Which mixed roses suit which occasion?

You want to send a bouquet of roses but you're not sure about the colour. Red might feel too romantic; a single colour too plain. Mixed roses offer a solution: combining colours lets you send exactly the right message. But how do you choose which mix suits a birthday, a wedding or a congratulation? That's exactly what many people wonder — and this article gives you the answer.

Mixed roses are bouquets in which two or more rose colours are arranged together. That sounds simple, but the combination of colours determines the mood and message of the bouquet. A mix of red and white radiates romance, while yellow and orange together convey cheerfulness and energy.

Mixed roses are popular because they are more versatile than a single-colour bouquet. They suit a wider range of occasions, carry less of the weight that comes with all-red roses, and are visually more appealing thanks to the interplay of shades. You can also use colour to convey a feeling subtly — no card required.

The most common colour combinations and their meaning

Every rose colour has its own symbolism, and in a mix those meanings reinforce or soften each other. Here are the most common combinations:

  • Red and white: classic romance and unity — popular for wedding anniversaries and Valentine's Day.
  • Pink and white: soft, tender and grateful — ideal for Mother's Day or a birth.
  • Yellow and orange: cheerful, energetic and enthusiastic — perfect for a birthday or passing an exam.
  • Red and pink: warm and affectionate, slightly less formal than pure red — suitable for a romantic gesture that doesn't feel too heavy.
  • White and lilac or purple: mysterious and elegant — appropriate for a condolence or a more understated congratulation.
  • Multicolour: all colours mixed together, sometimes called a "rainbow bouquet" — exuberant and festive, suited to anniversaries or farewell moments.

Want to make the bouquet even more personal? Think about the number of stems too. Traditionally, quantities carry meaning: 12 roses stands for "I love you", while 7 roses expresses "I'm falling for you". You can read more about the symbolism behind the number of roses in our article on rose quantities.

Which mixed roses suit which occasion?

Birthday

For a birthday, a cheerful, colourful mix works best. Yellow roses represent friendship and joy; orange roses stand for enthusiasm and energy. A combination of yellow and orange roses is therefore an excellent choice. Adding pink softens the bouquet slightly and makes it a little more feminine — useful if you're not sure whether the recipient likes bold colours.

For a milestone birthday — 50, 60 or 70 — a larger bouquet is fitting. Think 20 or more stems in a mix of warm colours. The bouquet will make an impression and match the celebratory atmosphere.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day in the Netherlands falls on the second Sunday of May. At that time of year, many roses are in full season, which makes for a wide choice. A mix of pink and white roses is the most popular combination for Mother's Day: soft, sweet and grateful. Looking for something a little different? Add peonies to the bouquet — they bloom in May and give it extra volume and a lush, abundant look.

Wedding or wedding anniversary

For a wedding or wedding anniversary, classic combinations work best. Red and white is timeless, but red and champagne (a pale, creamy yellow) also looks elegant. White roses symbolise purity and a new beginning — ideal for a wedding. For a silver anniversary (25 years), a mix of white roses and lilac or purple is a beautiful choice, while a golden anniversary (50 years) calls for warm shades such as orange and yellow.

Congratulations (birth, graduation, promotion)

A birth calls for pastel colours: light pink for a girl, light blue or white for a boy — though those traditional choices are becoming less automatic. A mix of white roses and soft pink roses is always a safe and lovely option. For a graduation or promotion, a more exuberant mix is more fitting: think yellow, orange and red together, as a symbol of ambition, success and joy.

Condolence or sympathy bouquet

For a condolence, choose understated colours. White roses are the most common choice, optionally combined with lilac or cream. Avoid bold colours such as red or orange — they don't suit the gravity of the moment. A small, neatly tied bouquet of white roses with a little greenery is respectful and timeless.

Season and availability: when are roses at their best?

Roses are grown year-round, but quality and availability vary by season. In summer (June to September), Dutch greenhouse roses are at their finest: they've had more sun and are sturdier. In winter, most roses come from glasshouses or are imported from Kenya or Ecuador, where the climate is ideal for rose growing.

If you want a mixed rose bouquet delivered in spring, the range is at its widest. Around Valentine's Day (14 February) and Mother's Day (May) demand is high — order in good time. Summer and early autumn are the best months for an exuberant, colourful bouquet.

If you want to order roses online, you can order mixed roses and browse all available colours and varieties, including seasonal options.

Practical tips: caring for and getting the most out of mixed roses

With the right care, a mixed rose bouquet can last 7 to 14 days. Here are the most important tips:

  • Cut the stems at an angle (1–2 cm) before placing them in the vase — this increases the surface area for water uptake.
  • Use clean, lukewarm water and add cut-flower food.
  • Change the water every 2 days and trim the stems again each time.
  • Keep the bouquet out of direct sunlight and away from radiators — both speed up wilting.
  • Remove any leaves that sit below the waterline, as they will rot and cloud the water.
  • Place the bouquet somewhere cool at night — this extends its life considerably.

One more thing to bear in mind: some roses in a mixed bouquet may fade faster than others. Remove wilted stems promptly so the rest stay looking their best for longer.

How Regiobloemist delivers mixed roses

Regiobloemist works in two ways: through an affiliated local florist in the delivery area who ties the bouquet on the spot and delivers it in person, or through its own in-house bindery which prepares and dispatches the order. Either way, your bouquet is always fresh — wherever in the Netherlands you have it delivered.

Want to have mixed roses delivered for a birthday, Mother's Day or another special moment? You can order mixed roses for delivery to any address in the Netherlands, with the assurance that the bouquet will arrive fresh and carefully arranged.

A local florist knows the area and can — especially for special occasions — tailor the bouquet to the recipient's wishes. That personal touch is one of the advantages of a network of more than 850 affiliated florists across the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about mixed roses

How many roses are in a standard mixed bouquet?

This varies by supplier and price range, but a standard bouquet usually contains 10 to 20 stems. For a more festive effect or a grander gesture, you can choose 25 or 30 roses. You can read more about the meaning behind different quantities in our article on rose numbers.

Can I choose the colours for a mixed bouquet myself?

With many florists you can state a preference, but the exact bouquet depends on what is available and fresh at that moment. If you want more control over the colours, specify a colour palette — warm, cool or pastel — rather than individual colours. A florist can work with that more easily.

Are mixed roses suitable for a condolence?

Yes, but choose an understated mix of white roses and optionally lilac or cream. Avoid bold colours. A neatly tied bouquet or a wreath suits the occasion better than an exuberant, multicoloured arrangement.

What is the difference between mixed roses and a bouquet with different flower varieties?

Mixed roses consist exclusively of roses, but in multiple colours. A mixed bouquet with different flower varieties combines roses with, for example, tulips, lisianthus or peonies. Peonies are a popular addition to a rose bouquet in spring — they add extra volume and a lush, abundant look.