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With its beauty and fragrance, it’s no wonder the rose is considered the queen of the flowers. A matter of fact, it’s no surprise that Victorian poets romanticized the various colors of roses in their writings, developing an entire language and art to the way these blooms were gifted. “Roses have always captured gardeners and people as far back as the ancient Romans,” says Stephen Scanniello, curator of the NYBG's Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, which houses more than 650 varieties of roses. “The color codes, developed mostly in the mid 1800s, make it a bit more fun to gift.”
From peach to ivory, each shade of rose has its own unique meaning. Let the flowers do the talking, and discover the messages these 16 rose colors carry.
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Red Roses
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These classic and vibrant blooms symbolize romance and respect, making them perfect for sending to a significant other. However, make sure to only carry them in your right hand. “It’s bad luck to carry a bouquet of red roses in your left hand and give them to your loved one,” says Scanniello.
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Bouqs
Very Merry Bouquet
Warm those cold winter nights with this fiery arrangement of red roses, alstroemeria, and hypericum berries.
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Burgundy Roses
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In modern times, rich wine shades represent unconscious beauty, whereas the Victorians thought of them as a way to express deep affection. “During the Victorian era, deeper rose colors signified deeper passion,” explains Scanniello. Send these as a striking change from the traditional red bouquet.
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Flower Moxie
Dark Red Rubicon Spray Roses
Much smaller than the garden rose, the spray variety is ideal for smaller arrangements such as tabletop centerpieces or even corsages.
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White Roses
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The calm beauty of this variety reflects new beginnings and innocence. While a favorite of brides, white roses are also appropriate to give as a sign of respect or remembrance.
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Unwilted
Cloud Gazing
This blend of paper roses, white tulips, and a cream peony add the right amount of sophistication to any event.
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Ivory Roses
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More charming than their floral cousin, off-white blooms signify gracefulness and thoughtfulness. They are a nice way to let someone know you care without romantic implications, according to Scanniello.
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Landeau
25 Roses in a Branded Box
The simplistic beauty of these cream-colored stunners make them a perfect gift for any occasion.
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Yellow Roses
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You may want to think twice before gifting a vase of these bright blooms. Yellow roses were once thought to express jealousy and infidelity. Luckily in modern times, these sunny blooms adopted a much more joyous meaning and have come to represent friendship.
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Williams Sonoma
Yellow Rose Spring Bouquet [Without Vase]
Let the sunshine in with these bubbly, yellow roses and striking snapdragons available through Williams Sonoma.
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Yellow with Red Tip Roses
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This one-of-a-kind bloom marries the passion of red roses and the vibrancy of yellow. It's thought these species promotes happiness and cheerfulness, especially when gifted to a lover.
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The Bouqs Co.
Fortified Bouquet
Tired of the traditional red bouquet? Try gifting your loved one a dozen of these two-toned stunners.
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Light Pink Roses
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Gentler than their red counterparts, blush buds carry a serene message of admiration. A bouquet of these elegant beauties is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, especially those in new romantic relationships.
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The Green Vase
Floribunda Rose Plant
Handcrafted by the renowned stylist Livia Cetti, these paper roses will remain radiant on your office desk for a lifetime.
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Deep Pink Roses
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Intense and vibrant, this pink variety symbolizes deep appreciation and gratitude. Scanniello considers vibrant pink roses to be quite versatile and a safe choice to brighten anyone’s day.
Farmgirl Flowers
Market Bouquet: Pink Roses
Each sweet pink rose making up this 20-stem bouquet is hand-selected from the growers of Farmgirl Flowers, ensuring you'll always get the freshest selection.
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Peach Roses
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Understated and modest, this delicate shade represents sincerity and gratitude. “If you're attending a cocktail or dinner party, you should opt to give your hostess a blend of peach roses,” says Scanniello. “They are the perfect friendship rose.”
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Urbanstems
The Capri Bouquets
Your favorite hostess will coo over this lively display of deep peach roses, delicate orange ranunculus, and violet delphinium.
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Orange Roses
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These fiery rebels of the rose family exude energy, excitement, and even admiration. Let your special someone know exactly how you feel with a bunch of warmly colored blossoms.
Venus et Fleur
Le Mini Square in Orange
Go ahead and gift yourself a few of these vivid blooms to brighten up your day.
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Coral Roses
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Slightly more pink than orange, coral buds offer a deeper level of desire and fascination than the traditional red. A bouquet of these energetic flowers is sure to express any underlying messages of excitement.
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Bloomsby Box
Coral Expression Rose
Your mood will immediately lift just by looking at these joyful coral blooms.
Cherry Brandy Roses
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Getting its name from the well-known cherry-based liqueur, these reddish-orange roses signify loyalty and care. Gifting these surprising bicolor blooms is a lovely way to tell someone you support them or that you are grateful to have them in your life.
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Bloomsby Box
Pink & Orange Roses
Bloomsby Box offers subscription services, allowing you to have your favorite cherry brandy roses delivered to your home as often as you like.
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Lavender Roses
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Symbolizing enchantment and splendor, these blooms are meant for royalty. One of the rarest colors, lavender roses are often a sign of love at first sight and carry an air of regality. It's truly the perfect rose for a budding romance.
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The Bouqs Co.
Lavendaria de Cali
The Bouqs Co. partners with eco-minded farms that prioritize using sustainable growing practices, which means you can ogle at this lavender bouquet guilt-free.
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Deep Purple Roses
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Similar to its lighter sister, purple roses tend to be associated with royalty or majesty. However, these "mystical roses" also can also be used to show someone you value their opinion or look up to them.
Urbanstems
The Morello Bouquet
Your Thanksgiving table won't be complete without this hypnotic combination of purple roses, ranunculus, and scabiosa.
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Blue Roses
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There may not be any truly blue roses within nature, but this eye-catching shade still developed its own meaning. Alluding to mystery and intrigue, blue roses make for a unique gift for an extraordinary someone.
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Le Jardin Infini
Single Light Blue Preserved Rose
Preserved to last for a full year, this sky blue rose will look delightful on a desk or bookshelf.
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Green Roses
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Its verdant color and lush petals reflects a constant renewal of life and abundant growth. “This variety offers peace to the mind,” explains Scanniello.
Bloomsy Box
Fresh & Lush Green Rose
If someone you know needs a little encouragement, consider gifting them a dozen of these cheerful stems.
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Black Roses
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Most black roses seen at flower markets have actually been dyed by florists to get their deep appearance. While many associate the dark beauties with death or mourning, they actually have a much more positive meaning of rebirth and a new beginning.
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Venus et Fleur
Small Le Plein
Make the ultimate statement with a daring arrangement of these dark roses.
SARAH DIMARCOSarah DiMarco is the Assistant Editor at VERANDA, covering all things decor, design, and travel, and she also manages social media for the brand.
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