The Language of Flowers: What Do They Mean

The Language of Flowers: What Do They Mean

We use flowers as gestures and symbols to communicate with our dear ones. Whether it’s a birthday or a funeral, or a deep love for someone, we express our emotions through flowers. Flowers have taken on a special meaning because we can send all kinds of messages with flowers. For example, blue salvia will indicate ‘I think of you’. The real flower meaning, of course, will be up to the person giving it and the one receiving it. Here’s a list of flowers and what they symbolize.

• Acacia – Secret love
• Ambrosia – Love returned
• Amaryllis – Pride or splendid beauty
• Anemone – Unfading love (on a positive note it symbolizes anticipation)

• Aster – Love and daintiness
• Azalea – Fragile passion (it’s also a Chinese symbol of womanhood)

• Anthurium – Hospitality (indicates happiness and abundance)
• Aster – Patience
• Blue bell – Delicacy and humility

• Red carnation – Love and admiration
• Pink carnation – Love of a woman
• Purple carnation – Capriciousness
• Yellow carnation – Disdain or rejection

• White carnation – Innocence and pure love
• Chrysanthemum – Fidelity and optimism, ‘You’re a wonderful friend’
• Daffodil – Regard and chivalry (a single daffodil indicates misfortune and a bunch of daffodils indicates joy and happiness)
• Daisy – Indicates loyal love and ‘I’ll never tell’

• Gardenia – Secret love
• Gerbera – Cheerfulness

• Gladiolus – Strength of character, ‘I’m sincere’
• Purple hyacinth – Sorrow
• Yellow hyacinth – Jealousy
• Hydrangea – Heartfelt emotions or gratitude, funeral flowers
• Purple Iris – Wisdom

• Blue Iris – Faith and hope
• Yellow Iris – Passion
• White lilac – Innocence and humility
• Purple lilac – First love
• White lily – Modesty and virginity

• Orange lily – Passion
• Yellow lily – Gaiety
• Lotus – Mystery and truth
• Marigold – Affection or grief

• Marjoram – Comfort and consolation
• Pansy – Thoughtful recollection
• Peony – Healing, happy marriage or life
• Dark pink rose – Thank you
• Light pink rose – Admiration
• Red rose – Love and desire
• Yellow rose – Friendship, ‘Welcome back’ or ‘Remember me’
• Spider flower – ‘Elope with me’
• Sunflower – Homage and devotion
• Sweet basil – Good luck
• Tulip – Declaration of love

• Violet – Modesty and simplicity
• Yarrow – Healing
• Zinnia – Lasting affection