Why are red roses given on Valentine’s Day?

Red roses dominate because they communicate romance instantly, and Valentine's Day roses have become the clearest shorthand for that message. Valentine's Day roses also built on floriography, where flowers carried coded feelings. Modern rose arrangements rely on strong stems from commercial fields, so blooms open beautifully, show rich colors, and sit well in a gift box. Customers compare price and delivery timing on key dates, and delivery cutoffs push every store to plan early. For many buyers, these Valentine’s choices feel classic, making the gesture land as perfect, with reliable products.

What do red roses symbolize in love?

In romantic symbolism, Valentine's Day roses signal devotion, but meaning changes with colors and context. Red implies commitment, pink roses suggest warmth and gentle affection, and purple roses can express admiration with a hint of mystery. That mix can suit a friend too, keeping friendship intact while still acknowledging true love in a relationship. Blending hues in rose arrangements adds nuance, and preserved roses offer flowers that last through life while staying perfect for display. Shoppers check price, compare products, confirm delivery, and count stems - Valentine's roses should feel intentional, not accidental.

What does a single red rose mean on Valentine’s Day?

A single red rose is a focused message: fewer stems, more clarity. For Valentine's Day roses gifting, it often signals “you’re the one,” and it looks striking in a sleek box. Customers who are short on time may ask for same day delivery, but should confirm what’s ready before choosing products. If you want the look to last long, ask for preserved roses; the price varies by grade, handling, and the colors selected. Many florists keep Valentine's roses classic with minimal extras, so the flowers stay front and center.

What does 12 red roses mean?

Twelve red roses - often called a dozen roses - traditionally mean “be mine,” which is why they’re a perfect gift and a timeless gift. On Valentine's Day roses dates, many customers choose roses for Valentine's Day in rose arrangements that arrive in a box and match the recipient’s style. Try various colors: add pink roses, purple roses, or a touch of white roses; those different hues keep the message clear. Pair with candles, compare price, add extra stems or products, and book delivery early-making delivery slots easier to secure. Done right, Valentine's roses can still get a wow reaction each year.

Does the number of red roses matter?

Yes, the count matters because it lets a person tailor feelings, from a quiet note to a wider spread of romance. With Valentine's Day roses, more stems can signal deeper intent, while fewer keep it easy. Customers compare price, evaluate best roses options, and purchase products on a website cart before they order; to ensure delivery, confirm dates, availability, and the colors chosen. A store may suggest purple roses for a distinctive twist and extra affection in a box. This adds a perfect touch, making the flowers meaningful long after February 14.

Significance and Meaning of Red Roses for Valentine's Day

Red roses are given on Valentine’s Day because they have long symbolized romantic love, desire, and emotional commitment across cultures and history. Digging into the significance and symbolism of this holiday can definitely open up your heart even more when you learn why red roses are considered the universal symbol of love.

It does not matter whether you're gifting a single red rose or a bouquet to your loved ones; the number of red roses you gift carries a different meaning. And though, for some, gifting chocolates, romantic-filled cards, and other gifts seems normal, Valentine's Day is hardly complete without a bouquet of roses, particularly red roses. Why is that?

Why Red Roses Dominate Valentine’s Day

Dear February 14th, what is the real meaning behind the millions of roses loved ones receive on this day, and what is the hidden meaning behind the number of roses in a bouquet? This, alongside many other questions, is often answered as bouquets of red roses are given to loved ones as a symbol of Valentine's love.

*A minimalistic bouquet featuring red roses by Shallima Turizo, picture by @lottas_floralstudio*

On top of all that goes on on Valentine's Day, red roses take center stage. They are shipped from all over the world just in time for you to have that desirable bouquet. This is because roses, especially red ones, are ever the purest and most reliable symbol to express intense emotions; they are nature's poetry wrapped up in velvety and delicate petals.

For thousands of years, roses have been used to mark and celebrate key occasions, including but not limited to anniversaries, weddings, funerals, baby showers, and even graduation ceremonies. Gifting them became a customary practice during the Victorian era, when it became traditional to send secret messages through the medium of flowers. Sending flowers was and still is a common way for lovers and admirers to send private messages that were thought erotically unrefined to share publicly at the time due to Victorian-era decorum.

Fortune red roses by Plantec — *Rose Fortune by* *Plantec*

The sender used the language of floriography to give meaning to flowers. They inspired many stories, myths, and legends to interpret each flower. When the situation demanded it, the meaning was invented to fit.

Meaning and Popularity of Red Roses on Valentine's Day — *Rose Ever Red. Photo by @red_lands_roses_plc*

The History Behind Red Roses on Valentine’s Day

The tradition of presenting red roses on Valentine's Day has different origins and legends. Most of these are founded in Greek mythology, just as is the history of Cupid and Valentine's Day. The red rose is often linked to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who symbolizes love and beauty. One popular myth suggests that the first red rose emerged when Aphrodite pricked her foot on a thorn of a white rose, causing her blood to stain the petals crimson. Another tale recounts that red roses bloomed from the ground where Adonis, Aphrodite's lover, died; his blood mixed with her tears, creating the iconic red flower. Want to learn more about other red flowers, here is a great article for you to check out!

How Mythology Shaped Red Roses as a Symbol of Love

Elsewhere in ancient Rome, roses were associated with various celebrations and rituals. The festival of Lupercalia, which celebrated fertility, included the shedding of blood believed to enhance fertility, further linking the red rose's meaning and symbolism with love and passion. Over time, these associations, among numerous others, solidified the rose's status as a symbol of romantic love. But legends aside, the history of Valentine's Day and its red rose associations can be traced back to the 18th century. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey during the 1700s, is an early figure sometimes associated with the relationship between roses and romance.

Red Roses Meaning on Valentines Day — *A bouquet or the red Rose Born Free, by Shallima Turizo Dancur*

Lady Montagu wrote letters home, enthusing over a kind of Turkish flower language, or the technique of attributing various symbolic meanings to certain flowers. In her letters, she talked about the Turkish custom of sending flowers with specific meanings, which influenced British society's adoption of this practice. This marked a significant evolution in how flowers were used to express romantic sentiments. Later, the concept of 'flower languages' caught on, particularly in 19th-century England, and roses were then progressively more closely associated with passionate love.

What is in a color, though? Red roses incorporate a range of meanings, courage, danger, and sacrifices, and are often associated with intensity, passion, sexuality, and love. Based on the significance and meaning of a red tone, it is no surprise that red roses are vital in celebrating your loved ones and expressing your deepest and most genuine sentiments during Valentine's Day.

Madam Red Roses by Gaétan Jacquet — *Madam Red rose design by Gaétan Jacquet*

What Does the Number of Red Roses Mean on Valentine’s Day?

This is where the real significance of red roses comes in. Giving one or giving twelve red roses has different meanings, and you're about to get detailed info so you can decide how many red roses you want to gift someone on Valentine's Day. A single rose is often gifted to those you love, which indicates ‘love at first sight’. If you're in the mood to gift two special red roses, take into account that two single roses are given to those you are deeply in love with. How about three? Three roses mean a deep 'I love you'.

*Shining bright red with Rose Freedom by Rosaprima*

Continuing with the significance of red roses, it's time to get into the bouquet of love that so many adore worldwide when Valentine's season comes around. A dozen is like picking the best heart from a Sweetheart candy box; it means 'be mine'. If you’re proud of someone, 14 roses are the number to choose from, and on the other hand, if you wish to tell a loved one to ‘stay beautiful, or 'I'm yours, gift them with 18 roses, a symbol of sincerity and trueness.

Now, the moment you've been waiting for: the significance of 24 roses in a bouquet, which is the most traditional gift to ever exist for Valentine's Day. By gifting two dozen red roses, you can let a special somebody know they’re always on your mind with a gift of 24 single rose stems. Moving on to higher numbers, if you hold a genuine love for a special someone, 40 red roses is the number to choose. When you know of unconditional love, 50 red roses symbolize this never-ending love. Last but not least, love gets extremely real when someone gets gifted 100 red roses. One hundred red roses represent a gesture of true and passionate devotion to someone, precisely to say my love for you knows no bounds.

Rose Born Free bouquet by Shallima Turizo Dancur detail — *Rose Born Free bouquet by Shallima Turizo Dancur*

How Valentine’s Day Roses Are Prepared and Shipped

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes? The run-up to Valentine's Day, the growing intricacies span eight weeks before the month of love kicks off, and rose growers around the world kickstart the pruning to get the flushes in time for Valentine's Day orders around the world. Shipping these beauties to different parts of the world gets even more complicated logistically; for any grower, prior booking with airlines is crucial to ensure your roses arrive just in time at your clients' destination for Valentine's Day celebration.

Florists, wholesalers, retailers, or even unpackers rely on the growers to deliver committed quantities of roses a week to even two weeks before Valentine's Day, giving every player within the floral supply chain enough time to package and finally sell these roses to the end consumer. The amount of work that goes into rose production, logistics, and eventually floral arrangement and packaging makes such a gift priceless and worthy of gifting the same to your loved one.

Sparking Love With Red Roses

Nothing sparks love and romance like red roses do, and it is, hands down, a true classic when it comes to declaring your love and longing for another. Besides Valentine's Day, a red rose is also a great gift for special days like Women's Day and is one of the most wanted rose colors for Mother's Day.

Rose Tess arranged for a Valentines Day bouquet — *Rose Tess (Ausyacht) by Alexandra Farms arranged for a Valentine's Day bouquet*
*Photo: @alexandrafarms*

Gifting a rose is the simplest yet most universal gesture of telling someone how much you love them without actually saying a thing. Plus, who doesn’t love being surprised with beautiful red roses on Valentine’s Day? Now that February 14th is right around the corner, it's time to ignite thoughtful connections between you and your beloved. Happy Valentine's Day!