Rose Flower Meaning: Love, Symbolism & History

The rose means love, but it carries more than that. Across history, a rose has stood for passion, secrecy, devotion, and beauty that does not last forever. The exact meaning shifts with the color, the number of stems, and the moment you give it.

As a florist, I've had the privilege of wrapping roses for all sorts of special occasions - from nervous first dates to golden fiftieth anniversaries, and even for apologies and goodbyes. But have you ever stopped to think about what the rose itself is saying? The language of flowers is a powerful one, and each rose has its own unique message. Whether you're looking to express love, gratitude, or regret, there's a rose out there that can help you say it. So, let's take a look at what the rose is really saying, and find the perfect one to convey your message.

What does a rose symbolize?

A rose symbolizes love, beauty, and honor. It is the flower people reach for when words feel too small. In Western tradition the rose stands for romantic love above all, but its older meanings include passion, devotion, secrecy, and the fleeting nature of beauty.

Roses and their meanings come up for almost any occasion, which is part of what makes them so special. When people look up the roses meaning, they're often looking for a way to express their feelings. The great thing about roses is that the same flower can convey different messages like "I love you", "thanks", or "you're on my mind", depending on the context in which it's given. This versatility is what makes roses so popular and meaningful. Whether it's a romantic gesture, a sign of appreciation, or a thoughtful gesture, roses can say it all. And that's why they're often the go-to choice for people wanting to express their emotions.

 

 

A rose means:

• Love, romance, and deep affection
• Beauty and honor
• Passion and desire
• The shortness of beauty and life

Best for:

• Anniversaries and romantic milestones
• Saying thank you in a meaningful way
• Apologies that need weight behind them
• Any moment that calls for something classic

To learn more about where the rose stands in the world of flowers, take a look at our guide on what flowers symbolize.

What is the history and origin of the rose?

For thousands of years, the rose has been a symbol with a lot of meaning. A long time ago, people connected it to their goddesses of love, and that idea of romance has stuck. As time went on, the rose also became associated with other things like secrecy, faith, and power. It's interesting to see how one flower can have so many different meanings. The rose has been a part of human history for at least 5,000 years, and its significance has only grown. Whether it's love, secrecy, or something else, the rose has become a powerful symbol that continues to captivate us.

In ancient Greek and Roman mythology, the rose was a symbol closely tied to Aphrodite and Venus, who were the goddesses of love. The Romans had a habit of hanging a rose above the table when they had private gatherings, and this led to the phrase "under the rose," or sub rosa, which meant that anything discussed during these meetings was confidential and not to be shared with others. Interestingly, this phrase has survived to this day and still means the same thing - something that is said or done in secret, and is not to be made public.

 

 

In the past, during the Victorian era, people found a way to express secret messages through flowers. They used something called floriography, a language that gave different meanings to different flowers. This is where the rose got its special meanings that we still use today. For example, a red rose means love, a yellow rose means friendship, and a white rose means new beginnings. A lot of what we think roses mean today actually comes from the Victorian era.

The rose in history means:

• Love, through its tie to Aphrodite and Venus
• Secrecy, through the Roman idea of sub rosa
• Coded emotion, through Victorian floriography

Best for:

• Gifts where you want history and weight, not just looks
• Weddings and formal celebrations
• Anyone who appreciates tradition

What does the spiritual meaning of a rose represent?

A rose is more than just a symbol of romantic love - it represents a deeper, spiritual connection. It's about the soul, and the heart being open to all experiences, both joyful and painful. The beautiful bloom of the rose reminds us of the beauty in life, while the thorn serves as a reminder of the price we pay for that beauty. That's why the rose is a common symbol in many faiths and meditation practices, representing the delicate balance between joy and suffering.

In a spiritual sense, rose symbolism centers on the heart, representing the unfolding of our inner selves. As the rose blooms, it's like our spirit is opening up, and its beautiful scent is a sign of grace and peace. The thorns on the rose aren't something to be ashamed of, but rather a reminder that love and growth require effort and dedication from us. They're a symbol of the challenges we face on our spiritual path, a reminder that we have to confront and overcome these obstacles to truly grow.

People also search for the rose meaning in life, and it tends to land in the same place: love is worth the thorns. A rose lives fully and briefly, and that is part of what makes it beautiful.

The spiritual meaning of a rose:

• The heart and the soul opening
• Divine or unconditional love
• Beauty and pain held together (the bloom and the thorn)

Best for:

• Sympathy and remembrance
• Meditation spaces and quiet gifts
• Moments of reflection or healing

 

What do different numbers of roses mean?

The number of roses changes the message. One rose says love at first sight. A dozen says complete, settled love. Larger counts raise the volume of the same feeling. When you send roses, the count is part of the sentence.

When it comes to ordering roses, the number of roses you choose can convey a lot of meaning. A single rose and two dozen roses, for instance, can express completely different sentiments. So, what do these common rose counts really signify in the language of flowers?

 

Number of roses	What it signifies
1 rose	It's that special moment when you know, you've found the one, and everything just feels right
2 roses	Mutual love and shared feeling
3 roses	"I love you," and a sweet mark for a third month or year
6 roses	"I want to be yours," affection and longing
12 roses	The classic dozen, complete and settled love, the way to say "be mine"
20 roses	Sincerity, it's saying what's truly in your heart, like "I mean every word I say to you"
24 roses	"You are always on my mind," thinking of you every hour
50 roses	Love with no limit and no conditions

 

A single rose, on its own, is a powerful symbol - it's all about simplicity and focus. When someone asks me to recommend a rose that conveys the most meaning with the least fuss, I always suggest a single, perfect stem. It exudes confidence, rather than coming across as cheap or lacking in some way. There's something to be said for the elegance of a solitary rose, don't you think? It's a statement that says, "I mean business," without feeling the need to overdo it.

Number of roses, quick read:

• Small counts (1 to 6): new, growing, or first-stage love
• A dozen: full, classic, committed love
• Large counts (20+): grand, unmistakable devotion

Best for:

• A single rose: a first date, or a bold simple statement
• A dozen: anniversaries and Valentine's Day
• Two dozen or more: proposals and milestone moments

What do rose colors mean?

The color of a rose can totally change what it means, just like how many roses you give someone. For example, red roses are all about love, while white roses are about being pure and starting fresh. Pink roses show that you're grateful and admire someone, and yellow roses are all about friendship and happiness. So, when you're choosing a rose, the color you pick is really important because it sends a specific message.

 

 

The significance of rose colors is a big topic with a lot to say about it, but I'll give you the short version. This is just a quick look, not the whole story.

 

Rose color	Core meaning
Red	Love, passion, and respect
White	Purity, new beginnings, remembrance
Pink	Gratitude, admiration, and grace
Yellow	Friendship, joy, and warmth
Orange	Enthusiasm, energy, and desire
Lavender	Enchantment and love at first sight
Blue	Mystery and the unattainable

 

To learn more about the different shades and what they represent, check out our complete guide to rose color meanings. We also have a separate article on what flower colors symbolize.

What do roses mean for friendship?

Roses can definitely express friendship, and the color is what makes it happen. Yellow roses are the traditional choice for friends - they symbolize happiness, warmth, and loyalty without any romantic feelings. They're a safe and happy pick for a friend, someone you work with, or a family member.

Roses aren't just for romance, you know. A lot of people think that, but it's not true. You can totally send roses to a friend and it's a great way to show them you care. The key is to pick the right color, though. Yellow roses are perfect for friends because they're bright and cheerful, just like the feeling you get when you're happy to have someone in your life. The color of a friendship rose is sunny and open, so it's like saying, "Hey, I'm really glad you're around" without being too sappy or romantic. So, if you want to send a bouquet to a buddy, go for the yellow roses - they're the best way to say "you're a great friend" without getting all mushy.

 

 

Pink roses also work for warm, platonic appreciation, especially a soft or pale pink. Keep red out of it, since red is the one color that always points to romance.

Roses for friendship mean:

• Joy and warmth (yellow)
• Loyalty and lasting friendship
• Appreciation without romance

Best for:

• A friend's birthday or good news
• Thank-you gifts for someone who showed up for you
• "Just because" gestures between friends

One of our regulars put it simply in her review: "I've never purchased such stunning flowers anywhere else in Los Angeles." Friendship gifts deserve that same care.

What are the main types of roses?

There are several kinds of roses, including garden roses, hybrid tea roses, floribunda, spray roses, and David Austin roses. What sets them apart is the shape of their blooms, how fragrant they are, and the number of flowers that grow on each stem. This is why florists choose different types of roses to create different looks, depending on what they want to achieve. For example, some roses are better suited for bouquets, while others are more suitable for arrangements or as single stems. The variety of roses available allows florists to be creative and make unique designs.

Understanding the different types of roses is not just about what they symbolize, but also about their appearance. For instance, a long-stemmed hybrid tea rose gives off a formal and classic vibe. On the other hand, a full and ruffled garden rose has a romantic and soft feel to it. So, where does the David Austin rose fit in? It's actually a type of English garden rose, known for its old-fashioned, multi-petaled blooms and strong scent. Florists often use them in weddings and high-end arrangements because of their lush appearance and incredible fragrance. They really add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any setting.

• Hybrid tea: the classic single bloom on a long stem, formal and elegant
• Floribunda: clusters of blooms, full and cheerful
• Spray roses: several small blooms per stem, delicate and great for texture
• Garden roses: open, ruffled, romantic
• David Austin: English garden roses, very full petals and rich scent

 

 

For arrangements built on cluster blooms, see our spray roses. And roses pair beautifully with orchids when you want something elevated, which we cover in roses and orchids, the perfect pair.

How do you choose the right rose to give?

To pick the perfect rose, think about what you want to say with it. Then, match the color to the message you want to send. Next, choose a number of roses that shows how strongly you feel. Finally, select the type of rose that fits the look you're going for. Doing it in this order can help you avoid getting too caught up in the details. Start with the message, and the rest will fall into place.

When it comes to choosing the perfect bouquet, there's a simple way to go about it. First, pick the color - this is what gives the flowers their meaning. Then, think about the count - how many flowers you want to include - as this will determine how strong the message feels. Finally, choose the type of flower, as this will give your bouquet its style. For example, if you go for red, a dozen, and David Austin roses, it's like saying "I'm deeply in love with you" in a classic, romantic way. On the other hand, if you opt for yellow, a small bunch, and floribunda roses, it's more like saying "you're a great friend and I'm happy for you" in a bright and cheerful way.

If you're still having trouble, don't worry - a good florist can help you out. One of our happy clients said something that really stands out to me: Casa Dei Fiori has the freshest roses and peonies in all of Beverly Hills. And you know what's key here? It's the freshness - that's something you just can't fake. A rose that really means something only makes an impact if it shows up looking like it was just picked.

Frequently asked questions

What does a single rose signify?

A single rose is a powerful symbol of love and devotion, conveying a clear and confident message to that special someone. It's like saying, "you're the only one for me." When it comes to the color, a single red rose is the ultimate romantic gesture, while a single white or pink rose can be a more subtle way of showing you care, a simple yet thoughtful way to say "I'm thinking of you." Whether it's a grand romantic statement or a gentle expression of affection, a single rose is a beautiful way to get your message across.

What do 12 roses symbolize?

Twelve roses symbolize complete and classic love. A dozen roses is the traditional way to say "be mine" and is the most popular choice for anniversaries and Valentine's Day. It signals settled, committed affection rather than a first spark.

What do 20 roses symbolize?

Twenty roses are a symbol of being genuine and true. When you give someone twenty roses, you're saying "I'm being honest with you" and "I mean what I say." It's a big, sincere gesture that's perfect for saying sorry or telling someone how you really feel. It's not as overwhelming as fifty roses, but it still shows you're serious and care deeply.

What kind of rose is David Austin?

David Austin roses are a type of English garden rose that was bred by David Austin Roses in England. These roses are really popular because they have big, full blooms with lots of petals and a classic, old-fashioned shape. They also smell amazing, with a strong and sweet fragrance that people just love. That's why florists often use them in weddings and fancy bouquets - they add a touch of luxury and romance to any arrangement. With their lush, full blooms and beautiful scent, it's no wonder David Austin roses are a favorite among flower lovers.

What is the difference between a rose's color and number when choosing one?

The meaning of flowers is determined by their color, and the intensity of that meaning is conveyed by the number of stems. For instance, red flowers symbolize love, while yellow ones represent friendship, and white blooms signify new beginnings. The number of stems then amplifies or tones down this message: a single stem is a subtle and intimate gesture, a dozen stems is a timeless and abundant expression, and two dozen stems is a grand and sweeping statement.

Do you deliver fresh roses in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles?

You can get roses delivered the same day in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles if you order early. Just ask for a specific time and we'll take care of it. Our studio is located at 9895 S Santa Monica Blvd in Beverly Hills. If you want to see what we have, you can browse our rose collection and place your order from there.

Send a rose that means something

A rose is more than just a pretty face. It's the thought and love that goes into picking the perfect one that makes it special. You can say it with one long-stemmed rose that screams "I'm head over heels in love" or go all out with a dozen for that extra special anniversary. Whatever your message, we'll make sure it gets to your loved one looking fresh and gorgeous.