Flowers have always been a way to show affection to others. There are bouquets at weddings, you give flowers to someone you like, and we have flowers at funerals; flowers are basically a gift for all! In the Victorian Era, flowers and their arrangements were sent to show messages, without actually writing one, that the sender wanted tell the receiver. Most people don’t consider the meaning of the flowers, so here are some flowers and their meanings.

The red rose, a classic flower that is typically given to a significant other. It is an expression of romantic love and deep emotions. A red rose can convey respect, admiration or devotion, while a deep red rose is used to express heartfelt regret or sorrow. The rose is a symbol of love and passion. Aphrodite and Venus, the Greek and Roman goddesses of love, are associated with the rose. In tarot, the rose is considered a symbol of balance. The beauty of this flower expresses promise, hope, and new beginnings.

The hydrangea was first discovered in Japan; its name comes from the Greek words “hydro”, meaning water, and “angos”, meaning jar or vessel. It basically translates to “water barrel”, referring to the flower’s need for plenty of water. The hydrangea symbolizes heartfelt and honest emotions of any kind, gratitude to someone, grace and beauty, and developing a deeper understanding between two people. In a negative sense, the hydrangea can symbolize frigidity and disinterest in a romantic proposal, heartlessness, boasting about false accomplishments, vanity and narcissism, and prosperity. To differentiate among the many meanings of the hydrangea, it is important to pair it with other flowers to get the right message across.

Lavender has been valued for many centuries for its soothing fragrance, physical beauty, healing properties, and the multitude of other uses. Lavender symbolizes admiration, solitude, beauty, serenity, and calmness.

The daisy can symbolize a multitude of things. Daisies symbolize innocence, especially white daisies with yellow or pale centers, and purity, typically shown by daisies that are as white as possible. Daisies can also convey new beginnings, which is why they are often given in bouquets for mothers or children. The daisy also conveys convey true love because each daisy flower is really two flowers blended together in harmony. It can express that the sender is keeping a secret because that is one way a person can exhibit that they truly love another. The Gerbera Daisy specifically conveys cheerfulness.

Tulips hold a special place in home gardens. The flower signifies a declaration of love. It also symbolizes a perfect love between partners or family members, royalty, charity and supporting the less fortunate. Tulips have some negative meanings as well. It symbolizes forgotten or neglected love, abundance, prosperity, and indulgence.

Graphic courtesy by TRACY XIA