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Meaning of Roses by Color and Number: A Guide for Flower Business

  • Writer: Annie Zhang
    Annie Zhang
  • Feb 28
  • 4 min read


As a flower retailer, understanding the meaning behind different rose colors and their associated numbers can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you’re working with fresh roses, preserved roses, dried rose or artificial blooms, knowing these meanings can help you guide your customers to the perfect bouquet for any occasion. This insight isn’t just valuable for flower shops, but for gift shops, online stores, wholesalers, and even traditional supermarkets. Let’s dive into the rich symbolism behind roses and how it can add value to your business.


Index:


What Do the Color of Roses Mean?


Roses have always been a symbol of beauty, love, and emotion. The meaning behind the color of roses, however, can vary depending on the shade and the culture. Knowing the significance of each rose color can help you provide personalized recommendations to your clients and create arrangements that speak directly to their hearts.

Here’s a breakdown of the most popular rose colors and what they symbolize:


Red Roses

The quintessential symbol of love and romance, red roses are often used to express deep emotions like passion and admiration. If you're catering to customers looking for a classic gift of affection, red roses are the go-to choice.


Pink Roses

Pink roses carry a softer, more delicate message than red. They symbolize gratitude, admiration, and joy. They’re perfect for customers seeking a gentle way to express appreciation or congratulations.


Gold Roses

Gold roses represent wealth, success, and grandeur. They’re often used for special occasions such as anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or corporate gifts. If you want to add a touch of elegance to your offering, gold roses can elevate any arrangement.


Black Roses

Though rare, black roses hold a mysterious and somber meaning. They can symbolize rebirth, farewell, or even a new beginning. They’re often chosen for gothic themes or used in creative, artistic floral arrangements for unique customer needs.


White Roses

White roses are symbols of purity, innocence, and new beginnings. They’re frequently used for weddings, baptisms, or any event that marks a fresh start. They’re also perfect for customers looking to express sympathy or honor someone’s memory.


Yellow Roses

Yellow roses are the symbol of friendship and joy. Bright and cheerful, they’re ideal for customers looking to celebrate platonic relationships or offer congratulations on achievements like promotions or graduations.


Orange Roses

Orange roses exude enthusiasm, desire, and passion. They make a bold statement, making them a popular choice for customers who want to express admiration or infatuation in a vibrant, energetic way.


Blue Roses

Blue roses, often seen as a symbol of mystery, represent the unattainable or the impossible. They’re ideal for customers who want to evoke a sense of intrigue or make a truly unique statement.


Green Roses

Green roses are associated with fertility, growth, and harmony. They’re often chosen to represent new beginnings or prosperity and are popular in arrangements for anniversaries or significant life milestones.


Purple Roses

Purple roses symbolize enchantment, love at first sight, and regal beauty. They’re the perfect choice for customers seeking a romantic or luxurious gift. The purple rose color meaning often carries a sense of admiration and respect, making them a great fit for important relationships.


Click Here to learn about What is the Color of the Year 2025



What Does the Number of Roses Mean?


In addition to the color of roses, the number of roses in a bouquet can carry significant meaning. This is especially important for retailers to understand, as customers may have specific intentions behind choosing a particular number. Below is a table summarizing the meanings of different numbers of roses:

Number of Roses

Meaning

1

Love at first sight, you are the one

3

I love you

6

I want to be yours

9

Eternal love

12

Be mine, a proposal

15

I'm sorry, apology

18

I cherish you, celebration of love

24

Unconditional love, always thinking of you

50

Unconditional love, a significant milestone

100

Complete devotion, a deep commitment

Understanding the symbolic meaning behind these numbers allows you to offer more tailored advice and create bouquets that are thoughtful and meaningful.


How Understanding These Meanings Can Benefit Your Business


Understanding rose color meanings and the symbolism of different numbers can be incredibly beneficial for your business. Here’s why:


1. Better Product Selection

When you understand the meaning behind each color and number of roses, you can guide your customers to the most appropriate choices for any occasion. Whether they’re buying for a wedding, an anniversary, or a special event, you'll be able to offer the right flowers that match their sentiments.


2. Emotional Marketing and Customer Connection

Knowing what different colors and numbers symbolize can also help you craft marketing campaigns that speak directly to your customers’ emotions. By highlighting the specific meanings of rose colors in your product descriptions and social media posts, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level and create a stronger bond with them.


3. Increased Sales Through Personalization

Offering personalized rose arrangements based on color and number can make your business stand out. By offering customized bouquets tailored to the emotions your customers want to convey, you increase the perceived value of your products. Customers are more likely to pay a premium for flowers that feel deeply personal and intentional.


As a flower business, it’s essential to tap into the emotional power that roses hold. The meanings behind rose colors and numbers can be a powerful tool to help you connect with your customers and offer them something more than just flowers. If you can understand their needs and deliver the perfect bouquet, you’ll foster loyalty and increase your sales.



At Sweetie-Group, we’ve been in the flower gifts industry for over 16 years, and our experience tells us that giving customers the knowledge they need to select meaningful flowers is a win for both parties. If you’re looking for high-quality preserved roses to incorporate into your product offerings, feel free to reach out to us at sales@sweetie-group.com.


Warm Regards,


Annie Zhang

CEO of Sweetie-Group

 
 
 

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