Purple Roses: Meaning, Symbolism, and Proper Occasions

macro of purple rose.
© P Maxwell Photography/Shutterstock.com

Written by Kathryn Koehler

Updated: June 15, 2023

Share on:

Advertisement


Purple Roses infographic
Purple Roses infographic

Purple roses are mesmerizing and alluring flowers that exude an air of mystery and elegance. With their rich and enchanting hues, these roses captivate the senses and evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. Unlike other roses that may be related with specific occasions, purple roses have a unique versatility that makes them suitable for a range of settings and purposes. From a romantic gesture to a heartfelt tribute, purple roses can express a variety of sentiments and emotions, making them a timeless and also treasured symbol of love, admiration, and infatuation. Whether you are a flower enthusiast or simply drawn to the beauty of nature, the allure of purple roses is hard to resist. Keep reading to discover the meaning, symbolism, and proper occasions for giving purple roses.

beautiful purple rose in a black background

Purple roses can express a variety of sentiments and emotions, making them a timeless and treasured symbol of love, admiration, and infatuation.

©Jesus Cervantes/Shutterstock.com

Purple Roses: History

With their exquisite and alluring hues, purple roses have long been a symbol of enchantment and also mystery. The exact origin of purple roses is uncertain. It is believed that they were developed through hybridization and selective breeding of various rose species over time. They spread throughout the world by trade and travel. There are approximately 40 varieties of purple roses, ranging from soft lavender to deep violet, and almost black. These roses are known for their delicate petals, sweet fragrance, and also the magical feelings that they evoke.

Purple roses grow best in well-draining soil and cooler temperatures. This makes them suitable for gardens and landscapes in temperate regions around the world. One of the earliest purple rose varieties is the Cardinal de Richelieu. This purple rose was developed in the mid-17th century in France. This rose features deep purple flowers with a slight fragrance. Cardinal de Richelieu is still cultivated today.

Rosa (x) gallica, Cardinal de Richelieu, Enghien, Belgium

One of the earliest purple rose varieties the

Cardinal de Richelieu

, pictured, was developed in the mid-17th century in France.

©The goldfinch/Shutterstock.com

Purple Roses: Meaning

The meaning of a purple rose can vary depending on the context and also cultural significance. It is generally a symbol of something extraordinary, unique, and captivating. Purple roses are often related to admiration, enchantment, and infatuation. As a symbol of love at first sight, the purple rose is often given to someone who has had a strong effect on the giver, evoking a sense of wonder and awe. In addition to their romantic connotations, purple roses are also related to spirituality and the mystical realm. In some cultures, purple roses are considered a symbol of royalty, luxury, and also reality. Purple roses are also related to healing and protection.

Symbolism

Purple roses are often related to enchantment, mystery, and elegance. They can symbolize many different things based on the context and the shade of purple. Some common meanings related to purple roses:

  • Admiration: Darker shades of purple roses can symbolize admiration and respect. This makes them an excellent choice for showing appreciation to someone you hold in high esteem.
  • Love at first sight: Lighter shades of purple roses can symbolize love at first sight or fondness. Choose lighter shades for new romances and crushes.
  • Enchantment: Purple roses can represent enchantment, fascination, and a sense of magic. They can be a beautiful way to express your sense of wonder and awe for someone or something special.
  • Royalty and majesty: Historically, purple has been related to royalty. Purple roses can symbolize this sense of regal elegance and sophistication.

Purple Roses: Proper Occasions

Purple roses can convey a sense of admiration, enchantment, and sophistication. This versatility allows them to be appropriate for many different occasions. From romantic gestures to expressions of gratitude and appreciation, purple roses are a fitting choice. The deeper shades of purple represent deep and enduring love. This makes them a favored variety for romantic occasions such as weddings and anniversaries. Lighter shades of purple roses symbolize love at first sight or adoration. This makes them a sweet choice for first dates and secret admirers.

  violet rose isolated on a white background

From romantic gestures to expressions of gratitude and appreciation, purple roses are a fitting choice.

©VladyslaV Travel photo/Shutterstock.com

Purple roses are also related to enchantment, mystery, and magic. This would suggest that purple roses are a thoughtful gift to the magicians in your life. The color purple has long been related to royalty, luxury, and elegance. Thus, purple roses are a splendid choice for formal occasions, and as a way to convey a sense of sophistication and refinement. These beautiful and versatile flowers can be used to convey a wide range of emotions and sentiments, from love and passion to mystery and enchantment.

Periods of Popularity

Purple roses, like most modern roses, are the result of many years of selective breeding and hybridization across multiple species and genera of roses. Purple is a unique and fascinating color that has been historically related to royalty, nobility, and spirituality. It is a blend of blue and red, and its shades can range from soft lavender to deep violet. Despite its relatively rare occurrence in nature, there seems to be an army of folks who adore the color purple, perhaps due to its mysterious, regal, and calming qualities. Despite changing fashion trends, the color purple is a mainstay that never fades in popularity, consistently captivating people with its enigmatic charm and versatile appeal.

Purple Roses: What Makes Them Purple?

Delphinidin is a pigment found in many plants that gives them their red, purple, and blue colors. It is part of the flavonoid family of compounds, which are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and have a variety of functions, including UV protection and attracting pollinators. Delphinidin has been found to have a variety of health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been studied for its potential role in preventing or treating a variety of diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. However, the concentration of these compounds in roses and other ornamental plants is generally much lower than in fruits and vegetables, including cherries, plums, red cabbage, and eggplant, which are commonly consumed for their health benefits.


Share this post on:
About the Author

Kathryn Koehler is a writer at A-Z-Animals where her focus is on unusual animals, places, and events. Kat has over 20 years of experience as a professional writer and educator. She holds a master's degree from Vanderbilt University. When she is not writing for A-Z-Animals, Kat enjoys puttering in her garden, baking deliciously healthful treats for her family, and playing with her two rescue mutts, Popcorn and Scooter. She resides in Tennessee.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.