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30 Special Rose Color Meanings You Should Know Now and Forever

Red roses aren't the only flowers you can give your crush this Valentine's Day.

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While red roses are popular for showcasing love, it's not the only option. Believe it or not, there are a slew of rose color meanings. You may be looking to gift the special someone in your life a red rose to signify your romance or appreciation during a critical time, but choosing a different colored option might work better in your favor.

The language of flowers, otherwise known as floriography, was popular during the Victorian era (check out our list of flower meanings that may surprise you). While flowers are now considered simple gifts for events and holidays, they once held a secret meaning to tell those in your life just how much they mean to you. From your childhood best friend and favorite family member to your secret crush and forever partner, different roses were meant for different people (browse through our list of best flower delivery services to deliver your V-Day roses). That said, consider this comprehensive list of rose color meanings that'll come in handy the next time you're flower shopping. Whether you want to show gratitude to a loved one with a dark pink rose, make your significant other feel like royalty with a purple rose or, on the other hand, express your sympathy with a white rose, you're sure to find this guide helpful.

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Light Pink and White Roses

When you combine light pink and white roses into one bouquet, they represent happiness and joy, with the white flowers radiating the purity of intention.

SHOP PINK AND WHITE ROSES

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Lilac Roses

Unlike lavender roses, this lilac color is meant to show someone "your intentions for the future." So if you have a special someone in your life that you want to take to the next level in your relationship, lilac roses make beautiful gifts.

SHOP LILAC ROSES

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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.

SHOP 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

Mariah Thomas Assistant Editor Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content.

Amanda Garrity Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion.