Floriography

Many people love flowers. They are beautiful, smell wonderful, and can convey messages that words cannot.

Flowers play an important role in major life events and rituals; weddings, celebrations, and even funerals use flowers.

Have you ever wondered whether there’s a reason why certain flowers are more prevalent in particular situations? What does a red rose mean to love? And why are peonies popular in wedding ceremonies?

In the language of flowers, every flower has its meaning. The symbolism behind the names of each flower can even change depending on the color or the number of flowers.

There’s even a name for the language of flowers—Floriography.

What is Floriography?

The study of different flower names and meanings is called Floriography. This art dates back to the 19th century when Joseph Hammer-Purgstall released the first official book of flower names and their meanings. This book was called the Dictionnaire Du Langage Des Fleurs, or the ‘Dictionary of the Language of Flowers.’

In his book, Hammer-Purgstall compiled all the information he could find on flower names and their meanings, often taking help from Armenian or Greek women to translate Turkish flower meanings to French.

A more detailed book on flower names and their meanings was released in 1819 by Louise Cortambert in his Le Langage Des Fleurs or ‘The Language of Flowers.’

What is the history behind the language of flowers?

Why would Hammer-Purgstall need the help of Armenian or Greek women to translate Turkish flower meanings to French? The history of the language of flowers is more nuanced than you may think.

People have been using flowers to express their feelings since ancient times. Flowers have been used in celebrations and rituals for centuries, but only with the release of the French books on the language of flowers did Floriography become more formalized.

As we know them today, flower names and meanings date back to the Ottoman Empire. Turkish women weren’t allowed to express their emotions openly under Ottoman rule.

This made them turn into flowers. With different flowers symbolizing different meanings, they were free to express themselves without getting in trouble with the authorities.

This tradition was later picked up not only in France but also in Victorian England. The reign of Queen Victoria, who ruled between 1837 and 1901, came on the heels of the Romantic era. The Victorian era witnessed a change in social interactions. Strict etiquette was necessary while socializing.

During this time, flowers and their symbolism emerged as an outlet to help people express their emotions without making faux pas. Over time, the language of flowers continued to be valued and used.

Today, flower names and meanings are used widely, and people actively look up the symbolism behind a flower before using them on different occasions.

Meanings and Symbolisms of Flowers from A-Z:

Table of Contents

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Flowers that start with A

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Acaciadiligence
safety
devotion
adulation
autonomy
immortality
protection from spirits
renewal
wholesomeness
endurance
Aconite (Wolfsbane) death
deceit
murder
dark magic
gloomy Moorish misanthropy
Adonissad memories
determination
beauty
remembrance
uniqueness
Alliumgood fortune
prosperity
unity
patience
humility
grace
Almondalertness
delicacy
charm and sweetness
feminine beauty
caution
fortitude in sadness
divine approval and favor
virgin’s purity
bravery and courage
hope
unending real love
beginning
Aloe healing
protection
affection 
patience
endurance
beauty
fortune
good health
Alyssumrage
madness
against
Amaranthimmortality
endless love
eternal affection
good luck
prosperity
Amaryllispride
strength
determination
splendid beauty
love
Amethystspiritual wisdom
clarity
admiration
calm
balance
peace
Anemoneprotection
anticipation
undying or forsaken love
hope
new beginning
fragility
illness
Angelicatrue and pure intentions
inspiration
adoration
belongingness
eagerness 
enthusiasm
Anthuriumhospitality
happiness
abundance
beauty
grace
love
sensuality
lust
Apple blossomgood fortune
long life
heady love
peace
sensuality
fertility
good luck
optimism
preference
Arbutusdevotion
eternal love
purity
dedication
Artichokehope
prosperity
future success
peace
wealth
Astilbepatience
dedication
strength
power
love
Azaleaabundance
temperance
care
wealth
elegance
passion
homesickness
fragile love
death threat 

Flowers that start with B

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Baby blue eyestender sensitivity
innocence
trust
victory 
success
healing
Baby’s breatheverlasting and eternal love
purity and innocence
holy spirit
self-discipline
fidelity
devotion
Balloonaffection
constancy
everlasting love
delicacy
humility
Balsamimpatience
ardent love
ill temper
Begoniapeaceful communication
remarkability and distinctness
negative thoughts
caution about misfortune
tranquility and righteousness
being grateful
being careful
Bells of Irelandgood luck
abundance of wealth
prosperity
Bird of paradiseroyalty
paradise
freedom
excellence
success
joy
Black-eyed Susanjustice
encouragement
motivation
resilience
positive change
Bleeding heartpassionate love
romance
unrequited love
broken heart
compassion
Blue starresilience
strength
the power of will
endurance
Bluebelleverlasting love
humility
gratitude
constancy
spirituality
Bougainvilleapassion
liveliness
life experience
protection
spiritual connection
peace
Bouvardiaenthusiasm
versatility
zest for life
strong love 

Flowers that start with C

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Cactuswarmth
unconditional
enduring love
strength
protection
lust
attractiveness
Calandivalove
persistence
prosperity
lasting affection
endurance
Calendulajoy
happiness
hope
remembrance
grief
despair
sorrow
Camellialove
adoration
longing
devotion
care
Campanulagratitude
faith
constancy
affection
success
wealth
Casablancalife
joy
celebration
femininity
love
purity
grief
Caspia (Statice)success
achievement
determination
eternity
yearning 
victory
consolation
Catalinahappiness
charm
joy
affection
attraction
gracefulness
gentle love
femininity
Cattleya orchidgrace
new beginnings
happiness
joy
fertility
beauty
love
Celandinepeace
sleep
pleasure
hope
resilience
fertility
remembrance
sacrifice
Celosiafriendship
love
immortality
affection
joy
silliness
warmth
humor
Chamomilehumility
rest
peace
poise
calmness
positivity
happiness
joy
Christmas rosepurity
hope
love
serenity
tranquility
peace
Cloverluck
good fortune
protection
faith
hope
love
Columbinefortitude
courage
endurance
primal energy
passion
romance
love
wisdom
strength
peace
Coreopsischeerfulness
love
good luck
happiness
Cornflower (Bachelor Button)love
fertility
hope
anticipation
patience
elegance
delicacy
refinement
single blessedness
Cosmosunity
symmetry
benevolence
independence
endurance
eternity
beauty
euphoria
Crocuscheerfulness
happiness
rebirth
youthfulness
vitality
joy
hope
Cyclamenlove
sincere tenderness
purity
innocence
perfection
elegance
devotion
empathy 

Flowers that start with D

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Dahliaadventure
relaxation
commitment
grace
honesty
inner strength
kindness
positive changes
uniqueness
Daylilyinnocence
purity
devotion
forgetting worries
flirtatious 
fertility
motherhood
Desert rosedeath
fiction
illusion
delusion
prosperity
hope
resilience
Dianthuslove
affection
gratitude
admiration
Dogwoodrebirth
resurrection
hope
purity
faithfulness
hope
resilience
affection 

Flowers that start with E

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Echinacea (coneflower)strength
health
healing
wellbeing
Edelweissdevotion
deep love
innocence
purity
renewal
care
attention
sacrifice
Ericaprotection
admiration
prosperity
wealth
good fortune
good luck
Eucalyptusstrength
protection
abundance
endurance
fertility
leadership
focus
healing
goals
clarity
rejuvenation
connection
Eustoma (lisianthus)appreciation
charisma
charm
confidence
gratitude 

Flowers that start with F

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Fennelstrength
flattery
adultery
immortality
happiness
prosperity
Flaxdomestication
purity
Forsythiaprodigious abundance
protection
invigorating focus
protection
healing
Foxglove (digitalis)insincerity
immortality
courage
adventures
bravery
Fuchsiacheerful
playful
uplifting
deep love
grace
trust
healing 

Flowers that start with G

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Gardeniaclarity
trust
renewal
hope
dreams
beauty
Gentianjustice
victory
sweet
generous nature
passion for life
charm
attraction
Geraniumhappiness
good health
good wishes
friendship
protection
Gerberacheer
celebration
love
care
strength
courage
purity
innocence
Gingerstrength
good fortune
health
trust
elegance
sanctity
simplicity
Gloxiniainstant attraction
love at first sight
happy life and marriage
affection
admiration
love
friendship
Goldenrod (solidago)good fortune
growth
encouragement
good luck
pioneering spirit
caution
wealth
prosperity
Gorsegood fortune
endearing and enduring affection
healing
protection
sun and light
anger 
calamity 

Flowers that start with H

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Hawthornhappiness
hope
faith
protection
love
fertility
longevity
grace
beauty
Heathergood luck
admiration
protection
independence
confidence
beauty, admiration
solitude
Heleniumtenderness 
grace
power
serenity
Heliotropeeternal love
devotion
worship
loyalty
Hibiscushappiness
sunshine
good luck
virginity
gentleness
fame
Hollyhockfertility
fruitfulness
ambition
love
friendship
happiness
abundance in life
Honeysucklefidelity
love
devotion
spiritual vision
happiness
kindness
affection
sweetness
Hyacinthjealousy
deep regret
a desire for forgiveness
joy
sincerity
fresh start
peace
commitment
beauty 

Flowers that start with I

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Ilimagood luck
love
birth
spring
new beginnings
friendship
celebration
Indian paintbrushconfidence
clarity
happiness
passion
Ivyfidelity
marriage
friendship
benevolence
brotherhood
affection
devotion
fondness 

Flowers that start with J

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Jacarandawisdom
rebirth
wealth
good luck
magic of spring
elegance
creativity
Jacob’s ladderprogress
ascension
spiritual passage
Jasminelove
beauty
sensuality
purity
innocence
good luck
Jonquildesire
sympathy
a declaration of affection
a plea for love
friendship
domestic bliss 

Flowers that start with K

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Kalanchoeendurance
lasting affection
wealth
prosperity
Kalmia (mountain laurel)beauty
ambition
perseverance
treachery
purity
innocence
spirituality 

Flowers that start with L

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Lady’s slipper orchidbravery
sacrifice
healing
destiny
Larkspur (delphinium)openness to experience
positivity
striving
protection
encouragement
remembrance of a loved one who has passed
new opportunities
positive communication
Lilacspring
renewal
confidence
first love
romance
innocence
purity
beauty
wonder
Lily of the Nilelove
fertility
purity
beauty
Lily of the Valleyabsolute purity
youth
sincerity
discretion
serenity
rebirth
humility
happiness
delicate femininity
Linneapurity
beauty
excitement
tactfulness
kindliness
Love-in-a-mist (nigella)harmony
love
Lupinepeace
mysticism
patience
beauty
enlightenment
tranquility
Lycoris (spider lily)voraciousness
self-sacrifice
forgiveness
abundance
growth
change
imagination
admiration
overall happiness 

Flowers that start with M

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Madonna lily (Azucena)purity
innocence
chastity
elegance
Magnolialuck
stability
perseverance
beauty
purity
dignity
innocence
spirituality
Mallowsupport
devotion
new opportunities
serenity
wealth
silence
intelligence
new opportunities
Marigoldpower
strength
light
passion
creativity
happiness
optimism
renewal
Marjorampeace
harmony
happiness
love
Meadowsweetpeace
protection
beauty
happiness
uselessness
Moonflowermysticism
enchantment
spiritual enlightenment
awakening of the soul
Morning glorylove
life
death
love in vain
unrequited love
obsession
Mother (carnation)love
captivation
distinction
fascination
motherly love
Myrtlelove
affection
beauty
good luck
prosperity
wealth
innocence
purity
abstinence
peace 

Flowers that start with N

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Nasturtiumpatriotism
conquest
victory
power
success 

Flowers that start with O

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Oleanderdestiny
understanding
desire
charm
romance
endless love
bitterness
contempt
protective power
Orange blossomgood luck
health
fertility
innocence
chastity
purity
maturity
Orchidlove
beauty
refinement
fertility
thoughtfulness
mature charm
Osmanthustrue love
faithfulness
fertility
tranquility
commitment
romance
good luck
peace 

Flowers that start with P

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Pansylove (both romantic and platonic)
admiration
remembrance
free thinking
openness
friendship
compassion
Pasquerebirth
renewal
hope
dignity
nobility
grace
forsaken in love
Passioncrucifixion of Jesus Christ
belief
dignity
harmony
solidarity
devotion
penance
Peace lilysympathy
longevity
beauty
rebirth
virtue
chastity
Pentasgood luck
chastity
peace
Periwinkle (vinca)new and exciting beginnings
everlasting love
romance
friendship
strength
purity
achievement of dreams
Petuniadesire
hope
calmness
comfort
resentment
anger
Phloxharmony
compatibility
unity
partnership
agreement
united hearts and souls
Plumhope
resilience
perseverance
courage
endurance
vitality
renewal
Plumbagohope
good wishes
spiritual desire
Plumeria (Frangipani)beauty
charm
grace
new life
new beginnings
creativity
wealth
perfection
fertility
strength
growth
romantic love
Primroseyouth
renewal
optimism
femininity
long life
innocence
purity
beauty
Proteasafety
sanctuary
refuge
protection
peace 

Flowers that start with Q

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Queen Anne’s lacesafety
sanctuary
refuge
protection
peace
Queen of the Nightadmiration
patience
perseverance
optimism, admiration
spirituality
Quincegood luck
prosperity
love
happiness
fertility
wisdom
beauty
constancy
immortality 

Flowers that start with R

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Rain lilyhope
new beginnings
marriage
happiness
prosperity
resurrection
rebirth
Ranunculusattractiveness
charm
romance
love
gentle feelings
careless behavior
desire
Rhododendronbeauty
energy
beware
danger
elegance
wealth
love
good luck
passion
abundance
Roselove
passion
romance
admiration
secrecy
confidentiality
achievement
completion
perfection
Rosemaryremembrance
friendship
loyalty
love
fidelity 

Flowers that start with S

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Sagewisdom
thoughtfulness
longevity
good health
immortality
esteem
domestic virtue
Scarlet pimpernellife
restraint
humility
modest
Sedumpeace
tranquility
perseverance
calmness
harmony
Skeletonaffection
happiness
Snapdragongrace
strength
deviousness
deception
power
denial
Snowdropnew beginnings
hope
rebirth
renewal
consolation
the ability to overcome challenges
purity
fertility
Spiderlove
sweetness
royalty
power
happiness
good luck
protection
prosperity
Starflower (borage)courage
bravery
power
bluntness
Star of Bethlehempurity
hope
forgiveness
honesty
innocence
Stargazer lilyinnocence
purity
everlasting love
life
prosperity
abundance
resurrection
Stephanotispurity
good fortune
luck
new chapter
desire for new adventures
good wishes
joy
happiness in marriage
Stockhappy life
cheerfulness
contented existence
lasting beauty
success
positive energy
Sweet briardanger
wounded love
rejection
Sweet peablissful pleasure
chastity
strength
truth
Sweet Williammasculinity
courage
finesse
gallantry 

Flowers that start with T

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Tansyprotection
health
resistance
immortality
Tigercruelty
Tiger lilywealth
positivity
pride
mercy
compassion
confidence
Trilliumrecovery
beauty
purity
elegance
grace
purity
balance
Tuberose (carnal)passion
obsession
decadence
dangerous pleasures
Tulipnew start
rebirth
prosperity
indulgence 
abundance 

Flowers that start with V

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Valerianhealth
strength
readiness
awareness of what is to come
Verbenaholiness
divinity
faith
healing
creativity
happiness
Veronicafidelity
love
healing
recovery
joyfulness
loyalty
kindness
devotion
commitment
Viscarialoyalty
love
devotion
light
hope 

Flowers that start with W

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Water lilyresurrection
enlightenment
beauty
rebirth
peace
essence
chastity
purity
innocence
Waxgood luck
happy memories
new beginning
good fortune
happiness
long-lasting love
Wisteriagood luck
success
longevity
spirituality
purity
innocence
playfulness
adventure 

Flowers that start with Y

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Yarroweternal Love
warfare
strength
recovery 
good physical health 

Flowers that start with Z

FlowerMeaning & Symbolism
Zinniaendurance
farewell
affection
remembrance
feelings of the heart
acclaim
beauty  

How to Speak the Flower Language based on Colors

Flowers are rich in meaning and symbolism; selecting a specific color might communicate an additional message to the recipient. Whether you want to express love, friendship, sympathy, or any other emotion, the ‘language of flowers’ can help.

Every flower color has a unique and profound history, from deep red to pure white. The colors of flowers used in a bouquet can be just as important as the types of flowers used in an arrangement.

Flower ColorMeaning and Symbolism
Redlove, romance, passion, respect, desire, courage, boldness, respect
Pinklove, grace, gentility, contentment, tenderness, femininity, happiness, innocence, freshness, purity, delight
Purpleroyalty, dignity, pride, achievement, success, admiration and tradition, admiration, respect
Bluetranquility, calmness, intimacy
Greennew life, rejuvenation, fertility, abundance, hope, rebirth, renewal
Orangeenergy, excitement, life, warmth, happiness, warm love
Yellowhappiness, joy, friendship, trust, respect, compassion
Whitepurity, innocence

The Language of Flower Gifting

Flowers undoubtedly communicate a language that is made up of meaning and symbolisms that are best spoken when matched with the appropriate species and colors. On numerous occasions, people all around the world send flowers to their loved ones. Flowers have a distinct allure and speak words with their beauty and aroma.

It’s a universal language that even non-lip readers can comprehend and use to express their affection for their loved ones. Although words are a simple way to express our feelings, the language of love and affection is incomplete without flowers.

1. On different occasions

Learning the flower language, however, is not difficult once you comprehend numerous flower meanings and symbolism. You may use numerous flower combinations to express your emotions through flowers. This article will explain the strategy of matching flowers to occasions.

OccasionFlowers and Meanings
Birthdaysyellow roses – friendship
red chrysanthemums – shared friendship
pink carnations – friendship appreciation
Valentine’s Dayroses/tulips – love
red roses/carnations – true love
daisies and tulips – “you are are the best partner”
Mother’s Daylilies – purity and truthfulness;
admiration and value for sacrifices and affection
Anniversarieslilies (3rd anniversary)
calla lilies, carnations (5th anniversary), and
daisies and irises (10th anniversary) – “I love you every single day.”
Weddingsred roses – love
peonies – happy marriage
hydrangeas – deep feelings
Funeralcarnations – sorrow
gladiolus – courage
daisies – innocence
lilies – mourning

2. Even without occasions

There are many reasons to give flowers as a gift, with or even without occasions. You can always find a way to brighten up someone’s face using different types of flowers and their language in ways that words alone cannot.

Here are some flowers to give, even without occasions, that can help you convey your feelings and emotions.

MeaningOther MeaningsFlowers
Gratitude and Appreciationadmiration
understanding
happiness
Pink roses
Peach roses
Hydrangeas
Lathyrus
Friendshipjoy
love,dedication, mutual support
trust, thoughtfulness
devotion, admiration
Yellow roses
Peruvian lilies
Freesias
Sunflowers
Love and Romancepassion
affection
long-lasting bond and dedication
Red roses
Red carnations
Dahlias
Tulips

Conclusion

Flowers have a vibrant history. Different cultures and traditions have different meanings and symbolisms behind flowers, but the love and adoration for flowers remain consistent across cultures.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!