Roses are, perhaps, the most expressive of flowers.
They can be brash and bold, or full and heady, or delicate and sweet, or subtle and fragrant, and so much more…
© Lisa Shambrook
When people are asked for their favourite flower, roses are one of the most popular responses, and they are definitely the jewel in the crown in both florists and gardens. Roses generally flower from Summer to Autumn, but these days I’ve had roses blooming as early as April and as late as December!
I carried Jacaranda, deep mauve, roses as a bride, Vince brought me handcut roses from the gardens he worked at (he was a gardener) on our first date, I’ve adored a variety of roses in my garden, I’ve had single red roses for Valentine’s, and we recently had red and white roses at my mother’s funeral.
© Lisa Shambrook
So what do roses say?
Red Roses © Lisa Shambrook
Burgundy Roses say a little more than red, promising undying love and cherishing unconscious beauty!
Red Roses are the traditional way to say “I Love You,” the colour of passion and the definition of love. They also represent courage and respect.
Orange, Peach, and Yellow Roses © Lisa Shambrook
Orange Roses; imagine the colour of fire and you have the flowers that embody passion to rival red roses representing desire, enthusiasm, and excitement.
Peach Roses are a delicate shade of gratitude and sincerity, a gentle rose to offer appreciation.
Yellow Roses show friendship, care, and platonic love, there are no romantic undertones with yellow roses, just sunshine and friendship. Yellow roses also convey memories, and are often given in long term relationships. They are also perfect for welcome home and new beginnings bouquets.
White Roses © Lisa Shambrook
White Roses represent purity and innocence, spirituality and reverence, often seen as bridal or sympathy blooms.
Pale Pink Roses © Lisa Shambrook
Pale Pink Roses suggest friendship and elegance, and can signify a new budding romance. They also offer sympathy and innocence. The delicate charm that laces pale pink matches the sweetness that they convey.
Deep Pink Roses © Lisa Shambrook
Deep Pink Roses express appreciation and gratitude, and a lovely way to show happiness and contentment.
Purple Roses © Lisa Shambrook
Purple and lavender Roses; purple has always been the colour of mystery and enchantment, and they express love-at-first-sight. Deeper purple roses signify majesty and splendour.
I adore roses of all colours, and every variety, from hybrid tea roses, to dog roses, climbing and rambling roses, old English, and modern hybrid, floribunda roses, and shrub roses – they all enchant me.
Roses © Lisa Shambrook
I believe roses were given to us to celebrate colour, fragrance, and beauty, let’s not take them for granted.
What are your favourite roses?
When were you last given roses, or do you buy or cut your own?
What colour beguiles you most?
* All photos are roses from my garden or from the tables in Calon my local coffee shop (now called Pethau Da) and a couple of pics of bouquets from supermarkets!
The Last Krystallos 
Lovely photos! I don’t know that I could choose a favorite color. I have twelve rosebushes growing along the back of my house and they are a dark pink shade. Thanks for sharing the meanings.
It really is hard to choose, Amy, I tend towards the dark and regal colours, but then the pale pink and white sway me!