Before you select a bouquet, check out the flower meanings from The Old Farmer’s Almanac! While most of us know that red roses symbolize love, did you realize that most plants, herbs, and flowers have centuries-old symbolic meanings? Some flowers mean friendship; others symbolize love; yet others represent loss. Here’s our full list of flower meanings.
Bouquets make great gifts, and it is important to know what your bouquet symbolizes. Many people also want to dress up their gardens with flower symbols that represent them. Roses tend to have special meanings, as do flowers used in weddings. Another important area of flower symbolism is the meaning of birth month flowers.
Jump to the full list of flower meanings by clicking here!
History of Flower Meanings
The symbolic language of flowers has been recognized for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. They even play a large role in William Shakespeare’s works.
Mythologies, folklore, sonnets, and plays of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism—and for good reason. Nearly every sentiment imaginable can be expressed with flowers. The orange blossom, for instance, means chastity, purity, and loveliness, while the red chrysanthemum means “I love you.”
Learning the special symbolism of flowers became a popular pastime during the 1800s. Nearly all Victorian homes had, alongside the Bible, guidebooks for deciphering the “language,” although definitions shifted depending on the source. Religious, literary, folkloric, and botanical publications were all used to inform meanings.
Examples of plants and their associated human qualities during the Victorian era include bluebells and kindness, peonies and bashfulness, rosemary and remembrance, and tulips and passion.
Flowers provided an incredibly nuanced form of communication. Some plants, including roses, poppies, and lilies, could express a wide range of emotions based on their color.
Take, for instance, all of the different meanings attributed to variously colored carnations: Pink meant “I’ll never forget you”; red said “my heart aches for you”; purple conveyed capriciousness; white was for the “the sweet and lovely”; and yellow expressed romantic rejection.
Likewise, a white violet meant “innocence,” while a purple violet said that the bouquet giver’s “thoughts were occupied with love.” A red rose was used to openly express feelings of love, while a red tulip was a confession of love. The calla lily was interpreted to mean “magnificent beauty,” and a clover said “think of me.”
In a sort of silent dialogue, flowers could be used to answer “yes” or “no” questions, too. A “yes” answer came in the form of flowers handed over with the right hand; if the left hand was used, the answer was “no.”
Plants could also express aversive feelings, such as the “conceit” of pomegranate or the “bitterness” of aloe. Similarly, if given a rose declaring “devotion” or an apple blossom showing “preference,” one might return to the suitor a yellow carnation to express “disdain.”
How flowers were presented and in what condition were important. If the flowers were given upside down, then the idea being conveyed was the opposite of what was traditionally meant. How the ribbon was tied said something, too: Tied to the left, the flowers’ symbolism applied to the giver, whereas tied to the right, the sentiment was in reference to the recipient. And, of course, a wilted bouquet delivered an obvious message!
The meanings and traditions associated with flowers have certainly changed over time, and different cultures assign varying ideas to the same species, but the fascination with “perfumed words” persists just the same.
Rose Meanings
Red roses symbolize love and desire, but roses come in a variety of colors and each has their own meaning. For example, the white rose’s meaning is purity and innocence.
- White rose: purity, innocence, reverence, a new beginning, a fresh start.
- Red rose: love, I love you
- Deep, dark crimson rose: mourning
- Pink rose: grace, happiness, gentleness
- Yellow rose: jealousy, infidelity
- Orange rose: desire and enthusiasm
- Lavender rose: love at first sight
- Coral rose: friendship, modesty, sympathy
Special Meaning of Wedding Flowers: Flowers of Love
Flowers have always been a big feature at weddings, too. As an example, look to the royal flower bouquet in the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Ducchess of Cambridge). Her flowers had very special meaning.
The groom, too, 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
Meanings of Herbs, Flowers, and Other Plants
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.
Wishing to grow a flower that has meaning to you or a loved one? Click on linked plant names for detailed planting and growing guides.
Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Other Plants | |
---|---|
Aloe | Healing, protection, affection |
Amaryllis | Pride |
Anemone | Forsaken |
Angelica | Inspiration |
Apple blossom | Preference |
Arborvitae | Unchanging friendship |
Aster | Symbol of Love, Daintiness |
Bachelor’s button | Single blessedness |
Basil | Good wishes |
Bay | Glory |
Begonia | Beware |
Bittersweet | Truth |
Black-eyed Susan | Justice |
Bluebell | Humility, kindness |
Camellia, pink | Longing For You |
Camellia, red | You’re a Flame in My Heart |
Camellia, white | You’re Adroable |
Candytuft | Indifference |
Carnation | Women, Love |
– Red carnation | My Heart Aches, admiration |
– White carnation | Innocence, pure love, women’s good luck gift |
– Pink carnation | I’ll never forget you |
– Yellow carnation | Disdain, disappointment, rejection |
Chamomile | Patience |
Chives | Usefulness |
Chrysanthemum | Cheerfulness |
Clematis | Artifice (cunning), poverty |
Clover, white | Think of me |
Columbine | Anxiousness, foolishness |
Coreopsis | Always cheerful |
Coriander | Hidden worth |
Crocus, spring | Youthful gladness |
Cumin | Fidelity |
Cyclamen | Resignation and good-bye |
Daffodil | Regard |
Dahlia | Dignity, pomp |
Daisy | Innocence, hope |
Dill | Powerful against evil |
Edelweiss | Courage, devotion |
Fennel | Flattery |
Fern | Sincerity, humility; also, magic and bonds of love |
Forget-me-not | True love memories |
Gardenia | Secret love |
Geranium, oak-leaved | True friendship |
Gladiolus | Remembrance |
Goldenrod | Encouragement, good fortune |
Heliotrope | Eternal love |
Hibiscus | Delicate beauty |
Holly | Foresight, defense |
Hollyhock | Ambition |
Honeysuckle | Bonds of love |
Horehound | Health |
Hyacinth | Games and sport, playfulness, rashness |
– Blue Hyacinth | Constancy of love |
– Purple Hyacinth | Sorrow, forgiveness, regret |
– Yellow Hyacinth | Jealousy |
– White Hyacinth | Loveliness, prayers for someone |
Hydrangea | Gratitude for being understood; frigidity and heartlessness |
Hyssop | Sacrifice, cleanliness |
Iris | A message |
Ivy | Friendship, continuity |
Jasmine, white | Sweet love, amiability |
Lady’s-mantle | Comforting |
Lavender | Devotion, virtue |
Lemon balm | Sympathy |
Lilac | Joy of youth |
Lily, calla | Beauty |
Lily, day | Chinese emblem for mother |
Lily-of-the-valley | Sweetness, purity |
Lotus Flower | Purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth |
Magnolia | Love of nature |
Marigold | Despair, grief, jealousy |
Marjoram | Joy and happiness |
Mint | Virtue |
Morning glory | Affection |
Myrtle | Good luck and love in a marriage |
Nasturtium | Patriotism |
Oak | Strength |
Oregano | Substance |
Pansy | Thoughts |
Parsley | Festivity |
Peony | Bashful, happy life |
Pine | Humility |
Poppy, red | Consolation |
Rhododendron | Danger, flee |
Rose, red | Love, I love you. |
Rose, dark crimson | Mourning |
Rose, pink | Happiness |
Rose, white | Purity, heavenly, I’m worthy of you |
Rose, yellow | Jealousy, decrease of love, infidelity |
Rosemary | Remembrance |
Rue | Grace, clear vision |
Sage | Wisdom, immortality |
Salvia, blue | I think of you |
Salvia, red | Forever mine |
Savory | Spice, interest |
Snapdragon | Deception, graciousness |
Sorrel | Affection |
Southernwood | Constancy, jest |
Sunflower | Adoration, false riches |
Sweet pea | Pleasures |
Sweet William | Gallantry |
Sweet woodruff | Humility |
Tansy | Hostile thoughts |
Tarragon | Lasting interest |
Thyme | Courage, strength |
Tulip, red | Passion, declaration of love |
Tulip, yellow | Sunshine in your smile |
Valerian | Readiness |
Violet | Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness, modesty |
Wallflower | Faithfulness in adversity |
Willow | Sadness |
Yarrow | Everlasting love |
Zinnia | Thoughts of absent friends |
Do you have a favorite flower meaning? Or do you know of any meanings we missed? Let us know in the comments below!
Reader Comments
Leave a Comment
Hi I was looking for a flower
Hi I was looking for a flower that represented sisters. Like the the breakable relationship sisters have.
flower symbolism
Hi Phoenix, We don’t know of a flower with that exact meeting, but you could certainly select a flower that represents “womanhood” such as the azalea or harken back to “girlhood” with the white rosebud.
No Calla Lilly, no Fairy
No Calla Lilly, no Fairy Lilly! They are my favorites!
flower meanings
The Calla Lilly symbolizes “Beauty.” Simple, but true!
You don't have Lily on there.
You don't have Lily on there. I don't know what they stand for other than being really pretty.
Hi Lori, lilies have
Hi Lori, lilies have different meanings based on their colors. A white lily symbolizes purity, an orange color is hatred, and a yellow color is gay and “walking on air.” Hope this helps.
missing gardenia
couldn't find flower or is it a bush? shrub? Gardenia.
“Gardenia” means “You are
“Gardenia” means “You are Lovely” or “Secret Love.” Sounds like it’s the perfect gift from an admirer!
Janacarnda meaning
Planning on getting a tattoo of purple tree/shrub plant I loved when I was in Kenya. Understand it originated in South America. I obviously want to know the meaning of this beautiful flower before it is a part of me forever. Thanks.
Hello,
Hello,
I'm working to choose flowers for a bouquet and I'm wondering about the meaning of the following flowers:
Thistle
Shamrock
Hydrangea
Thank you!
Flower Meanings
What interesting choices. You do know the Shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and the Thistle a symbol of Scotland?
The Shamrock is steeped in symbolism as its three leaves harken back to the Trinity and sacred power. It also has had a long history of healing and protection. Finally, the Shamrock is often associated with good fortune and closedly associated with a joyous, happy marriage.
The Thistle is a tough plant and associated with resiilence, pride, pain, and protection.
The Hydrangea is a mixed bag. On the positive side, it can be used to express heartfelt emotions and to express gratitude and thankfulness, however, it also has a negative side symbolizing frigidity and heartlessness. Life, it’s complicated!
Hydrangea meaning
In Mexico, Hydrangeas are a symbol of bad luck. I still grow them (white) and love them.
Family
Is there any flower that stands for family?
I'm writing a story about a
I'm writing a story about a character that goes insane/mad and I'm looking for flower/flowers that represent that. The only things I can find on the internet are Ophelia's flowers when she goes mad, but those flowers have separate meanings.
Thank you!
Unity / Family
Is there any plant or tree that signifies unity or family love?
Past, Present, and Future
Hello, I'm working on a portfolio and I wanted to find some flowers that represent/are related to the past, present, and future. I found out that there is some sort of myth concerning snapdragons that if you open the mouth, it will reveal deep secrets about the future. Do you have any other flowers about the future? Also perhaps about present and past as well? Thanks!
Meaning of Flowers
That’s intersting to hear about the symbolism of snapdragons! To find flowers that represent the past, present, and future, you’ll need to be someone creative in your interpretations. Here are some plants to think about:
Meadow saffron: my best days are past.
Cyclamen: goodbye (implies the past).
Forget-me-not: memories (the name says it all).
The red poppy releases the past.
A white rosebud is childhood (which speaks to the past).
Blue hyacinth is constancy of love (which suggests the present as well as the future).
The acorn symbolizes immortality (which suggests the present as well as the future).
Syringa: future happiness
Lily: return to happiness (which suggests the future).
flowers
If everyone looks at these flowers they are actually really pretty even if they dont sound pretty, such as, Zinnia, Yarrow, Sweet pea, and pansy. I didnt even know that there where flowers called that but when i looked them up they were so pretty that im going to plant some of them in my garden. But if anyone has any flowers that are not listed please comment back and i will plant some in my garden.
I'm looking for a
I'm looking for a flower/plant that represents the unconditional love, loyalty, and pure happiness of my dogs. They mean the world to me and I wouldn't be the same without them.
As great dog lovers, we would
As great dog lovers, we would simply view dogs as members of our family and apply the same symbolism you see above. "Violet" seems to match some of the qualities you mention.
I'm putting together a list
I'm putting together a list of favorite flowers and their meanings for our garden club members. Do Jatropha and Tibouchina have meanings? Thank you.
PS. This is a fascinating site!
Statice symbolizes gratitude.
Statice symbolizes gratitude.
I'm looking for a
I'm looking for a flower/plant that represents "gratitude" or "grateful" I'm not finding much in my online research & see a long list of responses. Help!? :) Thank you very much!
I am very interested in
I am very interested in knowing if anyone has ever heard of the "moon plant." I saw a video of it one time but have not been able to find it again. It is an interesting plant as it vibrates as it blooms open to a beautiful white flower. If anyone knows of this plant and know where I can buy them. Please let me know.Thank You...Miss SGA
The "Moon Plant" is an
The "Moon Plant" is an invasive vine plant. It's blooms are said to have hallucinogenic properties when they are used as a tea. Similar to LSD.
It's because of this that they were outlawed in several states and commercial properties in Florida I know had to have the plants removed.
I live in Oklahoma now and there are a few of the plants on this property. You can't
kill them easily... I've tried. But I think you will be hard pressed to find them for sale at a nursey or garden center.
The Moon Flower is a
The Moon Flower is a night-blooming white morning glory, noted for it's intoxicating scent.
moon plant
While the common name "moon plant" refers to many night-blooming plants, often with white flowers, one of the more common ones is a climbing vine, related to morning glories. It is easy to grow from seed and is usually readily available at most garden centers during planting season or from seed catalogs.
I want sure why but i have
I want sure why but i have this yellow rose that my fiance picked for me and put water in a cup and the water has only been changed once and is still alive not wilted or dying or anything....is there really such a thing called an eternal flower????
I'm looking for a plant or
I'm looking for a plant or flower to get my dad for Father's Day for his garden...anything that means father and daughter?
Tall red roses are often
Tall red roses are often considered the flower for Father's Day, showing a father love, gratitude, and reverence. Another idea is a boutinniere of a purple rose with green leaves for his button hole!
Pages