Roses for Valentine's Day: what does each colour mean?

Every year on 14 February, people search en masse for the perfect bouquet. Roses for Valentine's Day is one of the most searched flower combinations of the year — and for good reason. The rose has been the symbol of love for centuries. But which colour do you choose, and what does that choice say about your feelings? This guide covers everything: the meaning behind each rose colour, how many roses to give, and how to keep them looking their best for as long as possible.

The history of roses on Valentine's Day

The tradition of giving flowers on Valentine's Day dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries in England and France. Roses were already associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, in antiquity. During the Victorian era, flowers developed their own language — known as floriography. A bouquet could express feelings that were too difficult to say out loud. Red roses stood at the heart of that language as the symbol of passionate love.

Today, roses on Valentine's Day are a worldwide phenomenon. In the Netherlands, tens of millions of roses are sold around 14 February. Most come from greenhouses in the Westland region or are imported from Kenya and Ecuador, where the climate is ideal for large-scale rose growing.

What does each rose colour mean on Valentine's Day?

The colour of your rose speaks volumes. Here are the most popular colours and what they stand for:

• Red: the classic choice for passionate, romantic love. The message is as direct as it gets: "I love you." Red roses are the most popular choice on Valentine's Day, and there is a very good reason for that. If you want to order red roses, you are in good company.
• Pink: softer and more tender than red. Light pink stands for admiration and warmth; deep pink for gratitude and deeper affection. It is a beautiful option if you want to surprise someone in a more subtle way. If your love is still new, order pink roses for a gentle, heartfelt gesture.
• White: purity, innocence and new beginnings. Fresh white roses suit a budding relationship perfectly, or any moment when you want someone to know your feelings are sincere. You can order white roses for a clean, elegant look that never goes out of style.
• Yellow: friendship and joy. Yellow roses are less common for romantic love on Valentine's Day, but they are a perfect choice for a close friend you want to appreciate.
• Orange: enthusiasm and desire. Orange roses convey passion with a touch of playfulness — a less predictable choice that is sure to stand out.
• Mixed: a bouquet of several colours combines different feelings. Order mixed roses if you do not want to settle on a single message, or if you simply want to surprise someone with a colourful, varied arrangement.

How many roses should you give on Valentine's Day?

The number of roses you give carries meaning too. The combination of colour and quantity makes your bouquet more personal. Curious about what each number says? Read more about the number of roses and their meaning.

• 1 rose: "You are the only one." A single rose is an intimate and direct gesture.
• 12 roses: the classic dozen. It says "Be mine" — the most common quantity given on Valentine's Day.
• 24 roses: "I think of you every hour of the day." A grand and striking gesture.
• 50 or more roses: an overwhelming statement of unconditional love.

Odd numbers are considered lucky in many cultures; even numbers are traditionally associated with mourning. In practice most people do not follow this strictly, but it is an interesting detail to keep in mind.

Practical tips: ordering, caring for and combining roses

Roses are in high demand on Valentine's Day, so plan ahead. If you want to order roses online for 14 February, pay attention to the delivery options. Bouquets labelled "via local florist" on the product photo are arranged and delivered by an affiliated florist near the recipient on working days — order before 14:00 and same-day delivery is possible. Grower bouquets are sent from Regiobloemist's own bindery via a flower courier and are delivered the next working day when ordered before 16:30.

Care tips for longer-lasting roses:

• Cut the stems at an angle — at least 2 to 3 centimetres — before placing them in the vase. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears, not scissors that crush the stem.
• Use clean, cold water and add the cut-flower food that comes with the bouquet. Change the water every two days.
• Keep the vase away from direct sunlight, radiators and ripe fruit. The ethylene gas released by fruit speeds up wilting.
• Remove any leaves that fall below the waterline — they will rot and cloud the water.

Regiobloemist offers a 7-day freshness guarantee on all flowers. If you have any concerns about freshness, report them within 7 days of delivery via the contact form at /contact, including photos of both the flowers and the stems.

Roses combine beautifully with other flowers. White gypsophila adds a romantic touch, while eucalyptus gives a more modern, green look. A mix of roses and peonies is also a popular choice in spring — though having peonies delivered on Valentine's Day is tricky, as peony season does not begin until May.

Not just for Valentine's Day: roses for other occasions

Roses are versatile. Valentine's Day is the best-known occasion, but roses suit many other moments too:

• Mother's Day (second Sunday in May): pink and white roses are popular choices. They radiate warmth and gratitude.
• Birthday: a cheerful mixed bouquet or a colour that suits the recipient's personality.
• Wedding and anniversary: red and white roses are classic wedding flowers. Red stands for love; white for purity and a new beginning.
• Just because: an unexpected bouquet of roses has extra impact precisely when there is no special occasion.

How Regiobloemist delivers roses for Valentine's Day

With Regiobloemist you choose how your roses are delivered. Some bouquets are arranged by a local florist in the recipient's area — someone who knows the neighbourhood, drives the streets nearby and delivers personally to the door. If the product photo says "via local florist", the bouquet can be delivered the same day on working days when you order before 14:00.

Other bouquets go directly from the grower to Regiobloemist's own bindery, where they are assembled and packaged. A specialist flower courier then brings them to the recipient, complete with track and trace. That way you know exactly when the bouquet will arrive — useful when you need it to land on precisely the right day.

Want to order roses online for Valentine's Day? Browse the full range on the roses page and filter by colour, size or delivery option. Delivery costs €7.45, including same-day delivery via a local florist.

Frequently asked questions about roses on Valentine's Day

Which rose colour is the most romantic for Valentine's Day?

Red is and remains the most romantic choice. The red rose has symbolised passionate love for centuries. Prefer something a little subtler or more personal? Pink is a warm, tender option that also suits Valentine's Day very well.

How many roses should I give on Valentine's Day?

A dozen (12) red roses is the classic choice and the most commonly given. Want to make a big impression? Go for 24. A single rose is deeply intimate and direct — perfect when you want to send a clear message without going over the top.

Can I have roses delivered on Valentine's Day?

Yes. Bouquets labelled "via local florist" on the product photo can be delivered the same day on working days when you order before 14:00. Valentine's Day falls on 14 February — a Friday in 2025. Order in good time, as demand on this day is very high and stock can be limited.

How long do Valentine's Day roses stay fresh?

With the right care — stems cut at an angle, clean water, cut-flower food and a cool spot — roses typically last 7 to 10 days. Regiobloemist offers a 7-day freshness guarantee. Change the water every two days and trim the stems regularly for the best results.