What does the number of roses mean? 20 to 100 roses, explained
How many roses to send, which colour to choose, and what each bouquet size says before a word is spoken.
The number of roses you send is part of the message. There's no official rulebook. Most of these meanings come from tradition and gift-giving custom, but they're widely recognised, and they're a useful guide when you're deciding how big to go.
What different numbers of roses traditionally mean
| Roses | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 | Love at first sight, or "you're the one" |
| 12 | "Be mine." The classic dozen |
| 24 | "I think of you every hour of the day" |
| 50 | Love without conditions or limits |
| 99 | "I'll love you for the rest of my life" |
| 100 | Complete devotion, and the grandest gesture you can make with roses |
20, 40, 60 and 80 aren't on the traditional list. For those, the rule is simple: the bigger the bouquet, the bigger the statement.
How to choose between 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 roses
- 20 roses: a strong "thinking of you". Right for a birthday, a new relationship or a thank-you. Generous without being overwhelming.
- 40 roses: full and lush. A good fit for anniversaries and a partner's birthday.
- 60 roses: for milestones: a big birthday, a promotion or a graduation.
- 80 roses: when you want to make a real impression. A wide, dramatic arrangement that photographs beautifully.
- 100 roses: proposals, big anniversaries and the apologies that really matter. This is the bouquet that turns heads when it arrives.
What rose colours mean
The number is half the message. The colour is the other half.
- Red: romantic love and desire.
- Pink: admiration, sweetness and gratitude. Lighter pinks feel gentle, deeper pinks feel warmer.
- White: new beginnings, respect and remembrance.
- Yellow: friendship and joy. Lovely for a friend, but not the colour for a proposal.
Looking for a particular colour? Ask when you order and we'll tell you what's available.
Premium wrap or baby's breath?
Every rose bouquet we make comes in two styles. Premium wrap packs the roses tightly in our signature wrap: bold, full and dramatic. Premium wrap with baby's breath softens the same roses with sprigs of baby's breath (gypsophila) for a lighter, more romantic look.
Rose bouquet prices in Johannesburg
| Stems | Premium wrap | With baby's breath |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | R799 | R899 |
| 40 | R1,299 | R1,399 |
| 60 | R1,799 | R1,899 |
| 80 | R2,299 | R2,399 |
| 100 | R2,799 | R2,899 |
Planning something bigger? Roses pair beautifully with a romantic room surprise.
How to keep your roses fresh for longer
- Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.
- Keep them away from the fruit bowl. Ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which makes flowers wilt faster.
- If you move them into a vase, cut the stems at an angle and change the water every couple of days.
- Pull off any petals that start to wilt so the rest of the bouquet stays looking fresh.
Frequently asked questions
What does 100 roses mean?
Traditionally, complete devotion. It’s the grandest gesture in the language of roses, which is why it’s a popular choice for proposals and milestone anniversaries.
How much do 100 roses cost in Johannesburg?
At Unbox Isipho, 100 roses cost R2,799 in our premium wrap, or R2,899 with baby’s breath.
How many roses should I send for an anniversary?
There’s no fixed rule. 40 or 60 roses make a full anniversary bouquet, and 100 is the choice for a milestone year.
What roses are best for a proposal?
A large bouquet of 80 or 100 red or pink roses. Pair it with a room reveal for a moment they won’t forget.