bridal elegance, and true love in its most genuine form. These gentle blooms carry so much kindness and grace.
They're perfect for weddings, sympathy arrangements, or any moment that calls for quiet beauty and sincerity.
Perfect for: Weddings, sympathy and condolences, new beginnings, apologies, christenings
Top Pick: Our White Rose Bouquet is sophistication personified. Clean, classic, and utterly beautiful.
For sympathy arrangements, the Funeral Wreath offers a dignified tribute, while the Cream Comfort combines white blooms for peaceful elegance.
Yellow Roses: Sunshine in a Stem
Meaning: Friendship, Joy, Longevity, Connection
Yellow roses are basically happiness wrapped in petals. They're sunny, bright, and radiate good vibes and honest friendship. These cheerful blooms represent the platonic love felt in friendships of the heart—the kind of connection that makes life worth living.
Yellow is the colour of optimism, warmth, and those "just because" moments. It's perfect for cheering someone up, celebrating a friend's success, or simply reminding someone they're special.
Perfect for: Get well soon gifts, friendship celebrations, congratulations, cheering someone up
Top Pick: The Golden Sun bunch or Yellow Roses with a Teddy.
Orange Roses: The Creative Connector
Meaning: Desire, Creativity, Enthusiasm, Relationship Bridge
Orange roses are where passion meets friendship—the perfect middle ground. Born from the union of red and yellow, orange roses express warmth, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm. They're excellent for celebrating relationships that are evolving, whether that's a new romance, a deepening friendship, or a creative partnership.
Orange is bold, energetic, and full of life. It's the colour of autumn sunsets and crackling fires—warm, inviting, and impossible to ignore.
Perfect for: New relationships, creative collaborations, autumn celebrations, "thinking of you" moments
Top Pick: Get the Orange Rose Sweet Treat, orange roses and a delicious treat, a perfect combination. Or get these Orange You Glad stunning two-toned, orange brandy roses in a clear glass vase.
Lavender & Purple Roses: Enchanting Elegance
Meaning: Enchantment, Peace, Serenity, Royalty, Love at First Sight
Purple has long been associated with royalty, but there's something deeply sensual and soft about lavender and lilac roses. They're enchanting, serene, and humble in their peaceful nature. Purple roses convey fascination and adoration—they're perfect for expressing "I'm captivated by you" without the full-throttle intensity of red.
Shades of lavender bring arrangements together in extraordinary ways, adding depth, mystery, and a touch of magic.
Perfect for: Romantic gestures, expressing admiration, milestone anniversaries, enchanting someone special
Top Pick: The Fifteen Lilac bunch features elegant purple roses for a sophisticated statement.
Mixed Rose Bouquets: Why Choose Just One?
Sometimes life isn't just one colour—it's a whole rainbow of emotions, celebrations, and connections. Mixed rose bouquets let you express multiple sentiments at once, creating a rich tapestry of meaning that's as complex and beautiful as the relationships we cherish.
Perfect for: When you want to say it all, celebrations that deserve the full spectrum, "I couldn't choose" moments
- Celebration Bouquet – A joyful mix of roses and gerberas that screams "let's party!"
- Country Basket – Rustic charm meets colourful blooms in this delightful arrangement
- Colour Me Happy – Because sometimes you need ALL the colours
Special Occasion Rose Guide
Valentine's Day
Go for: Red roses (obviously), pink for sweetness, or white for pure love
Top picks: Classic Red Rose Bouquet
Mother's Day
Go for: Pink roses for gratitude, yellow for the joy she brings
Top picks: Celebration Bouquet
Anniversaries
Go for: Red for enduring passion, mixed for the journey you've shared
Top picks: Limitless Luxury
Sympathy & Funerals
Go for: White for peace and purity, soft pastels for gentle comfort
Top picks: Funeral Wreath
Birthdays
Go for: Their favourite colour, or bright mixed arrangements for celebration
Top picks: Happy Bouquet
New Baby
Go for: Pink for girls, blue-white combinations for boys, yellow for gender-neutral joy
Top picks: Pair any soft-coloured roses with our Cosy Baby Shower Gift Set
The Bloomable Difference: Why Roses Matter
Flowers have filled our lives with so much joy, hope, and happiness. At Bloomable, we're blessed to be surrounded by them every single day—and even more blessed to help you share that joy with the people you love.
Fresh, Quality Blooms
Our local artisan partner florists hand-select the freshest roses available, ensuring your gift arrives in perfect condition. Each stem is chosen with care, arranged with artistry, and delivered with pride. You will be supporting local South African florists in our beautiful country.
Ready to send the perfect roses? Browse our full collection of rose bouquets and gift boxes today. Your perfect arrangement is just a click away.
