We all know that a Red Rose means “I love you.” But did you know that the number of stems in the bouquet changes the message entirely?
In the language of flowers (Floriography), math matters. Giving someone 12 roses is a proposal of love, but giving 13 roses can actually mean you just want to be friends (or that you have a secret admirer)! It is a subtle code that has been used for centuries to send secret messages.
As Shiny Aura, I want to make sure you never send the wrong signal. Whether you are confessing a new crush or celebrating a Golden Anniversary, here is the ultimate decoder guide to the meaning of rose numbers.
In this article, we'll cover
The Singles: 1 to 9 Roses
When you send fewer than ten stems, the message is usually intimate and specific.
- 1 Rose: Love at first sight. If the rose is fully in bloom, it says, “I still love you.” If it is a bud, it means innocent love.
- 2 Roses: Mutual love and affection. It represents a pair—you and me. Ideally, use two red roses bound together.
- 3 Roses: The standard “I Love You.” It stands for the three words. This is the perfect gift for a one-month anniversary.
- 5 Roses: “I admire you” or “I care for you.” This is a great number for a friend or a crush you haven’t started dating yet.
- 6 Roses: “I want to be yours.” It implies a desire to take the relationship to the next level (dating or exclusivity).
- 9 Roses: Eternal love. It means “I want to be with you forever.”
The Classics: 10 to 20 Roses
This is the most common category for bouquets. Make sure you count carefully!
- 10 Roses: “You are perfect.” A perfect 10 for a perfect partner.
- 12 Roses (The Dozen): The ultimate declaration: “Be mine.” It is the standard for Valentine’s Day because it asks the question, “Will you be my steady love?”
- 13 Roses: This is tricky! Traditionally, it means Secret Admirer. However, in some contexts, it can also mean “Friends Forever.” So, clarify your card!
- 15 Roses: “I am sorry.” If you messed up and need to apologize, 15 is the magic number. Do not send 12; send 15.
- 20 Roses: “Believe me, I am sincere toward you.” It represents truth and loyalty.
The Grand Gestures: 21 to 50 Roses
When you want to shout your love from the rooftops, you go big.
- 21 Roses: “I am dedicated to you.” It is a step up from the “sincerity” of 20.
- 24 Roses (Two Dozen): “I am yours.” It implies that you are thinking of them 24 hours a day.
- 25 Roses: “Congratulations.” This is the specific number for celebrating a success or a job well done.
- 36 Roses: “I will remember our romantic moments.” It is a nostalgic number, perfect for anniversaries.
- 40 Roses: “My love for you is genuine.”
- 50 Roses: Unconditional love. It signifies a love that has matured and has no bounds.
The Showstoppers: 99 and 100 Roses
These are the “Instagram moments” designed to sweep someone off their feet.
- 99 Roses: “I will love you until the day I die.” In Chinese culture, the number 9 represents eternity, so 99 is the ultimate promise of forever.
- 100 Roses: “I am totally devoted to you.” It signifies a union that will last for 100 years. It is the grandest gesture of harmonious love.
- 101 Roses: “You are my one and only.”
- 108 Roses: “Will you marry me?” This is the specific number for a marriage proposal.
The Negative Numbers (Warning!)
Are there “bad” numbers? Yes.
In some Eastern European and Asian cultures, giving an even number of flowers (like 4, 8, etc.) is reserved strictly for funerals. For the living, you should always give an odd number of stems (1, 3, 5, etc.) or the standard dozen (12).
Yellow Roses: Also be careful with color. While we are talking about numbers, remember that yellow roses historically meant jealousy or infidelity, though today they mostly mean friendship.
Shiny’s Styling Tip
If you buy a grocery store bouquet that has an odd number like 11 or 13, check the meaning! If you want to send a specific message (like “Be Mine” with 12), you might need to buy two bunches and combine them to get the math right.