The Secret Language Of Roses 

THE FLOWERS.IE JOURNAL

The Secret Language Of Roses 

Stories, inspiration and thoughtful gifting ideas.

6 JUL 2022 · 5 MIN READ · ROSE COLLECTION

  • Video approval before dispatch
  • Same-day delivery in Dublin
  • Hand-arranged by expert florists

We all know that roses are red and violets are blue, but actually, roses can also be yellow, pink, white, orange or even purple.

What Is the Secret Language of Roses?

Flowers have a language all of their own, especially when it comes to roses. The language of flowers, officially known as floriography, was a very popular way to communicate back in the Victorian era. Nowadays we might have WhatsApp to reach our friends and loved ones, but the secret language of roses still adds that special wow factor when you are trying to send a particular message.

Our roses come in a variety of shades. So how do you know which colour to pick? Flowers.ie offers everything from classic red and chic white to brightly coloured yellows, pinks, oranges and purples. Understanding what each colour represents adds an extra layer of sentiment to your gift.

A mixed bouquet of roses in several colours

Hand-tied rose bouquet arranged by a Flowers.ie florist

White Roses

There is something extremely chic and understated about white roses. For those who gravitate towards neutral palettes and a minimalist feel at home, they are a natural fit. Traditionally, white roses represent innocence, eternal loyalty and grace. White can also be representative of fresh beginnings and a pure, clear path, which makes white roses a good idea for someone starting a new career or moving into a new home.

Red Roses

At Flowers.ie, we always say that red roses are not just for Valentine's. We believe in sending red roses any day of the year. The most famous rose of them all, red roses symbolise all those things that make a beautiful love story: romance, true love and passion. If you want to say those three magic words, red roses are a tried and true way to tell someone "I love you". With such a classic and timeless look, red roses are always connected with a romantic sentiment. For those in long term relationships, we recommend sending 36 red roses in a vase, as it shows you are head over heels in love.

Red roses arranged in a glass vase

Yellow Roses

How cool and quirky are yellow roses? They are far more playful than classic red and a unique way to send joy and cheer. Yellow is the colour of friendship, and a bouquet or hatbox of yellow roses holds significance for a long-lasting friendship. Yellow roses make a great thank you gift or get well soon gift, because you can be sure that their bright, optimistic colour brings joy to whoever receives them.

Yellow roses in a hatbox arrangement

Orange Roses

Orange roses sit somewhere between the passion of red and the cheerfulness of yellow. They represent enthusiasm, energy and fascination, which makes them a warm choice for congratulations, a new beginning, or simply saying you are thinking of someone. Their colour comes into its own in the cooler months, which is why orange roses feature throughout our autumn flower arrangements, set against burnt orange, gold and deep purple.

Purple Roses

Want to show someone how much you admire them? Purple roses are wonderfully individual and represent enchantment, splendour, wonder and mystery, making this colour especially inspiring. It does not have to be a romantic gesture. Purple roses make a great gift for congratulating someone or showing them how much you truly admire them, and they are a lovely celebratory choice for a friend or family member's graduation, new job or personal achievement.

Deep purple roses in a vase arrangement

Purple roses paired with seasonal foliage

Pink Roses

Pink roses symbolise grace, admiration, gratitude and kindness. The meaning of pink roses is not necessarily exclusively romantic, so they make a versatile gift for a wide range of occasions. They work as a birthday gift for a friend, a token of gratitude to your sister, a gift for your mother, or a thoughtful gesture for someone who is grieving. They are even a good way to say congratulations. You really cannot go wrong with pink roses.

Pink roses hand-tied in a bouquet

Pale pink roses arranged in a vase

How Many Roses Should You Give? Numbers and Meanings

Did you know there are meanings conveyed through the number of roses you send, as well as the colour?

  1. Twelve roses: have you ever wondered why a dozen roses became the standard? A dozen is still the most traditional amount given or sent as a gift. The twelve roses stand for every month of the year and carry the promise that you will love your partner throughout it. With 12 months in a year, 12 numbers on a clock and 12 zodiac signs, many believe 12 symbolises a complete cycle. So 12 red roses became the symbol of lifelong love and companionship.
  2. Twenty-five roses: we love a vase filled with 25 roses. It creates real impact in a room when placed on a table or in a hallway.
  3. Thirty-six roses: this means you are totally and completely in love. Three dozen says generous, but it also says head over heels.
  4. Fifty roses: the choice for when you want to leave someone speechless. Fifty roses show a boundless love, and are especially appropriate for wedding anniversaries, proposals and grand romantic gestures.

A large vase arrangement of roses

Whichever colour you choose, our florists hand-arrange every bouquet and send a video preview for your approval before it goes out for delivery. Explore our full range of rose bouquets and arrangements.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Question goes here?

Answer goes here.

Question goes here?

Answer goes here.

Question goes here?

Answer goes here.

Celebrate beautifully

Send a birthday arrangement today

Choose from seasonal flowers, prepared fresh and delivered nationwide.

Shop flowers

Notes on flowers, gifting and beautiful occasions.

Join the journal for seasonal edits, care advice and thoughtful gifting ideas.