Ranunculus Flowers
Roses (Rosa spp.) are iconic woody perennials in the family Rosaceae, prized worldwide for their beautiful, often fragrant blooms and deep cultural symbolism across many traditions.
Occasions & recipients - Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Valentine’s Day and romantic milestones
- Anniversaries and proposals
- Weddings and bridal bouquets
- Birthdays and congratulations
- Mother’s Day and family celebrations
- Sympathy and remembrance services
Who to Give to
- Romantic partners/spouses
- New romance or significant other
- Close friends (neutral/yellow/pink)
- Family members (e.g., mothers, grandparents)
- Colleagues/clients (subtle or pastel tones)
Card Message Ideas
Presentation Etiquette
Condition roses in clean water with floral preservative; remove lower leaves and guard petals; lightly trim thorns if needed for handling; present half-open blooms for longevity; match color to message and local customs; keep stems hydrated and cool until gifting.
Ideal Delivery Time
Early morning on the day of the occasion for freshest presentation; for peak-demand holidays (e.g., Valentine’s Day), deliver the day before or early morning; for weddings or funerals, deliver several hours before the event.
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for key details choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients. Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Distribution
Native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere; now cultivated and naturalized in gardens and farms worldwide.
Conservation
Widely cultivated and not globally threatened; some wild Rosa species have regional protection. Choose sustainably grown, pesticide-responsible sources and avoid wild harvesting.
Toxicity
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets (ASPCA: roses are safe), though thorns can cause injury and swallowed stems may irritate. Avoid ingestion of floral preservatives or pesticides applied to cut flowers.
Allergenicity
Low to moderate; rose pollen is relatively heavy and not highly airborne, though handling and strong fragrance can irritate sensitive individuals.
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae; Genus: Rosa; Numerous species and hybrid groups (e.g., Hybrid Tea, Floribunda, Climbing).
Meaning, symbolism & taboos
Roses universally symbolize love, beauty, and heartfelt emotion; specific colors refine the message—red for deep love, white for purity and remembrance, pink for admiration and gratitude, yellow for friendship and joy, and orange for enthusiasm.
Symbolizes
- Love and romance
- Beauty and grace
- Passion and desire (red)
- Purity and remembrance (white)
- Gratitude and admiration (pink)
- Friendship and joy (yellow)
Color taboos
- White roses can signify mourning/funerals in parts of East Asia (e.g., China, Korea, Japan).
- Red and white roses together may symbolize death or funerals in some European and Asian cultures.
- Yellow roses can suggest jealousy or infidelity in some European traditions.
- Black/dyed roses are commonly linked to farewell, death, or tragedy.
- Deep red roses may feel too intimate/romantic for professional or casual contexts.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Provide 6–8 hours of full sun; plant in well-drained loam (pH ~6.0–6.5). Water deeply and regularly, keeping foliage dry to limit disease. Feed with a balanced or rose-specific fertilizer during the growing season. Prune in late winter/early spring to remove dead wood and shape; deadhead spent blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Mulch 5–8 cm to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Suitable in many climates (approx. USDA Zones 4–10 depending on type).
Recommended tools
- Bypass pruners
- Thorn-resistant gloves
- Soaker hose or drip line
- Balanced rose fertilizer
- Mulch/compost
- Trellis or support for climbers