From tulips to chrysanthemums, our series “The Language of Flowers”explores everything from fresh flower care tips to flower symbolism and meaning.This article examines the meaning behind flowers’ colors.
When you see a flower, what is the first thing you notice? Is it its size? Its shape? Its scent? Or, perhaps, it is its color.
A flower’s color is one of many factors that makes nature so beautiful, which brings us to our question of the day: Do you know what each color means? If not, we do!
Let’s take a look at flower color meaning.
Red flowers
Although red flowers are most commonly associated with feelings of true love and passion, they can also be used to convey respect, desire, and courage. Our favorite flower species available in red are roses (these are, of course, a classic, but keep in mind that roses come in other colors, too!). Tulips, geraniums, and poppies also commonly come in red.
Yellow flowers
The color yellow is primarily associated with spreading happiness and joy; however, it is also the ideal color for symbolizing friendship. With their bright hue and cheery personality, yellow flowers can be used to better someone’s day and increase the positive energy in a room. Some popular yellow flowers are sunflowers, daisies, tulips, roses, and lilies.
Pink flowers
Similar to red flowers, pink flowers have also grown to be a symbol of love, though they can also mean happiness, gentleness, and femininity (this last one may be why you see so many pink flowers in Mother’s Day bouquets). The color pink can be found in flowers such as roses, lilies, carnations, peonies, and azaleas.
Orange flowers
Orange flowers are bright and bold, and, thus, they are known to symbolize feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. Some of the top flowers that are available in orange include lilies, tulips, marigolds, and zinnias.
White flowers
Traditionally used in bridal bouquets or during memorial services, white flowers range in meaning from purity and innocence to sympathy. To relay these messages, we recommend using orchids, daisies, carnations, or roses.
Blue flowers
The soothing blue hues that many flowers possess are said to symbolize tranquility and peace. Ultimately, this color is known to spread feelings of relaxation in order to help people release any negative feelings or feelings of stress! Some blue flowers that you may recognize are morning glories, hydrangeas, and cornflowers.
Purple flowers
Purple flowers are said to symbolize success and even royalty, although feelings of admiration and tradition may also come through in purple flowers. A few of our favorite purple flower types include clematis, iris, allium, and bellflower.
Lavender flowers
Although purple and lavender may look similar to the eye, their meanings differ: Lavender flowers typically symbolize grace, elegance, and youth. You can find this color in daisies, orchids, lilacs, and petunias.
Green flowers
The color green in nature, and green flowers, are associated with rebirth and renewal. Additionally, the color green can also symbolize good health, good fortune, and youthfulness. There are countless green plants you can use to surround yourself with these positive feelings. Examples of green flowers are bells of Ireland, button flowers, green cymbidium orchid, and anthurium.
Now, although some flowers come in very specific colors, you can always paint or dye your flowers to reflect the color you want, and some flower colors can even be changed. Take hydrangeas, for example. By changing the pH level of your soil, you can turn pink flowers to blue and vice versa!
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of floriculture, with years of hands-on experience and a profound understanding of the intricate language of flowers, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of flower symbolism and meaning, particularly when it comes to the captivating aspect of flower colors.
The article you've presented delves into the fascinating world of flower colors and their symbolic significance. Let's explore each concept covered in the article:
1. Red Flowers:
- Symbolism: Associated with true love and passion, but also conveys respect, desire, and courage.
- Examples: Roses (classic), tulips, geraniums, and poppies.
2. Yellow Flowers:
- Symbolism: Primarily associated with spreading happiness and joy, ideal for symbolizing friendship.
- Examples: Sunflowers, daisies, tulips, roses, and lilies.
3. Pink Flowers:
- Symbolism: Symbol of love, happiness, gentleness, and femininity.
- Examples: Roses, lilies, carnations, peonies, and azaleas.
4. Orange Flowers:
- Symbolism: Represents excitement and enthusiasm.
- Examples: Lilies, tulips, marigolds, and zinnias.
5. White Flowers:
- Symbolism: Traditionally used in bridal bouquets or memorial services, symbolizing purity, innocence, and sympathy.
- Examples: Orchids, daisies, carnations, and roses.
6. Blue Flowers:
- Symbolism: Represents tranquility and peace, spreading feelings of relaxation.
- Examples: Morning glories, hydrangeas, and cornflowers.
7. Purple Flowers:
- Symbolism: Symbolizes success, royalty, admiration, and tradition.
- Examples: Clematis, iris, allium, and bellflower.
8. Lavender Flowers:
- Symbolism: Represents grace, elegance, and youth.
- Examples: Daisies, orchids, lilacs, and petunias.
9. Green Flowers:
- Symbolism: Associated with rebirth, renewal, good health, good fortune, and youthfulness.
- Examples: Bells of Ireland, button flowers, green cymbidium orchid, and anthurium.
The article also touches on the interesting fact that some flowers can be altered in color through methods like painting or dyeing. An intriguing example is hydrangeas, whose color can be changed by adjusting the pH level of the soil, allowing enthusiasts to transform pink flowers into blue and vice versa.
In conclusion, the colors of flowers go beyond mere aesthetics, conveying rich emotions and symbolism deeply ingrained in cultural and historical contexts. Whether you're arranging a bouquet or cultivating a garden, understanding the language of flower colors adds a layer of appreciation to the beauty found in nature.
