There are many different colour traditions and these can be affected byculture, function, application etc. The following is a general rule of thumb inregard to choosing the right coloured flowers to portray the correctsentiment.

You can base your colour choice on traditional associations or scientific choices.

Traditional Colour Choice

These traditional colour choices mainly apply to roses but may also be applied to other flower types.

• Red roses mean romantic love. Passionate love in all its various forms is what red flowers symbolise. The deeper the shade of red, the deeper the love is. Lighter shades of red are more playful and the darker shades of red speak of a deeper, meaningful love. Red roses are the optimum choice for conveying either one of these messages as the rose itself has a symbolism all of its own.
• Purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight.
• Coral and orange roses signal desire. Orange flowers possess a mixture of red and yellow flower symbolism. They are warm and loving and also light and uplifting. Orange flowers symbolise vibrancy and are also great as gifts to loved ones and romantic partners. Orange roses symbolise desire and passion.
• Yellow roses are joy and friendship. Yellow is a seriously happy colour, and when confronted with a great big bunch of yellow flowers, we cannot help but let go of any grief and let the sun shine in. Definitely the best and most versatile flower colour as it is also completely appropriate as a gift for a male. Yellow flowers symbolise happiness, new life and friendship. Yellow poppies symbolise wealth and success and for this reason they are perfect Feng Shui flowers for the family area of the home.
• Pink roses express our gratitude and appreciation. Flowers that are pink show a lighter side to love. Pink flowers are uplifting and versatile. They are appropriate for giving to any loved one, not just as a romantic symbol. Pink flowers are light-hearted and innocent so if you are hoping to lift a loved one's mood at the same time as showing how much you care for them, pink is perfection.
• Light pink roses show feelings of admiration and sympathy.
• Peach is more indefinite, as it can signify either sympathy or gratitude.
• White roses show meaning of reverence and humility. White flowers symbolise purity, innocence and reverence. Commonly used for weddings and funerals, the white flower has a deeply powerful significance that translates many cultures. White lilies also symbolise the Virgin Mary.
• Blue flowers symbolise tranquillity and peace. Blue orchids are often associated with Buddha and mediation. The colour blue has calming potential and a blue flower is also extremely exotic and mysterious. Blue roses actually signify mystery and also speak of love at first sight.
• Black roses symbolise death, hatred, and also regeneration and re-birth.

Scientific Colour Choice

People respond to different colours in different ways, and these responses take place on a subconscious, emotional level. Specific colours have different effects on the human brain:

• Black : self-confidence, power, strength
• Blue : calming, lowers blood pressure
• Green : soothing, relaxing mentally as well as physically, helps those suffering from depression, anxiety, nervousness
• Violet : provides a peaceful environment
• Pink: relaxes, relieves tension, soothing
• Yellow : energizes, relieves depression,
• Orange : energizes, stimulates
• Red : stimulates brain wave activity, increases heart rate, respirations and blood pressure

Meaning of Rose Numbers

Roses are a wonderful gift for a special occasion. The language of flowers is intricate and meaningful. To understand their meaning is to be versed in numerology and colour theory. Flowers can have a special meaning for those willing to discover it.

A single rose A single rose means that the focus of love is the recipient. It means I love you and only you. As a single rose, it is an invitation for love. It asks that the single become a couple and it is begging for a kiss, an embrace and a commitment.

Two roses Two roses represent a couple. They show true and abiding love. A pair of flowers is a duet which sings and grows in harmony. Two flowers of any kind illustrate the abiding love between two souls sharing the same ideal of love.

Three blooms Three flowers represent the most important three words for lovers - I love you. Each flower stands for the words which can launch a lifetime of romance and adventure. Or they can show a deep commitment to an abiding relationship. Three flowers will show your lover that you are deeply and passionately in love.

Thirteen blooms Thirteen blooms are not bad luck. They are the indication of a secret. Perhaps a secret admirer is declaring their love. Giving thirteen flowers will indicate that there is a hidden lover waiting to be discovered. They are best given anonymously.

Fifteen flowers Fifteen flowers stand for apology. The odd number suggests dissension between the lovers. However, the gift will, with sweet perfume and beautiful blossoms, remind the partner of better times. The beauty of love survives even the most distressing events.

Twenty four flowers There are twenty four hours in a day and twenty four flowers represent one for each passing hour. Twenty four demonstrates the constant presence of love and thoughts of the loved one in the givers life. The blooms stand for the growth, passion and longevity of love.

Fifty flowers Fifty is a number of longevity and commitment. Fifty flowers represent a love that is lasting. It shows deep and true regard and respect for the recipient. It means that love does not wither over time.

One hundred flowers A hundred flowers represent unending and enduring love. It is a magic number which declares to all who listen, this is my soul mate.

One hundred and one flowers Showering a loved one with one hundred and one flowers shows commitment and pride in love. One hundred and one flowers also ask a question. The question that romantics everywhere want to hear, 'Will you marry me?'

One thousand and one flowers The extravagance of one thousand and one flowers is overwhelming. It sends one everlasting message. That message is eternal love. It also shows that money is not important compared to the love felt by the giver of the bouquet.

Flowers are meaningful, and the language of flowers can send a subtle or blunt message. The colour and number of flowers can mean anything from apology to eternal love. Learning the language of flowers will enhance and brighten the life of any romantic.