If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. ~Audra Foveo
Be it the vivid colors or the sweet fragrances, every single flower is special in its own way. And when it comes to expression of feelings, there are no ideal alternatives, other than the beautiful flowers. For every emotion and/or situation, you can find unique flowers to devise them, rather than uttering in words. No wonder, we have been associating and conveying our sentiments with the symbols like flowers since a long time ago.
Each of the flower is assigned with a specific meaning that helps in revealing the real motive behind sending it to another person. From birthday parties to weddings, anniversaries, illnesses, and funerals, flowers are a part of all special and important occasions. In fact, an event is incomplete without presenting and decorating with flowers. Flowers and their meanings are best described in floriography, which deals with the language of flowers.
The Symbolic Meaning of Flowers
Though the beauty of flowers was appreciated since ancient times, communicating coded messages with the symbolism of flowers was more evident during the Victorian era. In those times, gestures and sign languages were more popular than verbal communication. The Victorians sent coded messages by using different kinds of flowers in varied numbers and arranging them in several patterns and styles. The flower color meanings were also taken into account to evince all kinds of sentiments.
Even today, saying with the meanings of flowers is still practiced. No doubt, every one of us are aware about the basic flowers and meanings, like sending a red rose to express love and gifting a yellow rose to a best friend to say thank you for being there for me. Well! Not only do the roses have meanings, but nearly all flowers which are identified till date have their own meanings. This article emphasizes on the flower names and meanings (traditional), which you can refer to make special moments more special and unforgettable with appropriate flowers. Let's delve more into the list of flowers with their meanings and pictures.
List of Flowers and Their Meanings with Pictures
Abutilon
Meditation
Achillea
State of war
Aconite (Monkshood)
Hatred, Misanthropy words, Be cautious
Adonis
Patience, Humility, Sad memories
Alliums
Patience, Unity, Humility
Almond Blossom
Hope, Contemplation
Aloe
Sorrow, Grief
Alstroemeria
Aspiringly, Devotion, Friendship
amaryllis
Splendid beauty
Anemone
Fragile, Anticipation
Apple Blossom
Hope, Good fortune
Apricot Blossom
Diffident love
Arbor Vitae
True friendship
Arbutus
I love thee only
Aster
Love, Contentment, Patience
Azalea
Fragile, Patience, Chinese symbol for womanhood
Baby's Breath
Innocence, Gladness
Balsam (Impatiens)
Impatience
Barberry
Hot temperament
Bay Wreath
Glory, Reward for goodness
Begonia
Be cautious, Deep thinking
Bellwort
Hopelessness
Bindweed (Convolvulus)
Philander, Quidnunc, Perseverance
Bird of Paradise
Festivity, Celebration
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Encouragement, Motivation, Impartiality
Blackthorn (Sloe)
Asceticism, Difficulty
Burdock
Boredom, Importunity
Buttercup
Childishness
Butterfly Weed
Leave me
Cactus
Maternal affection and love
Caladium Leaves
Ravish, Joyousness
Calendula (Pot marigold)
Happiness
Camellia (White)
Adorable, Lovable
Camellia (Pink)
Strong desire
Camellia (Red)
Excellence, Perfection
Chamomile (or Camomile)
Enterprisingness, Energy in adversity
Candytuft (Iberis)
Indifference
Carnation (Pink)
Unforgettable, Woman's love
Carnation (Red)
Admiration
Cattail
Prosperity, Peacefulness
Cedar Leaf
Think of me
Celandine (Lesser)
Forthcoming joys
Cherry Blossom
Good education, Spiritual beauty
Chestnut Flower
Seek justice
Chrysanthemum (Bronze)
Excitement
Chrysanthemum (General)
Cheerfulness, Optimism, Wonderful friend, With love
Chrysanthemum (Red)
Love, Affection
Chrysanthemum (Yellow)
Slighted love
Chrysanthemum (White)
Trueness
Clematis
Ingenuity
Clove
Dignity
Clover (Four leafed)
Good luck
Coltsfoot
Maternal care
Columbine
Deserted love
Coreopsis
Cheerful
Cosmos
Peaceful
Crocus
Prevision, Gladness, Cheerfulness
Crown Imperial
Powerfulness, Mightiness
Daffodil(Jonquil)
Chivalry, Unreciprocated love, Sympathy, Please love me
Dahlia
Dignity, Elegance
Daisy
Innocence, Loyal beauty
Dandelion
Happiness, Faithfulness
Dog Rose
Pleasure
Edelweiss
Courageous
Elderberry Blossom (Elderflower)
Kindness, Humility
Endive
Frugality
Eryngium (Blue hobbit, Sea holly)
Austerity, Independence
Everlasting Flower
Remembrances
Fennel
Strength
Fern
Sincerity, Confidence
Fig
Argument
Filbert
Reconciliation
Flax
Symbolizes domesticity and kindness
Forget-me-not
True love, Memories, Hope
Forsythia
Anticipation
Foxglove (Digitalis)
Insincerity
Frangipani
Protection, Shelter
Freesia
Spirited, Trust
Fuchsia
Good taste , Confiding love
Furze
Anger
Gardenia
Secret admiration and love
Gentian
Sweetness
Gerbera
Happiness, Cheerfulness
Geranium
Comfort, Stupidity
Ginger Flower
Proud, Majestic
Gloxinia
Love at first sight
Hawthorn
Hope
Heliotrope
Eternal love
Hibiscus
Delicate beauty
Holly
Coming of joys
Honeysuckle
Devoted love, Generous
Hop
Injustice
Houseleek
Domestic Economy
Hyacinth (Blue)
Constancy
Hyacinth (General)
Games, Sports
Hydrangea (Snowball Flower)
Frigidity, Vanity, Heavenly thoughts
Ipomoea
I belong to thee
Jacob's Ladder
Come down
Jasmine(White)
Cheerfulness, Good sense of humor
Jasmine (Yellow)
Modesty
Kingcup (Marsh Marigold)
Wealth, Riches
Laburnum
Pensive beauty
Lady's Slipper
Capricious beauty
Laurel
Perseverance, Ambition
Lavender
Acknowledgment, Constancy
Lemon Blossom
Discretion
Lilac
First love
Lily (Calla)
Symbolizes magnificent beauty and purity
Lily (Casablanca)
Celebrations, Happy occasions
Lily (Orange)
Disdain, Hatred, Pride
Lily (Tiger)
Pride, Wealth
Lily (Water) or Lotus
Purity, Truth, Mystery, Estranged love
Lily (White)
Virginity, Majesty
Lily-Of-The-Valley
Sweetness, Humility, Purity
Lisianthus
Calmness
Lobelia
Malevolence, Arrogance
Love-In-The-Mist (Nigella)
Perplexity, Delicacy
Lupine (Lupin)
Always happy, Voraciousness
Magnolia
Nobility, Perseverance, Love for nature
Mallow
Deep in love
Maple
Retirement, Reserve nature
Marigold
Jealousy, Cruelty, Secret affection
Marvel-Of-Peru (Four o'clock flower)
Flame of love
Mayflower (Trailing arbutus)
Welcome, Hospitality, The beginning
Mimosa
Exquisite, Sensitivity
Mint
Suspicion
Myrtle
Joy, Love and remembrance
Narcissus
Formality, Egotism
Nasturtium
Symbolizes
patriotism and conquest
Nightshades
Dark thoughts
Orange Blossom
Innocence, Eternal love
Orchid
Long-lasting impression, Beautiful lady
Orchid Cattleya
Mature charm
Oxeye Daisy
Patience
Pansy
Thoughtfulness, Modesty
Passion Flower
Holy love, Faith and believe
Peach Blossom
Generosity
Pear Blossom
Good health, Hope
Peony
Happy Marriage, Happy life
Periwinkle (White)
Delightful memories
Petunia
Resentment, Anger
Phlox
Sweet dreams, Trying to please you
Pine
Pity, Hope
Plum Blossom
Fidelity, Keeping promises
Poinsettia
Always cheerful
Poppy (General)
Imagination, Oblivion
Poppy (Red)
Pleasure
Poppy (Yellow)
Success, Wealth
Primrose (General)
I can't live without you
Primrose (Red)
Neglected merit
Queen Anne's Lace
Fantasy
Quince Blossom
Enticement
Ranunculus
Dazzled, Radiant
Raspberry Blossom
Regret, Remorse
Rose (Carolina)
Love is dangerous
Rose
Gratitude, Thank you
Rose (Orange, Coral)
Desire, Enthusiasm
Rose (Peach)
Togetherness, Closing of a deal
Rose (Pink & White mixed)
I love you still and will always love you
Rose (Wild)
Charming simplicity
Rose (Yellow)
Friendship, Joy, Gladness, Jealousy, Infidelity
Saffron
Voluptuousness, Be cautious about excess pleasures
Saxifrage
Affection
Scabious
Unfortunate love, Widowhood
Sensitive Plant
Sensitivity
Snowdrop
Friendship in trouble, Consolation, Hope
Spider Flower (Cleome)
Elope with me
Spiderwort
Regard, Admiration
Stephanotis (Madagascar Jasmine)
Happiness in marriage
Strawberry Flower
Perfect goodness
Sunflower
Wishes, Loyalty
Sweet Pea Flower
Departure, Goodbye
Sweet William
Perfection, Grant me one smile
Syringa
You shall be happy yet
Tansy
Resistance, Neglected
Thistle
Nobility, Austerity
Tulip (Purple)
Royalty
Tulip (Red)
Declaration of love, Believe me
Tulip (White)
Forgiveness
Tulip (Yellow)
Hopeless love
Violets (White)
Let's take a chance
Wisteria
Poetry, Youth, Steadfast
Witch Hazel
A spell, Inspiration
Wolfsbane
Misanthropy
Zephyranthes
Expectation
Zinnia (Mixed)
Thoughts of an absent friend
Zinnia (Pink)
Lasting affection
Zinnia (Scarlet)
Constancy
Zinnia (Yellow)
Remembrance
Acacia (Rose, White)
Friendship, Elegance
Acacia (Yellow)
Concealed love
Acanthus
Fine arts, Artifice
Adam's Needle
Best friends
Amaranth (Globe)
Immortal love
Angelica
Inspiration
Anthurium
Hospitality
Asphodel
Regret, Lassitude
Cardinal Flower
Eminence
Carnation (White)
Sweetness, Innocence, Pure love
Carnation (Yellow)
Disdain, Rejection
Carnation (Purple)
Unpredictability, Changeable
Carnation (Striped)
Rejected love
Cockscomb
Silliness, Absurdity
Cyclamen
Goodbye, Separation
Daphne Flower
Glory, Fame
Delphinium (Larkspur)
Boldness, Ardent attachment, Open heart
Dew Plant
Serenade
Eglantine (Sweet briar)
Spring, Poetry
Eupatorium
Late, Delay
Fir
Evaluation, Time
Gillyflower
Lasting beauty
Gladiolus
Give me a break, Strength of character
Goldenrod (Solidago)
Encouragement, Motivation , Good fortune, Success
Hazel Flower
Reconciliation
Heather Flower (white)
Protection, Wishfulness
Hollyhock
Fruitfulness, Ambition
Hyacinth (Purple)
Forgive me
Hyacinth (Pink, Red)
Play
Hyacinth (White)
Loveliness
Iris
Faith, Thank you for your friendship
Lily (Day)
Flirtation, Coquetry
Lily (Yellow)
Flirtation, Coquetry
Marjoram
Comfort, Blushes
Mistletoe
Love and affection
Motherwort
Secret love
Oleander
Beauty and grace
Palm Leaves
Success, Victory
Parsley
Festivity
Periwinkle (Blue)
Beginning of friendship
Poppy (White)
Consolation
Rose (Bouquet of full blooms)
Gratitude
Rose (Bud)
Innocent love, Beauty and youth
Rose (Burgundy)
Unconscious beauty
Rose (Christmas)
Tranquility
and peacefulness
Rose (Lavender)
Love at first sight
Sage
Domestic virtues
Salvia
Wisdom, I always think of you
Snapdragon
Gracious lady, Deception
Teasel Flower
Hatred
Tulip (Pink)
Caring
Verbena (Vervain)
Tender, Emotional, You will get your wish, Superstition
Valerian
An accommodating disposition
Veronica Flower
Fidelity
Violet (Blue)
Faithfulness, Watchfulness
Wake Robin
Ardor, Zeal
Yarrow
Good health
Star of Bethlehem
Atonement, Satisfaction
Zinnia (White)
Goodness
Blue Bell (Harebell, Campanula)
Constancy, Never ending love, Gratitude, Appreciation
Cypress
Mourning, Despair
Rhododendron
Be cautious
Rose (Bridal)
Happy love
Agrimony: Gratitude Ambrosia: Reciprocated love Balm: Sympathy Bells of Ireland: Good luck, Best wishes Betony: Surprise Bittersweet Flower: Truth, Fact Bouvardia: Excitement, Enthusiasm Calycanthus: Benevolence Cinnamon: Beauty Clover (Five leafed): Bad luck Clover (White flower): Think of me Coriander: Lust Eremurus (Foxtail lily or Desert candle): Endurance Eucalyptus: Safeguard, Protection Eustoma: Calmness, Thoughts Eyebright (Euphrasia): Cheer up Harlequin Flower: Laugh at trouble Hawkweed: Quick-sighted Hemlock: You will kill me Hyacinth (Yellow): Jealousness Lady's Tresses: Bewitching grace Lily (Eucharis): Maiden charms London Pride (Saxifraga): Frivolity Mignonette (Reseda): Deserve Moss Rose: Confession of love Orange Mock: Deceit Pepper Flower: Warm feelings Privet: Prohibition, Ban Pyxie: Life is sweet Quaking Grass: Anger, Agitation Quamoclit: Busybody Ragged Robin: Ardor, Intense feeling of love Rocket Flower: Rivalry, Competition Rose (Black): Death Sainfoin: You confuse me Satin Flower: Fascination Tamarisk (Salt Cedar): Crime, Guilty Tuberose: Dangerous Violet (General): Faithfulness, Modesty Viscaria: Will you dance with me Wallflower: Adversity, Friendship Wormwood: Absence Xeranthemum: Eternity, Immortality Zinnia (Magenta): Long-lasting affection
Getting the literal meaning of flowers is all up to the sender and the person who receives the gift. So, why not, let's do our part by gifting those special blooms, which speak volumes about the subtle messages and feelings. Also, the next time, you receive flowers or bouquets, do not forget to take a peek into the flower symbolism with the help of the flowers list above, so as to decode what the sender really wants to say by gifting those special flowers.
