I was listening to a radio show this morning by an extension agent emeritus at the University of Florida/IFAS Orange County Extension office and learned that there is a language of love spoken by the color of roses.  I found it very interesting and decided to share on this eve of Valentine’s Day.

I also looked up information online, including one very good site called The Language of Flowers.  Here is what I found and heard.

The red rose is easy.  If someone gave you a red rose during the Elizabethan era (1558-1603), it meant that that person had love and respect for you.  

A dark crimson rose, though, was used for mourning.

A coral rose was given to show that he desired you, and a dark pink rose told you that he was thankful for something you had done.  

A lavender rose showed his passion or that he was enchanted by you.  

  

Similarly, if you received an orange rose, it was his way of saying that he was fascinated with you.

A pale peach rose denoted modesty, while a pale pink rose showed grace or joy.  If you received a thornless rose, it meant that it was love at first sight.  A single full blooming rose said, I love you.

A white rose stood for innocence, but could also be given when he wanted the liaison to remain a secret.   A rosebud stood for beauty and youth and a heart innocent of love.

The one I found most interesting, though, was the yellow rose.  It signified friendship, but it was also given when a man had been unfaithful.  I wonder if it really meant, “I’ve been unfaithful, but let’s remain friends.”  I’ve heard that line before.