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What Does the Color of Roses Mean on Valentine's Day

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All of the Rose Color Meanings You Need to Know, Including Red Roses and Black Bouquets

Because you don't want to give your S.O. friendship roses this Valentine's Day.

rose background

Liyao Xie Getty Images

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet — but a rose of any other color may mean something quite different. In fact, the most popular flower in America has many different meanings, depending on the color of its bloom. That's why we've rounded up all of the common hues that you can find in a rose, and what each color symbolizes.

Floriography, also known as the language of flowers, was all the rage in the Victorian era. Gifting someone flowers was never just a gift — each flower had a secret meaning that could be used to convey to your sweetheart how you really felt. Not only was the manner of delivery and arrangement meaningful, but the type and color of your flowers meant the difference between saying "I'm sorry" and "I love you." Roses did, as they do today, symbolize love. But whether it's friendship or romantic love depends on the shade of the rose. Here's a comprehensive list of all rose color meanings so that the one you love can receive a rose as special as your relationship delivered to their door on Valentine's Day (check out the best flower delivery services for more on that!).

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Yellow Roses With Red Tips

When yellow roses have red tips, however, they take on an entirely different meaning. These multicolor roses mean "falling in love," so they're perfect for a new relationship — especially if you two were friends first.

SHOP YELLOW ROSES

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Cream Roses

Don't be fooled — an off-white rose takes on a different definition than its starker cousin. Ivory indicates both charm and thoughtfulness, according to Passion Growers.

SHOP CREAM ROSES

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Dark Purple Roses

Purple in a darker hue, like a deep plum or mauve, is often associated with royalty. So if you're partner just binged the last season of The Crown in one weekend, this purple bouquet is for them.

SHOP PURPLE FLOWERS

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Burgundy Roses

Though it may not be as traditional as the classic red rose, this merlot shade is winter-appropriate and represents "unconscious beauty."

SHOP BURGUNDY ROSES

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Mint Roses

In roses, this minty green color means "cheerfulness and new beginnings." So the couple in your life who just became parents? Gift them a bouquet of mint roses.

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Coral Roses

Even lighter and brighter in color than its close relative salmon, this sunny shade of coral represents desire. These roses are perfect for the new person in your life that you're excited to get to know better.

SHOP CORAL ROSES

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Mixed Roses

There's no one way to say "I love you!" By mixing and matching the shades in your bouquet, you are combining the meaning that comes with each rose, creating an arrangement as unique as your love.

SHOP CUSTOM BOUQUETS

Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.

Associate Lifestyle Editor As the Associate Lifestyle Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com, Amanda oversees gift guides and covers home, holidays, food, and other lifestyle news.

As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture.

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What Does the Color of Roses Mean on Valentine's Day

Source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/valentines-day-ideas/g1352/rose-color-meanings/