Flower Meanings
The symbolism of common flowers
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Alstroemeria – Commonly known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas. These popular flowers have several meanings including friendship, wealth and prosperity. |
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Amaryllis – Other common names for an Amaryllis include naked ladies and belladonna lilies. They are commonly given during the holidays as a potted plant but can also be used as a stunning cut flower in arrangements. This flower is symbolic of splendid beauty and pride. |
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Anthurium – Anthuriums have an open, heart-shaped flower, it is no wonder they symbolize hospitality. They make for a wonderful thank you gift and are very long-lasting. |
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Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila) – Innocence and pure of heart. Traditionally used to be included in arrangements and given to new mothers. |
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Bells of Ireland – Meaning good luck. Bells are a perfect flower to send to someone starting a new job, or moving to a new home.
These tall flowers are also a member of the mint family and actually have a unique subtle smell of their own. |
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Birds of Paradise – Symbolizes joyfulness and magnificent. This stunning flower gets its name from the bright orange and blue petals which are fused together in a single bud. As the flower blooms, each petal makes a remarkable appearance resulting in a shape that mirrors a tropical bird in flight. |
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Calla Lily – The Calla Lily was named after the Greek word for beauty. The most common meanings include beauty, magnificence and purity. An elegant flower that makes an excellent choice for a wedding bouquet. |
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Carnation – Thought to be one of the oldest cultivated flowers. With the many varieties of colours available this popular traditional flower has now come to be quite a trendy choice. While all carnations symbolize love and affection, the colour of the flower also carries meaning when given.
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Chrysanthemums – The Chrysanthemum is the official flower for the month of November. They are a great choice for a long-lasting flower.
They generally symbolize fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. Although they hold various meanings across different time periods and cultures. |
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Daffodil – Symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings, the daffodil is virtually synonymous with spring. It became associated with new beginnings as it is one of the first perennials to bloom after winter frost. |
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Dahlias – Dignity, elegance, good taste and instability. Dahlias are a summer flower belonging to the Asteraceae family which are related to Sunflowers, Chrysanthemums and Zinnia’s! The vase life can be poor to fairly good but are a great showy summer bloom that is available in many colours and varieties. |
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Delphinium – Delphinium symbolize an open heart, ardent attachment and convey a feeling of lightness and levity . Delphinium is also known as July’s Birth flower.
They are a summer flower that tend to be short lived and are commonly mixed up with its cousin Larkspur. |
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Freesia – Innocence, trust and friendship. Also said to be given on the 7th wedding anniversary. Freesias are known for their strong citrusy-sweet fragrance, which is stronger in pink and red varieties. |
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Gerbera Daisy – Gerbera daisies can mean innocence, purity, and cheerfulness. They are also one of the birth flowers of April along with the sweet pea.
Did you know? Potted Gerbera make wonderful natural air filters! They absorb airborne toxins through their leaves and neutralize them in their roots. |
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Gladiolus – Symbolize strength of character, faithfulness and honor. The Gladiolus are a Summer flower and come in a variety of colours including pink, red, purple, orange, green and yellow. Gladiolus are the August Birth Flower. |
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Hyacinth – This fragrant spring flower has varied meanings depending on the colour.
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Hydrangea – Have several meanings both positive and negative – Some say it symbolizes heartfelt emotions and appreciation while other meanings include rigidity and heartlessness. The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words hydor, meaning water, and angos, meaning jar or vessel, which is fitting because these plants require a lot of water! |
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Lilies – Lilies are to be known as the 30th wedding anniversary flower. Some varieties can be very fragrant while others like most Asiatic Lilies have no smell at all.
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Lisianthus – Outgoing nature, appreciation. They make an ideal gift for a thank you or a romantic gesture. They have wide ruffled, delicate petals and range in colours from white to pink, lavender to purple and bicolours. |
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Orchids – Represent love, luxury, beauty, fertility and strength. There are many varieties of orchids in the world, with over 20,000 species. One of the most popular being the moth orchid (Phalaenopsis). |
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Peonies – Common Peony meanings include romance, good fortune compassion and even bashfulness. Peonies also represent a good marriage and good health. They have lush full rounded blooms and a short season typically starting late Spring to early Summer. Peonies don’t have the longest vase life but sure are a stunning floral anywhere from wedding bouquets to simple arrangements. |
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Ranunculus – Symbolizes radiant charm and attractiveness. With their ruffled petals, sweet and whimsical look, Ranunculus are a perfect addition to wedding bouquets and even corsages. |
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Rose – Cherish a symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love. The Rose is also the June birth flower. Roses cary many meanings that vary on colour.
Red Rose- I love you, romantic love Orange Rose- Fascination, desire, enthusiasm Pale Pink Rose- Modesty, admiration Pink Rose- Thankfulness White Rose- Innocence and purity, secrecy and silence. I am worthy of you. You are heavenly. Yellow Rose- Cheerful, friendship or jealousy Blue Rose – Unattainable or the impossible |
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Snapdragons – Graciousness, strength and in some occasions deception. The Snapdragon gets its common name from when the flower is gently squeezed it is said to look like a dragon. |
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Stock – Lasting beauty, bond of affection and promptness. Stock has a sweet scent and is part of the mustard family which also includes turnips and radishes. They are typically found in shades of pink, purple, yellow and white. |
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Sunflowers – Symbolizes pure thoughts, happiness, dedication of love and pride. The sunflower gets its name by their tendencies to face the sun. Whether you want to brighten someone’s day or share the joy of the sunflower’s vibrant fun nature it is a great choice. |
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Tulips – Similar to roses the colour of tulips signify various meanings. Tulips generally mean a declaration of love and perfect love. There are over 3000 varieties of Tulips and are in the same family as lilies and onions. They are also known to be given for an 11th wedding anniversary. |
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Zinnia – Several meanings including thoughts of friends, endurance, daily remembrance, goodness and lasting affection. Zinnias come in an array of colours and are generally available in the Summer to early fall. |