Flowers are more than just pretty decorations or tokens of affection. In fact, they have their own language that has been used for centuries to convey messages and emotions. This language of flowers, also known as floriography, was especially popular during the Victorian era when social norms prevented people from expressing their feelings openly. By using certain flowers or arrangements, individuals could communicate everything from love and admiration to jealousy and disdain. Luckily, most of our flowers convey positive feelings!
We sometimes have customers that wish to know the best colour of rose to gift to convey a certain message, such as yellow for friendship, but that is usually the extent of it. Similarly, every Valentine's Day our most popular gift is red roses, but have you ever wondered why that is? There are so many different meanings for an array of flowers, many of which we have in the shop on a daily basis that we are more than happy to arrange into a meaningful design for you.
If you or someone you know are interested in floriography, we carry a wonderful deck of cards with the most beautiful floral paintings on one side and information about each bloom on the other. You can see a few in the photos accompanying this post.
Please keep in mind that while we think this is an interesting and fun way to portray certain emotions or celebrate certain milestones, it by no means is a rule or condition you must meet to share flowers with a loved one. If your friend’s favourite flowers are red roses, please do not be afraid that they will automatically assume you have romantic intent! Floral varieties and colours can also just be nice to look at. This journal post is only meant to be fun and educational!
Here are the most recognized meanings for our most popular blooms:
Alstroemeria - Support, Friendship
Amaryllis - Pride
Anemone - Anticipation
Aster - Wisdom, Faith, Daintiness
Baby’s Breath - Everlasting love
Bittersweet - Truth
Calla Lily - Faith
Campanula - Constancy
Carnation, General - Uniqueness
Carnation, Red - Deep love, My heart aches
Carnation, White - Innocence, Pure & Sweet love
Carnation, Pink - Motherly love, Encouragement
Carnation, Yellow - Disappointment
Chamomile - Courage, Patience in adversity
Cherry Blossom - Peace
Chrysanthemum, General - Optimism, Wealth, Abundance
Chrysanthemum, Red - I love you
Chrysanthemum, Yellow - Slighted love
Chrysanthemum, White - Truth
Clematis - Intelligence
Cornflower - Growth
Cosmo - Harmony
Daffodil - Regard, Unequalled love, Inspiration
Dahlia - Resilience, Good taste
Daisy - Innocence, Loyal love
Delphinium - Opportunity
Fern - Magic, Fascination
Freesia - Trust
Gerbera Daisy - Joy, Celebration
Gladiolus - Integrity, Strength, Victory, Preparation
Hellebore - Scandal
Holly - Defense, Domestic happiness
Hydrangea - Gratitude for being understood
Iris - Good news, Faith, Trust, Wisdom, Hope, Valour
Larkspur - Open Heart, Levity
Lavender - Admiration
Lily, White - Purity, Heavenly
Lily, Yellow - Happy
Lily, Orange - Confidence
Lily, Stargazer - Abundance
Lily of the Valley - Hope
Since we don't often get in Lily of the Valley unless it's locally grown, we have a special necklace collaboration with Sugar Blossom Jewelry in case you are wanting to send some "hope" to a friend or loved one. Find it here.
Lisianthus - Desire
Magnolia - Nobility, Love of nature
Myrtle - Good luck, Love in a marriage
Orchid - Fertility
Peony - Happy life, Bashfulness
Phlox - Unity
Poppy - Memorial
Ranunculus - Attraction
Rose, Red - Romantic Love
Rose, Pink - Grace, Happiness
Rose, Orange - Desire
Rose, Coral - Sympathy
Rose, Lavender - Love at first sight
Rose, White - Innocence, Heavenly
Rose, Yellow - Friendship, Congratulations, Platonic love
Scabiosa - Warmth
Snapdragon - Graciousness
Solidago - Encouragement, Good Fortune
Sunflower - Health, Strength, Adoration
Sweet Pea - Blissful pleasures, Departure
Sweet William - Gallantry
Tulip, General - Perfect love
Tulip, Red - Passion, Declaration of love
Tulip, Yellow - Sunshine in your smile
Waxflower - Endurance, Assertiveness
Yarrow - Healing, Courage, Everlasting love
Zinnia - Lasting affection
Please note that some of these varieties are seasonal and therefore not available at certain times of the year. If you are looking to create a recipe, please give us a call and we can help you create something special.
We have come up with a few combinations for you if you wanted to say something specific!
When you want to say:
“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back!”
Alstroemeria (Support, Friendship) + Waxflower (Assertiveness, Endurance)
“Congratulations on your new baby!”
Pink Carnations (Motherly love, Encouragement) + Gerbera Daisies (Joy, Celebration)
“I’ll love you forever”
Red Roses (Romantic Love) + Babies Breath (Everlasting love)
“Well done on the promotion!”
Delphinium (Opportunity) + Chrysanthemums (Optimism, Wealth, Abundance)
“Get well soon”
Sunflowers (Health, Strength) + Yarrow (Healing, Courage)
“I am so sorry for your loss”
Scabiosa (Warmth) + Coral Roses (Sympathy)
“Hoping for a better and brighter tomorrow”
Iris (Good news, Faith, Hope) + Larkspur (Open heart, Levity)
If you come up with any of your own combinations, we would love to hear your suggestions. Hopefully you have as much fun with it as we do!