People adore saying “I love you” with roses. Of all the flowers they are the number one way for people to express their affections. What you may not have realised is that the numerology of roses plays an additional and perhaps equally significant role in the symbology of these classic flowers as the colour.

We’re going to look at the different numbers of roses in bouquets and what they mean when you send them to that special someone. Now of course, there are some international differences to consider. In China and Eastern Europe for example there are different rules for some arrangements of bouquets, especially when it comes to sending even numbers of flowers, which are considered acceptable for sad or sombre occasions. However, in the West it is perfectly fine, and even quite common place, to send your roses in even numbered bouquets (a dozen red roses of course being especially popular).

Today we’re going to to focus on roses in bouquets of between 1 – 20:

1 Rose

A single red rose simply symbolises love at first sight. As you’ll probably know it is a favourite way to surprise a new love on Valentine’s Day and one of the best ways to demonstrate your growing romantic feelings with flowers.

2 Roses

2 roses are all about mutual love so this is a great answer to send if you’ve just received a single red rose. This signifies requited feelings and a shared commitment in a future relationship.

3 Roses

3 words “I love you”. A rose for each word. 3 roses are a simple yet effective way to remind someone of your commitment to them as your relationship progresses. A great surprise for any occasion.

5 Roses

5 roses sends a message of deep love and admiration for someone special. It says to your sweetheart that you love them more than words alone can describe.

6 Roses

If you want to tell someone special “I want to be yours” then this is the bouquet to do it with.

7 Roses

When you have a love which cannot be contained then 7 is the number of roses to communicate it. This arrangement tells your recipient that you are infatuated with them and that you are the only person that they can think about. As 7 can also be seen as the number of truth and wisdom then there is no doubting your feelings with a bouquet of 7 roses.

9 Roses

9 beautiful roses in a bouquet tells your partner that you want to be together forever. That’s right, this is number of roses to show them that your love is eternal!

10 Roses

Simply, you are a “perfect 10”! If there is someone who is more beautiful to you than anything else, then tell them with 10 roses.

12 Roses

A dozen roses symbolises infinite love. 12 appears often in mythology and culture and normally signifies a cosmic infinity and of course here that is no exception. Send 12 roses to the one for whom your love is limitless.

13 Roses

There are a few interpretations of what 13 roses in a bouquet mean. One thing most sources seem to agree on is that 13 roses is less about romantic overtures and more about friendly gestures. Rather than the infinite love of 12 roses 13 suggest the classic idea of an eternal friendship.

15 Roses

The apology bouquet. The best way to say I’m sorry is with 15 roses. It doesn’t matter how big or small the indiscretion, if you want to apologise then a bouquet of 15 is the way to go.

20 Roses

If you want to show someone that you are being sincere with them then 20 roses tells them that you are being honest with them.

What about if you want to send a surprise of more than 20 roses you ask? Stay tuned for part II of our look into the numerology of roses coming soon! Tell us in the comments below what your favourite number of roses are in a bouquet and what they mean to you.

FloraQueen delivers quality flowers and roses internationally to over 100 countries worldwide. Working with a network of expert international florists we are able to guarantee the best quality flowers for your recipients but also that your flowers will remain fresh for up to seven days.