The yellow rose is one of the most cheerful flowers there is, yet an old superstition about jealousy still clings to it. What is the truth? Today the yellow rose is above all a symbol of friendship, sunshine and joy, which is exactly why people most often choose it as a bright "thank you" or as a gift for no particular occasion.
In this article you will learn what the yellow rose means, when to give it, how many roses to choose and how to look after them. We have added tips from our florists and specific yellow roses from our range.
In short: today the yellow rose means friendship, joy and optimism. The idea of jealousy no longer applies.
Tip from florist Bára: "The language of flowers is beautiful and full of history, but in modern floristry it no longer applies so strictly. Don't be afraid to break the rules now and then! For example, the yellow rose used to mean jealousy, which made no sense, but today it is mainly a symbol of friendship, sunshine and joy."
What does a yellow rose mean
Yellow roses brighten any day at once. They express sincere friendship, trust and pure joy of life. While the red rose is for lovers, the yellow one is for best friends: it expresses joy, care and platonic love. It is the colour of the sun and optimism, so it works as a gesture that delights without solemnity or pathos.
Would you like to know the meaning of other colours too? You will find an overview from red to purple in our article Rose colours and their meaning. And if you are interested in other yellow flowers, such as sunflowers, daffodils or yellow gerberas, see our article Yellow bouquets and cut flowers.
Does a yellow rose mean jealousy?
No. The old prejudice about jealousy has no basis today, and our florists confirm it from everyday practice. As Monika says: "The yellow colour of roses has long since stopped meaning jealousy as it once did. On the contrary, it is one of the most popular colours for friendly and uplifting gestures. It is also a great small gift for no special occasion."
When to give a yellow rose
- For the birthday of a close friend or colleague. It clearly shows how much you value them.
- As a thank-you. The yellow rose is a heartfelt "thank you" that feels warm rather than formal. It also suits expressing gratitude for friendship without any romantic undertone.
- As an apology and a gesture of reconciliation. A yellow bouquet is less aggressive than a red one and says: "I don't want to argue, I want to make up."
- Just because. A greeting without any special occasion, or a bright addition to another gift, such as chocolates or wine.
- For a grand gesture. A bouquet of 100 yellow roses is a gift that is never forgotten (see below).
If you are not sure about the colour, Bára recommends a mixed bouquet of roses, which expresses the variety of life and suits every occasion.
How many yellow roses to give
The number of roses adds another meaning to the colour. A hundred roses, for example, expresses absolute devotion and respect, and together with yellow, friendship, joy and optimism. For birthdays it is recommended to give as many roses as the birthday person's age, and for celebrations an odd number is traditionally given. You can choose the exact number of stems and the colour in the category Roses by number. For inspiration on how numbers and colours look in ready-made bouquets, see here (including yellow roses):
Which yellow roses you will find with us
Yellow roses Rosa Brighton come from Ecuador and have the highest floral quality, A1. Their large, full blooms up to 8 cm in diameter sit on a 70 cm stem and, with proper care, last up to 10 days in a vase. One rose costs CZK 105 and is ordered from 5 pieces.
Bouquet of 100 yellow roses Yellow Sun is a magnificent gift for CZK 5,990. The roses have 50 cm stems and a very rich shade. According to Monika they do not fade even after several days in a vase, so the gift looks just as bright a week later.
More roses you can order by the piece:
How to care for yellow roses
Before putting them in a vase, cut the stems at an angle by about 2 cm, change the water every two days and place the bouquet in a shady spot away from direct sun and draughts. Remove any leaves that would sit in the water so the water does not spoil.
Frequently asked questions about the yellow rose
What does a yellow rose mean?
Today the yellow rose symbolises friendship, joy and positive energy. It is the colour of the sun and optimism and also expresses sincere trust.
Does a yellow rose mean jealousy?
No. The old idea of jealousy no longer applies. According to our florists, the yellow rose is today one of the most popular colours for friendly and uplifting gestures.
When is it appropriate to give yellow roses?
For the birthday of a close friend or colleague, as a thank-you, as an apology and a gesture of reconciliation, as a greeting "just because" without any special occasion, or as a bright addition to a gift.
How long do yellow roses last in a vase?
Yellow roses Rosa Brighton last up to 10 days in a vase with proper care. An angled cut of the stems, clean water changed every two days and a shady spot help.
How much does a yellow rose cost?
A Rosa Brighton yellow rose costs CZK 105 each (from 5 pieces), and the bouquet of 100 yellow roses Yellow Sun costs CZK 5,990. In Prague we deliver express within 90–120 minutes, and delivery is free for orders over CZK 1,299.
Most popular rose bouquets
Want to choose a different colour? Take a look at the meaning of all rose colours or compose a bouquet of roses by number.
Article by Monika Dušková for the KvětinyExpres.cz team – flowers with meaning.
Related: Rose colours and their meaning · Roses by number · Yellow bouquets and cut flowers · Yellow roses Rosa Brighton
