The Language of Flowers

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS

Flower meanings and symbolisation were a key element to flower choice many years ago. The flower type and colour all represent different feelings dating back to old-school traditions, so if you’re planning on buying a loved- one a beautiful bunch of flowers this V-Day, take a look at which stem will help you convey the right message...

ORCHID

The orchid is a mature flower and like its elegant appearance, the flower signifies exotic beauty, refinement and glorious femininity. This doesn’t mean that only older couples buy orchids, for the flower can be used to greet a beautiful lady, to show love, thoughtfulness, and if you’re using it in Chinese terms, it stands for ‘many children.’

HYACINTH

A flower made of tiny flowers, just as a hyacinth is an intriguing and pleasant flower, its meanings are also quite enjoyable. This flower symbolises playfulness, haste and downright attitude. The blue hyacinth shows loyalty; the purple is for sorrow, red or pink for play, white for loveliness and yellow for jealousy.

ROSE

Definitely the most popular choice of flower to buy on valentine’s Day, the Rose comes in a variety of colours, each representing different meanings. The red rose conveys romantic love as the colour red is associated with stimulating brain wave activity, increasing heart rate, respirations and blood pressure – this is basically for the flower to say ‘I love you!’ purple roses signify that the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight. Coral and orange roses signal desire. Yellow roses stand for joy and friendship, whereas Pink roses express appreciation and a White rose is a sign of humility.

IRIS

Not only is it the emblem of France, but the Iris embodies eloquence. The purple Iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments; the blue one stands for faith and hope, while the yellow means passion and the white iris is for purity. This is the flower you gift to show wisdom, valour and compliments.

CHRYSANTHEMUM

It’s a mouthful to say, but Chrysanthemum is a pretty flower, that usually takes a back seat to the Carnation. This flower often stands for joy, optimism and perfection. You would give the Chrysanthemum to show loyalty, happiness and to wish long life. A red chrysanthemum conveys love; a white chrysanthemum symbolises truth and faithful love, while a yellow chrysanthemum depicts slighted love (let’s hope you don’t have to give any of those).

TULIP

This is not only the flower emblem of Holland, but the Tulip carries much significance. In general, tulips stand for fame and a perfect love. If you get a bunch of red tulips this valentine’s Day then be pleasantly surprised, because this flower is a declaration of love, straight up. If your bouquet is multicoloured tulips, then the sender is complementing your beautiful eyes, whereas yellow tulips say you have a sunshine in your smile, or that you are the object of a hopeless love.

GERBERA

Just one gerbera in a bouquet of flowers can make someone smile, that’s right, this flower very specifically conveys cheerfulness. It belongs to the daisy family, so also shares meanings of innocence, purity, love and loyalty.

PEONY

Let’s get the bad out of the way – a peony has been long-known to symbolise shame, HOWEvER, this flower also doubles as positive meanings too. The peony represents compassion, happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity. We’re sure that adding a few pretty pink ones won’t mess up the bouquet.

CARNATION

Like the Rose, the Carnation flower comes in a number of colours and definitely covers many emotions and feelings. generally, Carnations were given as a sign of fascination, pride and beauty. give a pink Carnation and you’re telling the receiver that you’ll never forget them; a red one and you’ll be showing your admiration for someone; a white Carnation has a number of meanings attached to it including, sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, and good luck. On the opposite end is the yellow Carnation which, traditionally, signifies rejection or disappointment (you don’t want to be receiving a bunch of those!).

LILY

Have you noticed that a big bunch of flowers always needs a lily or two to make it complete? Well, this beautiful flower can bring a number of meanings to your floral message. It generally applauds purity and refined beauty. The white lily shows modesty, the orange lily stands for passion, while Lily of the valley symbolises sweetness and purity of heart. This one’s great for both lovers and friends.

PANSY

Typically a garden flower, the Pansy is a small and pretty choice that signifies loving thoughts. A modest flower, it’s often called ‘viola’ or ‘violet’ and portrays your faithfulness to the recipient.

SUNFLOWER

Big and beautiful, the sunflower and its bright yellow petals can liven up any floral gift. It represents pure thoughts, adoration and dedication to love - a great choice for a close friend or loved one. ✤