Planning to gift flowers? It's a timeless, heartfelt gesture that always delights. But before heading to your florist, remember that every bloom carries deep symbolic meaning, drawn from centuries-old floriography traditions.
Choose wisely based on your message—whether love, joy, or even caution. For instance, yellow roses symbolize infidelity, while 12 red roses signal a marriage proposal.
Why not craft your bouquet like a personal letter? Use this trusted guide to decode the subtle language of flowers. Print the full PDF or explore the meanings below.
Acacia: security, discretion.
Yellow anemone: waiting.
Red and yellow anemone: hope, perseverance.
Arum: carnal desire.
Hawthorn: hope.
Azalea: joy of loving.
Begonia: confidence in the future.
Beautiful day: excessive coquetry.
Wheat: wealth, abundance.
Blueberry: timidity.
Button: joy.
Heath: strength, robustness.
White camellia: love disappointment.
Red camellia: everlasting love.
Pink camellia: admiration.
Yellow nasturtium: reproach in the face of indifference.
Brown nasturtium: unreachable love.
Purple nasturtium: lost love.
Blue thistle: power, protection.
Honeysuckle: deep friendship, love.
Chrysanthemum: eternity.
Clematis: desire.
Colchium: jealousy.
Poppy: fragile, transient ardor.
Hello: delay.
Cockscomb: impatience.
Crocus: joy, gladness.
Cyclamen: hidden pleasure.
Dahlia: acknowledgement.
Purple foxglove: work and absence.
Red digitalis: ardor.
Eglantine: fleeting happiness.
Freesia: grace.
Fuchsia: unwavering love.
Gardenia: sincerity.
Genet: constancy.
Geranium: love.
Wallflower: loyalty.
Gladiolus: success or appointment.
Glycine: tenderness.
Hydrangea: whim.
Iris: tenderness.
Hyacinth: joy and luck in love.
Jasmine: voluptuousness.
Daffodil: desire, affection.
Lavender: tenderness, respect.
Ivy: eternal fidelity, marriage.
White lilac: love birth.
Purple lilac: ardent love.
Lotus: eloquence.
Lupin: imagination.
Lily: purity, chastity.
Marguerite: simplicity.
Mimosa: security, discretion.
Thrush: happiness, coquetry.
Narcissus: selfishness.
Water lily: coldness.
White carnation: deep friendship.
Poet's carnation: ardor, talent, grace.
French marigold: separation.
Red or pink carnation: ardor.
Orchid: seduction, sensuality.
Daisy: innocent beauty, aspiration.
Poppy: frivolity.
Thought: thoughts!
Petunia: obstacle.
White peony: take care of yourself.
Pink or red peony: sincerity.
Sweet peas: charm, elegance.
Primrose: first love.
Queen daisy: esteem, trust.
Buttercups: reproaches.
Rhododendron: danger.
White rose: pure love.
Blue rose: mystery, idealism.
Yellow rose: idealism (or infidelity).
Lavender rose: thunderbolt.
Pink rose: sincere love.
Red rose: passion. Twelve red roses mean a marriage proposal!
Red and white rose: union.
Syringa: memory.
Worry: grief.
Sunflower: health or fidelity in love.
Pink clover: uncertainty.
Tulip: declaration of love.
Verbena: marriage proposal.
Veronica: loyalty.
Violet: hidden love.
Volubilis: dedication.
Zinnia: inconstancy.
Now you're fluent in the secret language of flowers. Offer your bouquet and challenge the recipient to decipher its message. If they need help, share this guide!
Know other flower meanings? Share in the comments—we'd love to hear from you.
