The language of roses

The rose, a true symbol!

This ancient flower is surrounded by legends and myths related to love. Cultivated and revered since Antiquity, even for millennia, the rose has inspired many artists and poets, from Ronsard to Shakespeare, including Verlaine, who used it as a metaphor for love or as a symbol of the fragility of life. The rose owes its birth to Chloris, the goddess of flowers, who reincarnated a nymph into a new flower: the rose, to which the Gods of Olympus granted beauty, an enchanting fragrance, brilliance, and charm.

Among the Greeks, the rose was the flower of Aphrodite (Venus in Roman mythology), the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. Thus, the famous painting “The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli reveals a sky scattered with roses floating in the wind. The rose has long been a symbol of confidentiality. According to Greek mythology, Eros (Cupid in Roman mythology), the god of love, offered a rose to Harpocrates, the god of silence, to keep quiet about his mother Aphrodite’s romantic escapades. This is how the Latin expression “sub rosa” was born, meaning “under the rose,” or in other words, “in the utmost secrecy” or “under the seal of silence,” further proof, if needed, that the rose has much to say…

In Christianity, it symbolises both the blood of Christ and the expression of martyrdom.

The symbolic dimension of the rose varies according to the colour of its petals, ranging from the purest white to dark purple, almost black, passing through all shades of pink, red, and yellow.

The rose, the absolute symbol of love

What number of roses to give?

3, 12 or 24 roses? What does the number of roses signify? In addition to colour, did you know that the quantity of roses in a bouquet conveys a particular message? It is advisable to give an odd number of roses when the bouquet contains fewer than 10 roses.

• 1 red rose signifies love at first sight and a passionate declaration of love
• 2 roses are said to be for seeking forgiveness
• 7 roses mean “I am crazy about you, my love!”
• 12 roses represent a marriage proposal!
• 24 roses convey gallantry
• 36 roses are typically used for an engagement bouquet or simply to confess that one is madly in love
• 50 or 101 roses express a passionate, eternal, crazy love

Beware: giving roses without stems (what a strange idea) signifies a desire to break up.

The number of roses in a bouquet has its say!

Red rose

It is the flower of love. It symbolises romantic passion and fervour. The origin of the red rose: an accident. Venus, madly in love with Adonis, who was wounded during a hunting trip, pricked herself on the thorns of a white rosebush while trying to help him. Her blood then maculated the white roses, turning them red, mirroring their love. The red roses were born, becoming the ultimate symbol of love, beauty, and passion, as well as that of brides and lovers.

Who to give red roses to and on what occasions?

They are a sign of ardent and deep love. A bouquet of red roses is perfect for a declaration of love. It is the symbolic flower to mark Valentine’s Day or Lovers’ Day.

Our selection for red roses in the garden:

Timeless classics, the Ingrid Bergman® Rose, the large-flowered ‘Botero’ rose, and the large-flowered ‘Papa Meilland’ rose are among our simply perfect red roses for bouquets.

The red rose as a beautiful declaration of love

The pink rose

Symbol of absolute romanticism, the pink rose inspires tenderness, refinement, femininity, elegance… but also modesty! In the 19th century, during the romantic era, it was abundantly found on wallpapers, in paintings, and in upholstery fabrics. Less eye-catching than the red rose, the pink rose conveys a message of affection with more softness, courtesy, and restraint.

Who to give pink roses to and on what occasions?

It is not only offered in a romantic context; it is “the family rose”, the one destined for your mother, grandmother, or a cherished loved one. It is a versatile rose that is also sent for thank yous. A deep pink symbolises gratitude and recognition, while a paler pink evokes sweetness and admiration. In short, with a bouquet of pink roses, you are not taking too many risks.

Our selection for pink roses in the garden:

The Sandrine Quétier rosebush in pastel pink, the ‘Frédéric Mistral’ rosebush, or the ‘La France’ rosebush are must-haves in bouquets!

The pink rose: elegance and romanticism are on the agenda

White rose

White is traditionally synonymous with purity, virginity, wisdom, peace, and innocence, all symbols attributed to white roses when offered in a bouquet. In Christianity, the white rose is a symbol of the Virgin Mary.

Who to give white roses to and on what occasions?

Unlike the highly connoted red roses, white roses can be given on many occasions. They can express a budding love and are perfect for young lovers or to congratulate newlyweds. They can also signify a secret love. As a symbol of renewal, they are also suitable for a baptism or a life change. They will also be associated with mourning to pay tribute to a loved one.

Our selection for white roses in the garden:

The ‘Pope John Paul II’ rosebush and the Virgo rosebush are both impeccable in a bouquet!

The purity of white roses…

Yellow rose

Long associated with infidelity, jealousy, and betrayal, the yellow rose primarily represents cheerfulness, joy, warmth, and happiness. This ambivalence means that yellow roses should be given with discernment. They are generally associated with the symbol of friendship.

Who should you give yellow roses to and on what occasions?

Preferably offer them to a friend, as they are ideal for expressing friendly feelings. To avoid any ambiguity, refrain from giving them in a romantic context.

Our selection of yellow roses for the garden:

Yellow roses such as the ‘Les Années Folles La Rotonde’ rose, the ‘Candlelight’ rose and the ‘Michelangelo’ rose bring an elegant and sunny touch to the garden, their flowers are perfect for creating bouquets.

Yellow roses should be avoided in romantic contexts

Orange rose

Entering the plant scene in the early 20th century, the orange rose is the result of successive hybridizations between red roses and other roses. It combines vibrant colour with positive symbolism. It is a blend of passionate red and the yellow of friendship. It expresses enthusiasm, joy, and the depth of attachment. It also embodies carnal desire.

Who to give orange roses to and on what occasions?

They are given to express attraction and desire, to say “I love you in secret,” the intensity of a budding love, a sincere friendship, or simply as a sign of gratitude, get well soon wishes, comfort, or congratulations. They are perfect for conveying a joyful and optimistic message.

Our selection of orange roses for the garden:

The large-flowered bush roses offer the best roses for filling bouquets. We love the ‘Abbaye de Cluny’ rose, voted the most beautiful rose in France in 1994, and the generous ‘Henri Delbard’ rose.

Orange roses: sincere friendship… or ardent desire!

Black rose

Enigmatic and fascinating, the black rose is actually a rose of such a dark red that it appears black. It is a mythical flower omnipresent in literature, music, and cinema. The black rose inspires artists! It evokes melancholy, sadness, despair, or mourning. It also embodies profound romantic grief.

Who to give black roses to and on what occasions?

On the occasion of a tragic event, during the loss of a loved one, the black rose will be the messenger of a final farewell.

Our selection for black roses in the garden:

The ‘Black Baccara’ Rose, very close to the black rose, displays a very deep, velvety garnet red colour, giving the illusion of being black; it is an exceptional rose for cut flower arrangements!

The black rose symbolises sorrow or pain