How many roses to give is a question almost everyone asks before buying a bouquet. In our culture the number matters: even or odd, one or a hundred and one, each option sends its own message. Here is the odd-number tradition, popular meanings of rose numbers from 1 to 101, how to choose by occasion and budget, and what bouquets of different sizes cost.
Popular interpretations; sincerity matters more than the exact number.
Why odd numbers are given
In Ukraine and most post-Soviet countries, fresh flowers for celebrations are given in odd numbers, while even numbers are reserved for funerals and memorials. The custom goes back to old beliefs that even numbers symbolise completion and odd ones life and movement, so even people who aren't superstitious avoid giving two, four or six roses.
Florists say parity no longer matters in bouquets of more than 15 flowers, since nobody counts them. Still, if the recipient follows tradition, choose an odd number. In Europe and the US the rule doesn't apply at all: a dozen or half a dozen roses is popular there.
Popular meanings of rose numbers
One rose is a classic token of attention or love at first sight. Three is the shortest way to say I love you. Five and seven mean admiration, affection and wishes for happiness. Nine says thank you and stay with me. Eleven stands for sincere feelings and strong friendship. These meanings are loose, but many people enjoy a number that says something.
15, 21 or 25 roses make a proper festive bouquet for a birthday, milestone or graduation. 51 roses speak of great passion and serious intentions. 101 roses are the grandest gesture, chosen for proposals, weddings and major anniversaries. How such a bouquet is assembled is shown in a 101-rose bouquet.
How many roses for each occasion
For a first date, 1–7 roses are sweet and not overwhelming. For a partner's birthday, 15–51; for your mum, 15–25; for a colleague or teacher, 7–15. For an anniversary, people often give one rose per year together, or 51. For a proposal or wedding, 51 or 101. And for an unusual shape, consider a heart of roses.
What bouquets of different sizes cost
Prices depend on variety, stem length and season. At the time of writing, small bouquets of 7–15 roses in our catalogue cost roughly 1,000–1,500 UAH, 25 roses about 1,800–2,600 UAH, 51 roses from 2,700 UAH and 101 roses from 4,800 UAH. Kenyan roses are cheaper, tall Ecuadorian ones dearer.
A florist's tip
Don't chase quantity: 11 fresh tall roses make a bigger impression than 51 small ones. Choosing a colour the recipient loves and fresh flowers matters more. Read about colour meanings in our rose guide.
When an even number is fine
In Ukraine an even number of flowers is traditionally brought to funerals, so festive bouquets of up to 10–15 stems avoid it. In large arrangements — 20, 50 or 100 roses — nobody counts, and the rule no longer applies. Parity also doesn’t matter for spray roses or flowers in a box or basket. If the recipient is young and not superstitious, any number works — what matters is a fresh, harmonious bouquet.
Rose bouquets in any size, delivered
From a single rose to 201 in a box: choose the number and colour in our catalogue, and we'll deliver the bouquet across Kyiv.
By tradition, even numbers are for funerals and odd numbers for celebrations.
Can I give an even number of roses?
In bouquets of more than 15 it hardly matters, but choose an odd number for traditional recipients.
What do 101 roses mean?
The grandest gesture of love, given for proposals, weddings or major anniversaries.
How many roses for a first date?
1–7 roses: sweet, romantic and not over the top.
Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
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