Color and Symbolism of Roses

The Wonderful World of Roses
By Heather Misek

A brief history of roses:

Some of the first roses date back to 35 million years ago. Focusing more on North America, colonists brought roses into our country in the 16th century, making the rose the longest cultivated European plant in this country. Then around 1798, Empress Josephine got her palace at Malmaison and designed the most beautiful rose garden ever to be planted. Her rose garden contained every variety that is known at this time, which is about 250. Some of the more modern rose hybrids date all the way back to 1867 and around 1920, hybrid teas dominated the market.

Roses stand for many things and are considered our nation's flower. Color is all about personal preference with the red rose comes to mind first, a wide rainbow of colors actually exist. As this table shows some of the most popular colors along with their symbolism.

Color of Rose	Symbolism
Red Roses	Love and Respect
Deep Pink	Gratitude and appreciation
Light Pink Roses	Admiration and sympathy
White Roses	Reverence and humility
Yellow	Joy and gladness
Orange Roses	Enthusiasm and desire
Red and Yellow blend Roses	Gaiety and joviality
Pale Blended Tones	Sociability and friendship