Meaning of Flowers

Do you know the language of flowers? As our list below shows, each flower has its own meaning. Orange blossom, for instance, symbolizes chastity, purity and loveliness, while red chrysanthemum means I love you.

Flowers have always been a big feature at weddings, too. As an example, look to the royal flower bouquet in the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, to Kate Middleton (now Catherine, Ducchess of Cambridge). Her flowers had very special meaning. The groom, too, wears a flower that appears in the bridal bouquet in his button-hole. This stems from the Medieval tradition of wearing his Lady's colors, as a declaration of his love.
One fun idea is to have a garden gathering and have each person bring a flower that has meaning to them. Or, paint tiles on a kitchen island with a flower that represents each of your loved ones.

There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
–The Language of Flowers, London, 1875
Please tell us which flowers have meaning to you! If we are missing one of your favorites, please tell us which one and its meaning.

Click here to visit the meaning of color of flowers

Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Trees
Aloe	Healing, protection, affection
Angelica	Inspiration
Arborvitae	Unchanging friendship
Bachelor's button	Single blessedness
Basil	Good wishes
Bay	Glory
Black-eyed Susan	Justice
Carnation	Alas for my poor heart
Chamomile	Patience
Chives	Usefulness
Chrysanthemum	Cheerfulness
Clover, white	Think of me
Coriander	Hidden worth
Cumin	Fidelity
Crocus, spring	Youthful gladness
Daffodil	Regard
Daisy	Innocence, hope
Dill	Powerful against evil
Edelweiss	Courage, devotion
Fennel	Flattery
Fern	Sincerity
Forget-me-not	Forget-me-not
Geranium, oak-leaved	True friendship
Goldenrod	Encouragement
Heliotrope	Eternal love
Holly	Hope
Hollyhock	Ambition
Honeysuckle	Bonds of love
Horehound	Health
Hyacinth	Constancy of love, fertility
Hyssop	Sacrifice, cleanliness
Iris	A message
Ivy	Friendship, continuity
Jasmine, white	Sweet love
Lady's-mantle	Comforting
Lavender	Devotion, virtue
Lemon balm	Sympathy
Lilac	Joy of youth
Lily-of-the-valley	Sweetness
Marjoram	Joy and happiness
Mint	Virtue
Morning glory	Affection
Myrtle	The emblem of marriage, true love
Nasturtium	Patriotism
Oak	Strength
Oregano	Substance
Pansy	Thoughts
Parsley	Festivity
Pine	Humility
Poppy, red	Consolation
Rose, red	Love, desire
Rosemary	Remembrance
Rue	Grace, clear vision
Sage	Wisdom, immortality
Salvia, blue	I think of you
Salvia, red	Forever mine
Savory	Spice, interest
Sorrel	Affection
Southernwood	Constancy, jest
Sweet pea	Pleasures
Sweet William	Gallantry
Sweet woodruff	Humility
Tansy	Hostile thoughts
Tarragon	Lasting interest
Thyme	Courage, strength
Tulip, red	Declaration of love
Valerian	Readiness
Violet	Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness
Willow	Sadness
Yarrow	Everlasting love
Zinnia	Thoughts of absent friends