Meaning & Symbolism of Flowers
The Power of Flowers
In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. With so many flower choices in today's times, there are no set rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. However we can help you to select the most appropriate flowers for the message you are sending creating a truly meaning gift. Many people also assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.
The flower meanings below are derived from Greek and Roman mythology, the middle ages, the Victorian era and a few from modern day.
Name of Flower |
Meaning |
| Alstromeria | Devotion |
| Alyssym | Excellence beyond beauty |
| Amaryllis Lily | Pride and Beauty |
| Anemone | Forsaken, Fading Hope |
| Apple Blossom | Preference |
| Arum Lily | Ardour |
| Aster | Afterthoughts, love of variety |
| Azalea | Temperance |
| Baby’s Breath | Pure of Heart |
| Belladonna Lily | Silence |
| Bluebell | Constancy |
| Bridal Rose | Happy Love |
| Bridal Rose White Bud | Awakening Love |
| Buttercup | Ingratitude |
| Camellias: Red | Unpretentious |
| Camellias: White | Exquisite Loveliness |
| Calla Lily | Magnificent beauty |
| Carnations: Red | Poor Heart |
| Carnations: Striped | Refusal |
| Carnations: Yellow | Disdain |
| China Rose | Ever New Beauty |
| Christmas Rose | Help for Anxiety |
| Chrysanthemum: Red | I Love |
| Chrysanthemum: White | Truth |
| Chrysanthemum: Yellow | Slighted Love |
| Clematis | Mental Beauty |
| Columbine | Folly |
| Convolvulus | Bonds |
| Convolvulus: Blue | Repose |
| Convolvulus: Pink | Tender Affection |
| Cornflower | Delicacy, refinement |
| Crocus | Abuse Not |
| Crocus (in Spring) | Spring – Youthful Gladness |
| Cyclamen | Diffidence |
| Daffodils | Regard, Hope, Unrequited love |
| Dahlia | Changeable |
| Daisy | Innocence |
| Damask Rose | Freshness |
| Everlasting Daisy | Increasing Remembrance |
| Fern | Fascination, Sincerity |
| Forget-Me-Not | Constant Love |
| Foxglove | Insincere |
| French Marigold | Jealousy, Discontent |
| Freesia | Innocence |
| Fuschia | Discernment |
| Garden Daisy | Sentiment Shared |
| Gardenia | Refinement, Joy |
| Garland of Roses | Heroes Reward |
| Geranium Dark | Sadness |
| Geranium Ivy | Bridal Tribute |
| Geranium Lemon | Surprise Meeting |
| Geranium Scarlet | Comfort |
| Gerbera: Red | Unconscious in love |
| Gerbera: White | Truth, Innocence |
| Gerbera: Yellow | I’ll try harder to win you |
| Gerbera: Orange | You’re the sunshine of my life |
| Gladiolus | Readily armed |
| Heliotrope | Faithful Devotion |
| Hibiscus | Rare Beauty |
| Honeysuckle | Country Beauty |
| Hyacinth | Sporting, Constancy |
| Hyacinth: White | Discreet Loveliness |
| Hydrangea | Callous |
| Iris | Communication, Eloquence |
| Ivy | Friendship, Wedded love |
| Jasmine | Conviviality |
| Jonquils | Seeking Affection |
| Laburnum | Forsaken |
| Lady’s Slipper | Flighty |
| Larkspur | Fickleness, Haughtiness |
| Lavender | Cautious |
| Lilac: Field | Charity |
| Lilac: Purple | First Love |
| Lilac: White | Youthful Innocence |
| Lily-of-the-Valley | Increased Happiness |
| Lily White | Purity |
| Lotus Flower | Rejected Love |
| Love-in-a-Mist | Uncertainty |
| Magnolia | Perseverance, Benevolence |
| Marigold | Ill at ease |
| Narcissus | Egotistical |
| Nasturtium | Loyalty |
| Palm | Victorious |
| Pansies | Consideration |
| Peony | Bashfulness, Indignation |
| Poinsettias | Flowers of Christmas Eve or Flower of the Holy Night |
| Polyanthus | Price of Riches |
| Poppies: Red | Consolation |
| Poppies: Scarlet | Extravagance |
| Poppies: White | White |
| Primroses | Youth, Inconsistency |
| Ranunculas | Radiant Charm |
| Rhodadendron | Dangerous |
| Rosebuds: Red | Purity |
| Rosebuds: White | Youth |
| Rosemary | Sweet Remembrance |
| Roses | Love |
| Roses: Bridal | Happy Love |
| Roses: Cabbage | Ambassador of Love |
| Roses: China | Fresh Beauty |
| Roses: Yellow | Jealousy |
| Rose-leaf | You may hope |
| Snapdragon | Presumption |
| Snowdrop | Consolation, Friendship in trouble |
| Statice | Sea Lavender - To Stand |
| Stock | Lasting beauty |
| Sunflower: Tall | Pride |
| Sunflower: Dwarf | Worship |
| Sweet Peas | Delicacy |
| Sweet William | Bravery |
| Tiger Flower | Declaration |
| Tuberosa | Illicit Pleasures, Dangerous |
| Tulip | Fame |
| Tulip: Red | Declaration of Love |
| Tulip: Yellow | Unrequited Love |
| Violet: Sweet | Modesty |
| Violet: Blue | Faithful Devotion |
| Wallflower | Heart’s Ease |
| Water Lily | Chastity and Virtue |
| Wattle: Yellow | Secret Love |
| Wattle: Rose or White | Elegance, Friendship |
| Wax Flower | Riches |
| Wisteria | Cordial welcome |
| Xanthium | Pertinacity, Rudeness |
| Zinnias | Thoughtful and Recollection |
Source Sydney Flowers Markets