Flower Guide

Rose Color & Number Meaning Singapore: A Complete Guide

Posted on by sghamper
rose color meanings
09
Jun

Most rose-meaning guides online are written for Western audiences — red for love, white for purity, yellow for friendship. Those work in Singapore too, but they miss something half of all rose orders here are about: the Chinese number symbolism. A bouquet of 99 roses (久久 jiǔ jiǔ — sounds like ‘forever’) is one of the most-ordered rose bouquets in Singapore. So is a single stalk on a first date (one — love at first sight). Twelve roses for a year of love. 33 for an extra-romantic birthday. This guide covers both layers — the universal color meanings AND the Chinese number meanings — so you pick the right rose for the right gesture.

What each rose color means

Red roses — passion, love, deep affection

A universal romantic flower. Red roses symbolize romantic love – passion, desire, and deep affection. Red roses are the default choice for anniversaries, valentines day, proposing marriage, etc., where a message of clear romantic love needs to be communicated. As a traditional auspicious color in Chinese culture in Singapore (good luck, prosperity), the red rose bouquet works for more celebratory purposes too such as birthdays, congratulating flowers, or wedding flowers.

 

Pink roses — gratitude, gentleness, admiration

Softer than red roses. The light pink rose bouquet signals admiration, sweetness, and gentleness – perfect for mothers day, a romantic bouquet for younger individuals or thank-you flowers. Hot pink rose bouquet is associated with energy, appreciation and gratitude. A versatile type of roses suitable for romantic as well as non-romantic occasions, making them a better choice for someone you’re not dating.
 

White roses — purity, new beginnings, remembrance

Two-fold meaning in Singapore. Western interpretation – weddings, pureness, innocence. Traditional Chinese interpretation – white is the color of death, used for funeral flowers. This duality is important since sending white roses as birthday gifts may be offensive if the receiver is a traditional Chinese family. For weddings, mix white with another color (blush, cream). White flowers are the perfect choice for sympathy flowers.
 

Yellow roses — friendship, joy, warmth

The platonic rose. The yellow rose bouquet signals platonic love, friendliness, and warmth – never romantic love. This is the type of flowers to send to friends, parents, or colleagues – definitely not to your crush! The yellow bouquet is also popular for graduation bouquets, get well soon flowers, and 30+ year wedding anniversaries (signaling maturing of the couple into deep friendship).
 

Orange/Peach roses — enthusiasm, gratitude

Vivid orange roses are associated with enthusiasm, fascination, and admiration. A perfect bouquet for the beginning of a new romantic relationship with a strong feeling without rushing into commitment (too early for red yet). Peach – softer, brighter orange roses are associated with modesty, sincerity, and gratitude – great thank-you flowers!

 

Purple/Lavender roses — enchantment, love at first sight

The mysterious purple rose is associated with enchantment, love at first sight, and the royal purple roses with majesty, admiration, and luxury. Purple roses are a less popular choice in Singapore than red/roses/white, but are unique enough to be the subject of many bouquets.
 

Blue roses — the impossible / mysterious

Blue roses do not exist in nature, they are artificially colored white roses or genetically modified roses. The impossible – something mysterious, unattainable. Popular as gift flowers for their uniqueness. Not recognized by everybody, expect an explanation!

 

Black roses — endings, farewell, dramatic gesture

The black roses (very dark red roses dyed black) are associated with endings, farewells, rebirth, a new beginning. Rarely used, only applicable in a few special cases such as farewell events (‘end of an era’) or gothic wedding flowers. Also used in deteriorating relationships as a warning sign.
 

Mixed-color roses — the safest option

If in doubt, pick a mixed bouquet, with colors chosen depending on the occasion. Korean style of mixed bouquets (light soft pastel shades) are extremely popular in Singapore right now.

What each number of roses means in Singapore

1 rose – Love at First Sight

A single rose is the most intimate count. Translation: “you are the one” or “love at first sight”. Suitable for dating, anniversary, or daily gifts. More means less!

3 roses – I Love You

Three roses can be interpreted as “I-Love-You” (one rose per word). Compact, intimate, and romantic — suitable for dating, a low-key anniversary, or just between the two of you gift-giving occasions.

6 roses – I Want to Be Yours

The six rose bouquet symbolizes “I want to be yours”. A step beyond “I love you”. May also imply commitment. In some interpretations, this bouquet can mean “I miss you” or “I’m always thinking of you”. Intermediate level of romanticism; under-bought relative to the message conveyed.

9 roses – Long-Lasting (九 jiǔ)

The word nine sounds like “九” (jiǔ) which translates into long-lasting or forever. Hence, the nine roses represent the desire for eternal love. The first culturally Chinese number from the list above.

11 roses – You Are My Most Cherished

The eleven roses bouquet is a representation of the recipient being the one and only for the sender. A bit less common than 12; a perfect choice for those who choose an odd bouquet size just not to fall into the round number cliché.

12 roses – Be My Partner / One for Each Month

The classic 12 rose bouquet represents a traditional expression of romantic devotion — one rose for each month of the year. Universally recognized symbol: “be mine”. Most popular Valentine’s Day count all over the world. Always safe, universal, never wrong.

13 roses – Secret Admirer / Friendship

The 13 roses bouquet can have two different translations depending on the situation. It may either stand for a platonic “forever friend” relationship (often sent between close friends) or symbolize an anonymous “secret admirer” romance. Not the best option for romantic gift-giving purposes.

20 roses – Sincerity, Belief in You

The twenty roses bouquet is an expression of romantic sincerity and devotion. A serious gift, yet somewhat less heavy with regard to commitment, than the nine roses bouquet. Ideal for expressing sincere feelings during a one-year-dating anniversary.

21 roses – Devoted Love

The twenty-one roses bouquet is associated with devotion and commitment. Another milestone bouquet; often selected for the romantic partner on their 21st birthday.

24 roses – I Think of You 24 Hours a Day

One rose per hour means “I’m thinking about you non-stop”. A rather heavy romantic bouquet. Usually bought during anniversaries and birthdays for loved ones.

33 roses – I Love You With All My Heart

Thirty-three roses express profound romantic devotion going beyond the twelve roses but short of the ultimate 99 roses bouquet. Often picked for birthday celebration (33rd year-old birthday) or a particularly special anniversary.

50 roses – Unconditional Love

The fifty roses bouquet is associated with unconditional, regretless love. An intense romantic gesture for a particularly significant event: major anniversary (usually the 25th or 50th) or special proposal occasion.

99 roses – Forever (久久 jiǔ jiǔ)

The classic Singapore Chinese count. Translates into “久久”(jiǔ jiǔ) which stands for everlasting forever. 99 roses are the second most popular bouquet in Singapore for proposals, anniversaries, or any other grand romantic occasions.

 

100 roses – completely devoted to you

The use of a hundred roses denotes complete devotion – a nice grand gesture. In terms of Chinese Singaporeans, it doesn’t carry much significance compared to 99 (the 久久 homophone); however, for non-Chinese speaking individuals, it represents a neat grand gesture.
108 roses – marry me (proposal count)
According to the Chinese culture, the number 108 is associated with marriage proposals. Known as the ‘proposal count’, it is chosen when the time comes to pop the question. Combine with a ring or proposal bouquet.
 

365 roses – every single day of the year

A grand gesture where you present 365 roses, which means “I think of you every single day of the year”. This grand yet expensive gesture is meant for special occasions such as the silver or golden anniversaries.
 

999 roses – I will always love you (more than 99)

Nine hundred ninety-nine represents an extended form of 99 / 久久 – ‘love that lasts more than long’. For the special moments, use 999 roses – for example when celebrating the golden/silver anniversaries, or viral-proposal moments.
Numbers to avoid: 4 or anything close to 4
It should be noted that in the Chinese culture, the number 4 (四) sounds very similar to the Chinese word for death (死 sǐ). Thus, it is advised to avoid all numbers that include the number 4 including 4, 14, 24, 40 etc., when sending roses to Chinese Singaporeans.

Quick guide: which roses for which moment

Occasion

Recommended count

Recommended color

First date / casual gesture

1 stalk

Red, pink, or single rose of any color

Three-month anniversary

3 or 6 roses

Red, pink

One-year anniversary

12 or 24 roses

Red

Valentine’s Day

12, 24, or 99 roses

Red, mixed red/pink

Major anniversary (5+ years)

99 roses

Red, mixed red/pink

Milestone birthday (21st, 30th)

21 or 30 roses

Pink, peach, mixed

Marriage proposal

99 or 108 roses

Red

Wedding bouquet (bride)

Mixed bridal arrangement

White + accent color

Mother’s Day

Mixed bouquet, no specific count

Pink, peach, mixed pastels

Funeral / sympathy

Mixed arrangement

White (avoid red)

Friendship / just-because

Any count except 4 / 14

Yellow, mixed pastels

Get well soon

12 or fewer

Pink, peach, yellow (avoid all-white)

Common questions about rose meanings in Singapore

Why are 99 roses popular in Singapore?

 
99 roses in Mandarin sounds like 久久 (jiǔ jiǔ) — ‘long-lasting forever’. 99 roses in Singapore Chinese culture is the most commonly ordered number for proposing, milestone anniversaries, and meaningful love declarations. Discover our selection of 99 rose bouquets here.
 

How much do 99 roses cost in Singapore?

 
Cost of 99 rose bouquets in Singapore starts from around $200 to $600, varying depending on rose type (Ecuadorian premium roses are pricier than regular Chinese roses), packaging, and delivery (express delivery adds to the cost). Most commonly ordered tier – $300 worth.
 

Can I order a bouquet that consists of both red and white roses?

 
Yes — and the meaning will differ accordingly. Red and white roses together in a bouquet symbolize unity, harmony, and balance. Commonly ordered at wedding celebrations where both roses are acceptable colors. It’s not recommended to send a mix of these two colors in a sympathy context since red roses don’t go with it.
 

Is it fine to send a bouquet of roses to a friend?

 
Send yellow roses as a sign of platonic friendship and avoid giving red roses as there is nothing platonic about it. Pink roses could be considered as well. Don’t send red roses to your friends unless you want to imply something romantic and create an embarrassing situation.
 

What message will be delivered with one rose?

 
One rose says ‘love at first sight’ or ‘you are the one.’ Meaning stays consistent among cultures. Usually given by someone who wants to convey love without being loud or sending an overly extravagant arrangement. See our one rose bouquet assortment here.
 

Which other flowers can be combined with roses in a bouquet?

 
Roses paired with baby’s breath is a classic combo symbolizing purity and delicacy. Chocolate and roses bouquet is often gifted at celebrations (most commonly – Ferrero Rocher rose bouquet is one of the most popular combos), as well as roses with jewelry, ring box or any other piece of jewelry.
Can I have my roses delivered same-day in Singapore?
Yes, we offer same-day delivery services if your order is placed before 5 PM. We also have an option of express delivery. For roses that must be delivered at midnight, check out our midnight roses delivery service.

Pick the rose that matches your gesture

Once you’ve picked the right color and count, our rose bouquet collection covers every count from a single stalk to 999, with same-day Singapore delivery. WhatsApp +65 8798 1816 if you need help choosing.

sghamper

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