Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers

Uncover the hidden language of flowers and learn how to convey emotion with our guide to floriography

Content editor

Em Newton

The history of floriography

Floriography, or the language of flowers and plants, has been practised for thousands of years. In Victorian times, flowers were often used to convey secret messages and many households owned a guide to floral gifts which helped to decipher flower meanings. In the nineteenth century, a single red rose was said to indicate that the giver had taken a fancy to you, while a bouquet of forget-me-nots was sent to a loved one who was moving away.  

Various roses and their meanings

Flowers are heavily associated with love and roses are commonly seen as the most romantic flower of all. But did you know that the number of roses is significant? A dozen roses is traditionally sent to ask someone to be yours, while sending 24 roses says “I’m yours”. Sending 50 roses is said to signal that your love is unconditional while the extravagant gift of 100 roses (part of our Valentine’s Day flowers collection) symbolises total devotion.  

Some believe that the colour of roses also carries meaning. According to tradition; yellow roses symbolise care, warmth and friendship; red roses are a declaration of eternal love; and pink roses signify joy and appreciation.  

Flower colour meanings

The meaning of red flowers

One of the most popular flower colours, red conveys passion, love and affection – perfect for an anniversary.  

The meaning of pink flowers

With positive associations like grace and joy, pink blooms convey romantic, familial or platonic love. 

The meaning of yellow flowers

Be it daffodils, tulips or sunflowers, yellow flowers can’t help but make you smile. They symbolise joy and friendship.   

The meaning of white flowers 

Associated with innocence, new-baby flowers tend to be white. It’s important to be culturally aware; in some cultures, white flowers such as lilies are sympathy flowers. 

All about orchids

When it comes to houseplants, orchids are sophisticated yet relatively low maintenance to care for. They offer lasting beauty which makes them a popular choice.  

Orchids are said to have many meanings, ranging from love to adventure and innocence to good health. In this regard, they are ideal for gesturing anything from “thank you” to “get well soon“. 

For advice on keeping cut flowers looking fresh, read our guide on how to make flowers last longer.  

What’s my birth flower?  

While most people know their zodiac sign, many people don’t realise that they also have two birth flowers. Birth flowers are said to represent the people born in that calendar month.   

January: Carnation and snowdrop  

February: Violet and iris  

March: Daffodil and jonquil 

April: Daisy and sweet pea 

May: Lily of the valley and hawthorn  

June: Rose and honeysuckle  

July: Delphinium and water lily  

August: Gladiolus and poppy 

September: Aster and morning glory 

October: Marigold and cosmos  

November: Chrysanthemum and peony  

December: Holly and narcissus