What does each flower symbolize? Which flowers represent love, hope, healing, loss, and good luck? See the Almanac’s complete list of Flower Meanings and Plant Symbolism. Whether you are picking out a flower bouquet for a wedding, choosing a single flower for a loved one, or planting a garden, discover the secret language of flowers!
Jump to the full list of flower meanings by clicking here.
The 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.”
Flowery Language of the Victorian Era
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.
In the Victorian era, flowers were primarily used to deliver messages that couldn’t be spoken aloud. In a sort of silent dialogue, flowers could be used to answer “yes” or “no” questions. 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!
More 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. 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.
What Does Each Flower Symbolize?
See our list below for symbolic meanings of herbs, flowers, and other plants. (Please note: There are many meanings for flowers over the centuries; our chart below reflects mainly Victorian symbolism.)
Click on linked plant names for a photo and growing guide.
Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Other Plants | |
---|---|
Abatina | Fickleness |
Acanthus | The fine art, artifice |
Aloe | Affection, also grief |
Amaryllis | Pride |
Anemone | Forsaken, sickness |
Angelica | Inspiration |
Apple blossom | Preference |
Arborvitae | Unchanging friendship |
Aster | Symbol of Love, Daintiness |
Bachelor’s button | Single blessedness |
Sweet Basil | Good wishes |
Bay tree | Glory |
Begonia | Beware, dark thoughts |
Belledonna | Silence |
Bittersweet | Truth |
Black-eyed Susan | Justice |
Bluebell | Humility, constancy |
Borage | Bluntness, directness |
Butterfly weed | Let me go |
Camellia, pink | Longing For You |
Camellia, red | You’re a Flame in My Heart |
Camellia, white | You’re Adorable |
Candytuft | Indifference |
Carnation | Women, Love |
– Red carnation | Alas for my poor heart, my heart aches |
– White carnation | Innocence, pure love, women’s good luck gift |
– Pink carnation | I’ll never forget you |
– Striped | Refusal |
– Yellow carnation | Disdain, disappointment, rejection |
Chamomile | Patience in adversity |
Chives | Usefulness |
Chrysanthemum, red | I love you |
Chrysanthemum, yellow | Slighted love |
Chrysanthemum, white | Truth |
Clematis | Mental beauty |
Clematis, evergreen | Poverty |
Clover, white | Think of me |
Columbine | Foolishness, folly |
Columbine, purple | Resolution |
Columbine, red | Anxious, trembling |
Coreopsis | Always cheerful |
Coriander | Hidden worth/merit |
Crab blossom | Ill nature |
Crocus, spring | Youthful gladness |
Cyclamen | Resignation, diffidence |
Daffodil | Regard, Unequalled Love |
Dahlia, single | Good taste |
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, do not forget me |
Gardenia | Secret love |
Geranium, oak-leaved | True friendship |
Gladiolus | Remembrance |
Goldenrod | Encouragement, good fortune |
Heliotrope | Eternal love, devotion |
Hibiscus | Delicate beauty |
Holly | Foresight |
Hollyhock | Ambition |
Honeysuckle | Bonds of love |
Hyacinth | Sport, game, play |
– Blue Hyacinth | Constancy |
– Purple Hyacinth | Sorrow |
– 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, fidelity, marriage |
Jasmine, white | Sweet love, amiability |
Jasmine, yellow | Grace and elegance |
Lady’s Slipper | Capricious beauty |
Larkspur | Lightness, levity |
Lavender | Distrust |
Lemon balm | Sympathy |
Lilac | Joy of youth |
Lily, calla | Beauty |
Lily, day | Chinese emblem for mother |
Lily-of-the-valley | Sweetness, purity, pure love |
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, beware |
Rose, red | Love, I love you |
Rose, dark crimson | Mourning |
Rose, pink | Happiness |
Rose, white | 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 |
Spearmint | Warmth of sentiment |
Speedwell | Feminine fidelity |
Sunflower, dwarf | Adoration |
Sunflower, tall | Haughtiness |
Sweet pea | Delicate pleasures |
Sweet William | Gallantry |
Sweet woodruff | Humility |
Tansy | Hostile thoughts, declaring war |
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 |
Flower Meanings by Color
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 alone.
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.”
Unsurprisingly, the color of the rose plays a huge role. Red roses symbolize love and desire, but roses come in a variety of colors and each has their own meaning.
- 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
What Wedding Flowers Mean
One tradition is to select the flowers of a wedding bouquet based on plant symbolism. 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 all-white bouquet had lily-of-the-valley (representing trustworthiness, purity), sweet William (gallantry), hyacinth (loveliness), myrtle (love in marriage), and ivy (continuity). Altogether, these flowers’ meanings reveal the hope of a loving, everlasting marriage.
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 modern idea is to give each bridesmaid a bouquet featuring a signature flower whose meaning suits her personality.
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
Another important area of flower symbolism is the meaning of birth month flowers.
Reader Comments
Leave a Comment
Sisterly love
Hi ! My sister and I would like to get matching tattoos to symbolize the relationship we have. We are very complementary and need each other, what kind of flower/ leaf could represent it best ? We thought of roses but perhaps it's not really fitting.
Thanks !
Suggestion
What a great idea for you and your sister! Going off this, I would suggest violets and lavender surrounded by ivy.
Advice
Hello! I loved reading about this and always found flowers and their meaning fascinating. I was hoping I could get your advice on what kind of flowers would be best as an end of year gift for my daughters teachers? I'm planning on giving them potted not as a cut bouquet so I'd like to get it right :) She's in Pre-K if that makes a difference lol
meaning of flowers gift for teacher
Hi, Amber. What a lovely idea for your child’s teacher. We have a few suggestions for you: basil (for good wishes), bluebell (for kindness), chamomile (for patience, which we are certain she has seeing she is a pre-k teacher!), fern (for sincerity, which you are in your wishes), or sage (for wisdom).
outdoor arrangement
hi there!
i would like to do an outdoor small garden for my father for fathersday. My son and i will be moving soon far away and i would like to mix and match flowers and plants that represent family. i like the idea of pink carnation, white clover, zinnia but i feel lost to which will grow best outside and together. Any help would be greatly appreciated! tia
Where I come from
Hello!!!
I would like your opinion, I want to get a tattoo but not just any flower tattoo, right now I’m in a situation where am moving countries to be with my husband but I would like a flower that means something to remember and never forget where I come from and for new beginnings. Is there a flower you recommend me that are beautiful, and delicate?
Thank you!!!!
Meaning of a Tree or Flower
Hi I would like to get a tree or a flower for my husband who had lost his sister a few years ago. Any suggestions?
tree or flower symbolizing loss
Hi Karey, How thoughtful.
Lilies. The lily is the flower most commonly symbolize the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed.
A dark crimson (almost black) rose bush symbolizes mourning, grief, and sorrow.
A willow tree symbolizes sadness.
Gladiolus flowers represent remembrance, as does a rosemary (an herb that smells divine). If he likes to cook (or, you do), having a rosemary bush might be a lovely idea.
You’ll want to consider your climate zone when selecting a flower or bush. Be sure to look up its hardiness zone and match against your own.
Our site has flower growing guides, zone maps, and more if you use the search field. All the best!
I need help, please.
Good afternoon. My boyfriend of 3 years, who i would long the presence of quite a lot, is transferring schools, and we wont be able to meet anymore, hopefully only for now. I wanted to make a charm of a flower that would mean new beginnings for him in a new surrounding, as well as us starting anew without one another. I also wanted to express that i wouldnt forget about him and he has had a special place in my heart. Probably too cheesy, but please help me out haha <3
Forget Me Not
What about the “Forget Me Not” flower. It’s a lovely blue flower. You could press the flower inside a charm sealed with UV resin. It speaks to connectedness and memories of time together.
Gardenias and their meanings
When I was little, my family moved to a small city in Mexico known for its perfect climate for growing flowers of all kinds. The market place was full of them, and it was much to my mother's delight. Her favorite flower was the gardenia, and each week she would buy them, filling our home with their fragrance. After a few months of this, her favorite supplier took my mother's hands and, with kindness and compassion, told my mother how sorry she was about all the tragedies. It seems that gardenias in that part of Mexico were the flower of the dead. The seller assumed that each purchase meant another friend or family member of my mother's had died that week.
gardenias
That’s such a wonderful story about your mother and gardenias. Thanks for sharing, Martha!
Need a bouquet that means
I'm making a bouquet for my friend for her birthday because I'm moving out of state and I want it to be special. I want it to display friendship, love, and happiness. But I also want to say something along the lines of "I hope we see each in the future" and "I'll always be here for you no matter the distance.
bouquet
How thoughtful! We would suggest selecting from the many flowers above that mean friendship and love, and adding some ivy which symbolizes constancy.
Meaning of flowers
Refer to book. " Forget - Me - Not ", A floral Treasury . Sentiments & Plant Lore from the LANGUAGE of FLOWERS . Written & rersearched by Pamela Todd ; Illustrated by Jan Penney . A Bulfinch Press Book - Little Brown And Company - Boston Toronto London
First Edition - 1993 . ISBN 0-8212-2000-4 LOC 92-54427
I hope this is helpful .
Missed a flower
Snapdragon.and it symbolism
Snap Dragon or Antirrhinum
Presumption
Missed a flower
Hi! What about Ranunculus? What’s the meaning to this flower?
Ranunculus
Usually, this flower symbolizes “charming” or “charmed.”
Rananculus
meanings : You are radiant with charm ; Wild and Ingratitude . All depends on how it is used in the arrangement.
I need a bouquet that means
I need a bouquet that means 'you're an idiot, but we are still friends '
Flower meaning
Ha, ha. Flowers tends to stand for one thing or another. As you’re creating a bouquet, you might need to combine two flowers. Columbines represents folly and foolishness. There are many flowers in the list above that symbolize friendship from ivy to iris.
If I wanted to display
If I wanted to display happiness and positivity what would you recommend??
flower meanings
Crocus represents “cheerfulness.” Coreopsis is “always cheerful.” Pink roses symbolize “perfect happiness.”
Missed a meaning
You forgot to add True Love to the meanings list for the white daisy flower.
Center piece for grandaughter’s Graduation
I truly enjoyed reading the meaning of flowers. I have the idea of choosing flowers relating to her personality, life,and as well as her future. Her color scheme is pink and white. I now have many options. If there are particular flowers regarding her future I would love to receive some info. Thank you.
meaning of flowers
I didn't see hydrangea and it's one of my favorite in any color.
Hydrangea
Heartlessness - a boaster
You forgot Asters in you list of flowers and meanings
You forgot Asters
What does the aster flower mean?
The meaning of the aster flower differs depending on the presentation, but it’s common meanings are:
Patience
Love of Variety
Elegance
Daintiness
Afterthought (or the wish things happened differently)
Aster meaning
Thank you for sharing! We have added asters which, as you indicated, commonly represent symbols of love and daintiness.
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