Do you know the language of flowers? As our list below shows, each flower has its own meaning. Orange blossom, for instance, symbolizes chastity, purity and loveliness, while red chrysanthemum means I love you.
Flowers have always been a big feature at weddings, too. The groom often wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button-hole. This stems from the Medieval tradition of wearing his Lady's colors, as a declaration of his love.
There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875
Click on the linked plant names for free planting and growing guides!
| Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Trees | |
|---|---|
| Aloe | Healing, protection, affection |
| Angelica | Inspiration |
| Arborvitae | Unchanging friendship |
| Bachelor's button | Single blessedness |
| Basil | Good wishes |
| Bay | Glory |
| Black-eyed Susan | Justice |
| Carnation | Alas for my poor heart |
| Chamomile | Patience |
| Chives | Usefulness |
| Chrysanthemum | Cheerfulness |
| Clover, white | Think of me |
| Coriander | Hidden worth |
| Cumin | Fidelity |
| Crocus, spring | Youthful gladness |
| Daffodil | Regard |
| Daisy | Innocence, hope |
| Dill | Powerful against evil |
| Edelweiss | Courage, devotion |
| Fennel | Flattery |
| Fern | Sincerity |
| Forget-me-not | Forget-me-not |
| Geranium, oak-leaved | True friendship |
| Goldenrod | Encouragement |
| Heliotrope | Eternal love |
| Holly | Hope |
| Hollyhock | Ambition |
| Honeysuckle | Bonds of love |
| Horehound | Health |
| Hyacinth | Constancy of love, fertility |
| Hyssop | Sacrifice, cleanliness |
| Iris | A message |
| Ivy | Friendship, continuity |
| Jasmine, white | Sweet love |
| Lady's-mantle | Comforting |
| Lavender | Devotion, virtue |
| Lemon balm | Sympathy |
| Lilac | Joy of youth |
| Lily-of-the-valley | Sweetness |
| Marjoram | Joy and happiness |
| Mint | Virtue |
| Morning glory | Affection |
| Myrtle | The emblem of marriage, true love |
| Nasturtium | Patriotism |
| Oak | Strength |
| Oregano | Substance |
| Pansy | Thoughts |
| Parsley | Festivity |
| Pine | Humility |
| Poppy, red | Consolation |
| Rose, red | Love, desire |
| Rosemary | Remembrance |
| Rue | Grace, clear vision |
| Sage | Wisdom, immortality |
| Salvia, blue | I think of you |
| Salvia, red | Forever mine |
| Savory | Spice, interest |
| Sorrel | Affection |
| Southernwood | Constancy, jest |
| Sweet pea | Pleasures |
| Sweet William | Gallantry |
| Sweet woodruff | Humility |
| Tansy | Hostile thoughts |
| Tarragon | Lasting interest |
| Thyme | Courage, strength |
| Tulip, red | Declaration of love |
| Valerian | Readiness |
| Violet | Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness |
| Willow | Sadness |
| Yarrow | Everlasting love |
| Zinnia | Thoughts of absent friends |
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Comments
That is the best gift a mom
That is the best gift a mom can get I think. One that is truly from the heart. And did ya know, each color of the rose means a different thing? Red is for true love while yellow is for friendship. White is for pure love. I can't remember them all right now.
Something missing there, a
Something missing there,
a Bunch of Dandelions from your small child means just as much as a bouquet of Roses from your overgrown child!!
I totally agree. There is
I totally agree. There is nothing more special than a wilted bouquet of "wild flowers" from a precious child.
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