Rose Colour Meanings – An Ultimate Gifting Guide for Romance, Friendship and All Occasions

Overview

Roses are very versatile and beautiful flowers, arguably among the most universally gifted and iconic flowers in the world.

But did you know that different colours of roses often have different meanings? 

Although sometimes it won't hurt to ignore their meanings if the person you’re gifting simply prefers a rose colour for its looks, it's still important to at least understand them to avoid awkward moments where the wrong message could be delivered — especially with our crochet flowers floral arrangements last forever, preserving your most meaningful moments as a timeless keepsake.

Understanding the meaning of rose colours will help you convey the correct message with your rose gift. Ranging from romantic love to platonic adoration and friendship, keep reading to learn how to pick the perfect rose colour for the right occasion or message.

The Classic Rose Colours: Red, White, Pink and Yellow.

The most classic rose colours, known for their timeless appeal and deep-rooted symbolism. These colours have historically been the most popular and widely recognised.

Red Rose Meaning: Romance and Passion

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Eternal Love Big Rose Crochet Bouquet

Red roses are the most classic and popular of all colours of roses, especially for Valentine's Day. They are depicted as the most timeless and universal symbol of true love across cultures. We give red roses to our special someone to show our passion, adoration and dedication.

No matter the number of roses, a red rose represents love like no other flower can.

Red Rose: The Classic

Love, Romance, Passion, Desire, Beauty, Commitment, Respect and Courage

Suitable for established romantic relationships but not recommended for other occasions.

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Classic Red

For Romance: "I Love You"

The alluring, intense red hue is known to trigger a psychological association with love, evoking strong emotions such as passion, excitement and desire. Representing admiration and respect, red roses are perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, proposals, weddings, just because or as a romantic gesture to say "I Love You" in established romantic relationships.

For a first date or confession, red roses are generally not recommended as they may come across as "too much", unless you have a prior connection. Soft colours like white, pink, peach, or mixed-colour rose bouquets are great alternatives.

For Other Occasions: "I Admire You"

Symbolising deep love, respect and courage, red roses can also be a meaningful choice to honour the deceased and convey profound admiration and grief. They are frequently paired with white flowers to balance the sentiment of love and peace

Red Roses are also a great, sophisticated choice for Mother's Day, a sign of respect, courage, admiration, affection and heartfelt appreciation.

But in the context of platonic friendship, red roses are generally not recommended due to their deep-rooted traditional symbolism of romantic love.

While they can represent admiration, giving them to friends is not ideal unless you know specifically that they love red roses, only for their intense colour.

For platonic friendships, yellow roses are a much safer alternative. If looking for a softer colour, pink or peach roses can also be suitable alternatives.

But if you really want to gift red roses for friendships, also consider mixed colour rose bouquets to soften the intense romantic meaning.

Dark Red/Burgundy Rose: Mature Love

Intense Love, Romance, Deep Passion, Longing, Respect, Devotion, Admiration and Elegance.

Suitable for established romantic relationships but not recommended for other occasions

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Dark Red

For Romance: "Mature Devotion"

In comparison to red roses, dark red or burgundy roses symbolise a more intense passion, desire and longing. They signify a more mature, deepening love beyond the initial "I love you". Dark red or burgundy roses are perfect for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, proposals, weddings, just because, or as a romantic gesture to say "I Love You" in established long-term romantic relationships.

Dark red roses are generally not recommended for a first date or confessions, as they can feel too intense or premature, creating unnecessary pressure.

For newer romantic relationships, consider red or white roses instead.

For a less intense and intimidating choice of message for first dates or confessions, softer colours like white, pink, peach, or mixed-colour rose bouquets are great alternatives.

For Other Occasions: "I Respect and Admire You"

Symbolising deep love, respect and courage, just like red roses, but dark red or burgundy roses in certain contexts symbolise sorrow and grief, making them a meaningful choice to honour the deceased.

Dark red or burgundy roses are also a great, sophisticated choice for Mother's Day, as a sign of respect, courage, admiration, affection and heartfelt appreciation.

Similar to red roses, dark red or burgundy roses are generally not recommended for strictly platonic friendships due to their deep-rooted traditional symbolism of deep romantic love.

However, they can be an appropriate choice for deep, mature and platonic commitment, or of course, if you know they just love dark red or burgundy roses for their refined colour.

For platonic friendships, yellow roses are a much safer alternative. If looking for a softer colour, pink or peach roses can also be suitable alternatives.

If you really want to gift dark red or burgundy roses, consider mixed colour rose bouquets to soften the intense romantic meaning.

White Rose Meaning: Purity and New Beginnings

Purity, Innocence, Respect, Reverence, Sincerity and New Beginnings

Suitable for romance, celebration of new beginnings, to honour long-time friendships, but also a symbol of sympathy following the death of a loved one in Asian cultures - exercise cultural sensitivity.

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - White

White roses are an iconic rose colour that has always appeared through ceremonial occasions throughout history,  symbolising purity, innocence, respect, remembrance and celebration of new beginnings.  They hold a special universal meaning and are often given to celebrate new beginnings, from weddings and graduations to christenings.

However, they are also often used for sympathy and mourning following the death of a loved one — especially in Asian cultures (such as China, Japan, and Korea). So, exercise sensitivity depending on the cultural background, as they could be viewed as a bad omen.

Keep reading to find out which rose colours could be great substitutes or pairings for white roses.

For Romance: "Deep Spiritual Love"

White roses carry a spiritual meaning that transcends just romantic love - signifying a relationship built on trust and mutual admiration. Often gifted in long-term relationships where an enduring bond is established to express sincere admiration, and are suitable for weddings and proposals due to their symbolism of purity and new beginnings.

White roses are also an excellent choice for first dates, as they carry the symbolism that celebrates a new beginning, promising deepening love and devotion respectfully, without the intense romantic pressure of red roses.

If cultural sensitivity needs to be exercised, consider substituting or pairing white roses with others, such as pink roses to add a soft blush of vibrancy, or peach roses to add extra warmth to the overall tone.

For Other Occasions: "A Sincere Connection"

Conveying messages of purity, sincerity, and loyalty, white roses make an excellent gift if you wish to honour long-term friendships.

They are also ideal for celebrating significant life changes like graduations, birthdays, housewarmings, baby showers, promotions, new jobs, or offering support during difficult times, such as mourning the loss of a loved one.

Again, exercise cultural sensitivity and consider substituting or pairing white roses with other roses suitable for celebrations, such as pink, yellow or peach roses.
 

Pink Rose Meaning: Sweetness, Admiration and Appreciation

Appreciation, Admiration, Gratitude, Grace, Gentleness, Joy, and Affection

Suitable for romance, celebrations of milestones, to show support or to show admiration and gratitude to a respectable friend or mentor.

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Pink

The pink rose colour is often associated with admiration, gratitude, joy, and affection, offering a gentle message without overwhelming the recipient. However, if we look deeper into its meaning, it shifts by shade — the darker the pink, the more it leans towards deep appreciation. Their broad spectrum of different shades allows them to blend with a wide variety of colours, making them one of the most versatile choices for colour pallets in wedding flowers, bridal bouquets, home décor and floral arrangements.

Overall, pink roses are suitable for all special occasions to express gratitude, friendship, new love, or offer gentle comfort and are an extremely versatile rose colour suitable for celebrations, romantic occasions, and sympathy as well.

However, if you're looking to gift roses suitable for professional settings, consider peach roses instead, as they are a more neutral, safe, and sophisticated colour often preferred over pink roses for the genuineness expressed through their warmer tone.
 

Light Pink Rose: Sweetness and Innocence

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Pink

For Romance: "Sweet Romance"

If you’re looking to express sweet, gentle admiration and love, light soft pink roses are a great choice in comparison to red roses that signify intense passion or desire.
 
Their symbolism makes them perfect for first dates or new relationships where you want to signal admiration without being too intense.
 
Light pink roses are also preferable in more established romantic relationships when the message to convey is sweet, gentle admiration and love, or to symbolise a start to a new chapter — making them suitable for Valentine's Day, anniversaries and a great alternative for white roses in proposing or engagements if cultural sensitivity needs to be exercised.
 

For Other Occasions: "Gentle Admiration"

The soft light pink roses are excellent at celebrating friendship, expressing sincere, gentle appreciation. They are the perfect gift for occasions such as birthdays, celebrations, Mother's Day, thank-you gifts, housewarmings, baby showers, or sympathy — to show a friend that you care and wish to comfort them.

The light pink rose pairs well with yellow roses - the ultimate symbol of friendship and happiness.

Medium Pink Rose: Admiration and Gratitude

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Pink

For Romance: "Admiration and Sweet Budding Love"

Same as the light pink rose, medium pink roses are perfect for new relationships, signifying gentle affection and blossoming feelings without the passionate intensity, but with a more cheerful tone.

Medium pink roses are also preferable in more established romantic relationships when the message to convey is gentle and warm admiration and love, or to symbolise a start to a new chapter — making them suitable for Valentine's Day, anniversaries and a great alternative for white roses in proposing or engagements if cultural sensitivity needs to be exercised.

For Other Occasions: "Joy and happiness"

In comparison to light pink roses, medium pink roses convey warmer appreciation and joy. They are perfect for Mother's Day and honouring a close friend who has supported you through trying times, or for celebrations such as birthdays, celebrations, Mother's Day, thank-you gifts, housewarmings, baby showers, sympathy or as "just because" gifts.

 
Dark Pink Rose: Deep Appreciation and Gratitude

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Pink

For Romance: "Refined Elegant Love"

Dark pink roses carry a message beyond romantic love, representing profound affection and elegance. They are ideal for expressing heartfelt thanks to a partner, showing respect and appreciation. Indicating a more intense, mature yet gentle love, the dark pink rose is not only suitable for new relationships, but also ideal for thanking a partner for their support and presence in life.

Medium pink roses are also preferable in more established romantic relationships when the message to convey is gentle and mature admiration and love, or to symbolise a start to a new chapter — making them suitable for Valentine's Day, anniversaries and a great alternative for white roses in proposing or engagements if cultural sensitivity needs to be exercised.

For Other Occasions: "Deep Appreciation and Profound Gratitude"

Ideal for close friends, mentors or family members, the dark pink rose delivers a message of deep gratitude — a thank you for support, admiration and recognition. They are perfect for Mother's Day, celebrating significant achievements in life or recognising someone's positive impact on your life.

They are also suitable for celebrations in general, when you want to show deep appreciation or support to a friend or as a "just because" gift.

In comparison to yellow roses for friendship, dark pink roses add a level of deep gratitude and appreciation to the message.
 

Yellow Rose Meaning: Friendship and Joy

Friendship, Joy, Support, Care, Reconciliation, Congratulations, Appreciation, Luck, Best Wishes

Suitable for honouring friendship, celebrations, to show support, reconciliation, but generally not recommended for romance

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - The 3 Rose Crochet Bouquet - Yellow

Yellow roses are the vibrant symbol of platonic friendship since the late 19th to early 20th century, making them the safest non-romantic gift to show that you care.

Historically, they have associated with jealousy in the Victorian times following their discovery in the 18th century; now it’s just a "did you know" fact to share with your friends, as the meaning has evolved since then and has been rendered obsolete.

For Romance: "To Move From Romance To Friendship"

Yellow roses are generally not considered suitable for romantic love, being the premier rose colour of friendship. When used in romance, it could imply a desire to move from romance to friendship — getting "friend-zoned"

Unless you are gifting them simply because your partner specifically loves yellow roses due to their joyful colour, better rose colour alternatives to send a message of love would be red roses, white roses or pink roses.

If you are looking to move from friendship to romance, however, the next rose we introduce, the orange rose, would be a much more suitable choice.

For Other Occasions: "Symbol of Friendship"

Yellow roses are the traditional symbol of friendship, signifying platonic love, platonic affection and high regard for a friend.

Its vibrant colour brings joy and happiness and optimistic vibes, perfect for honouring friendships, birthdays, graduations, new jobs, accomplishments, appreciations, expressing well wishes or as a "just because" gift.

Yellow roses are also suitable as a thoughtful way to show support or care to a friend in need. In some contexts, yellow roses can also be used to deliver a message of reconciliation or condolences during a sudden or tragic lost.

If you want a rose colour that is a bit more creative and energetic than yellow roses but still carries a similar meaning, the next rose colour we are introducing — orange roses are an excellent choice as well, as long as the relationship is strictly platonic and has no room for misunderstanding.
 

Tradition but More Creative Rose Colours - Orange, Peach, Coral

For a traditional feel but with striking colours, look beyond standard classics. These rose colours are vibrant and bold, yet still carry significant, deep-rooted symbolism.

Orange Rose Meaning: A Vibrant Hybrid of Romance and Friendship

Admiration, Fascination, Enthusiasm, Passion, Desire, Excitement

Suitable for new romance, especially for friends to lovers, also suitable for purely platonic friendships for celebrations of exciting milestones, an enthusiastic thank you, or simply to show excitement.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Yellow

Orange roses are an interesting colour that is considered natural (not dyed), but does not exist in the wild, as they are a deliberate hybrid product created from red and yellow roses with the aim of achieving new, vibrant colours.

Due to its origin, while suitable for both as a romantic gift or for platonic occasions, the orange rose carries a bridge of meaning between red roses (love and passion) and yellow roses (friendship and joy).

So when gifting it for friends, or in professional settings, do exercise caution to ensure that the wrong message doesn’t get delivered by either only gifting them when there is no room for misunderstanding or include a card with its intended message as a precaution.

To be on the safer side, consider gifting peach roses — a popular neutral choice for friendship and professional settings that doesn’t carry the strong romantic undertone.

For Romance: "Curious and Exciting"

With red roses representing established love and yellow roses as a traditional symbol of friendship, the in-between hybrid - orange roses bridge the gap between friendship and romance.

In the context of romance, the orange rose carries meanings from the red rose of love and desire - often signalling that you are ready to take a relationship to the next level.

Orange roses are highly suitable for new relationships, first dates, but also an enthusiastic and energetic rose colour for anniversaries, proposals, weddings, Valentine's Day, or simply to say "I'm proud of you" for a partner's accomplishments or to express intense, exciting attraction.

For Other Occasions: "Exciting Achievements"

As orange roses do carry a hidden meaning of romance, it is only a suitable choice in platonic relationships where there is no room for misunderstanding.

In comparison to yellow roses, the more vibrant orange rose shows higher enthusiasm and energy; it carries an additional meaning of "I am proud of you", making it the perfect choice for exciting milestones like graduations, new jobs or promotions.

Similar to yellow roses, orange roses are also suitable as a thoughtful way to show support or care to a friend in need, with extra cheerfulness in their vibrant colour.

It can also work as a very enthusiastic "thank you" or as a "just because " gift to express excitement in a relationship.

Peach Rose Meaning: A Heartfelt Thank You

Sincerity, Genuine Appreciation, Gratitude, and Modest Admiration

Suitable for expressing genuineness for romantic occasions, and expression of sincere, deep appreciation for other occasions - a popular choice for business occasions.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Yellow

Peach roses, similar to pink roses, carry a more gentle message, but peach roses offer a warmer, more sincere and genuine tone. They are frequently used to express heartfelt thank you, sympathy or celebrations, suitable for both romance and other occasions, making them a popular rose colour choice for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, and "thank you" moments, as well as for new beginnings like housewarmings.

Other than the above, peach roses also have an affinity for professional occasions, as the soft, warm colour is also seen as a more professional and respectful thank you gift than pink roses.

For Romance: "Genuine Heartfelt Love"

Similar to pink roses, peach roses are a great alternative to express love in the early stages of romance. Their warmer tone represents the warmth of a deepening connection and genuine appreciation for a relationship.

For more established romantic relationships, proposals and Valentine's Day, peach roses are also perfect when the goal is to express admiration and warmth rather than intense passion or desire.

Peach roses are also suitable for weddings, not only for their message of a genuine love but also their versatility to fit into many colour pallets - a great substitution or pairing to white roses if there were some cultural sensitivity that needed to be exercised

For Other Occasions: "A Genuine Appreciation"

The Peach roses' colour adds a deeper layer of warmth and care in comparison to pink roses, making them ideal for saying thank you, celebrating a close bond, offering sympathy, celebrating milestones, birthdays, Mother's Day, to show appreciation or new beginnings like housewarmings or baby showers.

Peach roses are also often given as an expression of sincere, deep appreciation for business due to their more sophisticated colour, ideal in professional settings such as the completion of a business deal, to express gratitude to a business partner and other various corporate scenarios, such as thanking a mentor, or acknowledging a client's trust.

Coral Rose Meaning: Vibrant Yet Refined

Gentle Admiration, Fascination, Enthusiasm, Passion, Desire, Excitement

Suitable for romance, especially for friends to lovers, but with a gentle tone, also suitable for purely platonic friendships for sincere, warm celebrations of exciting milestones, an enthusiastic thank you, or simply to show excitement.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Yellow

Coral roses and orange roses carry similar, closely related meanings, both being in the same spectrum or colour between red and yellow, suitable for both as a romantic gift or for platonic occasions, as a bridge of meaning for both red roses (love and passion) and yellow roses (friendship and joy).

However, coral roses act as a softer, more gentle version of the passionate orange, as it is more of a blend of pink (gentle admiration) and orange.

Similar to orange roses, while suitable for both romance and other occasions, it is best to exercise caution to ensure that the wrong message doesn’t get delivered by either only gifting them when there is no room for misunderstanding or including a card with its intended message as a precaution.

To be on the safer side, consider gifting peach roses — a popular neutral choice for friendship and professional settings that doesn’t carry the strong romantic undertone.

For Romance: "Gentle but Enthusiastic"

A blend of fiery romance and heartfelt affection, coral roses are a perfect choice to signal that you are ready to take a relationship to the next level, but with a less intense and more gentle tone in comparison to orange roses.

While highly suitable for new relationships and first dates, coral roses are also suitable as an enthusiastic but gentle rose colour for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or simply to say "I'm proud of you" for a partner's accomplishments or to express gentle but enthusiastic, exciting love.

For Other Occasions: "Warm Celebration for Exciting Achievements"

Similar to orange roses, coral roses carry a hidden meaning of romance; it is only a suitable choice in platonic relationships where there is no room for misunderstanding.

Coral roses are an ideal choice to convey excitement, but with a more sincere, warm, gentle tone -  making them the perfect choice for exciting milestones like graduations, new jobs, promotions, or a thoughtful way to show support or care to a friend in need and express warm condolences.

It can also work as a very enthusiastic "thank you" or as a "just because " gift to express excitement in a relationship.

Unique and Unconventional: Blue, Purple, Green, Black and Bi-colour

These colours are rare and so unusual that they either don’t exist, or are only possible through innovative breeding or mutations.

However, with our crochet roses, anything is possible! Crochet flowers are not limited by seasonal availabilities or real-world appearances, allowing more creative ways of interpretation in floral arrangements.

Blue Rose Meaning: A Dream Beyond the Impossible

Mystery, the Impossible, the Unique, and Longing

Suitable for romantic occasions and celebrations of achieving the impossible, or to show appreciation for a unique someone.

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Blue

Blue roses do not exist in nature because roses lack the necessary blue DNA to make this possible. There are other close natural or genetically engineered colours like lavender, lilac or violet, but none are true blue. If you see bright blue roses in floral shops, they are typically white roses that have been dyed or sprayed-painted and will wilt significantly faster than natural roses (only about 5 days), because the dying process can shorten their lifespan and sometimes damage foliage.

However, with crochet blue roses, we don't need to worry about the limited lifespan of fresh flowers, as every crocheted bouquet is a handmade, timeless keepsake that will immortalise your most precious moments.

Blue roses are suitable for both profound, enchanting romance and other unique occasions such as anniversaries, weddings, major life achievements, to recognise someone special or to support chasing dreams.

For Romance: "Unique Extraordinary Love"

Although the "unattainable" nature of blue roses made them a frequent choice to express a deep longing for someone or love that cannot be fulfilled, today they also represent a "dream come true", or the achievement of the impossible, shifting the narrative from unrequited love to enduring deep affection.

Suitable for unique occasions such as Valentine's Day, anniversaries, weddings, proposals, or to signal a "unique" connection, gifting blue roses communicates that your partner is "one of a kind", signifying admiration, enchantment and allure.

For Other Occasions: "A Unique Connection"

In platonic occasions, blue roses represent enduring, profound and faithfulness or celebrations of achieving the impossible, making them highly suitable as a gift to celebrate a unique connection.

Idea for celebrating significant milestones such as new jobs, promotions, graduation or an "impossible" goal that they have achieved or as a great gift to show appreciation, to show that you value them for their unique personality.
 

Purple Rose Meaning: A Royal & Enchanting Love

Enchantment, Majesty, Love at first sight, and Mystery

Suitable for romance, especially for "love at first sight", but also suitable for celebrating significant milestones or to honour a unique, special bond.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Blue

Purple roses are a rare and exotic rose colour that is rarely found in nature, often requiring specialised breeding. Because of the scarcity, purple roses are a unique, magical gift that is suitable for romantic occasions such as Valentine's Day, but especially to convey an enchanting "love at first sight" message in early romantic relationships.

In platonic occasions, purple roses symbolise adoration and enchantment for long-lasting relationships, making them an ideal gift to express appreciation for a unique, special bond.
 

For Romance: "Love at First Sight"

Often symbolising "love at first sight", purple roses are a unique way to express deep, magical, unfolding love or to make someone feel special due to their unique, luxurious hue.

Suitable for both new and established romantic relationships, it is an ideal, unique alternative to red roses that carries a more mysterious, magical tone, ideal for weddings, proposals, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, or simply to celebrate a relationship that feels enchanted.

Ranging from light lavender to deep violet, the darker the shade, the more it leans towards admiration, adoration, majesty and elegance.

For Other Occasions: "Grace and Admiration"

Beyond romance, purple roses symbolise deep admiration, enchantment, and loyalty. They are ideal for celebrating significant milestones such as new jobs, promotions, graduations, baby showers, housewarmings and more, or expressing admiration and respect, making them suitable for Mother's Day.

Similar to blue roses, the scarcity of purple roses also makes them a great choice for honouring a unique special bond or to show that you value someone for their unique personality.

Ranging from light lavender to deep violet, lighter shades are also often used to offer comfort and support to someone going through a difficult time.

Green Rose Meaning: A Celebration of Growth and New Beginnings

Life, Growth, New Beginnings, Prosperity, and Fertility

Suitable for calm, nurturing romantic relationships, to offer encouragement in difficult times, to honour the strengthening of bonds, or to celebrate new beginnings such as weddings, promotions, new jobs, housewarming, baby shower or personal development.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Blue

The green rose is an ancient mutation and is exceptionally rare and unique in the natural world. While often not true "flowers" as the green petals we see are actually sepals instead, this mutation makes the "green rose" we see possible, creating a leafy green bloom that embody a fresh natural energy that focuses more on encouragement and well-wishes, making them perfect for celebration of new chapters in life, such as starting a new job, housewarming, baby shower, graduations or celebrating personal development.

Green roses are also a great well-wish gift for many occasions, such as get well soon or to show support and encouragement in difficult times.

For Romance: "Nurturing Love"

In romantic settings, green roses symbolise a relationship built on balance, trust, and steady growth. Rather than intense passion, they represent a calm, nurturing love that continues to flourish over time.

Ideal for new relationships, weddings, proposals, anniversaries, engagements, or celebrating relationship milestones, gifting green roses expresses commitment, stability, and a future filled with shared growth.

For Other Occasions: "New Beginnings and Prosperity"

Green roses are especially meaningful for non-romantic celebrations. They symbolise encouragement, success, good luck, and positive transformation.

Perfect for showing appreciation and well-wishes, offering support and encouragement or congratulating someone or yourself on a promotion, graduation, business launch, housewarming, or personal achievement.

Additionally, the symbolisation of fertility and new life also makes green roses an excellent, symbolic choice for celebrations to welcome a new baby.

Black Rose Meaning: Dark and Gothic

Mystery, Death, Morning, Farewells, Rebirth and Deep Passion

Suitable for love in a gothic or more dramatic context, historically used for mourning and farewells, but also conveys support through hardships.

Digitally altered image based on Mochi's Forever Flowers - Single Rose Crochet Bouquet - Blue

Black roses are another colour that does not exist naturally; the black roses we see are typically very deep red or purple, generally an intensely dark shade that looks black. Most jet black roses sold are white or red roses that have been dipped in or have absorbed black dye - similar to blue roses, these dyed black roses will wilt significantly faster than natural roses (only about 5 days), because the dying process can shorten their lifespan and sometimes damage foliage.

Black roses are historically used for mourning, death and final farewells at funerals or memorials. However, paradoxically, they also symbolise a radical transformation or a fresh start following a major life change.

While red roses signify romance, black roses can represent a darker, tragic love, or in some contexts, an obsessive, undying devotion.

Black roses are also often used in gothic aesthetics and Halloween for their dark, mysterious beauty.

For Romance: "Obsessive Eternal Love"

Black roses convey a more dramatic, obsessive, "darker" kind of deep, passionate love; they are often used to signify an everlasting love, transcending even death.

In some contexts, they can represent the end of a difficult phase in a relationship, where the relationship is renewed and "rebirthed" to become stronger.

Black roses are the perfect choice if your partner is into unconventional or gothic romantic aesthetics.

For Other Occasions: "Farewell and Rebirth"

Although black roses are primarily used in funerals for farewells, they also represent unwavering support during a difficult time. This makes them a great gift if you wish to signify loyalty and support for a family, friend, or loved one who is going through challenging times or has overcome a difficult dark period in their life.

Bi-colour Rose Meaning: Best of Both Worlds, a Message With Depth

Image taken from Mochi's Forever Flowers - Bundle of Love Crochet Rose Bouquet - White & Pink

Bi-coloured roses are often quite special and rare in real flowers, but in crochet roses, it’s not a restriction; they are striking and deliver a message where both rose colours are present.

For example, in our crochet rose bouquet collection, we feature a bi-colour white (Deep Spiritual Love) and pink (Sweet Romance) rose crochet bouquet that conveys both the messages for white and pink roses.

Quick Summary (TL;DR) and Key Considerations

Read this brief summary for matching the right rose colour for the occasions, or take our flower bouquet gift finder quiz to find the right flower from our crochet flower bouquets selection for your occasion.

New Relationships — Confessions, First Dates, or Just because

Long-term Relationships — Proposals, Engagement, Anniversaries, Weddings, Valentine's Day, or Just Because

For Mother's Day

Friendship/Get Well Soon/Birthdays/Congratulations/Achievements

Business/Corporate

For Respectable Individuals (teacher, mentor, etc.)/Gratitude/Appreciation/Thank You

Sympathy/Condolences

Baby Showers

Housewarming

Key Considerations

Choosing the right rose colour depends on the emotion you want to convey and the occasion it’s for.

Although the above selection lists the most appropriate rose colours for their occasion, always remember that the most important factor is often what the recipient would enjoy most. If the recipient simply loves a certain rose colour for its appearance and doesn’t care about its meaning, sometimes it’s best not to overthink it — as long as you’ve done your due diligence to ensure there’s no room for misunderstanding.

If you still need help deciding which rose colour is right for your gift, take our flower bouquet gift finder quiz to get the most suitable suggestions!