Giving Roses – Colour Meanings & Number Symbolism
Giving roses – number meanings, 12 roses and a colour guide
1, 3, 12, 50 or 99 roses? Red, pink or white? What every number and colour says
A Rose is never just a rose. The number you choose and the colour you select carry specific messages – from a whispered "I like you" to a thunderous "I will love you forever."
Meaning of Rose Numbers
| Number | Meaning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 rose | Love at first sight / "You are the one" | New infatuation, dramatic gesture, simplicity |
| 2 roses | Mutual love / "We belong together" | Couples, engagement, unity |
| 3 roses | "I love you" – the classic message | Valentine’s Day, anniversary, simple romance |
| 5 roses | "I admire you greatly" | Great appreciation, professional respect |
| 6 roses | "I want to be yours" / infatuation | Early courtship, new relationship |
| 7 roses | Secret crush / "I’m falling in love with you" | Romantic hint, secret admirer |
| 9 roses | Eternal love / "I will love you forever" | Milestone anniversary, deep commitment |
| 10 roses | "You are perfect" | Admiration, appreciation of a person’s qualities |
| 12 roses | "Be mine" / complete devotion | Valentine’s Day classic, marriage proposal, anniversary |
| 15 roses | "I’m truly sorry" / heartfelt apology | Making amends, reconciliation |
| 20 roses | "My feelings are sincere" | Demonstrating true intentions |
| 24 roses | "I am yours – 24 hours a day" | A grand romantic statement |
| 36 roses | "I’m head over heels in love" | Falling deeply, new love |
| 50 roses | Unconditional, boundless love | Golden anniversary, lifelong devotion |
| 99 roses | "I will love you until my death" | The ultimate declaration |
| 100 roses | Total devotion – a once-in-a-lifetime statement | Proposal, milestone celebration |
| 365 roses | "I love you every single day of the year" | Extraordinary gesture |
Austrian tradition: In Austria and many European countries, flowers are traditionally given as gifts odd numbers – In the past, even numbers were associated with mourning. For small bouquets (under 20), odd numbers are preferred. For larger flower bouquets, this convention matters less.
Quick Guide to Rose Colours
| Colour | Says |
|---|---|
| Red | "I love you passionately" – deep romantic love |
| Pink | "I appreciate you" – gratitude, admiration, gentle affection |
| White | “Pure love / new beginning” – wedding, innocence, compassion |
| Yellow | “You bring me joy” – friendship, happiness, warmth |
| Orange | “You fascinate me” – excitement, energy, desire |
| Peach | “Thank you” – gratitude, humility |
| Lavender | “Love at first sight” – enchantment, mystery |
| Burgundy | “Unconscious beauty” – deep, mature passion |
| Black (deep red) | “Farewell / deep devotion” – mourning, dramatic love |
| Mixed colors | “You mean everything to me” – appreciation without specific romantic intent |
Roses for every occasion
- Valentine’s Day: Red roses – 1, 3, 12, or 50+. The classic that never fails.
- Mother’s Day: Pink or Peach Roses – appreciation and gratitude. Avoid red (romantic connotation).
- Anniversary: Red roses to match the number of years you have been together. Or their favorite color – it shows you pay attention.
- Apology: White or yellow Roses with a heartfelt card. 15 roses specifically mean “I’m sorry.” Apology guide .
- Birthday: A colorful mix or the recipient’s favorite color. A quantity matching their age is a charming touch.
- Thank you: Pink Roses – the most elegant thank-you in the flower world.
- Wedding: White and cream – timeless, elegant, a symbol of new beginnings.
- Sympathy: White roses – quiet dignity and respect. Memorial guide .
The “just because” rose: The most romantic gesture is not tied to any occasion. A single rose brought home on a random Tuesday – for no reason other than “I was thinking of you” – often means more than 100 roses on Valentine’s Day.
A selection of premium roses
- Ecuadorian roses: Larger heads, more vibrant colors, longer stems (60–100 cm), and a longer vase life. The premium choice.
- Dutch roses: Smaller, but excellent quality. A wide choice of colors and styles.
- Garden roses (David Austin): Lush, fragrant, nostalgic. Limited availability, but unforgettable.
- Signs of freshness: Firm, upright heads (not drooping). Green, healthy leaves. No browning on the petal edges. Stems that feel sturdy.
- From a florist vs. the supermarket: Florist roses are chosen for quality, properly conditioned, and usually last much longer. Worth the difference.
Roses at MO BLUMEN Vienna
From a single stem to 100 roses – hand-selected, hand-tied, and delivered across Vienna with love.
Related articles
- Flower shop Vienna
- Meaning of red flowers
- Roses: thorns and prickles
- Flower delivery Vienna
Frequently asked questions
Absolutely – one perfectly chosen rose can be the most powerful gift of all. A single red rose means “love at first sight” or “you are the only one.” It’s simple, intentional, and deeply romantic. Quality matters more than quantity. One long-stemmed Ecuadorian red rose says more than a dozen mediocre ones.
Your budget should never stop you from giving flowers. 3 roses with a heartfelt card are beautiful. A single rose is elegant. You can also combine roses with seasonal flowers and greenery to create a fuller flower bouquet at a lower cost – your florist can help create something breathtaking for any budget. It’s the gesture that counts, not the price.
A good florist removes the thorns from the lower part of the stems (the working area), while leaving some on the upper part for a natural look. If you're giving roses without professional preparation, remove the thorns from the lower two-thirds with a thorn stripper or a knife. Some people intentionally leave thorns on as a poetic reminder that “every rose has its thorns” – beauty goes hand in hand with vulnerability.
The Number of roses You give Carry symbolic meaning. Rose Express different expression of love – A single rose stands for devotion 50 roses symbolize unconditional love . roses are representative of love and affection , which makes them perfect for romantic moments and all special occasion .