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Find Flowers by Symbol Meaning
By Kathleen Karlsen, MA
√ Updated: July 1, 2010

The practice of creating symbolic meaning of flowers all cultural boundaries. This practice began as early as recorded history and continues to spark the imagination of mankind today. Below is a list of over 150 of the world's best-loved flowers arranged by the thought or feeling conveyed. This list of flowers is our most extensive meanings of flowers list. Since many flowers have multiple meanings, some flowers appear in more than one category.

Flower Meanings By Category

Recommended Books

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers
Forget-Me-Not: A Floral Treasury Sentiments and Plant Lore

FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING BEAUTY

The inherent beauty of flowers themselves has made them symbols of beauty the world around. Some of these flowers grow in many climates while others grow only in a few temperature zones. As a result, there are a number of flowers meaning beauty so that each nation, people and climate can claim a flower meaning beauty for their own. See the alphabetical list below for a flower meaning beauty that grows near you. Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Amaryllis Flowers Meanings
The meaning of amaryllis flowers is pride, timidity and splendid beauty. Learn meaning of amaryllis flower name.

Anemone Flowers Meanings
Greek name derived from the word anemos, meaning "wind." In mythology, this is the name of a wind nymph, also a reference to her beauty. Learn meaning of anemone flower name.

Cowslip Flowers Meanings
The meaning of cowslip flowers is youthful beauty. It is also known as the primrose and can be used for making wine. Cowslip grows wild in much of Europe and Asia.

Myrtle Flowers Meanings
The meanings of myrtle flowers are beauty's crown and wedded love. Myrtle is widespread in the Mediterranean region.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING CHEERFULNESS

Flowers have been used to encourage the ill, give hope to the grieving and bring a spot of cheer to a gloomy day for millenia. Flowers that mean cheerfulness in the language of flowers are listed below. Those with more information elsewhere on this website are included in the links in the following table.

Coreopsis Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of coreopsis is always cheerful.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING FAITH AND FIDELITY

Flower have often been used as a symbol of true love and faithfulness. Flowers that mean faith and fidelity in the language of flowers are listed below. Those with more information elsewhere on this website are included in the links in the following table.

Compass Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of the compass flower is faith.

Lemon Blossoms Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of lemon blossoms is fidelity.

Passion Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of passion flowers is faith.

Veronica Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of Veronica flowers is fidelity.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING FREEDOM

Flowers have been used as symbol of all that is good in life, including political and personal freedom. Flowers that mean freedom in the language of flowers are listed below. Those with more information elsewhere on this website are included in the links in the following table.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING FRIENDSHIP

Flowers express the essence of friendship. Flowers can express all of the subtle variations in affection, love and true caring between old and new friends. Flowers that mean friendship in the language of flowers are listed below. Those with more information elsewhere on this website are included in the links in the following table.

Arbor Vitae Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of arbor vitae is unchanging friendship.

Periwinkle Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of periwinkle flowers is early friendship or the pleasures of memory.

Snowdrop Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of snowdrop flowers is a friend in need and hope.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWERS SYMBOLS MEANING HAPPINESS, JOY AND CHEERFULNESS

Flowers are often associated with happy times--births, weddings, graduations--but some can also be associated with illness or death. Below are flowers specifically meaning happiness. Find your favorite flower below!

Flowers have been used to encourage the ill, give hope to the grieving and bring a spot of cheer to a gloomy day for millenia. Flowers that mean cheerfulness in the language of flowers are listed below. Those with more information elsewhere on this website are included in the links in the following table.

Corchorus Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of corchorus flowers is impatience of happiness. Corchorus are native to tropical and subtropical regions.

Coreopsis Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of coreopsis is always cheerful.

Holly Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of the holly is defense, domestic happiness and forecast. Medieval monks called the holly the Holy Tree and believed holly would keep away evil spirits and protects their homes from lightening. In Christianity, the pointed leaves represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolized drops of his blood.

Lily-of-the-Valley Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of lily-of-the-valley is sweetness, purity, return of happiness, you have made my life complete and humility. (Photo courtesy of Miika Silfverberg, Wikimedia Commons)

Marigold Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of marigolds is indicated in the name: Mary's Gold. Marigold flowers were "golden gifts" offered to the Virgin Mary by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold. Marigolds were also used in Mary Gardens. Marigolds are symbolic of happiness, passion and creativity. Marigolds are also known as the "Herb of the Sun." Read more about marigolds.

Roses Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of roses is love, remembrance, passion (red); purity (white); happiness (pink); infidelity (yellow); unconscious beauty, I love you. Roses are emblems of England and New York City. Read more about roses.

Stephanotis Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of stephanotis flowers is happiness in marriage and desire to travel. Stephanotis is popular for wedding bouquets.

Violet Flowers Meanings
he symbolic meaning of violets is modesty, virtue, affection, watchfulness, faithfulness (blue violets), love and let's take a chance on happiness.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING LOVE

Flowers are the ultimate symbol of love. Single flowers and bouquets have been given by lovers to woo their sweethearts for all of recorded history. According to the highly developed Victorian tradition known as the Language of Flowers, each flower has a special meaning and can convey a myriad of emotions in a discreet but clear way. The most cherished, however, are the flowers that say "I love you". Find flowers meaning love in alphabetical order below. Some are well known. Others may surprise you! Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Amaranth Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of amaranth flowers is immortality and unfading love. Find meaning of Amaranth flower name.

Apple Blossom Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of apple blossoms is good health, temptation, admiration, love, youth, beauty and happiness. Read more about apples and apple blossoms.

Arbutus Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of arbutus is thee only do I love.

Aster Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of aster flowers is charming, patience, daintiness, afterthought, love of variety, elegance, memories and love. Aster comes from the Greek word meaning star. Learn about aster symbolism.

Bachelor Button Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of bachelor button flowers is celibacy, single, blessedness, hope in love, delicacy. Learn more about bachelor button flower symbolism.

Cactus Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of cactus flowers is endurance, warmth, my heart burns with love and maternal love. The perennial cactus grows as a tree, shrub or vine.

Campion Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of campions (red) is youthful love and I fall victim. Campions are also known as catchfly and lynchis. (Photo courtesy of Sannse, Wikimedia Commons)

Carnation Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of carnation flowers is fascination, impulsiveness, capriciousness, joy and devoted love. White carnations mean "I am still available" or disdain and refusal. Red carnations mean "my heart aches for you" or "for my poor heart". The symbolic meaning of pink carnations is I'll never forget you. A symbol of betrothal or engagement. In China, carnation flowers are a symbol of marriage. Learn more about carnation symbolism.

Cherry Blossom Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of cherry blossoms in the west is education. In China, the cherry blossom is also a symbol of feminine beauty and represents the feminine principle and love. In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize the transience of life because of their short blooming times. Learn more about cherry blossom symbolism.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). In Italy, chrysanthemums are symbolic of death. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Cinquefoil Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cinquefoil flowers is beloved child. The name comes from the French "five leaves". (Photo courtesy of Phyzome, Wikimedia Commons)

Coxcomb Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of coxcomb flowers is unfading love. In South East Asia, the cockscomb is used as a nutritious leafy green vegetable. (Photo courtesy of Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Wikimedia Commons)

Daffodil Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of daffodil flowers is regard, unrequited love, chivalry, sunshine, respect and the sun shines when I'm with you. Learn about the meaning of the name daffodil.

Daisy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the daisy is purity, innocence, loyal love, fidelity, beauty, share your feelings, patience and simplicity. Daisies were used in Mary Gardens. Learn more about Mary Gardens. Learn more about daisies here.

Dandelion Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the dandelion is love me, affection returned, desire, sympathy, faithfulness, happiness, coquetry and love's oracle. The dandelion is also a symbol of the sun and was used by Flemish and German painters to symbolize the suffering of Christ, grief and bitterness. More about dandelion symbolism here.

Everlastings Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of everlastings is unfading love.

Fern Meanings

The symbolic meaning of ferns is magic, fascination, confidence, shelter, discretion, reverie and a secret bond of love. More about fern meanings.

Forget-Me-Not Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of forget-me-not flowers is true love and memories. In 15th century Germany, it was supposed that the wearers of the flower would not be forgotten by their lovers. More about forget-me-not flowers.

Fuchsia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of fuchsia flowers is confiding love and good taste (scarlet). Fuschia flowers attract hummingbirds. Learn more about fushciah flower symbolism.

Gardenia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gardenia flowers is you're lovely, secret love, purity, joy and refinement. Learn more about gardenia symbolism.

Gladiolus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gladiolus flowers is preparedness, strength, splendid beauty and love at first sight. The gladiolus is named for the shape of its leaves, "gladius" or sword. The gladiolus is said to have symbolized the Roman gladiators. Learn more about gladiolus symbolism.

Globe Amaranth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the globe amaranth is unfading love. The globe amaranth is an annual plant. Learn more about globe amaranth symbolism.

Gloxinia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gloxinia flowers is love at first sight.

Honeysuckle Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of honeysuckle is bond of love, rustic beauty, friendship and I love you. Find more information about honeysuckle symbolism here.

Impatiens Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of impatiens flowers is motherly love. In the medieval Mary gardens devoted to the Virgin Mary, impatiens plants were called "Our Lady's earrings." Read more about impatiens.

Iris Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the iris is faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor, my compliments and promise in love. Irises were used in Mary Gardens. The blade-shaped foliage denotes the sorrows which 'pierced her heart.' Read more about iris flowers.

Jonquil Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of jonquil flowers is love me, affection returned, desire, sympathy, desire for a return of affection.

Lilac Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the lilac is the first emotions of love, beauty, pride, fastidiousness, youthful innocence and youth. A pale purple color is generally known as lilac.

Lotus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the lotus is estranged love and forgetfulness of the past. The lotus is the national flower of India.

Myrtle Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of myrtle is beauty's crown and wedded love. Myrtle is widespread in the Mediterranean region.

Orange Blossom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the orange blossom is innocence, eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness. The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings.

Orchid Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the orchid is love, beauty, refinement, many children, fertility, thoughtfulness and mature charm.Read more about orchids.

Pansy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the pansy is merriment, memories, loving thoughts, souvenirs and you occupy my thoughts. The pansy is also called the heartsease or Johnny Jump Up. The name pansy is derived from the French word pensée meaning "thought", and was so named because the flower resembles a human face. In August the pansy is thought to nod forward as if deep in thought.

Roses Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of roses is love, remembrance, passion (red); purity (white); happiness (pink); infidelity (yellow); unconscious beauty, I love you. Roses are emblems of England and New York City. Read more about roses.

Tulip Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of tulips is fame and perfect love. The symbolic meanings also change with the color of the tulips. Red tulips mean "believe me" and are a declaration of love. Variegated tulips mean "you have beautiful eyes." Yellow tulips mean "there's sunshine in your smile." And cream colored tulips mean "I will love you forever." Tulips are the foremost national symbol of Holland, rivaling wooden shoes and windmills! Read more about tulips.

Violet Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of violets is modesty, virtue, affection, watchfulness, faithfulness (blue violets), love and let's take a chance on happiness.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

FLOWER SYMBOLS WITH NEGATIVE MEANINGS

Although flowers are renowned for their beauty and ability to bring cheer and joy, some flowers actually do have negative associations. See the list below. Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Amaryllis Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of amaryllis is pride, timidity and splendid beauty. Learn more about the meaning of the name amaryllis.

Anemone Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of anemone flowers is anticipation, expectation, forsaken and frailty. Learn more about the meaning of the name of the anemone flower.

Apple Blossom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of apple blossoms is good health, temptation, admiration, love, youth, beauty and happiness. Read more about apple blossoms.

Begonia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of begonia flowers is fanciful nature, beware and dark thoughts. Learn more about begonia symbolism.

Calendula Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of calendula flowers is grief, despair and sorrow. More about calendula flower symbolism.

Calla Lily Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning calla lily flowers is magnificent beauty and pride. Read our article on calla lilies. See our gifts featuring calla lilies.

Campion Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of campions (red) is youthful love and I fall victim. Campions are also known as catchfly and lynchis.

Candytuft Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of candytuft flowers is indifference.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Cyclamen Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cyclamen is diffidence, resignation and goodbye. Read more about cyclamen here.

Cypress Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cypress flowers is mourning.

Dahlia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of dahlia flowers is elegance and forever thine. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, its birthplace. Dahlia can also mean instability. Learn more about dahlia symbolism.

Deadly Nightshade Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of deadly nightshade flowers is falsehood.

Foxglove Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of foxglove flowers is stateliness and youth.The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of powerful chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Thus, foxglove flowers are symbolic of both healing and harm. Read more about foxgloves.

Geranium Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of geranium flowers is a true friend, gentility, stupidity, melancholy, folly and meeting. Learn more about geranium flower symbolism.

Goldenrod Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of goldenrod flowers is be cautious and encouragement.

Heather Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of heather is loneliness. The symbolic meaning of white heather is wishes will come true and and good fortune.

Hepatica Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hepatica flowers is anger. Also known as liverwort, the hepatica has been used as a treatment for liver disorders but can be poisonous in large doses.

Hyacinth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the hyacinth is games, sports, rashness, and playful joy; constancy (blue); I'm sorry, please forgive me, sorrow (purple); unobtrusive loneliness, I'll pray for you (white); and jealousy (yellow). Learn more about hyacinth symbolism.

Hydrangea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hydrangea flowers is thank you for your understanding, frigidity and heartlessness.

Lilac Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the lilac is the first emotions of love, beauty, pride, fastidiousness, youthful innocence and youth. A pale purple color is generally known as lilac. More lilac symbolism.

Monkshood Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of monkshood flowers is danger is near, beware a deadly foe is near and chivalry.

Narcissus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the narcissus is normality, stay sweet, self-esteem and vanity. Learn more about narcissus flower symbolism.

Oleander Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning oleander flowers is beware.

Petunia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the petunia is resentment, anger and your presence soothes me. Learn more about petunia symbolism.

Poppy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of poppies is beauty, pleasure, magic, consolation (red), sleep (white), fertility, eternal life, wealth and success (yellow). In modern times, poppies have been associated with Flanders fields as an emblem of those who died in World War I. Read more about poppy flowers.

Primrose Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of primrose flowers is youth, evening and inconstancy. Learn about the meaning of the name primrose.

Rhododendron Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the rhododendron is beware, I am dangerous and caution. Rhododendron means "rose tree." Some spices are toxic to animals and may have a hallucinogenic and laxative effect on humans, thus the symbolism related to warning and danger. Learn more about rhododendron flower symbolism.

Roses Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of roses is love, remembrance, passion (red); purity (white); happiness (pink); infidelity (yellow); unconscious beauty, I love you. Roses are emblems of England and New York City. Read more about roses.

Saffron Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of saffron is my best days fled. Learn about the meaning of the flower name saffron.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING GOOD LUCK

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Bells of Ireland Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Bells of Ireland is good luck and whimsy. These flowers actually originated in western Asia and are part of the mint family.

Clover Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of clover is good luck, be mine, industry (red) and think of me (white).

Heather Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of heather is loneliness. The symbolic meaning of white heather is wishes will come true and and good fortune.

Lavender Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lavender flowers is best wishes, purity, silence and good luck.

Orange Blossom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the orange blossom is innocence, eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness. The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING GRATITUDE

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Bell Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bell flowers is gratitude.

Camellia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of camellia flowers is admiration, perfection, good luck gift for a man, gratitude, nobility of reasoning. The colors have specific symbolic meanings including innate worth, adoration, perfection and loveliness (white); longing, longing for a man (pink); and you're a flame in my heart or excellence (red). More about camellias here.

Canterbury Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of canterbury bells is gratitude.

Sweet Pea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of sweet peas is bliss, delicate pleasure, good-bye, departure, adieu and thank you for a lovely time. Sweet peas were are often considered the floral emblem for Edwardian England. Sweet peas are the flowers most closely connected to the month of April. Read more about sweet peas.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING HOPE

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Almond Tree Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the flowering almond tree is hope.

Anemone Flowers Meanings

Greek name derived from the word anemos, meaning "wind." In mythology, this is the name of a wind nymph, also a reference to her beauty. Learn meaning of anemone flower name.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Iris Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the iris is faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor, my compliments and promise in love. Irises were used in Mary Gardens. The blade-shaped foliage denotes the sorrows which 'pierced her heart.' Read more about iris flowers.

Snowdrop Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of snowdrop flowers is a friend in need and hope.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING HUMILITY

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Bluebell Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bluebells is humility, constancy and gratitude. Read more about bluebells.

Broom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the broom flower is humility and neatness.

Buttercup Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of buttercups is humility, neatness, childishness and wealth.

Poppy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of poppies is beauty, pleasure, magic, consolation (red), sleep (white), fertility, eternal life, wealth and success (yellow). Read more about poppy flower symbolism.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING IMMORTALITY & YOUTH

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Amaranth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of amaranth flowers is immortality and unfading love. Find meaning of Amaranth flower name.

Apple Blossom Flowers Meanings

The meaning of apple blossoms is good health, temptation, admiration, love, youth, beauty and happiness. Read more about apple blossoms.

Bamboo Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bamboo is longevity, flexibility, prosperity, strength and grace. In China, the straight stem symbolizes the path towards enlightenment with the segments indicating steps along the way. More info on bamboo flowers here. See bamboo photo.

Foxglove Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of foxglove flowers is stateliness and youth.The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of powerful chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Thus, foxglove flowers are symbolic of both healing and harm. Read more about foxgloves.

Lilac Flowers Meanings

The meanings of lilac flowers are the first emotions of love, beauty, pride, fastidiousness, youthful innocence and youth. A pale purple color is generally known as lilac.

Primrose Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of primrose flowers is youth, evening and inconstancy.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING INNOCENCE

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Baby's Breath Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of baby's breath flowers is purity of heart, innocence, the breath of the Holy Spirit. See baby's breath flower photo.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Daisy Flowers Meanings

The meanings of daisy flowers are purity, innocence, loyal love, fidelity, beauty, share your feelings, patience and simplicity. Daisies were used in Mary Gardens. Learn more about Mary Gardens. Learn more about daisies symbolism here.

Freesia Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of freesia flowers is innocence and trust.

Gerbera Flowers Meanings
The symbolic meaning of the gerbera flower is innocence.

Orange Blossom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the orange blossom is innocence, eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness. The orange blossom, which is the state flower of Florida, is traditionally associated with good fortune, and was popular in bridal bouquets and head wreaths for weddings.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING JOY

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Carnation Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of carnation flowers is fascination, impulsiveness, capriciousness, joy and devoted love. White carnations mean "I am still available" or disdain and refusal. Red carnations mean "my heart aches for you" or "for my poor heart". Learn more about carnation symbolism.

Gardenia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gardenia flowers is you're lovely, secret love, purity, joy and refinement. Learn more about gardenia symbolism.

Hyacinth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the hyacinth is games, sports, rashness, and playful joy; constancy (blue); I'm sorry, please forgive me, sorrow (purple); unobtrusive loneliness, I'll pray for you (white); and jealousy (yellow). Learn more about hyacinth symbolism.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

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FLOWER SYMBOLS WITH NEGATIVE MEANINGS

Although flowers are renowned for their beauty and ability to bring cheer and joy, some flowers actually do have negative associations. See the list below. Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Amaryllis Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of amaryllis is pride, timidity and splendid beauty. Learn more about the meaning of the name amaryllis.

Anemone Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of anemone flowers is anticipation, expectation, forsaken and frailty. Learn more about the meaning of the name of the anemone flower.

Apple Blossom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of apple blossoms is good health, temptation, admiration, love, youth, beauty and happiness. Read more about apple blossoms.

Begonia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of begonia flowers is fanciful nature, beware and dark thoughts. Learn more about begonia symbolism.

Calendula Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of calendula flowers is grief, despair and sorrow. More about calendula flower symbolism.

Calla Lily Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning calla lily flowers is magnificent beauty and pride. Read our article on calla lilies. See our gifts featuring calla lilies.

Campion Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of campions (red) is youthful love and I fall victim. Campions are also known as catchfly and lynchis.

Candytuft Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of candytuft flowers is indifference.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Cyclamen Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cyclamen is diffidence, resignation and goodbye. Read more about cyclamen here.

Cypress Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cypress flowers is mourning.

Dahlia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of dahlia flowers is elegance and forever thine. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, its birthplace. Dahlia can also mean instability. Learn more about dahlia symbolism.

Deadly Nightshade Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of deadly nightshade flowers is falsehood.

Foxglove Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of foxglove flowers is stateliness and youth.The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of powerful chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Thus, foxglove flowers are symbolic of both healing and harm. Read more about foxgloves.

Geranium Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of geranium flowers is a true friend, gentility, stupidity, melancholy, folly and meeting. Learn more about geranium flower symbolism.

Goldenrod Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of goldenrod flowers is be cautious and encouragement.

Heather Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of heather is loneliness. The symbolic meaning of white heather is wishes will come true and and good fortune.

Hepatica Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hepatica flowers is anger. Also known as liverwort, the hepatica has been used as a treatment for liver disorders but can be poisonous in large doses.

Hyacinth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the hyacinth is games, sports, rashness, and playful joy; constancy (blue); I'm sorry, please forgive me, sorrow (purple); unobtrusive loneliness, I'll pray for you (white); and jealousy (yellow). Learn more about hyacinth symbolism.

Hydrangea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hydrangea flowers is thank you for your understanding, frigidity and heartlessness.

Lilac Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the lilac is the first emotions of love, beauty, pride, fastidiousness, youthful innocence and youth. A pale purple color is generally known as lilac. More lilac symbolism.

Monkshood Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of monkshood flowers is danger is near, beware a deadly foe is near and chivalry.

Narcissus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the narcissus is normality, stay sweet, self-esteem and vanity. Learn more about narcissus flower symbolism.

Oleander Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning oleander flowers is beware.

Petunia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the petunia is resentment, anger and your presence soothes me. Learn more about petunia symbolism.

Poppy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of poppies is beauty, pleasure, magic, consolation (red), sleep (white), fertility, eternal life, wealth and success (yellow). In modern times, poppies have been associated with Flanders fields as an emblem of those who died in World War I. Read more about poppy flowers.

Primrose Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of primrose flowers is youth, evening and inconstancy. Learn about the meaning of the name primrose.

Rhododendron Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the rhododendron is beware, I am dangerous and caution. Rhododendron means "rose tree." Some spices are toxic to animals and may have a hallucinogenic and laxative effect on humans, thus the symbolism related to warning and danger. Learn more about rhododendron flower symbolism.

Roses Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of roses is love, remembrance, passion (red); purity (white); happiness (pink); infidelity (yellow); unconscious beauty, I love you. Roses are emblems of England and New York City. Read more about roses.

Saffron Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of saffron is my best days fled. Learn about the meaning of the flower name saffron.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING PASSION

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Azalea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of azalea flowers is temperance, fragile passion, womanhood (China) and take care of yourself for me. See azalea photo.

Roses Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of roses is love, remembrance, passion (red); purity (white); happiness (pink); infidelity (yellow); unconscious beauty, I love you. Roses are emblems of England and New York City. Read more about roses.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING PROSPERITY

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Bamboo Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bamboo is longevity, flexibility, prosperity, strength and grace. In China, the straight stem symbolizes the path towards enlightenment with the segments indicating steps along the way. More info on bamboo flowers here. See bamboo photo.

Buttercup Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of buttercups is humility, neatness, childishness and wealth.

Cattails Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cattails is peace and prosperity.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Lunaria Flowers Meaning

The symbolic meaning of lunaria flowers is is prosperity and honesty.

Poppy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of poppies is beauty, pleasure, magic, consolation (red), sleep (white), fertility, eternal life, wealth and success (yellow). Read more about poppy flower symbolism.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers 

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FLOWER SYMBOLS MEANING TRUTH

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Bittersweet Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bittersweet flowers is truth.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

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FLOWER SYMBOLS WITH UNUSUAL MEANINGS

Flowers in this category in the following table are linked to more information elsewhere on this website.

Aster Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of aster flowers is charming, patience, daintiness, afterthought, love of variety, elegance, memories and love. Aster comes from the Greek word meaning star. Learn about aster symbolism.

Azalea Flowers Meanings

he symbolic meaning of azalea flowers is temperance, fragile passion, womanhood (China) and take care of yourself for me. See azalea photo.

Baby's Breath Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of baby's breath flowers is purity of heart,innocence, the breath of the Holy Spirit. See baby's breath flower photo.

Bachelor Button Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bachelor button flowers is celibacy, single, blessedness, hope in love, delicacy. Learn more about bachelor button flower symbolism.

Bamboo Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bamboo is longevity, flexibility, prosperity, strength and grace. In China, the straight stem symbolizes the path towards enlightenment with the segments indicating steps along the way. More info on bamboo here. See bamboo photo.

Begonia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of begonia flowers is fanciful nature, beware and dark thoughts. Learn more about begonia symbolism.

Bells of Ireland Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Bells of Ireland is good luck and whimsy. These flowers actually originated in western Asia and are part of the mint family.

Bird of Paradise Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bird of paradise flowers is freedom, good perspective, faithfulness (when given from a woman to a man). More about bird of paradise symbolism.

Bluebell Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of bluebells is humility, constancy and gratitude. Read more about bluebells.

Broom Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the broom flower is humility and neatness.

Buttercup Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of buttercups is humility, neatness, childishness and wealth.

Cactus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cactus flowers is endurance, warmth, my heart burns with love and maternal love. The perennial cactus grows as a tree, shrub or vine.

Camellia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of camellia flowers is admiration, perfection, good luck gift for a man, gratitude, nobility of reasoning. The colors have specific symbolic meanings including innate worth, adoration, perfection and loveliness (white); longing, longing for a man (pink); and you're a flame in my heart or excellence (red). More about camellias here.

Cardinal Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cardinal flowers is distinction.

Carnation Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of carnation flowers is fascination, impulsiveness, capriciousness, joy and devoted love. White carnations mean "I am still available" or disdain and refusal. Red carnations mean "my heart aches for you" or "for my poor heart". Learn more about carnation symbolism.

Chamomile Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of chamomile flowers is energy in action.

Cherry Blossom Flowers Meanings

The meaning of cherry blossoms in the west is education. In China, the cherry blossom is also a symbol of feminine beauty and represents the feminine principle and love. Learn more about cherry blossom symbolism.

Christmas Rose Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the Christmas Rose is that it is purported to have flowered on Christmas Day, and is therefore associated with the infant Jesus. The Christmas Rose of Mary Gardens bears pure white or pink flowers and are sometimes known as the Lenten Rose. Read more about Mary Gardens.

Chrysanthemum Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the chrysanthemum is abundance, wealth, cheerfulness, loyalty, innocence, optimism, truth (white), hope, rest, wonderful friendship, I love you (red), slighted love (yellow). More about chrysanthemum flower symbolism. Learn about the meaning of the name chrysanthemum.

Clematis Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of clematis flowers is ingenuity.

Clover Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of clover is good luck, be mine, industry (red) and think of me (white).

Columbine Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of columbine flowers is resolved to win.

Cornflower Meanings

The symbolic meaning of cornflowers is delicacy.

Coronilla Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of coronilla flowers is success to you.

Crocus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of crocus flowers is cheerfulness, youthful gladness and abuse not.

Crown Imperial Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the crown imperial flower is majesty.

Daffodil Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of daffodil flowers is regard, unrequited love, chivalry, sunshine, respect and the sun shines when I'm with you. Learn about the meaning of the name daffodil.

Dahlia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of dahlia flowers is elegance and forever thine. The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico, its birthplace. Dahlia can also mean instability. Learn more about dahlia symbolism.

Daisy Flowers Meanings

The meanings of daisy flowers are purity, innocence, loyal love, fidelity, beauty, share your feelings, patience and simplicity. Daisies were used in Mary Gardens. Learn more about Mary Gardens. Learn more about daisies symbolism here.

Dandelion Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the dandelion is love me, affection returned, desire, sympathy, faithfulness, happiness, coquetry and love's oracle. The dandelion is also a symbol of the sun and was used by Flemish and German painters to symbolize the suffering of Christ, grief and bitterness. (Photo courtesy of Pharaoh Hound, Wikimedia Commons)

Daphene Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of daphene flowers is I desire to please.

Day Lily Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the day lily is forgetting worries. As an omen for expectant mothers who wish for baby boys, the flower means "Suited for A Boy." The Chinese also venerate the day lily as a symbol of filial devotion to one's mother. Learn more about day lilies here.

Delphinium Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the delphinium is big-hearted, fun, lightness, levity, swiftness and ardent attachment.

Diosma Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of diosma flowers is "Your simple elegance charms me."

Dragon Lily Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of dragon lily flowers is inner power.

Elder Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the elder flower is zeal.

Endine Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of endine flowers is frugality.

Fennel Meanings

The symbolic meaning of fennel is worthy of praise.

Fern Meanings

The symbolic meaning of ferns is magic, fascination, confidence, shelter, discretion, reverie and a secret bond of love. More about fern meanings.

Flora's Bell Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Flora's Bell flowers is without pretension.

Forsythia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of forsythia flowers is anticipation.

Foxglove Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of foxglove flowers is stateliness and youth.The scientific name is digitalis, a reference to the presence of powerful chemicals that can heal heart conditions if taken correctly but can kill if taken in large amounts. Thus, foxglove flowers are symbolic of both healing and harm. Read more about foxgloves.

Fuchsia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of fuchsia flowers is confiding love and good taste (scarlet). Fuschia flowers attract hummingbirds. Learn more about fushciah flower symbolism.

Gardenia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gardenia flowers is you're lovely, secret love, purity, joy and refinement. Learn more about gardenia symbolism.

Gentian Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of gentian flowers is virgin pride.

Geranium Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of geranium flowers is a true friend, gentility, stupidity, melancholy, folly and meeting. Learn more about geranium flower symbolism.

Gladiolus Flowers Meanings

The meanings of gladiolus flowers are preparedness, strength, splendid beauty and love at first sight. The gladiolus is named for the shape of its leaves, "gladius" or sword. Learn more about gladiolus symbolism.

Goldenrod Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of goldenrod flowers is be cautious and encouragement. (Photo courtesy of SriMesh, Wikimedia Commons)

Gooseberry

The symbolic meaning of Gooseberry is anticipation.

Goosefoot Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Goosefoot flowers is goodness.

Gorse Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Gorse flowers is endearing affection.

Heliotrope Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of heliotrope flowers is devotion.

Hollyhock Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hollyhock flowers is ambition.

Holly Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the holly is defense, domestic happiness and forecast. Medieval monks called the holly the Holy Tree and believed holly would keep away evil spirits and protects their homes from lightening. In Christianity, the pointed leaves represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolized drops of his blood.

Hyacinth Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the hyacinth is games, sports, rashness, and playful joy; constancy (blue); I'm sorry, please forgive me, sorrow (purple); unobtrusive loneliness, I'll pray for you (white); and jealousy (yellow). Learn more about hyacinth symbolism.

Hydrangea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hydrangea flowers is thank you for your understanding, frigidity and heartlessness. (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bergenwall Aw, Wikimedia Commons)

Hyssop Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of hyssop flowers is cleanliness.

Iris Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the iris is faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor, my compliments and promise in love. Irises were used in Mary Gardens. The blade-shaped foliage denotes the sorrows which 'pierced her heart.' Read more about iris flowers.

Jasmine Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the jasmine flower is amiability, attachment, sensuality, modesty, grace and elegance.

Jonquil Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of jonquil flowers is love me, affection returned, desire, sympathy, desire for a return of affection.

Juniper

The symbolic meaning of juniper is protection.

Lady's Slipper Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lady's slipper is win me and wear me.

Lady's Mantle Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Lady's Mantle is a cloak for for the Blessed Virgin. Lady's mantle was grown in Mary Gardens. The name alchemilla ("little magical one") derives from the dew which collects on the lady's mantle. Dew is often associated with magic.

Lantana Flowers Meanings

The symbolic nature of lantana flowers is rigor.

Larkspur Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of larkspur flowers is lightness, levity, ardent attachment and fickleness (pink).

Lavender Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lavender flowers is best wishes, purity, silence and good luck.

Lily Flowers Meanings

The meanings of lilies are chastity, virtue, fleur-de-lis, Holy Trinity, faith, wisdom, chivalry, royalty; beauty (calla), mother (China), hatred (orange), wealth, pride (tiger); sweetness, virginity, purity, majesty, it's heavenly to be with you (white); gaiety, gratitude, I'm walking on air (yellow). Learn more about lily symbolism.

Lily-of-the-Valley Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lily-of-the-valley is sweetness, purity, return of happiness, you have made my life complete and humility. (Photo courtesy of Miika Silfverberg, Wikimedia Commons)

Lobelia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lobelia is distinction (scarlet).

Lotus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the lotus is estranged love and forgetfulness of the past. The lotus is the national flower of India.

Love in Mist Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of love in mist flowers is perplexity.

Lunaria Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lunaria flowers is is prosperity and honesty.

Lupine Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of lupines is imagination. Read more about lupines.

Magnolia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning magnolia flowers is nobility, perseverance and love of nature. Magnolia is the official state state flower of both Mississippi and Louisiana.

Marigold Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of marigolds is indicated in the name: Mary's Gold. Marigold flowers were "golden gifts" offered to the Virgin Mary by the poor who could not afford to give actual gold. Marigolds were also used in Mary Gardens. Marigolds are symbolic of happiness, passion and creativity. Marigolds are also known as the "Herb of the Sun." Read more about marigolds.

Monkshood Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of monkshood flowers is danger is near, beware a deadly foe is near and chivalry. (Photo courtesy of Tobe Deprez, Wikimedia Commons)

Morning Glory Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the morning glory is affection. As the name implies, morning glory flowers, which are funnel-shaped, open in the morning. The flower typically lasts for a single morning and dies in the afternoon. New flowers bloom each day. Read about morning glories.

Nasturtium Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the nasturtium is victory in battle, patriotism and conquest. Nasturtium literally means "nose-twister" or "nose-tweaker".

Orchid Flowers Meanings

The meanings of orchid flowers are love, beauty, refinement, many children, fertility, thoughtfulness and mature charm. Read more about orchids.

Pansy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the pansy is merriment, memories, loving thoughts, souvenirs and you occupy my thoughts. The pansy is also called the heartsease or Johnny Jump Up. The name pansy is derived from the French word pensée meaning "thought", and was so named because the flower resembles a human face. In August the pansy is thought to nod forward as if deep in thought.

Peach Blossoms Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of peach blossoms is "I am your captive."

Peony Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the peony is happy marriage, good life, bashfulness, ambition, determination and compassion.

Periwinkle Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of periwinkle flowers is early friendship or the pleasures of memory.

Petunia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the petunia is resentment, anger and your presence soothes me. Learn more about petunia symbolism.

Phlox Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of phlox is sweet dreams and a proposal of marriage.

Poinsettia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the poinsettia has an ancient history. The ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. Today, poinsettias are the most easily recognized flower symbolic of Christmas. Read more about poinsettias.

Poppy Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of poppies is beauty, pleasure, magic, consolation (red), sleep (white), fertility, eternal life, wealth and success (yellow). Read more about poppy flower symbolism.

Primrose Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of primrose flowers is youth, evening and inconstancy. Learn about the meaning of the name primrose.

Pussy Willow Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of pussy willows is motherhood.

Ranunculus Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of ranuculus is "you are radiant with charms."

Snapdragon Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of snapdragons is graciousness, presumption, and strength. The snapdragon is important as a model organism in botanical research. Its genome has been studied in detail.

Snowball Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the snowball flower is winter.

Sorrel Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of sorrel is affection.

Spider Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the spider flower is elope with me.

Star of Bethlehem Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of Star of Bethlehem Flowers is purity.

Stephanotis Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of stephanotis flowers is happiness in marriage and desire to travel. Stephanotis is popular for wedding bouquets. (Photo courtesy of Scott, Wikimedia Commons)

Straw Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of straw flowers is agreement.

Sunflower Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of sunflowers is adoration. Sunflowers turn their heads to the sun, which is the origin of their common name. Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus, a reference to Helios, the sun god. Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are the state flower of Kansas. Learn more about sunflowers here.

Sweet Pea Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of sweet peas is bliss, delicate pleasure, good-bye, departure, adieu and thank you for a lovely time. Sweet peas were are often considered the floral emblem for Edwardian England. Sweet peas are the flowers most closely connected to the month of April. Read more about sweet peas.

Sweet William Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of sweet William flowers is gallantry.

Trumpet Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the trumpet flower is fame.

Tulip Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of tulips is fame and perfect love. The symbolic meanings also change with the color of the tulips. Red tulips mean "believe me" and are a declaration of love. Variegated tulips mean "you have beautiful eyes." Yellow tulips mean "there's sunshine in your smile." And cream colored tulips mean "I will love you forever."Read more about tulips.

Verbena Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of the verbena flower is pray for me and sensibility. Verbena has longstanding use in herbalism and folk medicine, usually as a tea. Verbena is grown as a honey plant to supply bees with nectar.

Violet Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of violets is modesty, virtue, affection, watchfulness, faithfulness (blue violets), love and let's take a chance on happiness.

Viscaria Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of viscaria flowers is will you dance with me.

Water Lily Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of water lilies is purity of heart.

Wisteria Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meaning of wisteria flowers is welcome and playful spontaneity. Learn more about wisteria.

Zinnia Flowers Meanings

The symbolic meanings of zinnias are thoughts of absent friends, lasting affection, constancy, goodness and daily remembrance. Zinnias are the state flower of Indiana.

For more on flower symbolism, see our recommended books from Amazon below :
Kate Greenaway's Language of Flowers
Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees
The Language of Flowers: Symbols And Myths
The Language of Flowers
The Meaning of Flowers

Order Bouquets and Flowers
The extensive FloristOne catalog features flowers for every occasion and an extensive network of florists that allows for same day delivery to nearly all of the United States and Canada. Send a classic gift with special meaning for a birthday, baby's birth, holiday, sympathy, graduation or other special occasion. Nothing else communicates your sentiments quite as well as flowers. See our selection of bouquets and flowers here or go directly to the FloristOne website to see all flowers available.

RESOURCES:

Books
Jone, Julia. Country Diary of Garden Lore. NY: Summit Books, 1968.

Lehner, Ernst. Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees. NY: Tudor Publishing C., 1960.

Greenaway, Kate. Language of Flowers. 1884.

Websites
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.new-age.co.uk/flower-language.htm
http://www.santacruzpl.org
http://www.britannica.com
http://www.theflowerexpert.com
http://www.arthistory.suite101.com
http://www.proflowers.com
http://www.victorianbazaar.com
http://www.pioneerthinking.com
http://www.growerflowers.com
http://gardencards.biz

©2009-2010 Living Arts Enterprises, LLC

RESOURCES:

Books
Jone, Julia. Country Diary of Garden Lore. NY: Summit Books, 1968.

Lehner, Ernst. Folklore and Symbolism of Flowers, Plants and Trees. NY: Tudor Publishing C., 1960.

Greenaway, Kate. Language of Flowers. 1884.

Websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.new-age.co.uk/flower-language.htm
http://www.santacruzpl.org
http://www.britannica.com
http://www.theflowerexpert.com
http://www.arthistory.suite101.com
http://www.proflowers.com
http://www.victorianbazaar.com
http://www.pioneerthinking.com
http://www.growerflowers.com
http://gardencards.biz

Kathleen Karlsen, MA is a symbolism expert, professional artist and marketing consultant specializing in products and services related to natural health and personal growth. Find out more at Living Arts Media, Kathleen Karlsen Art, and Kathleen Karlsen Writing or contact Kathleen at kathleenkarlsen@msn.com.

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