Red roses commonly suggest romance; pink roses are often linked with appreciation. Those associations can help you start choosing a flower gift, but they do not tell the whole story. The recipient may have a favorite shade, a memory of a particular bouquet, or no interest in flower symbolism at all.
Use color meanings as a reference, then make the message clear in your own words. That is especially helpful when you are choosing a rose in a shade such as burgundy.
Red roses: a familiar romantic choice
1-800-Flowers' rose color guide associates red roses with romantic love and devotion. Illinois Extension's overview also lists love, respect, and courage among red rose meanings. Flower meanings vary with the occasion and the person receiving them.
For an anniversary or Valentine's Day, a red rose can be a familiar visual choice. If you are giving one to a friend or relative, a note explaining your thanks or congratulations helps establish the context.
Pink roses: appreciation and affection
The same guides connect pink roses with gratitude, appreciation, or admiration. That makes pink a useful starting point when you want to explore a thank-you flower gift.
Pay attention to the flower type as well as the color. A pink rose, a pink tulip, and a pink pom-pom flower look different. An association written about roses does not automatically become the meaning of every pink bloom.
Where does burgundy fit?
Burgundy is a deep red shade with a darker appearance than a bright red rose. Choose it because you like how it looks, because the recipient likes deep reds, or because it connects to something you share.
FleurMori's current rose arrangements use burgundy plush roses or rosebuds. The Burgundy Rose Plush Vase Gift includes one statement rose, one olive-green eucalyptus stem, and an ivory plush vase. The Five Burgundy Rosebud Plush Bouquet includes five rosebuds and two gray-green eucalyptus stems in a pink plush wrap with ribbon. Compare the open rose shape with the rosebuds, as well as the presentation.
Choose the message, then the arrangement
For romance, begin with a flower and shade your partner enjoys. For appreciation, think about whether they would prefer flowers, another object, or a letter. If you are choosing a color to match a room, include the wrapping and vase in that decision.
A note such as “I chose these because you always stop to look at deep red roses” makes the reason for your choice clear.
Our anniversary plush rose guide compares bouquet and vase formats. If you prefer the shape of tulips, read about pink tulips as a gift before settling on a flower type.