Flowers & Flower Meaning

Flower Dictionary: The Meaning Behind The Flower

Some people say that flowers can say it all, and the truth is that they really can, but in order to make your floral bouquet speak you first need to know what the meanings of the flowers you are thinking of including are. There are many ways to express different degrees of love, understanding, congratulations, and many more emotions in just a simple floral bouquet and while you may not realize it, there is more to figuring out these emotions than simply picking the right color rose! If you want the perfect flower for your occasion, you might consider researching the meanings of the flowers you enjoy below to get a firm grasp on what belongs in your next floral gift bouquet, basket, or arrangement.

	Acacia The acacia flower means a love that is true, chaste, and pure that sometimes may be concealed which is why it can make the perfect accent for a Valentine’s gift if you want to become more than just friends with the person you love. Alternatively, the acacia flower also symbolizes beauty in retirement and thus can be a wonderful accent in a present to a retiring friend as well. More about Acacia...
	Alstroemeria Commonly also referred to as the Peruvian lily, the alstroemeria is unique due to the fact that colored flower grows backwards from the stem up so that the bottom of the leaf is actually the side you see in full bloom. These twists can symbolize the hard times that can make every relationship special, which is why the flower is known as a sign of friendship and devotion perfect for get well gift to say you will make it through this struggle as well. More about Alstroemeria...
	Ambrosia If you want to show someone how much you care for them on Valentine’s Day or any other time of the year you may want to choose the lovely colorful ambrosia flower. Since the flower means reciprocated love it can also be the perfect way to say thank you. More about Ambrosia...
	Amaryllis With deep colors of red, white, and pink slowly emerging from the center of the amaryllis flower it should not be hard to figure out why the flower symbolizes pastoral poetry. However, If poetry is not your thing, you might want to include the flower in a graduation or baby shower gift since it’s more common meaning is pride. More about Amaryllis...
	Anemone With its lovely deep red, blue or white coloring, it would be hard to pass by this flower, but if you are moving or saying goodbye to someone the anemone flower which literally means forsaken can be a wonderful gift to leave behind. More about Anemone...
	Arbutus The tiny white arbutus flower can make a lovely additive to a Valentine’s Day bouquet, anniversary present, and especially a wedding bouquet since the flower says the words “Thee I love” without even having to open your mouth. More about Arbutus...
	Aster If you are giving a gift to someone you love, rather it be a friend or your true love, you will not want to forget the delicate aster accents as the flower itself symbolizes love. Also, since the aster can also signify daintiness and is the birth flower for September, it can add a unique decorative touch to a baby flower bouquet or basket. More about Aster...
	Azalea While many people think of the azalea as an annual blossoming plant, it can also have many more meanings if given in a get well basket such as take care of yourself for me and temperance or as a plant for an incoming child since it can also mean fragile passion and is the Chinese symbol of womanhood. More about Azalea...
	Bachelor Button The blue bachelor button is commonly seen as a symbol of male solidarity since it stands alone, but for those of you who are considering the pretty flower for a boys new baby gift floral basket it’s actually meaning is single blessedness. More about Bachelor Button...
	Begonia While you may enjoy the pretty beauty of red, yellow, and pink begonias, you may not be so quite to send floral arrangements of this particular flower to your friends since it actually conveys the warning of beware. More about Begonia...
	Bells of Ireland If you are sending out a bouquet of flowers to a recent college or high school graduate, the bells of Ireland make for a wonderful accent as the thick green foliage also will wish the graduates good luck in their future ventures for you. More about Bells of Ireland...
	Bird of Paradise This unique plant will add a special touch to any floral arrangement, although it’s statement is best understood in a planted pot alone on its own as the yellow and orange leaves sprout from the blue stems making it appear to really be a tropical bird that has landed in the pot. More about Bird of Paradise...
	Bittersweet Sometimes the truth can be a little hard to swallow, at other times it is a bit easier since it’s what a person wants to hear. Whatever the occasion, you can send your emotion with true sincerity rather it be love, passion, or friendship with the bittersweet flower since it is correlated with truth. More about Bittersweet...
	Bluebell While you may best know of the bluebell flower from the grade school jump rope chant, the blue bell is actually means humility. Therefore, if you are sending a floral arrangement to say I am sorry the bluebell is the perfect accent flower to add. More about Bluebell...
	Cactus Most people know the cactus as a hardy plant that needs little water to survive, and is very tough to actually kill because it is a very hardy plant. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the cactus actually stands for endurance making it the perfect gift to inspire a friend as a get well present. More about Cactus...
	Calla Lily The small white bloom that resembles a light bulb is the highlight of the calla lily which literally represents magnificence and beauty. Many people find that they are lovely to use in wedding bouquets and other wedding floral arrangements. More about Calla Lily...
	Calendula Calendula is the birth flower for October. It is a flower with many healing properties and also many meanings. The most common of these is one of grace, ambition and respect. More about Calendula...
	Camellia The bright full blooms of the camellia flower in general convey gratitude and love which is why you will commonly find them in Thank You floral bouquets and Valentine Day and/or anniversary flower arrangements. However, the specific color can convey an even more specific meaning if you choose the pink to represent your longing, red to tell someone ‘you are a flame in my heart’, or simply white to say ‘you’re adorable.’ More about Camellia....
	Carnation There is a reason why a carnation is often found in many bouquets for woman, because they symbolize fascination and deep friendship among woman. More about Carnation...
	Cattail A cattail that is found in the wild is often perceived as a piece of elegant nature, and will also help instill a feeling of peace which is why they are frequently the subject of photographers. As well as peace, cattails also can mean prosperity making them wonderful for congratulation bouquets. More about Cattail...
	Chrysanthemum The chrysanthemum in general is supposed to convey to your chosen one that they are a wonderful friend as well as the emotions of Cheerfulness and Rest. Therefore, it no wonder that they are often included in ‘just because’ bouquets and in new baby floral baskets. More about Chrysanthemum...
	Crocus The crocus is a common symbol of an impending spring, since they usually begin to bloom as the last winter frost passes. Thus, it should come as no surprise to you that the crocus actually is suppose to radiate cheerfulness which is why it often is included in new baby bouquets and wedding bouquets. More about Crocus...
	Cyclamen The pink, purple, and red light shades of the cyclamen flower will generally light up a bouquet, even if their meaning is a feeling of resignation or sorrow. More about Cyclamen...
	Daffodil The daffodil has many meanings that can range from regard and unrequited love to more bright sentiments such as ‘you’re the only one’ and ‘the sun is always shining when I am with you.” Most people use the simple daffodil to express the last few shiny sentiments as they are often included in spring bouquets and romance bouquets. More about Daffodil...
	Daisy A bright yellow daisy is often thought of as a simple pleasure to look at, so it is not surprising that its actually meaning makes it quite virtuous, as it stands for innocence, loyal love, ‘I'll Never Tell’, and purity. More about Daisy...
	Dandelion While many people think that the dandelion is no more than a weed, these hardy flowers actually are built to be hardy because they represent faithfulness and happiness. More about Dandelion...
	Evening Primrose A primrose is the quintessential “I can’t live without you” flower. Habitually found in the Alps, the Himalaya’s and in the rolling hills in England, this mountain climbing flower is delicate and has a long lasting beauty that is very symbolic. More about Evening Primrose...
	Fern Green ferns are always a favorite for office desks around the world, and perhaps that is because they represent magic and fascination which may be missing in an office job. They can also mean confidence and shelter which is why people may also associate them as house plants and are a great idea for home warming celebrations. More about Fern...
	Fir A fir plant typically represents time. You will traditionally find that many people enjoy the tapered look of the sliced leaves and place them insides their home as decoration, so you will always find that a fir plant is a timeless gift. More about Fir...
	Flax The flax plant is a great accent for any flower bouquet as its thin green stems are wonderful for adding color to a bouquet. Typically the flax plant is seen as a symbol of domesticity, making it a lovely gift as a houseplant or accent in an anniversary bouquet. More about Flax...
	Forget-Me-Not Choosing forget me not flowers to send to a loved one will mean you definitely have a place for them in your hard since they symbolize true love and are a wonderful reminder of memories that you and the recipient may share. More about Forget Me Not...
	Forsythia The rusty yellow colored forsythia symbolize a feeling of anticipation, which is why they make perfect flowers for a bouquet to a love you just met, as you never know what the future will hold in your young romance! More about Forsythia...
	Gardenia Some people will mistake the white gardenia for a white rose, since they are delicate and have a very similar bloom, however if you are sending out gardenias you actually are saying ‘you're lovely’ or professing secret love to the recipient. More about Gardenia...
	Geranium Saying your sorry can be hard, which is why you might want to turn to a geranium bouquet to do it for you since the geranium if the symbol for acknowledged stupidity and folly. More about Geranium...
	Gladioli Gladiolas come in a variety of luscious colors that are all each very delicate despite the fact that they were known as the flower of the gladiators. Depending on what you are using them for, they can mean both ‘give me a break’ and ‘I’m really sincere. More about Gladioli...
	Gloxinia One look into the deep bloom of the gloxinia may leave you feeling like you fell in love with the flower at first site, which may partially be the reason why this intoxicating bloom is also the symbol of love at first sight. The gloxinia can make a wonderful addition to any Valentine’s Day bouquet or any other romance floral arrangement. More about Gloxinia...
	Heather The heather flower comes in a variety of colors creating perfect floral arrangement accents because of the multitudes of blooms that appear to be bells. If you purchase the lavender variety they can symbolize both admiration and solitude. More about Heather...
	Heleconia The heliconia flower is a tropical flower that immediately beckons adoration which is convenient, since that is actually the meaning of the heliconia. The most eye catching element of the helliconia are the leaves of the bloom as each leaf looks much like a parrot’s beak, earning the helliconia the affectionate nickname. This bright flower also can mean pride and sunshine, which it definitely brings to a room in a floral arrangement. More about Heleconia...
	Holly While most people think of holly and immediately think of Christmas, holly flowers are actually meant to mean defense and domestic happiness making them wonderful in a Christmas basket as a family gift. More about Holly...
	Hyacinth Hyacinths tend to produce a very large bloom filled with many different flowers and come in many different colors. Due to the fact that the hyacinth was dedicated to Apollo, it should come as no surprise to Olympic fans that the flower if the symbol for games and sports along with a representation of rashness. More about Hyacinth...
	Hydrangea The hydrangea flower may literally represent frigidity and heartlessness, but the complexity of its very full colorful bloom more often is used to represent its secondary meaning to say thank you for understanding. This can make both a wonderful I’m sorry gift, or a gift to show your appreciation and thank you to someone. More about Hydrangea...
	Iris Although the deep bluish-purple bloom of the Irish is said to be the emblem of France, the flower itself can mean many more things as it is seen as a symbol of faith, hope, wisdom and valor. It can also say ‘my compliments’ making it fitting for a romantic bouquet and for a congratulatory bouquet. More about Iris...
	Ivy When you think of ivy, you probably first think of poison ivy, but the wonderful green variety of ivy that is used in floral decorations actually has wonderful connotations including wedded love, fidelity, friendship and affection. Therefore, you commonly see ivy in wedding bouquets and arrangements as well as anniversary floral arrangements. More about Ivy...
	Jonquil Jonquil flowers are often mistaken for daffodils because of their similar bloom, but a traditional jonquil usually has white leaves with a yellow casing near the seeds giving it a much different feel. The jonquil in a bouquet can symbolize many different things including sentiments that include ‘love me’, affection returned, desire, sympathy, and a desire for affection returned. More about Jonquil...
	Kalanchoe This is a really pretty colored small flowering plant. It is what many would consider an “old world” flower. Most of these plants, of which there are about 125 species in one genus, are plants of an herbaceous nature and grow perennially. Some, however, are biennial or even annual. To grow this flower, be sure you get all the instructions regarding their requirements. More about Kalanchoe...
	Kangaroo Paw Are you considering looking for a unique plant that is full of beauty? Then you should think about the popular Kangaroo paw. As if the name isn’t unique enough, listen to a few of the other attributes of this magnificent plant. More about Kangaroo Paw...
	Larkspur The larkspur blooms come in a variety of colors and are often mistaken for heater because of their similar structure. However, instead of a bell shaped flower, you will see many individual more traditional flower booms lined up the stem on the larkspur which symbolizes fickleness. More about Larkspur...
	Lily The lily is a fantastic flower. They are available in a variety of colours and represent, modesty, purity and have sensitivity and a charm that is refreshing and full of life. They can represent the beginning of life and comfort in the end of life. The lily is one of the most versatile flowers and is welcome in almost every home. More about Lily...
	Lily Of The Valley You probably recognize the bell shaped lily of the valley flowers from bridal bouquets, but you may not be aware that they are affectionately known as the tears of the Virgin Mary because of the sweet innocence the flowers seem to radiate. Additionally, the lily of the valley can also symbolize sweetness, a return to happiness, humility, and the sentiment that ‘you've made my life complete.’ More about Lily Of the Valley...
	Magnolia Magnolias are unique because the multi-layered leaves of the bloom often make it appear as if there is a flower within a flower inside. Available in a variety of colors the magnolia is often seen as a sign of nobility. More about Magnolia...
	Marigold Although marigolds are available in a variety of colors, you most often see them in bright yellow and orange shades marking the beginning of fall. However, the literal meaning of marigolds is anything but shiny as they represent cruelty, grief, and jealousy. More about Marigold...
	Mistletoe Most people think of mistletoe when creating a Christmas flower bouquet as they are practically a neon sign bagging for a kiss or a way to show affection. However, across seas the mistletoe actually means surmounting difficulties which is why the mistletoe is the Sacred Plant of India. More about Mistletoe...
	Monkshood The monkshood flower is a beautiful deep blue/purple flower that is commonly known as the monk head flower due to its close pronunciation. However, the monkshood is not a flower as hope as you may think, as its meaning is actually to beware or as a warning that a deadly foe is near. More about Monkshood...
	Moss While you may think of moss as a troublesome plant that grows up the side of your home, moss that is purposely grown can create a very beautiful ground covering. Moss itself is said to represent maternal love and charity so you may consider it as an accent in a new baby flower basket. More about Moss...
	Myrtle The myrtle flower comes in a variety of colors and is known for its thin thistles that come out from the center of the bloom. Since the flower represents love and is the Hebrew emblem of marriage you commonly will see it in wedding bouquets and decorations. More about Myrtle...
	Narcissus Narcissus blooms are much like a daffodils, but in a variety of many more colors and with many different meanings. Although due to its names close similarity to the word narcissistic it can mean egotism and formality, the narcissus flower can also be sent to say ‘stay as sweet as you are’ making it a wonderful gift to show someone you care. More about Narcissus...
	Nasturtium Nasturtium blooms are usually different hues of red, oranges, and yellows as they strongly convey a conquest or the older connotation of a victory in battle. Thus, they make a wonderful addition to a congratulations bouquet. More about Nasturtium...
	Oleander The oleander flower can come in a variety of colors although most commonly the delicate beauty comes in white or pale hues of pink. Its literal meaning is caution, which is well conveyed by its frail structure as you will want to take caution when taking care of any oleander blooms. More about Oleander...
	Orange Blossom The orange blossom is a mark of the sweetness that it hides behind it as the fruit continues to develop. Therefore, the meaning of the orange blossom can be seen as the hidden qualities found inside as it means innocence, eternal love, and symbolizes marriage and Fruitfulness. More about Orange Blossom...
	Orange Mock The orange mock resembles an orange blossom, but behind this cheerful flower there will never be any hidden fruit, which is at the heart of the name of the flower and its ultimate meaning of deceit. More about Orange Mock...
	Orchid Orchids come in a wide range of colors, but the delicate blooms usually appear to be hanging from a thread off of the stem, as if they designed to look frail like but beautiful. Although the orchid is a Chinese symbol for many children, you will most commonly see an orchid in a wedding bouquet instead of a new baby bouquet since it also means love, beauty, refinement, and beautiful lady. More about Orchid...
	Palm Leaves Palm leaves can add a tropical kick to any bouquet as the long thin leaves are usually not grown in many eastern areas, making them an accent to add to highlight a significant accomplish. Thus the leaves that symbolize victory and success are commonly found in congratulations bouquets. More about Palm Leaves...
	Peony The bright colors of a full peony bloom are so multi-layered that this is one flower you are not likely to mistake for another. Although the peony can represent shame thus making it wonderful way to say ‘I am sorry’ you more commonly will see it appear in anniversary baskets since the peony also means a happy life and a happy marriage. More about Peony...
	Petunia Petunias come in a wide arrange of colors and the meaning of these lovely flowers can vary just as much as the petunia can symbolize the colors of resentment and anger but can also say to a special one that “your presence sooths me.” More about Petunia...
	Pine Many people view pine as a symbol of hope as it is popular addition to many Christmas bouquets and flowers, but on the other side of the spectrum pine can also mean pity although you will not often see this sentiment reflected in floral arrangements. More about Pine...
	Poinsettia The story behind the poinsettia is very revealing to its meaning. A humble young man dug up weeds on the side of the road and placed them in the church altar at Christmas, the weeds changed into vibrant red and green flowers in front of their eyes. Poinsettias seem to hold the magic of the holidays. More about Poinsettia...
	Poppy The sharp sweet flowers of a poppy make you almost want to sample the sweetness that surely must steam from the poppy flower which may be why one of its meaning is imagination. However, poppies also mean eternal sleep and oblivion making their more popular function as a flower to symbolize sorrow and sympathy in a funeral bouquet. More about Poppy...
	Primrose Primroses can come in a full vibrant array of brilliant and pale shades making it the perfect way to state to someone that ‘I can't live without you.’ More about Primrose...
	Queen Anne's Lace According to legend, Queen Anne was challenged by peers to create lace that was as lovely as a real flower. While stitching it, she pricked her finger, creating a purple-red colour in the center. This flower is said to represent the labor of love, and the beauty that lies in its serenity. More about Queen Anne's Lace...
	Rose The gift of one single fully blooming rose is meant to convey ‘I Love You’ or when given after a relationship forms that ‘I Still Love You.’ A full bouquet of mature rose blooms can convey both gratitude and a loving way to say thank you. More about Rose...
	Rosebud simple rosebud that has not yet opened can sometimes be just as delicate and delightful as a blooming rose as the rosebud itself symbolizes beauty, youth, and a heart innocent of love. More about Rosebud...
	Smilax The bright explosion of a smilax bloom almost looks like a firework in the air, making it the perfect addition to a congratulations basket even though the flower itself is a symbol of loveliness. More about Smilax...
	Snapdragon Snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean areas, but they are now found just about anywhere as the delicate blooms can signify a gracious lady or deception as the name implies. More about Snapdragon...
	Solidago More commonly known as the Goldenrod flower, the Solidago flower is a popular flower today that people know and like. You will find that the Solidago flower has a lot of uses and people really appreciate it for more than just the color that it is. From growing it to putting it in bouquets or the many other uses that it has, this is a great flower to check out and it has many different uses. More about Solidago...
	Spider Flower While spider flowers are very common houseplants, you may want to be careful with who you give them to, as the literal meaning of the spider flower is to ask someone to elope with me’! More about Spider Flower...
	Stephanotis Stephanotis flowers are tiny and plentiful meaning literally happiness in marriage which is why you will often see a bride carrying a wedding bouquet filled with the tiny beauties. Additionally, the stephanotis flower can also convey a desire to travel which a young bride is doing as she embarks on a new journey in her life. More about Stephanotis...
	Stock Stock is an annual flower that grows similarly to irises although they grow in a wide array of colors and are a very hardy flower that can convey bonds of affection, promptness, and the sentiment that ‘you'll always be beautiful to me.’ More about Stock...
	Sunflower Sunflowers have long since been admired and documented as symbols for unconventional beauty. They represent the sun, and have strong historical ties to ancient cultures because sunflowers follow the sun. Their heads face and open to the sun and reflect happiness, longevity, warmth and growth. More about Sunflower...
	Sweetpea While most people think of sweet pea as a scent, the lovely flower is known for its pastel pea like shaped leaves and can mean a multitude of things including good-bye, a departure, blissful pleasure, or is a kind way to say thank you for a lovely time. Thus, you will commonly see sweetpeas at a farewell celebration and they make a wonderful retirement bouquet. More about Sweetpea...
	Tulip Tulips, the flower emblem of Holland, come in a wide variety of colors though most people believe tulips mark the true beginning of spring as their lovely pastel buds begin to appear. In a floral bouquet a tulip can make a wonderful frame and mean perfect lover. More about Tulip...
	Violet Violet flowers are small and almost appear bashful in gentle hues of blue and purple which correspond with their true meaning of modesty. More about Violet...
	Zinnia The Zinnia flower represents a longing or empathy for a friend who is absent. They come in very many varieties and often, in bright colours. Perfectly sweet, these innocent blooms were discovered by Johann Gottfried Zinn. Interestingly, his main focus was the study of the eye, sight and perception. More about Zinnia...