Do you think your girlfriend or wife wants red roses? If you said yes, this article is definitely for you.

At a recent conference attended by both men and women, the speaker asked men how many would buy their wife red roses? One hundred percent of them raised their hands.

He then proceeded to ask the women how many of them would want red roses. Out of a crowd of hundreds, only a few women raised their hands. When asked how many would want a yellow rose or a peach rose, the number rose to several hundred affirmatives.

Shock may be registering with you right now. You may be thinking, "What? Not my girlfriend/wife?! She's never complained!" You're right - she probably hasn't complained; getting a red rose is better than getting no roses. Nevertheless, that doesn't change the fact that she would probably appreciate something a little less prosaic.

Now, I know this can be hard to accept, but it's going to be okay. I'm going to help you figure how to get your girlfriend or wife the kinds of roses she deserves.

First, think about your significant other. What are her favorite and least favorite colors? How does she decorate the house? These facts can tell you a lot about what she's looking for when you bring her flowers.

If you know her favorite colors are yellow and red, don't buy her a combination of both, but purchase a lovely bouquet of red-tipped yellow roses. These are perfect roses for her!

There are other things to consider as well, especially if you're not already married. I just gave an example of buying for a woman, even if she's not your significant other, a bouquet of red-tipped yellow roses.

If you're married and these are your wife's favorite colors, go for it! However, if you're buying these for a friend, be aware that these are generally considered the "friendship-to-love" roses. You're moving from friendship (yellow) into love (red).

Now, if you just happen to know these are the persons favorite flowers it's okay, but if you're trying to pick out flowers for a friend's birthday be careful what you're saying. The color and type of flowers have meanings to those in the know.

Other examples include white for purity and innocence, red for love, and pink for a crush or new love.

Go out and buy the roses with purpose. You want to be able to tell your loved one why you chose these roses especially for her. If they're red roses, tell her why you chose them.

Nothing is more special to a woman than knowing that her man took the time to consider what she would like and that he has a wonderful (and romantic!) reason for why he chose this gift. Understanding and valuing the woman you love and letting her know that you notice unique things about her is the best gift you can offer!

Alison LeFevre is a master gardener with a passion for roses. Find articles by Alison at Roses By. For additional articles, visit Florist by Net and Flowers eShop