Types and Characteristics of Roses
A Flower Rooted in Myth, Beauty, and Emotion
Few flowers carry as much history and symbolism as the rose.
According to ancient Greek mythology, the rose was created when the goddess Chloris transformed a forest nymph into a flower. Dionysus added fragrance, Aphrodite named it after Eros — and Harpocrates, god of silence, accepted roses in exchange for keeping divine secrets.
Thus began the rose’s symbolic journey as a flower of love, beauty, secrecy, and passion.
Across cultures — Greek, Roman, Persian, European — the rose has remained a universal emblem of emotion.
Today, with over 150 species and thousands of hybrids, roses are the most recognized and beloved flowers worldwide.
Popular Types of Roses
Modern roses are the result of centuries of cultivation across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Here are the varieties most often used in premium bouquets — including those at FlowerStop LA:
1. Hybrid Tea Roses
The classic rose known for its large, sculpted petals and long stems.
- Elegant, luxurious appearance
- Typically features one bloom per stem
- Ideal for romantic, minimalist, or classic bouquets
These are often the roses you see in upscale arrangements, proposals, and anniversary bouquets.
2. Floribunda Roses
A cross between hybrid tea and polyantha roses, producing clusters of blooms.
- Bright, abundant flowers
- Long-lasting color
- Perfect for cheerful or textured arrangements
Floribundas bring vibrancy and fullness to mixed bouquets.
3. Grandiflora Roses
A hybrid of floribunda and hybrid tea.
- Taller, more dramatic
- Long stems with multiple blooms
- Favored in garden-style or statement arrangements
They’re often used in large event installations and premium floral décor.
4. Chinese / Garden Roses
Sometimes compared to tulips in shape, these roses feature:
- Rich, exotic colors
- Layered petals
- A soft, romantic aesthetic
These varieties are popular for wedding designs and modern, airy bouquets.
Rose Colors & Their Meanings
Red Roses
Love, passion, devotion
Historically linked to romance since the Victorian era, red roses remain the symbol of deep emotional connection.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or heartfelt declarations.
White Roses
Purity, new beginnings, sincerity
Common in weddings and elegant events, white roses represent peace and timeless beauty.
They elevate any room with soft freshness and simplicity.
Pink Roses
Admiration, gratitude, elegance
- Light pink: grace, gentleness, sweetness
- Dark pink: appreciation, deep gratitude
- Ideal for birthdays, thank-you bouquets, and sophisticated floral designs.
Non-Traditional Rose Colors & Their Symbolism
Yellow Roses
Friendship, joy, warmth
Bright and uplifting, yellow roses bring sunshine into any space.
A wonderful choice for celebrations, housewarmings, or cheering someone up.
Black Roses
New beginnings, transformation, mystery
Created through tinting or dyeing, black roses are bold and dramatic.
Used in artistic arrangements, modern ceremonies, and symbolic transitions.
They represent strength, change, and stepping into a new chapter.
Roses in Modern Floral Design
In the Victorian era, floral combinations carried hidden messages — roses paired with other blooms expressed layered emotions.
Today, this tradition continues in the hands of expert florists.
At FlowerStop, we thoughtfully pair roses with flowers such as peonies, ranunculus, orchids, and eucalyptus to match the sentiment of every occasion.
Whether you want a fiery red bouquet, a monochrome white arrangement, or a pastel romantic mix — roses remain the heart of expressive floral design.
Timeless, Versatile, and Always Meaningful
Roses are more than flowers — they are symbols, memories, emotions, and stories.
With hundreds of varieties and an endless palette of colors, each rose tells a different message.