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.
One fun idea is to have a garden gathering and have each person bring a flower that has meaning to them. Or, paint tiles on a kitchen island with a flower that represents each of your loved ones.
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
Please tell us which flowers have meaning to you! If we are missing one of your favorites, please tell us which one and its meaning.
Wish to grow a flower that has meaning to you or a loved one? 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 |

Credit: KafeKafe



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Comments
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.
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.
Yellow roses also signifies
Yellow roses also signifies jelousy.
What about Impatiens? I have
What about Impatiens? I have some growing on my office window.
I agree about the Dandelions. It thrilled my heart when my young (now 22) son picked them for me.
Impatiens are a symbol of
Impatiens are a symbol of motherly love. I believe that they were used in gardens devoted to the Virgin Mary back in medieval times.
Thank you for this really fun
Thank you for this really fun info. Im going to look thru family wedding pictures and see what went unsaid...should be fun
In the back of an old
In the back of an old dictionary was the "rest" of the flowers and their meanings like jealousy, deceit,unfaithfulness and lies.
I see nothing about Heather.
I see nothing about Heather. Is there a meaning or tradition attached to this lovely flower, both lavender and white^
In the language of flowers,
In the language of flowers, purple heather means admiration & beauty; white heather means protection; and pink heather means good luck.
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