LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of

communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded
messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This
language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a
following today.

The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply
passionate, romantic love pink roses a lesser affection; white roses suggest virtue and chastity
and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. Also commonly known meanings are
sunflowers, which can indicate either haughtiness or respect – they were the favorite flower of St.
Julie Billiart for this reason. Gerbera (Daisy) means innocence or purity. The iris, being named for
the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy
signifies thought, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy fidelity.

HISTORY
Though most popular in the Victorian period, the symbolic use of flowers dates back to
antiquity. In Medieval and Renaissance culture flowers were often given moral meanings. This is
most apparent in art in which saints are often depicted with flowers, symbolic of their virtues.
Liana DeGirolami Cheney notes that "some of the Christian symbols for Virginity or Chastity are
the white rose, the myrtle, a vessel or vase, the lily, and the unicorn".

The Turkish "Salem", or language of objects, developed to communicate any message

without the need to write.
There is also an independent Japanese flower language, called Hanakotoba.

SYMBOLIC MEANING OF SOME COMMON FLOWERS

Flower Meaning
Acacia Secret, chaste love
Acanthus Art
Agrimony Thankfulness
Aloe Grief
Almond Hope, watchfulness and promise
Amaranth (Globe) Immortal love
Anemone Forsaken, Sickness
Apple-blossom Preference
Arbor vitae Everlasting friendship
Balm Social intercourse or sympathy
Balsamine Impatience
Bay wreath Glory
Bee orchid Industry
Bells of Ireland Luck
Bird's foot trefoil Revenge
Box Constancy
Broom Humility
Bulrush Docility
Buttercup Riches
Cabbage Profit
Camellia japonica Unpretending excellence
Campanula Gratitude
Canterbury Bells Gratitude
Carnation pink A woman's love
 white Disdain
Purple Capriciousness; whimsical; changeable
Red My heart aches for you
Yellow You have disappointed me; Rejection; disdain
striped Refusal
Celandine Joys to come
A good education
Cherry blossom
Transience of life (in Japan)
Chestnut Do me justice
China aster Love of variety
red I love
Chrysanthemum
yellow Sighted love
Coreopsis Always cheerful
Cowslip Winning grace
red Industry
Clover
white I promise
Coriander Lust
Daffodil Uncertainty, chivalry, respect, or unrequited love
Dahlia Elegance and dignity
Dandelion Coquetry
Eglantine Rose I wound to heal
Elderflower Compassion
Fennel Strength
Forget-me-not True love
Geranium Gentility
Gorse Love in all seasons
Grass Submission
Heliotrope Devotion
Hollyhock Ambition
Honeysuckle Devoted affection, bonds of love
Houseleek Domestic economy
Ivy Dependence
Jonquil Return my affection
Laurestine A token
Lavender Mistrust
Lemon-blossom Discretion
Lettuce Cold-hearted
Lichen Solitude
purple first emotion of love
Lilac
white youthful innocence
white Purity
Lily
scarlet High-souled aspirations
Lime Blossom Fornication
Lobelia Malevolence
Lotus Eloquence
Love lies bleeding Hopelessness
Magnolia Love of nature
Mallow Consumed by love
Marigold Pain and grief
Mayflower Welcome
Mignonette Worth
Mint Suspicion
Morning glory Love In Vain
Mullein Good-nature
Nasturtium Patriotism
Oak leaf Strength
Oats Music
Olive Peace
Oxeye daisy Patience
Pear blossom Lasting friendship
Poppy white Dreams
red True love
blue Mystery or attaining the impossible
white Silence or innocence, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility
black Death, hatred, farewell, rejuvenation or rebirth
yellow Friendship, or dying love (or platonic love) or jealousy, infidelity
pink Grace
Rose dark pink Gratitude
light pink Desire, passion, joy of life, youth, energy
burgundy Beauty
coral or orange Desire, passion
lavender (violet) Love at first sight
red and white together Unity
red and yellow together Joy, happiness, and excitement
Thornless Love at first sight
Rosemary Remembrance
Rue Regret
Sensitive Plant Sensitivity
Snowdrop Consolation or hope
Star of Bethlehem Reconciliation
Straw United
Sunflower Pure and lofty thoughts
Sweetbrier Simplicity
Thorn-apple Disguise
Thistle Nobility
Thyme Thriftiness
Tulip-tree Fame
red Declaration of love
Tulip
yellow Hopeless love
blue Faithfulness
Violet
white Modesty
Willow (creeping) Love forsaken
Winged seeds (any kind) Messengers
Witch-hazel A spell
Wheat Wealth and prosperity
red
There’s nothing secret about the red rose’s symbolism of love.
Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic
bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the
red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love.
Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known
universally as the lover’s rose.

white
Representing, humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often
referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In
Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a
token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends
a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."

yellow
While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it
represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled
blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.
View bouquets containing yellow roses

pink
Symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink
rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep
pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote
grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.
View bouquets containing pink roses

orange
With their warm, vibrant tones, orange roses symbolize enthusiasm
and desire. If you’re looking for a way to express admiration and
attraction - with an underlying message of passion and excitement -
then send a bouquet filled with these fiery blooms.
View bouquets containing orange roses

lilac & purple

Thought to be almost mystical in nature, with symbolism tied to
enchantment, desire and even proceeding cautiously, it’s not surprising
that lilac and purple roses send a message of love at first sight, A great
Valentine flower.
View bouquets containing lilac and purple roses
 color combination
In some instances - usually when mixing red with another color rose -
you can send additional messages with your choice of bouquet. For
example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys gaiety and
happiness, while a mix of red and white roses symbolizes unity.
View bouquets containing multi-colored roses

still more rose symbolism

As if color weren’t enough to express your innermost thoughts, there are still more
ways that roses can convey your message. For example, while fresh flowers in a
bouquet - like roses in full bloom-express deep gratitude, a single rose says “I still
love you.” A bouquet of rosebuds - representing innocent love - says “you are
forever young and beautiful.” And a thornless rose says “love at first sight,” while
the tea rose says “I’ll remember you always.”