Flower Symbolism – Meanings of Top Flowers A-Z
Many people have a favorite flower, but do they know what that flower symbolizes? Most flowers that are commonly given as gifts in bouquets or used in floral arrangements have some type of meaning or another. There are certainly situations or occasions where only certain types of flowers are appropriate – such as red roses on St. Valentines Day. There are also less-known albeit just as significant meanings for flowers that you may not even have known existed. Next time you have the opportunity to send or give flowers, consider choosing blossoms that will communicate a message merely because of their breed.
Below is a guide to the meanings and symbolism assigned to common flowers that you may or may not be familiar with. If you have never heard of a flower on this list but have an appropriate occasion for its meaning, simply ask your local florist if they have it in stock or can order it. This is a fun and exciting way to learn about different flowers and stray from the everyday bouquet.
Acacia Friendship, Hidden love, Purity in love Alstroemeria Wealth, Success, Fortune Amaryllis Dignity Ambrosia I love you too Arbutus I only love you Aster Afterthought Astilbe I will wait patiently Azalea Love, Romance, First love Bells of Ireland Good luck Begonia Be careful Bluebell Humility Cactus Endurance Caladium Joy and Delight Calla Magnificent Beauty Camelia (in general) Perfection Camelia (Pink) Longing for you Camelia (Red) You’re a flame in my heart Camelia (White) You’re adorable Carnation (in general) Fascination, Female love Carnation (Solid Color) Yes Carnation (Pink) I’ll never forget you Carnation (Purple) Fickle Carnation (Red) My heart aches for you, I admire you Carnation (Striped) Sorry I can’t be with you, No, Refusal Carnation (White) Purity, Sweet and lovely, Chaste love Carnation (Yellow) Rejection, You have disappointed me Chrysanthemum (in general) Cheerfulness, You’re a great friend, Rest Chrysanthemum (Red) I Love You Chrysanthemum (White) Truth Chrysanthemum (Yellow) Snubbed love Cosmos Modest Crocus Youthful Gladness, Cheerfulness Daffodil You’re my only one, Unrequited love Dahlia Volatility Daisy Innocence, Loyal love, Purity Dogwood Love Overcoming Adversity Fern Fascination, Sincerity, Confidence, Shelter Fern (Maiden Hair) Secret Love Flax Domestic Love Forget-Me-Not True love, Memories Forsythia Innocence, Anticipation Freesia Innocence Gardenia Secret love Geranium Stupidity, Folly, Silliness Gladiolus Strength of character, Really sincere Gloxinia Love at first sight Hydrangea Thank-you for understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness Iris Emblem of France, Wisdom and Valor, My compliments, Your friendship means so much to me Ivy Fidelity, Wedded Love, Friendship, Affection Ivy (Sprig of white tendrils) Affection Jonquil (daffodil) Sympathy, Love me, Affection Returned, Desire Larkspur Levity Lavender Devotion Lilac Humility Lily of the Valley Sweetness, Humility, Return to happiness Magnolia Love of nature, Nobility Marigold Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy Monkshood Chivalry, Beware, A deadly foe is near Myrtle Home, Love, Hebrew emblem of marriage Narcissus Egotism, Formality, Stay as sweet as you are Nasturtium Patriotism, Conquest, Victory in battle Orange Blossom Purity, Innocence, Eternal love, Marriage, Fuitfulness Oleander Caution Orchid Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful lady, Chinese symbol for many children Pansy Thoughts Peony Bashfulness Petunia Resentment, Anger Phlox Our Souls Are One Queen Anne’s Lace Haven Rose (Bridal) Happy Love Rose (Dark Crimson) Mourning Rose (Red) Love, Respect, I love you Rose (White) Innocence, Secrecy, Purity Rose (Pink) Grace, Perfect Happiness Rose (Lavender) Enchantment Rose (Peach) Desire Rose (Snapdragon) Deception, Gracious Lady Spider Flower Elope with Me Tulip Perfect lover, Fame Water lily Purity of heart Weeping Willow Mourning Yarrow Healing Zinnia Remembering Absent Friends
The next time an occasion or situation calls for flower, review the list above and consider whether a specific type of flower will be meaningful in conveying a message.
