Complete Meanings of Flowers

Have you ever tried expressing yourself to another person in a language that’s not quite natural for you?

You try to tell them that ‘you enjoy their friendship’ but it comes out as though ‘you want to pick their nose with a gigantic pitchfork’ – or worse! Often the meaning gets lost in translation.

It’s exactly the same with flowers. Each flower has its own meaning and communicates a different message when being given as a gift. You certainly wouldn’t take a red rose to a funeral or give a black tulip to the mother-of-the-bride – though she may give you one. So while a flower given as a gift can mean the world to the person receiving it, it can also mean end of yours if it’s taken the wrong way.

Rather than take the risk, I’ve compiled a little list of more than 300 flowers and their meanings. [If I’ve missed any, email me and I’ll update it immediately].

Easy Alphabet Locator
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | V | Y | Z

A

Acacia Beauty in retirement; Friendship; Concealed love: Chaste love
Achillea Millefolia War
Aconite Beware, a deadly foe is near, misanthropy
Agapanthus Love letters, love.
Agnus Castus Coldness, indifference
Allium Unity; Humility; Patience
Allspice Compassion
Almond Blossom Hope, lover’s charm
Aloe Vera Grief
Alstromeria Wealth, prosperity, fortune, devotion, friendship
Alyssum Worth beyond beauty
Amaranth Fidelity
Amaryllis Pride; Splendid Beauty; Timidity
Ambrosia Love is reciprocated.
Anemone Forsaken, expectation, anticipation
Angelica Inspiration
Aniseed Restoration of youth
Anthurium Hospitality
Apple Blossom Hope, good fortune, better things to come
Arbor Vitae True friendship
Arbutus Thee only do I love.
Artemisia Dignity
Asparagus Fern Fascination.
Asphodel My regrets follow you to the grave
Aster Symbol of love; Daintiness; Afterthought
Astilbe I’ll still be waiting.
Azalea Love, romance, first love, fragile passion, temperance. It is also a symbol of womanhood.

B

 
Baby’s Breath Pure of heart; Innocence
Bachelor’s Button Hope in love; Felicity; Delicacy; Single blessedness
Balsam Ardent love.
Basil Best wishes, love
Begonia Beware.
Bellflower Gratitude
Bells Of Ireland Good luck.
Betony Surprise
Bilberry Treachery
Bird Of Paradise Magnificence, Joyfulness
Bittersweet Truth.
Blue Periwinkle Friendship
Blue Violet Modesty, faithfulness
Bluebells Humility, constancy.
Borage Courage, bluntness
Bouquet of Withered Flowers Rejected love
Bouvardia Enthusiasm.
Broom Humility.
Bulrush Indiscretion, docility
Burnet A merry heart
Buttercup Childishness.

C

 
Cactus Endurance.
Caladium Great joy and delight
Calendula Grief, jealousy. Also the birthflower for October.
Camellia Loveliness, gratitude
Camellia, Blue You’re a flame in my heart
Camellia, Pink Longing for you.
Camellia, Red You’re a flame in my heart.
Camellia, White You’re adorable.
Chamomile Energy in adversity, patience
Candytuft Indifference
Carnation Fascination; Womanly love; Devoted love
Carnation, Solid color Yes
Carnation, Pink A woman’s love, I’ll never forget you, mother’s love.
Carnation, Purple Capriciousness.
Carnation, Red My heart aches for you; Admiration
Carnation, Striped Refusal, No, sorry I can’t be with you.
Carnation, White Innocence; Sweet and lovely; Pure love; Woman’s good luck gift; You’re adorable
Carnation, Yellow Disdain, rejection, you have disappointed me.
Cattail Peace, prosperity.
Chrysanthemum Cheerfulness; You’re a wonderful friend; Rest; Loveliness; Abundance; Wealth
Chrysanthemum, Red I love you
Chrysanthemum, White Truth
Chrysanthemum, Yellow Slighted love.
Cinnamon My fortune is yours
Clematis Clever, intellectual. 8th wedding anniversary.
Columbine Folly
Coriander Lust
Cornflower Delicacy, refinement
Cosmos Modesty. 2nd wedding anniversary.
Cowslip Pensiveness, winning grace
Coxcomb Foppery
Crocus Cheerfulness, abuse not.
Cyclamen Resignation, good-bye. Modesty and shyness

D

 
Daffodil You’re the only one; Regard; Unrequited love; The sun shines when I’m with you
Daffodil, Several Joy, happiness.
Daffodil, Single Misfortune.
Dahlia Instability. 14th wedding anniversary.
Daisy Innocence, loyal love, I’ll never tell, purity. 5th wedding anniversary.
Dandelion Faithfulness, happiness, love’s oracle.
Daylily Conquetry
Delphinium Flight of fancy; Ardent attachment
Dogwood Durability

E

 
Ebony Blackness.
Edelweiss Daring, noble courage
Elder Zealousness
Elm Dignity
Eremurus Endurance.
Eucalyptus Protection
Euphorbia Persistence.

F

 
Fennel Worthy of all praise, strength
Fern Sincerity, magic, fascination, confidence, shelter.
Fern, Maidenhair Secret bond of love
Fig Argument
Fir Time.
Flax Domestic symbol.
Fleur De Lis Flame; Burning
Flytrap Deceit.
Forget-Me-Not True love, hope, remembrance, memories.
Forsythia Good nature; Innocence; Anticipation
Four-Leaf Clover Good luck, be mine.
Foxglove Insincerity.
Freesia Innocence, thoughtfulness.
Fuschia Taste. 3rd wedding anniversary.
Fuschia, Scarlet Fast

G

 
Galax Encouragement
Gardenia You’re lovely, secret love, joy, sweet love, good luck.
Garland of Roses Reward of virtue
Garlic Courage, strength
Geranium Stupidity, folly, comfort, gentility. 4th wedding anniversary.
Geranium, Rose Preference
Gillyflower Bonds of affection
Ginger Strength.
Gladiolus Strength of character, remembrance, infatuation, splendid beauty.
Gloxinia Love at first sight
Golden rod Precaution
Grass Submission, surrender
Guelder rose Winter, age

H

 
Harebell Submission, grief
Hawthorn Hope
Hazel Reconciliation
Heather, Pink Good luck
Heather, Lavender Admiration, solitude, beauty.
Heather, White Protection, wishes will come true.
Helenium Tears
Hemlock You will be my death
Hibiscus Delicate beauty.
Holly Foresight, defense, domestic happiness, enchantment.
Hollyhock Ambition, fruitfulness. 13th wedding anniversary.
Honeysuckle Devoted affection, generosity
Honeysuckle, Yellow Bonds of love
Huckleberry Simple pleasure.
Hyacinth Games; Sports; Rashness
Hyacinth, Blue Constancy.
Hyacinth, Purple I am sorry, sorrow, please forgive me.
Hyacinth, Red Or Pink Play.
Hyacinth, White Loveliness, I’ll pray for you.
Hyacinth, Yellow Jealousy.
Hydrangea Thank you for understanding, frigidity, heartlessness, heartless, boastfulness.

I

 
Ice Plant Your looks freeze me
Iris Warmth of affection
Iris, Blue Faith, hope.
Iris, Purple Wisdom, compliments.
Iris, White Purity.
Iris, Yellow Passion.
Ivy Wedded love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection
Ixia Happiness.

J

 
Jack-In-The-Pulpit 7th wedding anniversary.
Jasmine Amiability, sensuality, transport of joy, grace and elegance
Jasmine (White or Indian) Amiability , I attach myself to you, sensuality, attachment.
Jasmine, Spanish Sensuality.
Jasmine, Yellow Grace, elegance.
Jonquil Sympathy, love me, affection returned, desire.
Judas Tree Unbelief, doubt, betrayal

L

 
Lady Slipper Capricious beauty.
Larkspur Fickleness, ardent attachment, levity, lightness. The birthflower for July.
Larkspur, Pink Fickleness.
Larkspur, Purple First love.
Lavender Devotion.
Leatherleaf Fern Fascination.
Lemon Balm Brings love
Lemon Blossom Fidelity in love
Lilac Youthful, humility, confidence.
Lilac, Purple First emotion of love
Lilac, White Youthful innocence; Purity; Modesty; Virginity; Majesty
Lily Majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, purity.
Lily of the Valley Return of happiness
Lily, Calla Magnificent beauty. 6th wedding anniversary.
Lily, Eucharis Maiden charms
Lily, Longiflorum Pure; Modest
Lily, Orange Flame, I burn for you.
Lily, Tiger Wealth; Pride; Prosperity
Lily, Water Purity of heart.
Lily, White Purity, modesty, virginity, majesty, heavenly being with you.
Lily, Yellow I’m walking on air, false, gay.
Lotus Blossum Estranged love.
Love lies Bleeding Hopeless, not heartless

M

 
Magnolia Dignity, love of nature, nobility.
Marigold Grief; Cruelty; Jealousy; Sacred affection; Despair
Marigold, Pot Grief, despair.
Meadowsweet Uselessness
Mimosa Sensitivity, secret love.
Mint Virtue.
Mistletoe Kiss me, affection, to surmount difficulties.
Monkshood Beware, a deadly foe is near, danger.
Morning Glory Loves you. 11th wedding anniversary.
Moss Maternal love, charity.
Myrtle Duty; Affection; Home; Love; Discipline; Instruction

N

 
Narcissus Stay as sweet as you are; Egotism; Formality
Nasturtium Conquest, victory in battle. 40th wedding anniversary.
Nightshade Truth

O

 
Oak Leaves Bravery.
Oleander Caution; Beauty; Grace
Olive Branch Peace.
Orange Blossom Purity; Innocence; Eternal love; Marriage; Fruitfulness; Lovliness
Orange, Mock Deceit.
Orchid Rare beauty, a belle.
Orchid(Cattleaya) Mature charm

P

 
Palm Leaves Victory, success.
Pansy Thoughtful reflection; Merriment
Paperwhite Aphrodisiac due to its intoxicating scent.
Parsley Festivities, fertility
Peach Blossom Captive
Peony Bashfulness, shame, happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity.
Peppermint Cordiality, warmth of feelings
Periwinkle Friendship.
Periwinkle, Blue Early friendship
Periwinkle, White Pleasures of memory
Petunia Resentment, anger, your presence soothes me.
Phlox Unanimity.
Pine Hope; Pity
Poinsettia Be of good cheer
Polyanthus Pride of riches
Poppy Eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination. 9th wedding anniversary.
Poppy, Red Pleasure, consolation, remembrance.
Poppy, White Consolation, sleep, rest.
Poppy, Yellow Wealth, success.
Prickly Pear Satire
Primrose I can’t live without you.
Primrose, Evening Happy love.

Q

 
Quaking Grass Agitation
Queen Anne’s Lace Haven.
Quince Temptation

R

 
Ranunculus You are radiant with charm, radiant charm.
Rhododendron Danger, caution.
Rose Love, passion, perfection.
Rose, Black Death
Rose, White with Ivy Purity of intentions and promise of fidelity
Rose, Assorted Colours You’re everything to me
Rose, Bud, Small Pure and lovely, beauty and youth, a heart innocent of love.
Rose, Burgundy Unconscious Beauty
Rose, Burgundy Beauty within.
Rose, Coral Desire.
Rose, Dark Crimson Mourning.
Rose, Dark Pink Thankfulness.
Rose, Deep Red Un-self-conscious beauty.
Rose, Hibiscus Delicate beauty.
Rose, Lavender Love at first sight, enchantment.
Rose, Leaf You may hope.
Rose, Light Pink Grace, gladness, joy, perfect happiness, please believe me, gratitude, admiration, gentility.
Rose, Long Stemmed I will remember you always
Rose, Moss Confessions of love.
Rose, Orange Fascination, display feeling of enthusiasm.
Rose, Orange or Coral Desire
Rose, Peach Desire, gratitude, apprecation, admiration, sympathy, modesty.
Rose, Pink Happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship, sympathy, grace, gentleness.
Rose, Red Love, passion, respect, courage, I love you, beauty, pure and lovely, prosperity.
Rose, Red & White Together Unity
Rose, Short Stemmed Sweetheart; Girlhood
Rose, Single Red Simplicity; I love you
Rose, Single, Full Bloom I love you, I still love you, new love.
Rose, Sweetheart Darling, Dear or Honey
Rose, Thornless Love at first sight.
Rose, White Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy; Silence; Charm
Rose, White, Dried Death is preferable to loss of virtue.
Rose, Yellow Joy, friendship, true love, decrease of love, jealousy, trying to care, freedom, slighted love.
Rosebud Beauty; Youth; A heart innocent of love
Rosebud, Red Pure; Lovely
Rosebud, White Girlhood
Rosemary Remembrance, purity, rebirth.
Roses, Mature Blooms Gratitude
Roses, Yellow & Orange Together Passionate thoughts.
Roses, Yellow & Red Together Happiness, congratulations.

S

 
Saffron Beware of excess
Sage Virtue.
Salal Zest.
Scabious Unfortunate love.
Shamrock Light heartedness
Smilax Loveliness.
Snapdragon Deception, gracious lady, presumption.
Snowdrop Hope
Spearmint Warm sentiment.
Spider Flower Elope with me.
Star Of Bethlehem Purity.
Statice Sympathy, remembrance, success.
Stephanotis Happiness in marriage, desire to travel.
Stock Lasting beauty, bonds of affection, promptness, you’ll always be beautiful to me.
Strawberry Perfect goodness
Sunflower Pure thoughts, adoration, sunshine
Sweet Pea Delicate pleasures; Goodbye; Blissful pleasure; Departure; Thank you for a lovely time
Sweet William Gallantry, smile, finesse.

T

 
Tamarisk Crime
Thrift Sympathy
Thyme Activity.
Tuberose Dangerous pleasure.
Tulip Declaration of love, fame, passion
Tulip, Red Believe me, declaration of love, fame.
Tulip, Variegated Beautiful eyes.
Tulip, Yellow Hopeless love, there’s sunshine in your smile.

V

 
Verbena Will you get your wish?
Vernal Grass Poor but happy
Veronica Fidelity
Violet Modesty, affection, faithfulness, virtue
Violet, Blue Watchfulness, faithfulness, I’ll always be true.
Violet, Purple Thoughts of you, blue love.
Violet, White Let’s take a chance, youthful innocence.
Violet, Yellow Love of country.
Viscaria Will you dance with me?

W

 
Wallflower Fidelity in adversity
Weeping Willow Mourning.
Wheat Friendliness.
Wisteria Welcome
Woodruff Sweet humility

Y

 
Yarrow Healing, sorrow.

Z

 
Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends, in memory of an absent friend.
Zinnia, Magenta Lasting affection
Zinnia, Mixed Thinking / In memory of an absent friend
Zinnia, Scarlet Constancy.
Zinnia, White Goodness.
Zinnia, Yellow Daily remembrance.

Disclaimer: As there are many of these lists residing in cyberspace I haven’t referenced any particular one that I have accessed these meanings from. Each of these lists seem to carry a few of each others and there is no referencing in place. If I have inadvertently taken a meaning from your site and your are the original owner please don’t hesitate to contact me and shall append the referencing.

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