Rose
The world's best-known cut flower, with colour-specific meanings.
Colours: red, pink, white, yellow
Season: year-round
Meaning: Love, admiration, and remembrance
Red Flowers: Romance, Energy and When to Choose Another Colour
Red is the most coded flower colour in Western gifting because of the red rose. Other red flowers — tulips, gerberas, carnations — do not automatically carry the same romantic weight. Use red when you want warmth or romance; choose mixed brights when you want a party.
Association: Traditionally associated with romantic love in roses; also energy and celebration in mixed designs.
Occasions: Valentine's Day, anniversaries, and bold congratulations. Less ideal as a first gift to a colleague.
Season: Red roses are sold year-round. Red tulips are a spring story. Red dahlias are late summer.
Popular flower types
Tulip
Spring bulb flower with many forms, from Triumph to Parrot.
Colours: red, pink, yellow, white
Season: spring, winter
Meaning: Affection and perfect love
Gerbera
Cheerful daisy-form cut flower in a wide colour range.
Colours: pink, red, orange, yellow
Season: year-round
Meaning: Cheerfulness
Carnation
Ruffled, long-lasting florist staple with colour-specific meanings.
Colours: red, pink, white, yellow
Season: year-round
Meaning: Love, distinction, and remembrance
Dahlia
Late-summer show flower prized for form and colour range.
Colours: pink, red, orange, yellow
Season: summer, autumn
Meaning: Dignity and inner strength