Floral Library
Floral Library
AboutFlowers

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.

For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources:


Alstroemeria aspiring
Amaryllis dramatic
Anemone fragile
Apple Blossom promise
Aster contentment
Azalea abundance
Baby's Breath festivity
Bachelor Button anticipation
Begonia deep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan encouragement
Camellia graciousness

Carnation
Pink gratitude
Red flashy
striped refusal
white remembrance
yellow cheerful

Chrysanthemum
bronze excitement
white truth
red sharing
yellow secret admirer

Cosmos peaceful
Crocus foresight
Daffodil chivalry
Delphinium boldness
Daisy innocence
Freesia spirited
Forget-Me-Not remember me forever
Gardenia joy
Geranium comfort
Ginger proud
Gladiolus strength of character
Heather solitude
Hibiscus delicate beauty
Holly domestic happiness
Hyacinth sincerity
Hydrangea perseverance
Iris inspiration
Ivy fidelity
Jasmine grace and elegance
Larkspur beautiful spirit
Lavender distrust
Lilac first love

Lily
Calla regal
Casablanca celebration
Day enthusiasm
Stargazer ambition

Lisianthus calming
Magnolia dignity
Marigold desire for riches
Nasturtium patriotism
Orange Blossom fertility
Orchid delicate beauty
Pansy loving thoughts
Passion flower passion
Peony healing
Poppy consolation
Queen Anne's Lace delicate femininity
Ranunculus radiant
Rhododendron beware

Rose
pink friendship
red passionate love
red & white unity
white purity
yellow zealous

Snapdragon presumptuous
Star of Bethlehem hope
Stephanotis good luck
Statice success
Sunflower adoration
Sweetpea shyness
Tuberose pleasure

Tulip
pink caring
purple royalty
red declaration of love
white forgiveness
yellow hopelessly in love

Violet faithfulness
Wisteria steadfast
Yarrow good health
Zinnia thoughts of friends

©2003 SAF
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