February 04, 2022 4 min read

Ever wondered why you always see Roses in romance films? We think you already know the answer: It’s because they universally signify love! However, with the slight variation in colour and the number of stalks sent your way, the message changes as well — what you’re getting on Valentine’s isn’t a cliché, but somethingspecial. Such is the beauty of floriography!

So, if you’re looking to unpack what your sender is trying to convey, we have you covered with this comprehensive guide.

ROSE FLOWER COLOURS, MEANING & GIFTING OCCASION

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White Rose Meaning

  • Purity
  • New beginnings
  • Remembrance and sympathy

 

When To Gift White Rose

  • Weddings 
  • Funerals

 

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Pink Rose Meaning

  • Grace 
  • Appreciation

 

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Yellow Rose Meaning

  • Joy
  • Friendship

 

When To Gift Yellow Rose

  • International Friendship Day

 

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Red Rose Meaning

  • Love
  • Romance

 

When To Gift Red Rose

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Purple Rose Meaning

  • Enchantment
  • Love at first sight
  • Elegance

 

When To Gift Purple Rose

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Blue Rose Meaning

  • New beginnings
  • True love

 

When To Gift Blue Rose

IMPORTANT GIFTING NOTES FOR ROSE

Hidden Messages Behind The Number Of Roses In A Bunch:

1 Rose – A single stalk is for someone you love and signifies “love at first sight”.

3 Roses – The representation of those three words, “I love you”.

4 Roses – “Nothing will stand between us”.

6 Roses – If you’ve decided to finally make it official with someone you’re dating, this is the best way to say “I want to be yours”.

9 Roses – Giving someone nine Roses means that you wish to be with them for the rest of your life.

12 Roses – A dozen Roses is a simple and direct “Be mine”.

24 Roses – 24 Roses represent how often they’re on your mind – 24 hours

50 Roses – The perfect way to show your unconditional love to them

99 Roses – “I’ll love you till the day I die”.

100 Roses – To further prove that your undying love for someone will last 100 years

ROSE FLOWER CARE 101

‘Tis the season of romance, and who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet with beautiful blooms? With some luck, and perhaps a hint or two to your lover, you’ll be on the receiving end ofsome Rose bunchesfor sure. Here’s how you can take better care of these blooms when they arrive!

Basic Care Steps For Cut Roses

  • Clean your vase with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to remove all dirt and residue. After which, you can fill it with fresh water and your Roses.
  • When placing cut Roses in a vase, remove all submerged leaves as they will harbour bacteria when they decay.
  • Need more tips? Read our Flower Care Guide!

 

Additional Pro-Tips For Cut Roses

  • Each time the vase water is changed, trim a bit off the stems of your Roses. The shorter you cut the stems, the longer they will last as it takes less time for the water to “travel” to the buds.
  • Keep your Roses away from direct sunlight or heat. Warm temperatures will cause the flowers to dry up quickly.
  • If you notice any bruising or browning on the outer petals of your fresh Roses, don’t panic! Your Rose is most likely healthy and not wilting as you expect. The bruised/damaged-looking petals you see above are guard petals of the Rose that protect the inner petals from bruising during transit. Gently pinch the base of the petal with your index finger and slowly pull it down towards the stem to remove. Rinse and repeat until all the guard petals are gone!

 

ROSE: A HISTORY

Fossil evidence suggests that Roses have bloomed as early as 35 million years ago and there are now over 150 species spread across the globe! ‘Rosa Gallica’ was the name given to this plant when the Romans and Greeks were cultivating it. Fun fact — the demand for these flowers amongst the Roman aristocrats rose (pun intended) so rapidly that peasants were made to grow them instead of food!

Interestingly enough, the Rose itself has ties to the Goddess of Love, Aphrodite. In Greek myth, the flowers first bloomed when her tears mixed with Adonis’ (her lover) blood. A little bit gory, but still touching nonetheless.

ROSE VARIETIES

What with the Rose being the most popular flower in the world, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the more diverse species in the world with over 150 species and thousands of hybrids! But, we won’t bore you with the deets, and only take a look at the more special and popular ones below — some of which you might have received in bunches! 
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Damask Roses

  • Comes in pink and light reds
  • Edible petals
  • Fragrant

 

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Floribunda Roses

  • Comes in a variety of colours
  • Large spray
  • Usually scentless

 

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Grandiflora Roses

  • Comes in a variety of colours
  • Large spray
  • Fragrant

 

Our Rosy Conclusion: Not Just For Valentine's Day!

We’ve touched on how Roses first came to be, meanings, symbolisms and how to care for them. Now, you’re all set to decide which Rose to choose for your next bouquet, no matter the (romantic) occasion!