Flowers speak louder than words—and that’s why they have long been cherished not only for their beauty but also for the rich tapestry of meanings and symbolism they carry.
Whether you're gifting a bouquet to express love, friendship, or sympathy, understanding the language of flowers can add a deeper layer of sentiment to your gesture—or maybe you’ve been given a lovely bouquet and are wondering what the true meaning is behind the flowers in them.
Mizami—your go-to flower shop in Point Cook, Melbourne—is here to delve into the fascinating world of flower meanings, exploring the history and significance behind different blooms. Join us as we unravel the intricate language of 150 different flowers and discover flower symbolism in various contexts.
The History Behind Flower Meanings and Symbolism
The tradition of attributing meanings to flowers dates back centuries and spans across cultures. Known as "floriography," the language of flowers was particularly popular during the Victorian era when public displays of emotion were frowned upon. People began using flowers to convey messages that words could not.
From red rose bouquets that were the ultimate expression of love to pink roses that meant first love, innocence, and healing—each flower, and even its colour, held specific meanings, allowing individuals to communicate complex emotions and sentiments discreetly.
This practice was not limited to Europe; in Japan, the art of Hanakotoba also assigns meanings to flowers, emphasising their importance in communication. Over time, these symbolic meanings have evolved, but the essence remains: flowers are a powerful medium for expressing feelings and thoughts.
Flowers and Meanings: What Do Flowers Symbolise?
We’ve all been through the dilemma of not knowing exactly what types of florals to pick—like, should you gift lily flowers or a tulip bouquet? It’s a tough choice to make when they’re all so stunning to look at.
Ultimately, knowing the different flower meanings will inspire you to put deeper thought into every bouquet and give you confidence that you made the right call.
Ready to become fluent in the flower language? Take a look at our list of 150 flowers with meanings below:
Flower | Meaning/Symbolism |
---|---|
Roses | Love, passion, beauty |
Tulips | Perfect love, elegance |
Lilies | Purity, refined beauty |
Daisies | Innocence, purity, new beginnings |
Carnations | Fascination, distinction, love |
Sunflowers | Adoration, loyalty, longevity |
Orchids | Exotic beauty, luxury, strength |
Peonies | Romance, prosperity, good fortune |
Hydrangeas | Gratitude, heartfelt emotions |
Irises | Wisdom, hope, trust |
Chrysanthemums | Joy, fidelity, longevity |
Alstroemerias | Friendship, devotion |
Anemones | Anticipation, protection |
Ranunculus | Radiant charm, attractiveness |
Gerbera Daisies | Cheerfulness, innocence |
Freesias | Innocence, thoughtfulness |
Calla Lilies | Magnificent beauty, rebirth |
Dahlias | Dignity, elegance, inner strength |
Sweet Peas | Delicate pleasure, good-bye |
Gardenias | Purity, sweetness, secret love |
Lisianthus | Appreciation, charisma |
Zinnias | Lasting affection, remembrance |
Poppies | Remembrance, imagination |
Lavender | Serenity, grace, calmness |
Snapdragons | Strength, graciousness |
Marigolds | Passion, creativity, warmth |
Delphiniums | Positivity, encouragement |
Gladiolus | Strength of character, honor |
Asters | Patience, elegance |
Cosmos | Harmony, peace |
Stock | Lasting beauty, happy life |
Amaryllis | Pride, determination, radiant beauty |
Bells of Ireland | Good luck, prosperity |
Bluebells | Humility, gratitude, everlasting love |
Proteas | Transformation, courage, diversity |
Queen Anne's Lace | Delicate femininity, sanctuary |
Stephanotis | Marital happiness, good luck |
Baby's Breath (Gypsophila) | Innocence, purity, everlasting love |
Veronica | Fidelity, love |
Scabiosa | Unfortunate love, purity |
Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) | Delicacy, perplexity |
Statice | Remembrance, sympathy |
Yarrow | Healing, protection |
Hellebores | Serenity, tranquility |
Waxflower | Endurance, lasting love |
Birds of Paradise | Joyfulness, magnificence |
Bouvardia | Enthusiasm, zest for life |
Hypericum Berries | Protection, good health |
Eucalyptus | Protection, abundance |
Ferns | Sincerity, confidence |
Magnolias | Dignity, nobility |
Camellias | Admiration, perfection |
Hibiscus | Delicate beauty, exotic charm |
Morning Glories | Affection, mortality |
Begonias | Caution, deep thinking |
Clematis | Ingenuity, mental beauty |
Foxgloves | Insincerity, creativity |
Hollyhocks | Ambition, fecundity |
Jasmines | Love, beauty, sensuality |
Lilacs | Youthful innocence, confidence |
Mimosas | Sensitivity, secret love |
Narcissus | Self-esteem, rebirth |
Petunias | Resentment, anger |
Primroses | Youth, eternal love |
Rhododendrons | Danger, caution |
Snowdrops | Hope, rebirth |
Sweet Williams | Gallantry, finesse |
Tuberoses | Dangerous pleasure, sensuality |
Violets | Modesty, faithfulness |
Wisterias | Longevity, immortality |
Yuccas | Protection, purity |
Zantedeschia (Calla Lily) | Holiness, faith |
Azaleas | Temperance, fragility |
Buttercups | Childishness, innocence |
Crocuses | Youthful joy, cheerfulness |
Forget-Me-Nots | True love, memories |
Garden Pinks | Boldness, confidence |
Honeysuckles | Devotion, affection |
Lantanas | Rigor, severity |
Larkspurs | Lightness, levity |
Myrtles | Love, fertility |
Oleanders | Caution, destiny |
Pansies | Thoughtfulness, remembrance |
Passionflowers | Faith, spirituality |
Phlox | Harmony, compatibility |
Plumerias | Grace, charm |
Roses (Yellow) | Friendship, joy |
Sage | Wisdom, immortality |
Safflowers | Adoration, cheerfulness |
Thistles | Nobility, endurance |
Tithonias | Glory, pride |
Trilliums | Modesty, simplicity |
Verbena | Healing, protection |
Water Lilies | Enlightenment, purity |
Weigelas | Nostalgia, reflection |
Willows | Sadness, mourning |
Windflowers | Anticipation, excitement |
Wolfsbane | Misanthropy, caution |
Yarrows | Courage, war |
Zinnias (Red) | Constancy, endurance |
Acanthus | Artistic, fine arts |
Ageratum | Patience |
Allium | Unity, humility |
Alyssum | Worth beyond beauty |
Amaranth | Immortality |
Anthurium | Hospitality, happiness |
Arbutus | Only love |
Artemisia | Dignity |
Astilbe | Dedication to a loved one |
Bachelor's Button | Single blessedness |
Balloon Flower | Endless love |
Bee Balm | Compassion |
Bellflower | Gratitude |
Bergamot | Protection |
Bird's Foot Trefoil | Revenge |
Bittersweet | Truth |
Black-Eyed Susan | Justice |
Bleeding Heart | Passionate love |
Blue Star | Happiness |
Borage | Courage |
Broom | Humility |
Bugleweed | Escape |
Butterfly Weed | Let me go |
Calendula | Joy, health |
Candytuft | Indifference |
Canterbury Bells | Gratitude |
Cardinal Flower | Distinction |
Catmint | Love, happiness |
Celosia | Boldness |
Chamomile | Patience in adversity |
Chervil | Sincerity |
Chicory | Frugality |
Cockscomb | Foppery |
Columbine | Foolishness |
Coneflower | Strength, health |
Coreopsis | Always cheerful |
Cornflower | Delicacy |
Cowslip | Pensiveness |
Cypress Vine | Love, affection |
Daffodil | New beginnings |
Dandelion | Faithfulness, happiness |
Daphne | Glory |
Daylily | Coquetry |
Deadnettle | Repose |
Dittany | Passion |
Dogwood | Durability |
Dusty Miller | Happiness |
Edelweiss | Courage, devotion |
Elderflower | Compassion |
Elecampane | Tears |
Flower Symbolism: Speak the Flower Language with Mizami
After taking a deep dive into the flower meanings list, you’ll never have to guess which blooms to gift to your nearest and dearest.
Understanding the meaning of flowers can transform a simple bouquet into a heartfelt message. No matter what it is you want to say, there’s a flower out there that can help you convey your thoughts loud and clear.
At Mizami Flowers, we offer a wide selection of blooms that cater to every sentiment and occasion. Explore our exquisite range and find the perfect flowers with meanings that resonate with your emotions. Let us help you communicate through the beautiful language of flowers.
From luxurious daily bouquets & arrangements and orchestrating beautiful weddings & events to providing stunning corporate floral arrangements, we bring the enchantment of nature whenever you need it.
Contact us today to get started.
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