Last updated on May 22nd, 2023 at 09:25 am

A rose is a flowering plant of the genus Rosa, which contains over 100 varieties of perennial shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae). Many roses are grown for their lovely blossoms, ranging from white to varied shades of yellow and pink to dark crimson and maroon.

Most species of this flower are native to Asia, with a few to North America and a few to Europe and northwest Africa. These plants were initially cultivated some 5,000 years ago during the Roman era. Before their reputation as garden plants and cut flowers, roses were highly regarded back in the day for their perfume, medicinal and therapeutic benefits, festivities, and decorations.

Roses from around the world easily hybridize, producing overlapping parental forms and making basic species identification difficult. Less than ten species, largely from Asia, were involved in crossbreeding, resulting in today’s diverse range of garden roses.

Roses eventually went to China, where rose gardening became popular 5,000 years ago. In the late 18th century, roses made their way from China to Europe, where their popularity grew even more. Plant breeders began generating rose hybrids as soon as roses arrived in Europe. The rest, as they say, is history.

What does the Rose flower symbolize?

Western culture believed in the legend that Aphrodite, the Roman goddess of love, created the rose. The rich Romans used to treat their bodies by soaking them in water infused with rose petals.

Another ancient Arab folklore speaks of a nightingale who fell so deeply in love with a white blossom that he crushed his body against it. A rose thorn penetrated its heart, turning the flower scarlet with blood.

Roses are typically associated with love and romance but also,  this flower can mean secrecy or confidentiality. Romans would hang roses from banquet hall ceilings and whatever was uttered while under the influence of wine to stay confidential as expected.

In the Middle Ages, rose flowers were also hung from the meeting room ceilings and were understood as a sign that everyone under the roses was sworn to secrecy.

Roses can also be found on four tarot cards: the Fool, Magician, Strength, and Death. The white rose on the Fool represents purity and serves as a reminder to purify the mind. The Magician card represents unfolding insight. The rose signifies balance on the Strength card. And it’s a reminder of purity, clarity, and transparency of intent on the Death card.

All in all, the rose flower symbolic meanings are:

  • love
  • passion
  • romance
  • admiration
  • secrecy
  • confidentiality
  • achievement
  • completion
  • perfection

Meaning Of The Rose Flower Colors

White color

White roses are frequently connected with new beginnings and marriages. Because of this, we often see these flowers in weddings and bridal bouquets. Their exquisite appearance also makes them excellent as a thoughtful token of remembering.

Furthermore, a bouquet of white roses can be given to mark a friend or loved one’s new life journey or as a farewell gift. The purity of white roses is frequently associated with future hope and respect.

Red color

Red represents love, passion, romance, and desire. A simple red rose communicates “I love you” better than anything else, making it a great gift for your significant other. A red rose also reflects beauty.

Yellow color

Yellow roses are now associated with joy and warmth in our modern times. They also represent friendship, care, and bonds, making them an excellent gift for your childhood best friend.

Additional connotations of yellow roses include remembrance and appreciation, which create the best bet as a parting gift to show someone how much you value them.

In the Victorian era, yellow roses, despite their cheerful color, were associated with jealousy, greed, and infidelity. As a result, you should avoid offering a yellow rose to someone significant. This can imply that you’re only interested in being a friend, which can send mixed signals in the language of flowers.

Pink color

Pink roses are symbols of femininity and elegance. They are very versatile roses and convey many meanings depending on their shade.

Deep or hot pink roses convey to the recipient that you are aware of and grateful for their presence., making these flowers the perfect “thank you” present.

Light pink flowers stand for grace, a suitable gift for a woman who has reached a milestone or achieved a goal. Likewise, if you’re interested in someone yet feel that a red rose would be too big of a gesture, a pink rose can be a more subtle approach to express to them how you feel.

Orange color

Orange is a vibrant and dynamic color, and that’s precisely the message it delivers—positive energy. They also convey pride and fascination.

Orange roses can be gifted when you want to tell someone that you like what they achieved or that you’re pleased with them. 

These flowers are a wonderful option if you’re looking for a unique gift for your significant other because they also stand for passionate romance. 

To add color and happiness to your wedding decor, complement white roses with orange ones.

Blue color

Real blue roses do not exist in nature. Coloring white flowers manufacture blue roses. You can pick a purplish-blue rose if you prefer a naturally existing variation.

Because the blue rose is unpopular and not naturally found, it can represent a mystery. As a result, it can be used to express to someone that they are unique and extraordinary.

Black color

Like blue roses, real black roses do not exist in nature. Instead, these are white flowers that have been dyed black. However, several dark-colored rose varieties have been identified as “black roses,” though their colors are dark red, deep red, or burgundy.

Black roses are among the most unusual flowers to use in any arrangement, providing numerous connotations, with death and sadness being the most common.

They also represent tragic love, hatred, the end of a relationship or career, and revenge. As they might be a type of tragic love, black roses can likewise be a symbol of profound love and dedication.

Black roses can also signify new beginnings and rebirth. Therefore, despite having negative connotations, they can have some positive meanings and symbolism.

Green color

Green is an unusual color for a flower. Real green roses, however, do grow naturally and are just as lovely as roses of other colors.

Though rare, green roses remain as popular cut flowers for many celebrations, such as St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and Easter, many more. They are also well-liked in bouquets and floral arrangements.

Roses in green symbolize a variety of concepts, including balance and freshness. They frequently serve as a symbol of renewal, joy, hope, and fertility.

Lavender color

Lavender is another rare color for a rose flower. Purple roses are a terrific alternative to classic red or pink roses for expressing passion because of their gorgeous and feminine appeal.

Purple roses, like other colors, have a variety of meanings. They stand for attraction and falling in love at first sight. 

These magnificent blooms are also connected with monarchy, elegance, and privilege. Other symbolism of this flower includes adoration, mystery, and wonder.

Multicolored/Rainbow Color

Multicolored roses, often called rainbow roses, typically signify joy and enthusiasm due to the range of colors they exhibit. Like blue flowers, they do not exist in nature. Instead, they have been chemically colored to give them that rainbow-like aspect.

This colorful arrangement is a perfect gifting flower for various events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, the birth of a new baby, graduations, moving into a new home, and professional promotions.

Interesting Facts About The Rose Flowers

  • Roses are the national flower of England. Honduras once considered the rose as its national flower, too. 
  • Red and white roses represented the house of Lancaster and York, respectively, between 1455 to 1487, in which Lancaster and York competed in the War of Roses to rule the country. 
  • The influence of roses is evident in the works of William Shakespeare, particularly in the play Romeo and Juliet includes a line that says, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
  • The United States and the Maldives recognize roses as their respective official flower and floral emblem.
  • The Queen of Flowers is also the official flower of five US states (Iowa, North Dakota, Georgia, New York, and Oklahoma) and the province of Alberta in Canada. 
  • The rose is the birthday flower for June and the 15th wedding anniversary flower. 

How To Grow Rose Flowers

Roses can sometimes be difficult to grow and maintain since they require constant trimming and maintenance. While in the past, that might have been the case with roses, they have recently been developed and nurtured to be easier for gardeners to maintain.

  1. Plant the roses in loamy, well-drained soil.
  2. Choose a spot where they can get six hours of the morning sun.
  3. Mix organic matter, such as compost or ground bark, into excavated soil when planting.
  4. Water roses thoroughly twice a week.
  5. Start feeding them when they are actively growing in spring, overlapping with pruning time.

How To Care For Rose Flowers

  1. Water the roses often to create consistently moist soil, not overly wet or bone-dry.
  2. Add organic mulch around the soil to keep the plants happy and healthy.
  3. Use slow-release plant food once or twice a season to feed the plants for months.
  4. Prune roses to maximize blooming.

Best Time To Gift Rose Flowers

Roses are a great option for any flower arrangement and make the ideal gift for any event. These flowers are often gifted as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day gifts. Nonetheless, they can also fit for any occasion—Day, Father’s weddings, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.

Roses are a perfect gift for anyone, anytime, for any occasion, if they adore flowers.

Conclusion

One of the most impressive, well-liked, and rewarding gifts anybody can receive is the rose flower, which has a long history of success. 

Its unflappable bloom certainly stands out, whether you’re showering a loved one with a passionate and affectionate gesture.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!