Margaret Murphy
Horticulture Educator for Chippewa, Dunn, & Eau Claire Counties
UW-Madison Extension

It’s February and that means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Florists across the country are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. According to the Society of American Florists, in 2022, 22% of Americans bought fresh flowers or plants as gifts for Valentine’s Day. Roses accounted for 83% of those gifts. With almost 120 varieties available, roses are a classic favorite.

You may be familiar with the concept of the language of flowers. Every flower carries its own special meaning or symbolism, which is influenced by its variety and color. In the spirit of the upcoming holiday, the following list includes some of the most common meanings for roses.

pink—perfect happiness

red—love

white—you’re heavenly

thornless—love at first sight

bouquet of mature blooms—gratitude

Excerpted from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/flowers-and-their-meanings-language-flowers