The Rose of England: Why the UK's National Flower Matters

Few flowers are as instantly recognisable — or as deeply steeped in history — as the rose of England. More than just a pretty bloom, the English rose is a symbol that has represented royalty, war, peace and national identity for more than 500 years. Its story is the story of England itself.

At Interflora, we have a special fondness for the rose. Not only is it one of our most-requested flowers across every colour, but it also connects us to our global network, including our proud heritage with Interflora UK. Let's explore the fascinating history of England's national flower and why it continues to captivate gardeners, gift-givers and poets alike.

The Tudor Rose: A Symbol Born from Conflict

The national flower of England is technically the Tudor Rose — a heraldic emblem that combines two roses into one. Its origins date back to the 15th century and one of the most significant periods in English history: the Wars of the Roses.

Between 1455 and 1485, two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet fought a series of civil wars for the throne of England. The House of Lancaster's emblem was the red rose; the House of York's was the white rose. When Henry VII of the House of Lancaster defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, he married Elizabeth of York to unite the two houses.

To symbolise this union and the end of decades of civil war, Henry VII created a new emblem: a red rose superimposed over a white rose. The Tudor Rose was born, and it has remained England's official floral emblem ever since.

The Rose in English Culture

Long before Shakespeare wrote "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet," the rose had been woven into the fabric of English life. Roses feature heavily in English literature, art and architecture. They appear on coats of arms, royal seals, religious icons and the carved ceilings of countless cathedrals.

Roses also have a distinctly English garden tradition. From the stately grounds of Hampton Court Palace to the cottage gardens of the Cotswolds, roses climb walls, trail over pergolas and fill borders with fragrance and colour. David Austin's famous English Roses, bred for their old-world beauty and modern resilience, have made English rose cultivation famous around the world.

What Do Rose Colours Mean?

Part of what makes roses so versatile — and so meaningful — is that different colours carry distinct symbolism. If you're choosing roses to send, it's worth knowing what each shade says.

Red Roses

The classic symbol of romantic love, passion and deep affection. Red roses are the traditional choice for anniversaries, Valentine's Day and declarations of love.

White Roses

Representing purity, innocence, new beginnings and reverence. White roses are popular choices for weddings and funerals alike.

Pink Roses

Expressing gratitude, admiration, gentleness and joy. Pink roses are wonderful for Mother's Day, friendship gifts or simply saying thank you.

Yellow Roses

The symbol of friendship, cheerfulness and warmth. Yellow roses make beautiful gifts for close friends or to simply brighten someone's day.

Orange Roses

Conveying enthusiasm, energy and fascination — a bold and modern choice. Orange roses are perfect when you want to make a vibrant impression.

Purple Roses

Representing enchantment, love at first sight and regal elegance. Purple roses make unexpected and unforgettable gifts.

The Rose in Modern English Identity

The Tudor Rose continues to appear in official English symbolism today. You'll find it on the uniforms of the Yeomen of the Guard (the Beefeaters at the Tower of London), on the 20 pence coin, and on the badges of the England national rugby team. It's even used by the English Football Association on various crests.

During every Royal occasion, from coronations to state funerals, roses feature prominently in official floral arrangements — a quiet nod to 500 years of continuous English tradition.

Sending Roses to the UK

If you have loved ones in England — or anywhere in the United Kingdom — there's no more fitting flower to send than the English rose. Interflora's UK delivery service connects you with local British florists who craft exquisite rose arrangements using the finest seasonal stems.

Whether it's a romantic gesture, a birthday bouquet, or a thank-you for someone who's been there for you across the miles, roses have a way of communicating what words sometimes can't. Our florist-to-florist relay system ensures every bouquet is freshly arranged and personally delivered — not couriered in a box — exactly the way we'd expect in Britain's great floristry tradition.

Roses for Every Occasion

You don't have to be in England to enjoy the beauty of roses. Interflora's Australian florists create stunning rose arrangements year-round, perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, sympathy occasions and everything in between.

Browse our full flower range or explore our colour-specific collections — from the passion of red to the gentle grace of pink and the classic elegance of white.

A Flower Fit for a Nation

From medieval battlefields to modern palace gardens, the rose has been England's silent witness to centuries of change. It's a flower that carries the weight of history while remaining utterly timeless. When you send roses — whether to London, Melbourne or anywhere in between — you're connecting to a tradition that has endured for half a millennium.

And that's a pretty powerful thing for a single bloom to do.