Many people have a favourite flower, but do they know what that flower symbolizes? Most flowers that are commonly given as gifts in bouquets or used in floral arrangements have some type of meaning or another. There are certainly situations or occasions where only certain types of flowers are appropriate - such as red roses on Valentine’s Day. There are also less-known albeit just as significant meanings for flowers that you may not even have known existed. Next time you have the opportunity to give or send flowers, consider choosing blossoms that will communicate a message merely because of their breed.

Below is a guide to the meanings and symbolism assigned to common flowers that you may or may not be familiar with. This is a fun and exciting way to learn about different flowers and stray from the everyday bouquet.

Acacia - Friendship, Hidden love, Purity in love
Alstroemeria - Wealth, Success, Fortune
Amaryllis - Dignity
Ambrosia - I love you too
Arbutus - I only love you
Aster - Afterthought
Astilbe - I will wait patiently
Azalea - Love, Romance, First love
Bells of Ireland - Good luck
Begonia - Be careful
Bluebell - Humility
Cactus - Endurance
Caladium - Joy and Delight
Calla - Magnificent Beauty
Camelia (in general) - Perfection
Camelia (Pink) - Longing for you
Camelia (Red) - You’re a flame in my heart
Camelia (White) - You’re adorable
Carnation (in general) - Fascination, Female love
Carnation (Solid Color) - Yes
Carnation (Pink) - I’ll never forget you
Carnation (Purple) - Fickle
Carnation (Red) - My heart aches for you, I admire you
Carnation (Striped) - Sorry I can’t be with you, No, Refusal
Carnation (White) - Purity, Sweet and lovely, Chaste love
Carnation (Yellow) - Rejection, You have disappointed me
Chrysanthemum (in general) - Cheerfulness, You’re a great friend, Rest
Chrysanthemum (Red) - I Love You
Chrysanthemum (White) - Truth
Chrysanthemum (Yellow) - Snubbed love
Cosmos - Modest
Crocus - Youthful Gladness, Cheerfulness
Daffodil - You’re my only one, Unrequited love
Dahlia - Volatility
Daisy - Innocence, Loyal love, Purity
Dogwood - Love Overcoming Adversity
Fern - Fascination, Sincerity, Confidence, Shelter
Fern (Maiden Hair) - Secret Love
Flax - Domestic Love
Forget-Me-Not - True love, Memories
Forsythia - Innocence, Anticipation
Freesia - Innocence
Gardenia - Secret love
Geranium - Stupidity, Folly, Silliness
Gladiolus - Strength of character, Really sincere
Gloxinia - Love at first sight
Hydrangea - Thank-you for understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
Iris - Emblem of France, Wisdom and Valor, My compliments Your friendship means so much to me
Ivy - Fidelity, Wedded Love, Friendship, Affection
Ivy (Sprig of white tendrils) - Affection
Jonquil (daffodil) - Sympathy, Love me, Affection Returned, Desire
Larkspur - Levity
Lavender - Devotion
Lilac - Humility
Lily of the Valley - Sweetness, Humility, Return to happiness
Magnolia - Love of nature, Nobility
Marigold - Cruelty, Grief, Jealousy
Monkshood - Chivalry, Beware, A deadly foe is near
Myrtle - Home, Love, Hebrew emblem of marriage
Narcissus - Egotism, Formality, Stay as sweet as you are
Nasturtium - Patriotism, Conquest, Victory in battle
Orange Blossom - Purity, Innocence, Eternal love, Marriage, Fuitfulness
Oleander - Caution
Orchid - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful lady, Chinese symbol for many children
Pansy - Thoughts
Peony - Bashfulness
Petunia - Resentment, Anger
Phlox - Our Souls Are One
Queen Anne’s Lace - Haven
Rose (Bridal) - Happy Love
Rose (Dark Crimson) - Mourning
Rose (Red) - Love, Respect, I love you
Rose (White) - Innocence, Secrecy, Purity
Rose (Pink) - Grace, Perfect Happiness
Rose (Lavender) - Enchantment
Rose (Peach) - Desire
Rose (Snapdragon) - Deception, Gracious Lady
Spider Flower - Elope with Me
Tulip - Perfect lover, Fame
Water lily - Purity of heart
Weeping Willow - Mourning
Yarrow - Healing
Zinnia - Remembering Absent Friends

The next time an occasion or situation calls for flowers, review the list above and consider whether a specific type of flower will be meaningful in conveying a message.

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