The Secret Language of Roses

If you love roses (or know someone who does) then you know that any rose received is a good rose, no matter the color. If you've sent roses without first checking their traditional meaning, don't worry. You're already aces in somebody's book! And if you're the lucky recipient of roses, then stop worrying about the meaning and enjoy, you lucky dog!

The Meaning of Red Roses: Red roses signify deep and abiding romantic love. Perfect for wives, husbands, steady girlfriends/boyfriends and anyone who's in a long-term romantic relationship or hopes to move the needle in that direction. A 'no-no' for your mother or sister (or any female relative), casual relationships, 'friends with benefits' situations and any relationship where your intentions are less than serious and honorable. Red roses signify serious romantic intentions so don't give them lightly!

The Meaning of Lavender Roses: These pale purple beauties represent enchantment and have perhaps the most romantic of all meanings: Love at First Sight.

The Meaning of Pink Roses: Pink roses signify grace, elegance and gentility and are sent as a sign of admiration, appreciation, joy and gratitude. Want to say a gracious 'thank you' to someone? The pink rose will do it. Also great for sisters, mothers, aunts, mothers-in-law, teachers, mentors and such.

The Meaning of Orange or Coral Roses: Orange roses represent fervent desire, passion and excitement. Got a hot crush on someone? The orange (or coral) rose is the perfect expression of your desire.

The Meaning of Yellow Roses: Back in Victorian times (when they took the meaning of everything very seriously), yellow roses signified jealousy. Today they signify friendship, gladness and joyful feelings. Also great for conveying your congratulations to friends and family on special occasions. Have a true and trusted friend to whom you want to express your highest regard and loyal friendship? Send them yellow roses.

The Meaning of White Roses: White roses signify innocence, purity and honor - hence their use in bridal bouquets. White roses also signify reverence and regard and their traditional alternate use is as a remembrance of loved ones passed.

The Meaning of Black Roses: Pretty self-explanatory. Black roses signify farewell, mourning and death.

And in case you're wondering, no, there really isn't such a thing as a true black rosebush out there, sprouting with black rose buds. The so-called 'black' roses are actually extremely dark red roses. The Black Baccara, Black Jade and Black Magic varieties of roses are the most widely known of the 'black' rose varieties.

Sources:

Morrison Gardens
http://www.rkdn.org/roses/colors.asp

ProFlowers
http://www.proflowers.com/flowerguide/rosemeanings

Garden Guides
http://www.gardenguides.com/88354-grow-black-roses.html