Interflora Articles

Symbolism of Flowers

People send flowers to each other on so many occasions during life; beautiful blooms can give a message of hope, congratulations, well wishes, condolences, and, of course, apology.

Usually, the selection of flowers is dependent upon the recipients' taste - their favourite colour, petal, or form. Yet, did you know that each flower has been engraved with its own special meaning, based on a legacy of symbolism?

Here are some of the most common messages that flowers are meant to communicate, and which flower says it best.

Best Wishes

The Acacia means friendship, while the flowering almond means hope. If someone is embarking on a new journey in their life - a change of career, new leg of their education or relocation - you can send them a bouquet with French Willow as a sign of bravery, or a Hollyhock as a symbol of ambition. And in any bouquet of well wishes, Sweet Basil is a welcome addition. Not only is this an interesting foliage, Sweet Basil is says 'good wishes'.

Love

Although the long stemmed red rose is the traditional sign of love and unity, on your next anniversary, think about trying some variation with another bloom that conveys your true feelings with more accuracy.

Have you been together for a long time, and still feel as deep in love as ever? Consider the Globe Amaranth which represents Unfading Love.

Do you prefer to say it simply? Try the Red Chrysanthemum and its quiet, but profound "I love you". Or, the traditional Forget Me Not, that says "True Love".

If yours is a love that has not been revealed, there are plenty of flowers to choose from that say "I Love You . . . secretly". A yellow Acacia is the symbol of secret love.

Are you announcing your love for the first time? A bouquet of clover is unconventional and says "Be Mine". Plus, there's the added bonus of luck should a 4 leaf stem be hiding in its midst.

Thank You

A bouquet of flowers is an excellent way to say "thank you". Bell Flowers mean "gratitude".

Simple, Kind Words

A special bouquet for your daughter on her birthday, or a "just because" set of flowers for that wonderful friend, can still carry meaning. A cactus says "warmth", a Calla will tell the recipient that you think they are beautiful - on the inside and out, and yellow Jasmine means "grace and elegance".

The Wrong Message

Be wary of the following flowers, which - although certainly beautiful - may carry a symbolism that is not the message you intended. The Anemone, although gaining popularity for its unique form, means forsaken. Similarly, the Aster says "Afterthought" and should not be included in a bouquet for your one and only.

The Dahlia is another popular bloom that comes in a variety of colours and forms, each of them meaning "instability", and the French Marigold will convey a message a jealousy.

< back