Know Your Flowers: What Each Type of Flower Represents

When it comes to picking out the perfect flowers, whether for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or someone’s birthday, appearance is usually top of mind, in addition perhaps to the giftee’s personal preference.

However, the next time you’re at the floral market or checking out an online florist for a fresh flower bouquet, think about the meaning behind the flowers that you’re picking. 

For centuries, many blooms have held special symbolism, both romantic and not, that might help you express your feelings even better than a message card can.

The history of flower meanings

The language of flowers has been recognised for centuries in many countries throughout Europe and Asia. They even play a large role in several of the theatre great William Shakespeare’s works. Mythologies, folklore, sonnets, and plays of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism – and for good reasons. Nearly every sentiment imaginable can be expressed with flowers. The orange blossom, for instance, means chastity, purity, and loveliness, while the red chrysanthemum means “I love you”.

What does each flower mean?

We take a look at the meanings behind some of the most popular flowers, including roses, peonies and tulips. Some, as mentioned, are all about love, while others symbolise life, friendship, and even sorrow. Use these flower meanings to pick out the perfect bouquet for flower gifting.

• Red Roses

Lookup a ‘florist near me’ and ask for the most popular choice for Valentine’s Day, and it’s likely to be a rose flower bouquet.

That’s because red roses symbolise love, romance, beauty, and perfection. However, even within red roses, there are rose colour meanings to be explored. A deep red rose is sometimes thought to mean that one is ready for commitment, and can symbolise a deeper bond than lighter coloured red roses, which represent passion and desire.

• White Roses

The meaning of white roses is purity and grace. Perhaps, that is why they are such

popular wedding flowers as they symbolise young love and eternal loyalty. The colour white can also be representative of fresh beginnings and a pure, clear path which makes white flowers the ideal flower for unions.

It is important to note though that the white rose meaning differs greatly to ivory rose meaning, although they are very similar in colour. Ivory roses mean purity and grace, but also thoughtfulness. They are devoid of romantic meaning, which makes them a great friendship flower, whereas gifting white roses is often a more romantic and passionate gesture.

• Peonies

Fluffy blooms of peonies are most commonly associated with romance, prosperity, and bashfulness. Some people believe that they are a good luck charm of sorts, bringing good fortune to whoever receives them. 

Peonies also have some roots in Greek mythology: as one myth states, Apollo used to turn beautiful nymphs into peonies if Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, knew he was flirting with them.

• Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums carry a wide variety of meanings all across the globe. In Asia, the chrysanthemum signifies life and rebirth, making them great gifts for birthdays and baby showers. In Europe, the chrysanthemum signifies an expression of sympathy. Chrysanthemums are typically considered a flower that signifies respect and honour in America.

Red chrysanthemums are a symbol of love, while a yellow chrysanthemum, on the other hand, signifies neglected love or sorrow. A white chrysanthemum is a symbol of loyalty and devoted love. In general, chrysanthemums are believed to represent happiness, love, longevity and joy.

• Lavenders

Lavender flowers represent purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, calmness and longevity. Purple is the colour of royalty and speaks of elegance, refinement, and also luxury. 

• Daffodils

Also known as narcissus, daffodils are some of the first flowers we see in springtime and are a great indicator that winter is over. Because of this, they are seen to represent rebirth and new beginnings.

Daffodils are also seen to represent creativity, inspiration, awareness and inner reflection, forgiveness, and vitality. If you give a bunch of daffodils to a loved one, it means they are the ‘only one’ and is said to ensure happiness.

• Daisies

There are many species of daisies, and therefore many different meanings. However, the most generally accepted meanings include innocence and purity, especially white daisies with yellow or pale centres; new beginnings, which is why they are often found in hand bouquets for new mothers or flower gifts for children; and true love because each daisy flower is really two flowers blended together in harmony.

Gerbera daisies, recognisable by their large flowering heads, and are available in an assortment of peppy hues, carry the meaning of cheerfulness due to their appearance.

• Tulips

Tulips stand for perfect love. The elegant and easily identifiable blooms are one of the most popular flowers in the world but are most often associated with the Netherlands, where they flourished in the 17th century.

Tulips convey comfort and warmth, and are good anniversary flowers, as they are classic and affordable.

• Oriental Lilies

Also known as Casablanca lilies, they are extremely popular, and are just one of several types of white lilies. Oriental lilies are bred for beauty, as these flowers are lovely and large. 

Generally, white oriental lilies typically stand for beauty, class and style. Oriental lilies are representative of joy and life. They are often used as a symbol of celebration in one way or another. They make for an excellent gift to spruce up the home and serve as excellent decor for weddings.

If on display at funerals, oriental lilies are typically symbolic of a celebration of a life that was well-lived.

• Orchids

Rare blossoms of orchids symbolise love, beauty, luxury, and strength. Plus, they send the message of exotic seduction. An orchid is a perfect medium to convey positive sentiments and emotions, so they make the perfect bloom to be included in birthday flowers or anniversary flowers.

• Carnations

It’s the go-to mother’s day flowers we are all familiar with. Carnations generally symbolise devotion, love, distinction and fascination. In particular, pink carnations, the most commonly gifted one on the second Sunday of May, represents gratitude and appreciation.

Red carnations symbolise love and affection, while white carnations mean purity and good luck, all perfect floral gifts to represent your heart.

• Sunflowers

Like the sun they are named after, these bright yellow blooms represent warmth and happiness. On top of that, they also stand for loyalty, optimism, honesty, peace, admiration and devotion, making them great birthday flowers to give. The sunflower possibly surpasses all other flowers in terms of its universal power to bring joy to the people. 

Say it with a flower bouquet

There are so many hidden messages in a simple and beautiful bloom, and the language and power of flowers await you to explore. Share a flower gift with a friend or a dear one, and show them your care, respect, admiration or love. 

Looking for the right flower to include in hand bouquets? Or shopping for a floral stand to send to an occasion? Flower gifting is easy with Flower Nation, your local online Selangor florist. 

Flower Nation is your ‘kedai bunga near me’ that offers same-day or next-day flower delivery service around selected regions in Klang Valley, Malaysia, plus express delivery if you have urgent floral needs. 

At Flower Nation, the premier florist in Klang Valley, you can save on the flowery language and say it with fresh flowers instead!