Roses are undoubtedly the most popular flower when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Roses have always been a symbol of romance, beauty, passion and love.
There are several legends about this well-loved flower. One is that of a beautiful woman called Rodanthe, who was pursued by many impassioned suitors. They broke down her door and angered the goddess Diana, who then turned Rodanthe into a flower and her suitors into thorns.
Gift the secret of producing beautiful, fragrant English roses this Valentine’s Day, no matter where in the world you are, with a MyGardenSchool course on growing roses: David Austin’s Guide to Growing Roses.
The course features step by step video tutorials from a world leading authority on roses, downloadable course notes, and the facility to chat with tutors and fellow classmates online, in a ‘virtual classroom’. The technology is very intuitive and easy to use.
While no woman would turn down a dozen red roses, find out the other messages you can send by giving a different color or blending the colors in your bouquet.
Red: Love and Romance
One of the most universal of all symbols, the red rose represents true love.
It has also appeared throughout history and across cultures as both a political and religious symbol.
Yellow: Friendship, Joy, Get Well
Throughout history, yellow has been closely associated with the sun, making these roses excellent for cheering people up. Yellow roses send a message of appreciation and platonic love without the romantic subtext of other colors. The color represents feelings of joy and delight.
Pink: Love, Gratitude, Appreciation
Pink carries with it the connotation of grace and elegance, as well as sweetness and poetic romance.
Dark pink roses are symbolic of gratitude and appreciation, and are a traditional way to say thanks.
Light pink roses are associated with gentleness and admiration, and can also be used as an expression of sympathy.
White: Purity, Innocence, Sympathy, Spirituality
Early tradition used white roses as a symbol for true love, an association which would later become the hallmark of the red rose.
Also known as the bridal rose, the white rose is a traditional wedding flower. In this sense, white represents unity, virtue, and the pureness of a new love. White roses are also associated with honor and reverence, which makes them a fitting memorial for a departed loved one.
Orange: Desire, Enthusiasm and Passion
A literal mixture of yellow and red, orange roses were seen as a bridge between friendship symbolized by yellow roses and love represented by red roses. They can be an expression of fascination, or a gift to say 'I'm proud of you.'
Lavender: Enchantment, Majesty, Love at First Sight
The color purple has a traditional association with royalty. In this regard, shades of lavender roses suggest an air of regal majesty and splendor.
