Whether you’re bashful, at a loss for words, or simply looking for a novel way to convey a special message - say it with roses. These blooms are the most popular of all cut flowers and they carry a lot of "body language."

According to the International Cut Flower Growers Association, each rose color has a special meaning. What’s more, when several colors in various stages of bloom are combined in one arrangement, your floral bouquet can speak a whole sentence instead of just one thought.

"Rose talk" is a trend setting idea that has its roots in the past. In Victorian times, such meaningful nosegays were known as "tussie-mussies," and courtships often were carried on from first blush to the alter with rose bouquets. Happily, this lovely tradition is regaining favor with today’s young romantics.

To help you compose your own "tussie-mussie," here are some of the most widely accepted meanings for different rose colors, blooms and arrangements:

Regardless of color or stage of development, roses sent every month convey the message: "beauty ever new."

Red roses say “I love you” and also stand for respect and courage.

White roses have several meanings: “You’re heavenly,” reverence and humility, innocence and purity, “I’m worthy of you,” and secrecy and silence.

Red and white roses together, or white roses with red edges, signify unity.

Pink roses in general symbolize grace and gentility. For more subtle shades of meaning, choose deep pink to stand for gratitude and appreciation. Light pink conveys admiration and sympathy.

Yellow roses usually stand for joy and gladness, but can also say “try to care.”

Coral or orange roses denote enthusiasm and desire.

A deep burgundy rose means “unconscious beauty.”

Red and yellow blends stand for jovial and happy feelings.

Pale colors convey sociability and friendship.

Rosebuds symbolize beauty, youth and a heart innocent of love or: “You are young and beautiful.”

Red rosebuds mean “pure and lovely” and white rosebuds signify girlhood or “too young to love.”

The moss rosebud stands for confessions of love. A single rose stands for simplicity.

In full bloom, it means “I love you” or “I love you still,” and a bouquet of roses in full bloom signifies gratitude.

Withered white roses have two meanings: fleeting beauty and “you made no impression.”

Hybrid tea roses mean “I’ll remember you always” and sweetheart roses symbolize just what their name implies.

Two roses taped or wired together to form a single stem signal an engagement or coming marriage.

A full blown rose placed over two buds forms a combination that signifies secrecy.

A crown made of roses signifies reward or virtue. 

In general, leaves are a symbol of hope.

Even if the rose recipient is not familiar with these subtle shades of meaning, one message always stands out loud and clear: The person who sends roses is a romantic saying something very special.

This information is provided courtesy of the International Cut Flower Growers Association, Haslett, MI, USA.