Rose Day is a beautiful occasion to express affection, admiration, and love.
However, did you know that the colour of the roses you gift can convey a message just as powerful as your words?
While roses have long been symbols of love, each colour carries its own meaning. Knowing which rose to give can be just as important as knowing when to give it.
Let’s look at what each rose colour means and when it’s best to give them, and when it might be better to avoid certain colours altogether.
Red Roses – love, passion, deep admiration
Red roses represent deep romantic feelings and have been a timeless gift for expressing heartfelt emotions. Red roses are often associated with love that is intense, committed, and unbreakable.
Best for:
• Romantic relationships
• Long-term partners
• Newly engaged couples
When to Gift:
• On Rose Day / Valentine’s Day, to show your passionate love and devotion, making it one of the most meaningful Rose Day gift to your partner.
• During anniversaries, engagements, or significant milestones in a romantic relationship
Avoid Gifting If:
• You’re in a casual or new relationship and the feelings aren’t deeply romantic yet
• The recipient is not someone you have a romantic connection with
Pink Roses – grace, admiration, and appreciation
Pink roses convey gentle affection and are often seen as symbols of elegance and charm. These roses convey warmth and admiration without the intensity of red roses, making them perfect for expressing softer emotions.
Best for:
• Close friends
• Family members
• New relationships
When to Gift:
• As a gesture of admiration and appreciation on Rose Day
• When beginning a relationship or friendship
When not to gift:
• If you want to express deep, passionate love (red roses are more fitting for this)
• To someone who might expect a more intense romantic gesture
Yellow Roses – friendship, joy, and happiness
Yellow roses are more about celebrating platonic love and happiness rather than romantic affection. A bouquet of yellow roses conveys happiness, good wishes, and a desire for a lasting friendship.
Best for:
• Close friends
• Family members
• Colleagues or acquaintances
When to Gift:
• To celebrate friendship and happiness.
• When wanting to share cheer and happiness
When not to gift:
• In situations where a deeper, more intimate expression of love is required.
• The recipient is someone you want to express love or passion towards.
Peach Roses – sincerity, gratitude, and humility
Peach roses convey a sense of calm and warmth and are ideal for expressing feelings of appreciation without being too forward. These roses are great for relationships where feelings are deep but not yet fully romantic.
Best for:
• Colleagues
• Close friends
• Relatives
When to Gift:
• When you want to show gratitude and thankfulness.
• For a sincere gesture of appreciation without romantic undertones.
When not to gift:
• If you’re in a committed romantic relationship
• To someone you’re trying to woo romantically
Rose Colours That Are Not a Good Choice for Rose Day
Red, pink, yellow, and peach roses are usually great options for Rose Day. However, some colours might not send the message you want. Colours like white, blue, and black can create feelings or associations that do not align with the spirit of Rose Day.
Let’s take a look at why these colours might not be the best choice for this occasion.
White Roses – purity, innocence, and new beginnings.
While these roses have a delicate and beautiful meaning, they may not be the most appropriate for Rose Day, a celebration of love and romance. White roses are often linked to weddings, remembrance, or a fresh start, which could misinterpret the intended message on this occasion.
When to Gift:
• For weddings, engagements, or significant beginnings.
• As a gesture of remembrance or tribute in more solemn situations.
Blue Roses – mystery, the unattainable, and uniqueness.
While intriguing, blue roses are often more symbolic and abstract. They may suggest something distant or out of reach, which is not ideal for a day that celebrates love and connection.
When to Gift:
• For someone who enjoys unconventional, symbolic gestures
• As a gesture of closure or finality, but never for a romantic occasion like Rose Day.
Black Roses – endings, death, or farewell.
Black roses carry a sense of mystery or rebellion, they are not appropriate for celebrating love. Gifting black roses can be misinterpreted as a sign of ending a relationship or a negative gesture, which is the last message you want to send on Rose Day.
When to Gift:
• As a gesture of closure or finality, but never for a romantic occasion like Rose Day.
• Only in rare circumstances, such as for a gothic-themed event or when exploring a darker artistic concept
Roses are among the most powerful symbols of love, appreciation, and joy.
Choosing the right colour of roses can enhance the meaning of your gesture. However, some colours may not fit the romantic tone of Rose Day and could convey unintended messages.
Keep the recipient and the occasion in mind to ensure that your gift of roses communicates the right words of love.
