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
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meanings of these three flowers
Cosmos, Lobelia , Marigold
Cosmos Lobelia, Marigold
Cosmos not found . Lobelia : Malevolence . Marigold : Despair - Grief . African: Vulgarity, vulgar & mindedness , French: Jealousy
Flower that represents mental health
Hi there,
I am doing an art project, and need to know what flower/s represent mental health/depression/anxiety etc etc, thanks!
Art Project help?
Hi there, I am an artist working on a body of work looking at botanical greenhouses and would like to have some plants/ flowers at the opening that reflect some of the themes I'm working with. Are you able to help with finding the right plants for each?
Looks for ones for, illusions, falsehoods, paradise, lushness, exoticism, wonder.
Any help would be amazing.
Paradise
Your project sounds interesting! I'm not an expert or anything, but I do have a couple flowers that could be interesting.
-Bird of paradise are widely thought to symbolize liberty and freedom, but in Africa they mean joy and paradise. They are crazy beautiful, and definitely give an exotic feel to anything they touch.
-for illusions and falsehoods, wonder, etc. Maybe try some plants with hallucinogenic abilities. I don't know the legalities of growing this kind of plant, but my personal favourite is absinthe (the green fairy) because it was used by many famous artists. It also has beatiful tiny yellow flowers.
-Angel trumpets are also deceptively dangerous and are illegal in some places, but if you're allowed to plant them they would make a great addition to your project. Plus, they attract hummingbirds!
I hope this helped you a bit! Good luck on your project
Flower Meaning
Is there a flower that could represent fate or destiny. Its for a story, something that could give the understatement that the life of someone is linked to someone else, not necessarily in a positive connotation, or perhaps something among the lines of 'We'll see each other again'.
Thank you!
"see you again!"
It would appear that there are a couple or even a few choices, with slightly varying contexts:
• Pink carnation says “I’ll never forget you.”
• Camomile says “patience.”
• Ivy says “friendship, continuity.”
• Tarragon says “lasting interest.”
For a Story
Is there a type of flower that means eternal or forever? but purely something like that, no loved involved, especially since it's more of a myserious and sad story.
If you could clue me in that would be greatly helpful ^w^
flower symbolism
Nothing ideal comes to mind, unfortunately. Part of the problem is that flowers can have several meanings, and can also vary between cultures. Lilies, for example, especially white ones, are often given at funerals. The Stargazer lily is said to symbolize eternal life, but it can also have other meanings, like sympathy. White lilies can mean purity, innocence, rebirth. Red poppies can symbolize remembrance or eternal sleep, but also have other meanings. One old source lists the Cornelian cherry as symbolizing duration. Amaranth can mean immortality, but sometimes is linked to other symbolism. Pyramidal bell flower (Campanula pyramidalis) is said to represent constancy. You might find some old books on the language of flowers either online or in a library and peruse the plants and their meanings. Perhaps you’ll find just the right one for your story. Good luck!
Need a bunch of flowers to promote healing for a friend
Give me a clue
plants for healing
For healing, you may want to consider medicinal plants. Examples are: Baptisia tinctoria, Hydrangea arborescens, and Thyme.
flower meaning
Is there a flower that means miracle?
Flower symbolism
The rose is probably the most symbolic. This comes from the Christian tradition, especially as pertains to Mary, “the Rose wherein the Divine Word was made incarnate.” Columbine is also a symbol, representing the dove of the Holy Spirit. The pansy symbolizes the Trinity.
The lotus flower could also be considered. This comes from eastern religions and Buddhist tradition. It’s a symbol of self-regeneration and rebirth which is miraculous in itself. Although a beautiful flower, the lotus grows out of the mud at the bottom of a pond. Even when its roots are in the dirtiest waters, the lotus produces the most exquisite and perfect flower.
Tattoo
Hey, I lost my grandma recently and I want to get a tattoo to symbolize her. She has been through harsh times and has fought every battle that came her way, expect for the last one. Throughout it all she remained strong and beautiful. Would a Lotus be a good representation? Since the flower only blossoms once it grows passed the water and gets through tough conditions, however remains beautiful through out it all?
I need help with plant meaning
I'm actually wondering if there was a flower that had both good and bad meaning to it? Something that represents love and death, both. Thank you!
flower symbolism
I’m not sure if a flower or plant symbolized both love and death according to the Victorian language of flowers, but certain plants did symbolize both in certain cultures and periods. For example, in areas of Europe, including western England, rosemary once was used during funerals, with sprigs given to mourners, and the herb planted by graves. Yet it was also used to symbolize love, fidelity, and remembrance. It was exchanged between lovers and also used in weddings, Christmas celebrations, and in royal gardens. In the words of one 19th-century author, “Rosemary is confessedly a plant of ‘grey renown’ and manifoldly mystic significance; it is associated with scenes both grave and gay, with mourning and with feasting.” Myrtle also was associated with both love and death.
Hope this helps!
Plant/Flower Meaning
Hi,
I wonder if theres a meaning of Coralberry/Ardisia Crenata/Chrismas Berry?
Depression and anxiety
Hi I have suffered with depression and anxiety for all of my teenage and adult life. But now I have recently got help and support I need and I am not suffering as bad. What flower best represents growth and strength?
You have the white rose meaning wrong
The white rose traditionally means a heart without love, or rejection to an advancement.
Memory For Someone
Hello,
I have lost a friend a few months ago and I wanted to plant a tree in remembrance for him. I can't seem to find one. Will you help me find one, it can't be to tall and it at least has to say that he will always be remembered and loved. Anyways thank you so much...
Flower meaning
Hello
I want to get a tattoo in remembrance of someone and it should mean I will never forget you and I am sorry. Can you suggest me a flower that can mean will never forget you and will always remember you.
Buckwheat flowers
Buckwheat flowers means protection and love right?
Thanks and more power to you guys! :)
Military appreciation and rememberance garden
I live in a very military orientated community and am married to a National Guardsman. I want to plant a garden to say "thank you" and "you are never forgotten" to my military community. I have researched some possible plants: daisies, poppies, tulips, thyme, zinnia, rose, nasturtium, sweet William and rosemary. Do you have any suggestions for other plants/flowers that would be appropriate for this garden? Thank you.
flower symbolism
Colorful zinnias are great for summer gardens. Mixed zinnia symbolize “thinking of you” or “in memory.” Yellow zinnia specifically means “daily remembrance.” We’re not sure wher eyou live, but sweet peas symbolize departure and thank you. Forget-me-not flowers symbolize true love and memories. A tea rose says, “remember me always.” Of course, red poppies are the classic flower of remembrance.
Flower meanings
Camelia, just planted a pink one in memory of my mother, it was her favorite
Rhododendron, just planted 5 to border our hot tub
Hydrangea, our beautiful shrub has grown so much and in the late summer it starts with pink, blue and mauve blooms, so gorgeous
What are their meanings?
language of flowers
A pink camelia has long symblized “longing for you” which seems quite fitting for your mother. Rhododendron stand for caution, beware, danger (perhaps fitting for a hot tub?). Hydrangea has mixed symbols and is related to heartfelt emotions. It can be used to express gratitude for being understood. In its negative sense hydrangea symbolizes coldness and heartlessness, perhaps because of its lavish showiness. To us, it can express whatever is sincerely heartfelt so check your emotions!
flower and friends
Hello..
I want to write something about my friends for the college souvenir. I want to describe each one of them with different flowers. Can u help me with some ideas? I just don't want to use one word to describe but some more words to make it more specific.
Thank u
Flower symbolism
That’s a lovely idea. Perhaps it’s easier to “give” each friend a bouquet of flowers as one flower can’t possible symbolize a complete person. You need to think about each friend and what is important to him or her. For example, each flower in Kate Middleton’s wedding flower bouquet was chosen because of its meaning to her. Only you know your friends and what is important to them. If you simply want one flower, perhaps choose their birth flower! My mother has different kitchen titles painted with the birth flowers of each member of our family. Here is our page on birth flowers by month: http://www.almanac.com/content/birth-month-flowers-and-their-meanings
Orchid
What is the symbolism of the orchid?
flower symbolism
The Orchid: Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
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