Roses – colours, meaning and care tips

What do roses mean?

Since ancient times, the rose has been associated with love, beauty and secrets. However, the meaning varies greatly depending on the colour – and that is precisely what makes the rose an unusually versatile flower. Would you like to send flowers that express genuine feelings, roses are always a safe choice.

Colour meanings

• Red rose: The ultimate declaration of love. Red roses stand for passion and deep romance, and are the obvious choice for Valentine's Day, weddings and special occasions.
• Pink rose: Expresses gratitude, admiration and care. A lovely choice when you want to show someone you appreciate them – without it having to be romantic.
• Orange rose: Symbolises enthusiasm, joy of life and excitement. A warm and energetic flower that suits when you want to inspire or surprise.
• Yellow rose: Associated with friendship, happiness and warmth. Perfect as a friendship gift or to brighten up a grey day.
• Purple / lavender rose: Stands for enchantment and love at first sight. Rare and mysterious – an unusual and memorable choice.
• White rose: Purity, innocence and respect. Widely used in weddings and condolences, but also symbolises a new beginning.

Popular rose varieties

There are over 300 wild rose species and several thousand cultivated varieties. Here are some of the most popular – both in the garden and as cut flowers. You can easily order flowers with roses throughout the UK:

• Hybrid Tea rose: The classic long-stemmed rose with one large, well-formed bloom per stem. This is the variety you most often find at the florist and in romantic bouquets.
• Floribunda rose: Produces many flowers in clusters on each stem, creating a full and colourful display. Very popular both in gardens and in bouquets that need volume.
• Spray rose: A smaller version of the floribunda with several densely packed blooms per stem. Often used as filler material for an airy and delicate appearance.
• David Austin (English rose): Bred in England by David Austin. Known for its densely packed petals, cup-shaped blooms and intense fragrance. Gives a nostalgic, romantic impression.
• Shrub rose: Hardy and easy-to-grow varieties that are well suited to the UK climate. Flowers repeatedly throughout the summer and requires minimal maintenance.
• Climbing rose: A vigorous variety that climbs along trellises, pergolas and walls. Can grow several metres high and flowers abundantly with fragrant blooms.
• Miniature rose: A small, graceful version of the garden rose – ideal in a pot on a balcony or windowsill. Available in all colours and flowers for a long time.
• Wild rose hip (R. canina): Found growing wild in nature. Produces simple pink flowers early in summer and red hips in autumn. Sometimes used in natural, rustic arrangements.

How to keep your roses fresh in the vase

• Remove all leaves that fall below the waterline – they rot and contaminate the water.
• Cut the stems at an angle, approximately 2–3 cm – preferably under running water to avoid air bubbles.
• Use clean water and add the flower food sachet if included with the bouquet.
• Change the water every other day and wash the vase thoroughly.
• Place the roses in a cool location and avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and draughts.
• Keep them away from fruit bowls – ethylene gas from ripening fruit causes roses to wilt faster.

You can find more tips in our complete care guide.

It's never been easier to buy flowers online. Learn what different flowers mean in our guide to flower language, or read our top tips for keeping your bouquet fresh.