Style · Flowers
Flower Meanings, A to Z
The Victorian language of flowers, letter by letter: what each bloom was said to mean, where those meanings came from, and how to use them in a bouquet without overthinking it.
Where the meanings come from
Giving flowers with a message is ancient, but the detailed “language of flowers,” or floriography, is largely a nineteenth-century invention. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu’s letters from Constantinople, published in 1763, described a Turkish custom of sending coded messages with objects, and European writers seized on the idea. In 1819 a French writer publishing as Charlotte de la Tour issued Le Langage des Fleurs, one of the first popular flower dictionaries. Dozens of English and American versions followed, among them Kate Greenaway’s illustrated Language of Flowers of 1884, which is still in print.
Because each author compiled a personal list, the dictionaries contradict one another. Marigolds stood for grief in some and for affection in others. That is why many flowers in the table below carry several meanings. Treat it as a guide to tradition, not a code your guests will decode.
Using meanings at a wedding
- Start with what you love and what is in season. Meanings are a pleasant layer on top of a good choice, not a reason to fly in out-of-season stems. Our guide to flowers by season shows what is abundant when.
- Pick one or two to feature. Myrtle, for constancy and marriage, has been tucked into royal bridal bouquets since Queen Victoria’s daughter married in 1858. Ivy, for fidelity, and rosemary, for remembrance, are easy additions to any arrangement.
- Watch for the few negative readings, such as the yellow carnation’s disdain or the striped carnation’s refusal, if you or your family care about such things. Most people won’t know or mind.
- Tell the story. A line in the ceremony program or on a card by the bouquet table (“the lily of the valley is for a return of happiness”) lets guests share in the meaning.
When you meet your florist, bring this list along with photographs and your color palette. How to choose a florist covers what to ask and what it should cost.
The dictionary
A
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Acacia |
– – – | Friendship, Concealed Love, Chaste Love, Secret Love |
| Acacia | Pink | Elegance |
| Acacia | Yellow | Secret Love |
 Acorn |
– – – | Nordic symbol of life and immortality |
 Agapanthus |
– – – | Secret Love, Love Letters |
 Allium |
– – – | Unity, Humility, Patience |
 Alstroemeria |
– – – | Wealth, Prosperity, Fortune |
 Amaryllis |
– – – | Pride, Splendid Beauty, Timidity |
 Ambrosia |
– – – | Your Love is Reciprocated, Love Returned |
 Anemone |
– – – | Forsaken, Sincerity, Expectation |
 Apple Blossom |
– – – | Hope, Good Fortune, Better Things to Come |
 Arbutus |
– – – | Thee Only Do I Love |
 Aster |
– – – | Afterthought, Daintiness, Symbol of Love, Variety, Talisman of Love |
 Astilbe |
– – – | I’ll Still Be Waiting |
 Azalea |
– – – | First Love, Temperance, Romance, Love, Fragile Passion |
B
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Baby’s Breath |
– – – | Pure Heart, Gaiety |
 Bachelor’s Button |
– – – | Felicity, Delicacy, Celibacy, Single Blessedness |
 Bamboo |
– – – | Loyalty, Steadfastness |
 Basil |
– – – | Best wishes |
 Bellflower |
– – – | Gratitude |
 Bells of Ireland |
– – – | Good luck, Whimsy |
 Begonia |
– – – | Beware, A Fanciful Nature, Highly Popular |
 Bittersweet |
– – – | Truth |
 Bleeding Heart |
– – – | Elegance, Fidelity |
 Bluebell |
– – – | Humility, Constancy, Everlasting Love |
 Bouquet of Withered Flowers |
– – – | Rejected Love |
 Bouvardia |
– – – | Enthusiasm |
 Buttercup |
– – – | Childishness, Rich in Charms |
C
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Cactus |
– – – | Endurance, Warmth |
 Caladium |
– – – | Great joy, Delight |
 Calla |
– – – | Magnificent Beauty |
 Camellia |
– – – | Perfection, Admiration, Gratitude, Loveliness, Excellence, Beauty |
| Camellia | Pink | Longing for You |
| Camellia | Red | Unpretending Excellence, You’re a Flame in My Heart |
| Camellia | White | Perfected Loveliness, You’re Adorable |
 Candytuft |
– – – | Indifference |
 Carnation |
– – – | Joy, Fascination, Love, Bonds of Love, Admiration, Distinction |
| Carnation | Pink | I’ll Never Forget You |
| Carnation | Purple | Capriciousness |
| Carnation | Red | Alas Poor Heart, My Heart Aches For You, Admiration |
| Carnation | Striped | Sorry I can’t be with you, No, Refusal |
| Carnation | White | Innocence, Sweet, Lovely, Pure, Ardent Love, Honesty |
| Carnation | Yellow | Disdain, Rejection |
 Cattail |
– – – | Peace, Prosperity |
 Chrysanthemum |
– – – | Cheerfulness, You’re a Wonderful Friend, Rest, Optimism |
| Chrysanthemum | Red | Love, I Love You |
| Chrysanthemum | White | Truth |
| Chrysanthemum | Yellow | Slighted love |
 Clover |
– – – | Good luck |
 Cowslip |
– – – | Pensiveness, Winning Grace |
 Coral Bells |
– – – | Challenge |
 Cosmos |
– – – | Modesty |
 Crocus |
– – – | Youthful gladness, Gladness, Cheerfulness |
 Cyclamen |
– – – | Resignation, Goodbye, Modesty, Shyness |
D
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Daffodil |
– – – | Desire, Sympathy, Love me, Affection Returned, Respect, Regard, You’re the only one, Unrequited Love |
 Daisy |
– – – | Innocence, Loyal love, I’ll Never Tell, Purity, Innocence, Gentleness |
 Damask Rose |
– – – | Brilliant Complexion |
 Dandelion |
– – – | Faithfulness, Happiness |
 Dead leaves |
– – – | Sadness |
 Delphinium |
– – – | Well-being, Sweetness |
 Dogwood |
– – – | Love undiminished by adversity |
E
No “E” flowers/herbs/plants available!
F
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Fern |
– – – | Grace, Fascination, Confidence, Magic, Sincerity |
 Fern(Asparagus) |
– – – | Airy Grace |
 Fern(Maiden Hair) |
– – – | Secret Bond of Love |
 Fir |
– – – | Time |
 Flax |
– – – | Domestic symbol, Fate |
 Fleur-de-Lis |
– – – | Flame, I burn |
 Flowering Almond |
– – – | Hope |
 Forget-Me-Not |
– – – | Memories, True Love, Remembrance |
 Forsythia |
– – – | Good nature, Innocence, Anticipation |
 Freesia |
– – – | Trust, Innocence |
 Foxglove |
– – – | Youth |
G
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Galax |
– – – | Encouragement |
 Gardenia |
– – – | You are lovely, Secret Love |
 Garlic |
– – – | Strength, Courage |
 Geranium |
– – – | Stupidity, Folly, Comfort |
 Gladiolus |
– – – | Strength of character, Really sincere |
 Gloxinia |
– – – | Love at first sight |
 Goldenrod |
– – – | Precaution |
 Grass |
– – – | Submission |
H
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Heather |
Lavender | Solitude, Admiration |
| Heather | White | Wishes Will Come True, Protection |
 Heliotrope |
– – – | Devotion, Faithfulness |
 Holly |
– – – | Foresight, Domestic Happiness |
 Honeysuckle |
– – – | Generous, Devoted, Affection, Bonds of Love |
 Huckleberry |
– – – | Faith |
 Hyacinth |
Blue | Please forgive me, Sorrow, Constancy |
| Hyacinth | Purple | I’m Sorry, Sorrow, Please Forgive Me |
| Hyacinth | Red | Play |
| Hyacinth | Pink | Play |
| Hyacinth | White | Loveliness |
| Hyacinth | Yellow | Jealousy |
 Hydrangea |
– – – | Thank you for understanding, Boastfulness |
FLOWER MEANINGS "I"
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Iris |
– – – | Promise, Valor, Wisdom, Your friendship means so much to me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom, Valor |
 Ivy |
– – – | Bridal favor, Affection, Wedded Love, Fidelity, Friendship |
| Ivy Sprig of White Tendrils |
– – | Anxious To Please, Affection |
J
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Japonica |
– – – | Loveliness |
 Jasmine |
– – – | Amiability, Modesty |
 Jonquil (Daffodil) |
– – – | Desire, Sympathy, Love me, Affection Returned, Respect, Regard, You are the only one |
K
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Kalanchoe |
– – – | Popularity |
L
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Lady’s Slipper |
– – – | Fickleness |
 Larkspur |
Pink | Fickleness, An Open Heart, Levity, Laughter |
 Laurel – |
– – – | Success |
 Lavender |
– – – | Admiration, Solitude, Devotion |
| Lavender | White | Protection, Wishes Will Come True |
 Lemon Blossom |
– – – | Fidelity in Love |
 Lilac |
– – – | Beauty, Humility |
| Lilac | Purple | First Emotion of Life |
| Lilac | White | Youthful Innocence |
 Lily |
– – – | Devotion |
| Lily, Calla | – – – | Beauty |
 Lily, Day |
– – – | Coquetry |
 Lily of the Valley |
– – – | Return of Happiness, Humility, Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary |
| Lily | Orange | Wealth |
 Lily, Tiger |
– – – | Pride, Wealth |
 Lily, Water |
– – – | Purity of Heart |
| Lily | White | Sweetness, Purity, Majesty, Virginity |
| Lily | Yellow | Gaiety, Walking on Air |
 Lotus Flower |
– – – | Estranged Love |
M
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Magnolia |
– – – | Love of nature, Dignity, Sweetness, Nobility |
 Marigold |
– – – | Grief, Jealousy, Cruelty, Affection |
 Marjoram |
– – – | Blushes, Mirth |
 Mint |
– – – | Virtue |
 Mistletoe |
– – – | Kiss me, Affection |
 Monkshood |
– – – | Chivalry, Beware, A Deadly Foe is Near |
 Moss |
– – – | Maternal love, Charity, Confessions of Love |
| Mum | – – – | Hope |
 Myrtle |
– – – | Home, Love |
N
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Narcissus |
– – – | Egotism, Formality, Stay As Sweet As You Are |
 Nasturtium |
– – – | Patriotism, Conquest, Victory in battle |
 Nuts |
– – – | Stupidity |
O
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Oleander |
– – – | Caution, Beware |
 Orange Blossom |
– – – | Purity, Marriage, Eternal Love, Innocence, Fruitfulness, Marriage, Fertility, Virginity |
 Orange Mock |
– – – | Deceit |
 Orchid |
– – – | A Belle, Thoughtfulness, Beautiful Lady, Refinement, Beauty, Love, Rare Beauty |
P
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Pansy |
– – – | Merriment, Thoughts |
 Palm Leaves |
– – | Victory, Success |
 Parsley |
– – – | Festivity, Thanks |
 Passion Flower |
– – – | Faith |
 Peach Blossom |
– – – | I am your captive |
 Peony |
– – – | Compassion, Bashfulness, Beauty, Happy Marriage, Welcome |
| Peppermint | – – – | Cordiality, Warmth |
 Periwinkle |
– – – | Love, Sweet Remembrances, Friendship, Memory |
 Petunia |
– – – | Resentment, Anger, Your Presence Sooths Me |
 Phlox |
– – – | Our souls are united |
 Pine |
– – – | Loyalty, Hope, Endurance, Pity |
 Poppy |
– – – | Eternal sleep, Oblivion, Imagination |
| Poppy | Red | Pleasure |
| Poppy | White | Consolation |
| Poppy | Yellow | Wealth, Success |
 Prickly Pear |
– – – | Satire |
 Primrose |
– – – | I Can’t Live Without You, Young Love, Gaiety |
Q
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Queen Anne’s Lace |
– – – | Haven, Protection |
 Quince |
– – – | Temptation, Cheer My Soul |
R
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Ragwort |
– – – | I Am Humble But Proud |
 Rannuculus |
– – – | You Are Rich in Attractions, You Are Radiant With Charm |
 Rhododendron |
– – – | Danger |
 Rhubarb |
– – – | Advice, Fidelity |
 Rose |
– – – | Love |
| Rose, Bouquet in Full Bloom |
– – – | Gratitude |
| Rose, Bridal |
– – – | Happy Love |
| Rose | Burgundy | Unconscious Love, Beauty Within |
 Rose,Cabbage |
– – – | Ambassador of Love |
| Rose | Champagne | Vitality, Devotion |
 Rose,Christmas |
– – – | Anxiety |
| Rose | Coral | Desire, Longevity, Good Fortune |
| Rose | Cream | Perfection, Richness |
| Rose, Damask |
– – – | Persian Ambassador of Love, Brilliant Complexion |
| Rose | Dark Crimson | Mourning |
 Rose,Garland of Roses |
– – – | Reward of Virtue |
| Rose | Gold | Absolute Achievement |
 Rose,Hibiscus |
– – – | Delicate Beauty, Delicate beauty |
| Rose | Lavender | Enchantment, Love at First Sight |
| Rose, Leaf |
– – – | You May Hope |
| Rose | Orange | Fascination |
| Rose | Peach | Desire |
| Rose | Pink | Gladness, Grace, Perfect Happiness, Innocent Love, Joy |
| Rose | Pink, Dark | Thankfulness |
| Rose | Red | Passion, Love, Respect, Courage, I love you, Passionate Love |
| Rose | Red (Deep) | Bashful, Passion, Beauty |
 Rose,Red & White together |
– – – | Unity |
 Rose,Rosebud |
– – – | Beauty, Youth |
| Rose, Single Full Bloom |
– – – | I Love You; I Still Love You |
 Rose,Tea |
– – – | I’ll Remember Always |
| Rose, Thornless |
– – – | Love at First Sight |
| Rose | White | Innocence, Secrecy, Purity, I am worthy of you, Charm, You’re Heavenly, Silence, Pure Love, Truth |
| Rose | Yellow | Friendship, Joy, True Love |
| Rosebud | – – – | Beauty, Youth, A Heart Innocent of Love |
| Rosebud, Moss |
– – – | Confessions of Love |
| Rosebud | Red | Pure, Lovely |
| Rosebud | White | Girlhood |
 Rosemary |
– – – | Remembrance |
S
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Safflower |
– – – | Welcome, Marriage |
 Sage |
– – – | Domestic Virtue, Wisdom |
 Shamrock |
– – – | Luck |
 Smilax |
– – – | Loveliness |
 Snapdragons |
– – – | Strength, Presumption, Gracious Lady, Deception |
 Snowdrop |
– – – | Hope |
| Solidago | – – – | Success |
| Spearmint | – – – | Warmth of Sentiment |
 Spider Flower |
– – – | Elope with Me |
 Spirea |
– – – | Victory, Conceit |
 Starflower |
– – – | Vigilance, Hope |
 Star of Bethlehem |
– – – | Purity |
 Statice |
– – – | Remembrance, Sympathy, Gratitude |
 Stephanotis |
– – – | Happiness in Marriage, Exotic Travel |
 Stock |
– – – | Lasting Beauty, Bonds of Affection, Promptness, You’ll Always Be Beautiful To Me |
 Sunflower |
– – – | Pride, Adoration, Devotion, Loyalty, Faithfulness |
| Sweet Basil | – – – | Good wishes |
 Sweet Pea |
– – – | Delicate pleasures, Good-bye, Blissful Pleasure |
 Sweet William |
– – – | Gallantry |
T
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Thistle |
– – – | Austerity, Independence |
 Thyme |
– – – | Activity, Bravery |
| Tiger Lily | – – – | Prosperity |
 Tuberose |
– – – | Dangerous Pleasure, Dangerous Love, Voluptuousness |
 Tulip |
– – – | Luck, Fame, Perfect Lover, Love |
| Tulip | Red | Declaration of Love, Believe Me |
| Tulip | Variegated | Beautiful Eyes |
| Tulip | Yellow | Hopeless Love |
U
No “U” Flowers listed!
V
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Verbena |
– – – | May You Get Your Wish |
 Veronica |
– – – | Fidelity |
 Violet |
– – – | Virtue, Simplicity, Modesty, Faithfulness |
| Violet | Blue | Watchfulness, Faithfulness, Modesty, I’ll Always Be True |
| Violet | White | Let’s Take a Chance, Candor, Spotless Innocence |
 Virginia Creeper |
– – – | I Cling to You |
 Viscaria |
– – – | Will you dance with me? |
W
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Wallflower |
– – – | Fidelity in Adversity, Lasting Beauty, Fairness |
 Walnut |
– – – | Stratagem, Intellect |
| Water Lily | – – – | Purity of heart |
 Wax Flower |
– – – | Riches |
 Wheat |
– – – | Friendliness, Prosperity |
 Wintergreens |
– – – | Harmony |
 Wisteria |
– – – | Welcome |
| Wood Hyacinth | – – – | Constancy |
 Wood Sorrel |
– – – | Maternal Love |
X
No “X” flowers are listed!
Y
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Yarrow |
– – – | Healing |
| Yellow Lily | – – – | Gratitude |
Z
| Flower | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
 Zinnia |
– – – | Thoughts of absent friends |
| Zinnia | Magenta | Lasting affection |
| Zinnia | Mixed | Thinking/In Memory of an absent friend |
| Zinnia | Scarlet | Constancy |
| Zinnia | White | Goodness |
| Zinnia | Yellow | Daily Remembrance |
Written and edited by the Today’s Weddings editors. How we research and check what we publish is set out in our editorial standards. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
