Here’s What These 11 Popular Rose Colors Mean Before You Send a Bouquet

A mix between the grown-up passion of bright red roses and the sweet modesty of light pink roses, hot pink roses are a happy medium that adopts qualities of each end of the spectrum. Think youthful passion and sweetness but with an attitude!

Symbolism: Excitement, curiosity, flirtation, and creativity

These roses evoke soft-spoken grace and kindheartedness. While they're definitely romantic, they're less overtly so than, say, bright red roses, and less playful than their brighter pink counterparts. As a more muted tint of pink, they have a humble profile and won't overwhelm a neutral palette. They also often represent self-love, making them a great gift to give yourself.

Symbolism: Sweetness, peace, and tenderness

Blue roses don't actually exist in nature, but that hasn't stopped humans from making them happen. Because of this, they evoke mystery and commitment. They also add a bit of quirk to a bouquet, so if you or a loved one appreciates out-of-the-box thinking, this may be just the flower for you and them.

Symbolism: Tranquility, resilience, strength, rarity, and uniqueness

Because purple is created with some blue pigment, it can carry some associations of the impossible with it. Purple roses are utterly enchanting and magical, which makes them arguably the most romantic roses of all. They're great for a budding romance.

Symbolism: Majesty, uniqueness, wisdom, and mystery

Moody, mysterious, and deeply sensual, dark purple roses bring intensity to any bouquet. The undertone of black makes them mystifying, pensive, brooding, and somewhat serious. These unusual buds are fit for a winter bouquet or any arrangement that needs a touch of sharpness.

Symbolism: Royalty, enlightenment, and spirituality

Some white roses err on the light-pink side, while others appear greener, with cooler undertones. Light white roses with pinker undertones can freshen up warm bouquets.

Symbolism: Innocence, purity, elegance, and spirituality

You can also find some white roses that look creamy, with a buttery yellow base. They're common in wedding ceremonies because of their association with marriage, but they're also quite popular in arrangements marking life's more somber moments.

Symbolism: New beginnings, growth, and peace

Light orange-pink, coral, and peachy roses are often associated with platonic and professional occasions. As a result, they're great blooms to spotlight in a bouquet when it's time to say "thank you" or celebrate a budding relationship, due to their energizing, transitional color.

Symbolism: Warmth, support, loyalty, and enthusiasm

Historically, yellow roses haven't had the best connotations (jealousy was a common one), but today they're much more lighthearted. These sunny roses radiate warmth and cheer. They can range from marigold to vibrant lemon to paler buttercream, and look quite fresh and avant-garde when paired with unexpected blue florals, like an edgy electric blue orchid.

Symbolism: Friendship, warmth, joy, youth, energy