The Language of Flowers - Flowers and Their Meanings (2024)

What is floriography?

Floriography is simply a fancy name for the language of flowers. Within the art of floriography, every flower carries its own special meaning or symbolism, and this can also be influenced by its variety and colour. Some flowers even take on a new meaning depending on the number that is gifted. For example, a single daffodil is a no-no and is said to bring bad luck, while a bunch of them can be given for good luck!

Once you understand the meaning of flowers, you can start experimenting with your bouquets and arrangements to let your loved one know exactly how you feel about them.

A quick history of floriography

Don't worry! There won't be a test. But to get a better idea of where these flower meanings come from it helps to brush up on your history.

The language of flowers is most commonly linked with the Victorian era. It was during the reign of Queen Victoria that flowers were used to communicate feelings that the strict etiquette of the era would not allow to be openly expressed. Some cheeky flirting was going on, basically!

Flowers were sent in the form of small bouquets, known as tussie-mussies or nosegays. They usually featured fragrant herbs and a single, meaningful flower wrapped in a lace doily.

Suitors presented tussie-mussies to someone who took their fancy and watched to see if they were accepted.

So, how did you know if a potential lover accepted your advances? It's not as simple as swiping right on Tinder, we're afraid.

  • If the bouquet was held at heart level – They liked what they saw.
  • If the bouquet was held downwards – Not this time, pal. Sorry.
  • To answer 'yes' to a question – The bouquet was given in the right hand.
  • To answer 'no' to a question – The bouquet was given in the left hand.

Phew! Victorian dating sounds complicated but just shows that flowers have been used to send messages for centuries.

We've rounded up some of the most popular flowers and their meanings to help you choose the perfect bouquet for a loved one or to convey a certain meaning.

Peonies

Peonies are a popular choice for summer weddings and floral arrangements when you just want to let someone know you care. In the language of flowers, peonies are said to represent a happy marriage so are the perfect blooms for a decadent bouquet to walk down the aisle with!

Carnations

A staple in many floral arrangements, carnations also have an important job to play when you want to send that message of love. Each colour of carnation means something a little different, so choose wisely! We've featured their meanings below.

  • Light Red – admiration
  • Dark Red – deep love and affection
  • White – pure love and good luck
  • Pink – a mother's undying love

Alchemilla Mollis (Lady's Mantle)

These are given to show comforting love, at a time when you want to let someone know you are there for them. Alchemilla is a little wild in appearance and looks incredible alongside dark shades of red and deep pinks in a bouquet.

Daffodils (Narcissus)

As one of the first signs of spring it's no surprise that daffodils represent rebirth, new beginnings and good fortune. Plus their vibrant yellow colours make us think of sunny days and bring a smile to our faces amidst the chill of early spring. Make sure you give them as a bunch because a single daffodil represents bad luck.

Yellow tulips

We're seeing a theme with yellow flowers here and with the colour lending itself to the idea of happiness and optimism, it's no surprise. Yellow tulips were once said to mean hopeless love and jealousy but over time have come to mean cheerfulness and sunshine. They're the ideal flower for a spring bouquet!

Pink hyacinth

In the language of flowers, the pink blooms of the hyacinth are said to symbolise playfulness and positive things. The pretty clusters of pink flowers remind us of candy floss and carnivals and look stunning on a kitchen window or amongst a spring bouquet.

The Language of Flowers - Flowers and Their Meanings (2024)

FAQs

What do the 7 flowers mean? ›

The Meaning of Number of Roses
Single RoseYou are the one/Love at the first dight
4 RosesNothing can do us apart
5 RosesAdmire you /I love you very much
6 RosesI wanna be yours
7 RosesI'm infatuated with you
43 more rows

What is the language of flowers flowers? ›

Floriography is the language of flowers. All flowers hold different meanings, often based on the type of flower, the colour of the flower, or both. And floriography is the art of communicating through different flower types.

What is language of flowers meaning? ›

Floriography (language of flowers) is a means of cryptological communication through the use or arrangement of flowers. Meaning has been attributed to flowers for thousands of years, and some form of floriography has been practiced in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.

What does different flowers symbolize? ›

While most of the flowers on this list are associated with a positive message, a few do have a negative connotation. Take yellow roses and marigolds, for example, which can both symbolize jealousy. Even common bouquet additions, tansies, can denote a secret declaration of war!

What does it mean when a girl sends you a 🌹 🌹 🌹? ›

The rose emoji represents love.

Roses are symbols of beauty and romance, and the 🌹 emoji is no different. If you get a 🌹 from a guy or girl you like, chances are they like you too! But this emoji doesn't just show romantic love, it can also be used platonically.

What does 🌹 mean in text? ›

The rose emoji can be used to express romantic and non-romantic love and affection, as the flower is commonly given on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day. The emoji can also convey a sense of beauty or signal alliance with democratic socialism.

What flower symbolizes pain? ›

Marigold

What flower means goodbye? ›

White and yellow chrysanthemums are widely used to say goodbye, particularly in Asia.

What flower means I love you forever? ›

Admired for its sweet scent and trailing vines of pink and orange flowers, the honeysuckle symbolizes devoted and everlasting love.

What flower language is deep love? ›

While pink carnations are a common Mother's Day flower (they symbolize a mother's undying love), red carnations represent admiration, deep love, and affection.

What does a daisy symbolize? ›

The meaning of a daisy flower can be purity, innocence, new beginnings, joy and cheerfulness. In the Victorian Era, daisies symbolised innocence, loyalty and an ability to keep things secret.

What is the forgotten language of flowers? ›

Floriography is the forgotten language or secret language of flowers. Throughout history, including the Victorian Era and many cultures including the Persians have used flowers to send secret messages to others.

What flowers for forgiveness? ›

Daffodil (Narcissus)

Daffodils should be given as a symbol of forgiveness, or in appreciation. Even though they're not seen much in the US until spring, the Narcissus, also known as the Daffodil, Jonquil, or Paperwhite, is the flower of December.

What is the flower of strength? ›

Gladiolus. Remembrance, faithfulness, and sincerity all are represented by the gladiolus. Their tall, strong stems symbolize a strength of character as well.

What flower means happiness? ›

Yellow flowers in general

That's why most yellow flowers symbolise happiness in some way. In addition to sunflowers, there are yellow lilies, yellow tulips, yellow daisies and yellow chrysanthemums—all of which are perfect choices if you want to send happiness to someone in your life.

What does 🖇 mean in relationship? ›

The Couple With Heart emoji 💑 depicts the heads of two, gender-neutral people with a classic heart between them. It is commonly used to represent love, romance, dating, couples, and relationships more generally.

What are three signs that a girl likes you? ›

15 Signs a Girl Likes You
  • She reschedules a date she can't make. ...
  • She makes an effort to continue the conversation. ...
  • She compliments you and tries to make you feel good. ...
  • She's clearly nervous around you. ...
  • Her body language is inviting. ...
  • She remembers things you tell her. ...
  • You catch her staring at you on multiple occasions.
Jan 19, 2023

What does 💖 mean in texting? ›

💖 Sparkling Heart emoji

Twinkle, twinkle, little heart: The sparkling heart emoji variously shows love and affection, often with a happy, playful, or sweet tone.

What does 🥩 mean slang? ›

Emoji Meaning

A cut of uncooked red meat, as a T-bone or rib-eye steak, with the light, white marbling of fat. May be used for sexual slang. Cut of Meat was approved as part of Unicode 10.0 in 2017 and added to Emoji 5.0 in 2017.

What is 5201314? ›

520 is not the only way to communicate in Mandarin, you can also take note of another expression 5201314! 520 means love, whereas 1314 represents 一生一世 yīshēng yīshì (for a lifetime). So, if you say 5201314, you are saying “I love you for a lifetime”.

What does 3 or 4 dots mean in texting? ›

Some thoughts on ellipses are coming… Ellipsis points are periods in groups of usually three, or sometimes four. They signal either that something has been omitted from quoted text, or that a speaker or writer has paused or trailed off in speech or thought.

What flower stands for anxiety? ›

Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. It's also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain.

What is the flower for depression? ›

Growing scented flowering plants, such as Lilacs, Lavender or Jasmine, can help you improve your mood, sleep better, and ease other depression symptoms.

What flower represents mental health? ›

The Flannel Flower, an Australian native, has been chosen as the national symbol to promote mental health awareness in Australia. The Australian bush has an inherent beauty and strength. It is also known for its extremes of weather and landscape.

What flower means hopeless love? ›

Tulip (yellow) - Hopeless love.

What flower symbolizes breakup? ›

From then on, the yellow rose became the symbol of adultery, betrayal, or break-up.

What flowers mean memories? ›

Forget-me-nots: Remembrance.

What flower means unconditional love? ›

The classic red rose is often the best choice for expressing unconditional love.

What flower symbolizes true love? ›

The red rose is known as the flower of love. The red rose symbolizes deep emotions and desires. Red roses are traditionally given to symbolize love, but aren't the only ones to earn this title. Other types of love flowers include peonies, sunflowers, or tulips, which symbolize happiness, prosperity and romance.

What flower symbolizes soulmates? ›

Alstroemeria. Also called Peruvian lily, Alstroemeria symbolizes the strong bond between two people that transcends romantic love.

What flower symbolizes eternal love? ›

Heliotrope. Just when you thought the rose was the most meaningful flower, the heliotrope steals the show; it means eternal love.

What flower symbolizes strength and love? ›

The blue Iris is known to symbolise strength and hope, the colour blue has always been of power and royalty and Blue Iris is a popular flower that symbolizes strength and surely gives off the aura of royalty. At the same time, other blooms like purple represent wisdom, yellow stands for passion, and white for purity.

What sunflowers symbolize? ›

Sunflowers symbolise loyalty, adoration thanks to the myth of Clytie and Apollo. And, because of their association with the sun, sunflowers are well-known for being a happy flower and the perfect bloom for a summer flower delivery to brighten someone's mood!

What does lavender symbolize? ›

Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. Purple is the color of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and luxury, too. The color is also associated with the crown chakra, which is the energy center associated with higher purpose and spiritual connectivity.

What does a lily symbolize? ›

Each different variety of lily holds a different meaning. But the most common meaning is purity and fertility. The sweet and innocent beauty of the lily flower has given it the association of fresh life and rebirth. Although the meaning can differ depending on its colour.

How do you apologize in flower language? ›

You can consider a sorry note tucked into your flower bunch, making for a suitable apology.
  1. The lists of flowers that convey your sorry message are:
  2. Blue Hyacinths: It is said that Blue hyacinths are the representative of peace. ...
  3. Roses: ...
  4. White orchids: ...
  5. White tulips: ...
  6. Lily-of-the-valley: ...
  7. Star of Bethlehem: ...
  8. Ivy Flowers.

What is the flower of kindness? ›

Bluebells. In Victorian times, bluebells stood for kindness. Now they're known for representing care and warmth, as well as humility.

What is the best apology flower? ›

Lily of the valley is the best apology flower if you don't know how to apologize to someone you hurt. This delicate white flower represents rebirth, which can be the result of a broken relationship if your apology is received well.

What color are grieving flowers? ›

White - White is the traditional color of funeral flowers, as well as sympathy flowers. The color white evokes feelings of peace, innocence, and honor. White flowers are suitable for any funeral occasion. Red - Red flowers indicate beauty, as well as strength.

What is the flower of courage? ›

With its bright blue, star shaped flowers that uplift their heads, blooming in our climate from late winter through to late autumn, borage brightens any garden and gardener. Borage was used to promote bravery on the jousting field and continues to be used to bestow courage.

What is the flower of peace? ›

The Spathiphyllum, or more commonly known as the Peace Lily, is a beautiful plant to help convey your wishes for tranquility and sweet serenity.

What flower means strong bond? ›

Also called Peruvian lily, alstroemeria symbolizes the strong bond between two people that transcends romantic love. Send this elegant flower to a special friend to celebrate the strength and devotion of your friendship.

What is the luckiest flower? ›

12 Good Luck Flowers and Plants
  • Snake Plant. ...
  • Money Plant. ...
  • Hydrangea. ...
  • Peonies. ...
  • Chrysanthemums. ...
  • Marigolds. ...
  • Orchid. ...
  • Azaleas. Pretty pink Azaleas are bright and cheery and when placed next to your front door, they will attract good luck and positivity into your home.
Dec 14, 2020

What flower means peace and strength? ›

Lavender:

Number one on the list is the mesmerising lavender which is the ultimate peace flower. It has different hues of shades like blue, white, pink and purple. These flowers tend to bring peace and accord. The pretty flowers also symbolise serenity and strength along with ease.

What does 🌷 mean from a girl? ›

The Tulip emoji 🌷was approved as part of Unicode 6.0 in 2010 and added to Emoji 1.0 in 2015. Used in social media wherever beauty, romance, flowers, and gardening themes are prevalent, the Tulip emoji 🌷 also appears in texting on occasion to represent female genitalia due its soft, pink petals.

Why are flowers colorful 7? ›

Flowers are brightly coloured in order to attract insects for pollination.

What is the 7 hour flower? ›

Hibiscus trionum
Flower-of-an-hour
Family:Malvaceae
Genus:Hibiscus
Species:H. trionum
Binomial name
11 more rows

What does 💐 mean in text? ›

A 💮 emoji signifies love.

Some people use this flower emoji to say, “I love you.” Whether it's a romantic partner, friend, or parent, the 💮 can be used to express care. Think of sending this emoji on special occasions or holidays like Mother's Day and Father's Day.

What does 💦 mean in text from a girl? ›

A 💦 (sweat drop) emoji can mean someone's “thirsty," or attracted to you. “Ugh! That selfie is too much. 😍 My thirst is so real. 💦”

What does 🌚 mean in text from a girl? ›

Something sexual is going on. In sexting, a 🌚 is often used to show mystery. This shifty-eyed emoji asks if starting a sexy text conversation is okay. It can also be used to show sexual interest.

What does 😇 mean in text from a girl? ›

The 😇 (angel) emoji may mean someone is flirting with you.

If someone is hitting on you on Snapchat or texting you flirty messages, they may add this emoji to show how sweet and angelic they find you. Alternatively, they may use the emoji to playfully deny their message's more suggestive meaning. "You're so pretty.

What is the most colorful flower in the world? ›

Dahlia. The dahlia is one of the lushest and most vibrant flowers you'll find, available in a rainbow of colors ranging from pink and red to orange or white.

Which part of the flower has eggs? ›

Development of sperm and egg cells in plants

Within the flower, sperm cells are produced by pollen at the tips of stamens, while egg cells develop in ovules, tiny structures embedded in the ovary at the base of the pistil.

Why does white flower bloom at night? ›

Fragrance and colours aid in attracting insects. In the dark, due to limited vision, white colour will stand out and the strong fragrance also helps to attract the pollinators. This is why night blooming flowers have relatively more fragrance and is generally white in colour.

What plants only flower every 100 years? ›

Agave Americana Blooms Once Every Hundred Years

It's also known as a century plant because it only blooms once every 100 years (roughly) and then dies. But, because Raleigh gets more rain than the plant's usual home in the high elevations of Northern Mexico, the Century Plant is blooming after only thirty years.

What flower is the devil's flower? ›

The Giant Devil's Flower Mantis, scientifically known as the Idolomantis Diabolica, is one of the most beautiful insects.

What does OFC mean from a girl? ›

In texting and internet slang, OFC means “of course.” Sometimes, the F stands for a particularly offensive epithet: of f* * *ing course. In writing, OFC stands for “original female character.” When encountering this initialism in the wild, one of these two definitions is likely the one you are looking for.

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