Every flower symbolizes something good, but some are more important than others because of their roles in people’s lives through the ages.
The rhododendron is one of the prettiest flowers to behold, with its vivid colors and elegantly curved petals. Popular as a cut flower, the rhododendron’s symbolic meaning stems from its fame as a flower that can be used in arrangements.
As an ornamental flower, because of the variety of colors, this flower comes in, it has been used widely in wedding bouquets and as gifts on occasions like birthdays or funerals. Besides its use as a sign of goodwill, the gifting of this flower has some noteworthy meanings.
What does the Flower stands for
You may ask yourself, what does a rhododendron symbolize? Does the flower signify anything else besides an offering of well-meaning and affection? Yes.
The rhododendron has different meanings depending on its color. Varieties of flowers grow in abundance, with various colors to choose from. Some colors are more vibrant than others, such as bright pinks and oranges. Other rhododendron shades are in flowers that come in blended colors, such as whitish-pink and a creamier white.
The Name of the Flower
The name of the flower, “rhododendron,” originates from a French term sourced from the Latin word “rhododendron.”
Some experts have traced the word back to the Greek language as well. The word “rhododendron” comes from the Greek rhodos, meaning “rose,” and dendron, meaning “tree.” If you go by a literal translation, the word means “rose tree.” It can be interpreted as meaning “solid,” “firm,” “strong,” and “steadfast,” too.
Here, some green thumbs feel that the rhododendron, symbolic meaning aside, is descriptive of the actual plant itself. The flower grows on a thick bark-like stem and is a hardy bloom.
Bright and Happy Flowers
Rhododendron is part of a genus of around 1000 species of plants found in the wilderness and belongs to the plants’ heath family. It can be deciduous or evergreen and is common to its native Asia.
India and China both grow this flower in large numbers. Nonetheless, it is also grown abundantly in the Northwest Pacific’s lowland and montane forested regions and parts of the Northeastern United States. Parts of the state of California cultivate this bloom quite widely as well. The flower was identified and named in the 1500s and acknowledged as one of the toughest plants in the kingdom of Plantae.
As plants go, rhododendron’s symbolic meaning may come from the fact that it brings joy and happiness as it grows in the sunshine. It adds light and brightness to any bouquet or basket of flowers, bringing joy to the heaviest heart. Often given as a symbol of love and optimism, the flower has a positive vibe.
In parts of Europe, such as Germany, the flower is specially cultivated and given as a gift to welcome visitors.
Flowers of Energy
Rhododendrons come in various colors and bring a burst of energy to any environment. Their loud and eye-catching colors force the attention of people. On a window sill, in a box, or as a potted plant, these flowers adorn many apartments in different parts of the globe.
The flowers are all about liveliness and life itself, so when you consider the question, “what does a rhododendron symbolize?” you only have to look at the flower.
Yellow Flowers and Funerals
Throughout the years, the yellow variety of rhododendrons has been synonymous with use at funerals. You will often find these flowers on funeral wreaths, with white lilies and roses. Since yellow is a lighter shade and can be combined with somber colors for a sad occasion, it can also be combined with brighter colors to symbolize joy.
The rhododendron, gifted as a flower at a funeral, may not necessarily mean that it signifies mourning to some. In fact, in some cultures, funerals celebrate the life of the individual who has passed away.
Here, the yellow rhododendron is a flower that indicates a positive memory of the deceased person.
Red for Robust Emotions
Red, as a color, is symbolic of passion. Red roses are a sign of love and strong and deep emotions, so they are the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift.
These rhododendrons can be dramatic in their appearance and compete with the most beautiful roses as flowers that stand for passion and romance.
Red rhododendrons are commonly gifted among lovers and spouses, but they symbolize a strong will too. You can give these to a friend you think has achieved success through strength and sheer determination without the “love” aspect.
Delicate Pinks for Peace
Darker shades of pink rhododendrons are given at birthdays and anniversaries to celebrate happiness and evoke a cheery mood.
The lighter pinks are pastel shades that people associate with calm and inner repose. This is also a common sign of the white flowers of the same species. You get blended pinkish-white rhododendrons that appear cool and relaxed, which is exactly their symbolic value.
Deeper and richer pinks bring forth merriment and are seen in Christmas wreaths and Easter bouquets. Lighter pink, white, and ivory flowers may be given as a sign of sympathy or a get-well wish.
Conclusion
Rhododendrons and azaleas, which belong to the same broader genus, are frequently mistaken for one another; but not all rhododendron flowers are considered azaleas. Coming from a wide range of bloom sizes and colors, anyone can enjoy receiving rhododendrons no matter what flowers they like.
Give rhododendrons to your special someone, friends, or colleagues on whatever occasion they celebrate or even without an occasion.
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