Have you ever tried expressing yourself to another person in a language that’s not quite natural for you?
You try to tell them that ‘you enjoy their friendship’ but it comes out as though ‘you want to pick their nose with a gigantic pitchfork’ – or worse! Often the meaning gets lost in translation.
It’s exactly the same with flowers. Each flower has its own meaning and communicates a different message when being given as a gift. You certainly wouldn’t take a red rose to a funeral or give a black tulip to the mother-of-the-bride – though she may give you one. So while a flower given as a gift can mean the world to the person receiving it, it can also mean end of yours if it’s taken the wrong way.
Rather than take the risk, I’ve compiled a little list of more than 300 blooms with their flower meanings.
[If I've missed any, email me and I'll update it immediately].
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | V | Y | Z
A |
||
| Acacia | Beauty in retirement; Friendship; Concealed love: Chaste love | |
| Achillea Millefolia | War | |
| Aconite | Beware, a deadly foe is near, misanthropy | |
| Agapanthus | Love letters, love. | |
| Agnus Castus | Coldness, indifference | |
| Allium | Unity; Humility; Patience | |
| Allspice | Compassion | |
| Almond Blossom | Hope, lover’s charm | |
| Aloe Vera | Grief | |
| Alstromeria | Wealth, prosperity, fortune, devotion, friendship | |
| Alyssum | Worth beyond beauty | |
| Amaranth | Fidelity | |
| Amaryllis | Pride; Splendid Beauty; Timidity | |
| Ambrosia | Love is reciprocated. | |
| Anemone | Forsaken, expectation, anticipation | |
| Angelica | Inspiration | |
| Aniseed | Restoration of youth | |
| Anthurium | Hospitality | |
| Apple Blossom | Hope, good fortune, better things to come | |
| Arbor Vitae | True friendship | |
| Arbutus | Thee only do I love. | |
| Artemisia | Dignity | |
| Asparagus Fern | Fascination. | |
| Asphodel | My regrets follow you to the grave | |
| Aster | Symbol of love; Daintiness; Afterthought | |
| Astilbe | I’ll still be waiting. | |
| Azalea | Love, romance, first love, fragile passion, temperance. It is also a symbol of womanhood. | |
B |
Back to Top |
|
| Baby’s Breath | Pure of heart; Innocence | |
| Bachelor’s Button | Hope in love; Felicity; Delicacy; Single blessedness | |
| Balsam | Ardent love. | |
| Basil | Best wishes, love | |
| Begonia | Beware. | |
| Bellflower | Gratitude | |
| Bells Of Ireland | Good luck. | |
| Betony | Surprise | |
| Bilberry | Treachery | |
| Bird Of Paradise | Magnificence, Joyfulness | |
| Bittersweet | Truth. | |
| Blue Periwinkle | Friendship | |
| Blue Violet | Modesty, faithfulness | |
| Bluebells | Humility, constancy. | |
| Borage | Courage, bluntness | |
| Bouquet of Withered Flowers | Rejected love | |
| Bouvardia | Enthusiasm. | |
| Broom | Humility. | |
| Bulrush | Indiscretion, docility | |
| Burnet | A merry heart | |
| Buttercup | Childishness. | |
C |
Back to Top |
|
| Cactus | Endurance. | |
| Caladium | Great joy and delight | |
| Calendula | Grief, jealousy. Also the birthflower for October. | |
| Camellia | Loveliness, gratitude | |
| Camellia, Blue | You’re a flame in my heart | |
| Camellia, Pink | Longing for you. | |
| Camellia, Red | You’re a flame in my heart. | |
| Camellia, White | You’re adorable. | |
| Chamomile | Energy in adversity, patience | |
| Candytuft | Indifference | |
| Carnation | Fascination; Womanly love; Devoted love | |
| Carnation, Solid color | Yes | |
| Carnation, Pink | A woman’s love, I’ll never forget you, mother’s love. | |
| Carnation, Purple | Capriciousness. | |
| Carnation, Red | My heart aches for you; Admiration | |
| Carnation, Striped | Refusal, No, sorry I can’t be with you. | |
| Carnation, White | Innocence; Sweet and lovely; Pure love; Woman’s good luck gift; You’re adorable | |
| Carnation, Yellow | Disdain, rejection, you have disappointed me. | |
| Cattail | Peace, prosperity. | |
| Chrysanthemum | Cheerfulness; You’re a wonderful friend; Rest; Loveliness; Abundance; Wealth | |
| Chrysanthemum, Red | I love you | |
| Chrysanthemum, White | Truth | |
| Chrysanthemum, Yellow | Slighted love. | |
| Cinnamon | My fortune is yours | |
| Clematis | Clever, intellectual. 8th wedding anniversary. | |
| Columbine | Folly | |
| Coriander | Lust | |
| Cornflower | Delicacy, refinement | |
| Cosmos | Modesty. 2nd wedding anniversary. | |
| Cowslip | Pensiveness, winning grace | |
| Coxcomb | Foppery | |
| Crocus | Cheerfulness, abuse not. | |
| Cyclamen | Resignation, good-bye. Modesty and shyness | |
D |
Back to Top |
|
| Daffodil | You’re the only one; Regard; Unrequited love; The sun shines when I’m with you | |
| Daffodil, Several | Joy, happiness. | |
| Daffodil, Single | Misfortune. | |
| Dahlia | Instability. 14th wedding anniversary. | |
| Daisy | Innocence, loyal love, I’ll never tell, purity. 5th wedding anniversary. | |
| Dandelion | Faithfulness, happiness, love’s oracle. | |
| Daylily | Conquetry | |
| Delphinium | Flight of fancy; Ardent attachment | |
| Dogwood | Durability | |
E |
Back to Top |
|
| Ebony | Blackness. | |
| Edelweiss | Daring, noble courage | |
| Elder | Zealousness | |
| Elm | Dignity | |
| Eremurus | Endurance. | |
| Eucalyptus | Protection | |
| Euphorbia | Persistence. | |
F |
Back to Top |
|
| Fennel | Worthy of all praise, strength | |
| Fern | Sincerity, magic, fascination, confidence, shelter. | |
| Fern, Maidenhair | Secret bond of love | |
| Fig | Argument | |
| Fir | Time. | |
| Flax | Domestic symbol. | |
| Fleur De Lis | Flame; Burning | |
| Flytrap | Deceit. | |
| Forget-Me-Not | True love, hope, remembrance, memories. | |
| Forsythia | Good nature; Innocence; Anticipation | |
| Four-Leaf Clover | Good luck, be mine. | |
| Foxglove | Insincerity. | |
| Freesia | Innocence, thoughtfulness. | |
| Fuschia | Taste. 3rd wedding anniversary. | |
| Fuschia, Scarlet | Fast | |
G |
Back to Top |
|
| Galax | Encouragement | |
| Gardenia | You’re lovely, secret love, joy, sweet love, good luck. | |
| Garland of Roses | Reward of virtue | |
| Garlic | Courage, strength | |
| Geranium | Stupidity, folly, comfort, gentility. 4th wedding anniversary. | |
| Geranium, Rose | Preference | |
| Gillyflower | Bonds of affection | |
| Ginger | Strength. | |
| Gladiolus | Strength of character, remembrance, infatuation, splendid beauty. | |
| Gloxinia | Love at first sight | |
| Golden rod | Precaution | |
| Grass | Submission, surrender | |
| Guelder rose | Winter, age | |
H |
Back to Top |
|
| Harebell | Submission, grief | |
| Hawthorn | Hope | |
| Hazel | Reconciliation | |
| Heather, Pink | Good luck | |
| Heather, Lavender | Admiration, solitude, beauty. | |
| Heather, White | Protection, wishes will come true. | |
| Helenium | Tears | |
| Hemlock | You will be my death | |
| Hibiscus | Delicate beauty. | |
| Holly | Foresight, defense, domestic happiness, enchantment. | |
| Hollyhock | Ambition, fruitfulness. 13th wedding anniversary. | |
| Honeysuckle | Devoted affection, generosity | |
| Honeysuckle, Yellow | Bonds of love | |
| Huckleberry | Simple pleasure. | |
| Hyacinth | Games; Sports; Rashness | |
| Hyacinth, Blue | Constancy. | |
| Hyacinth, Purple | I am sorry, sorrow, please forgive me. | |
| Hyacinth, Red Or Pink | Play. | |
| Hyacinth, White | Loveliness, I’ll pray for you. | |
| Hyacinth, Yellow | Jealousy. | |
| Hydrangea | Thank you for understanding, frigidity, heartlessness, heartless, boastfulness. | |
I |
Back to Top |
|
| Ice Plant | Your looks freeze me | |
| Iris | Warmth of affection | |
| Iris, Blue | Faith, hope. | |
| Iris, Purple | Wisdom, compliments. | |
| Iris, White | Purity. | |
| Iris, Yellow | Passion. | |
| Ivy | Wedded love; Fidelity; Friendship; Affection | |
| Ixia | Happiness. | |
J |
Back to Top |
|
| Jack-In-The-Pulpit | 7th wedding anniversary. | |
| Jasmine | Amiability, sensuality, transport of joy, grace and elegance | |
| Jasmine (White or Indian) | Amiability , I attach myself to you, sensuality, attachment. | |
| Jasmine, Spanish | Sensuality. | |
| Jasmine, Yellow | Grace, elegance. | |
| Jonquil | Sympathy, love me, affection returned, desire. | |
| Judas Tree | Unbelief, doubt, betrayal | |
L |
Back to Top |
|
| Lady Slipper | Capricious beauty. | |
| Larkspur | Fickleness, ardent attachment, levity, lightness. The birthflower for July. | |
| Larkspur, Pink | Fickleness. | |
| Larkspur, Purple | First love. | |
| Lavender | Devotion. | |
| Leatherleaf Fern | Fascination. | |
| Lemon Balm | Brings love | |
| Lemon Blossom | Fidelity in love | |
| Lilac | Youthful, humility, confidence. | |
| Lilac, Purple | First emotion of love | |
| Lilac, White | Youthful innocence; Purity; Modesty; Virginity; Majesty | |
| Lily | Majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, purity. | |
| Lily of the Valley | Return of happiness | |
| Lily, Calla | Magnificent beauty. 6th wedding anniversary. | |
| Lily, Eucharis | Maiden charms | |
| Lily, Longiflorum | Pure; Modest | |
| Lily, Orange | Flame, I burn for you. | |
| Lily, Tiger | Wealth; Pride; Prosperity | |
| Lily, Water | Purity of heart. | |
| Lily, White | Purity, modesty, virginity, majesty, heavenly being with you. | |
| Lily, Yellow | I’m walking on air, false, gay. | |
| Lotus Blossum | Estranged love. | |
| Love lies Bleeding | Hopeless, not heartless | |
M |
Back to Top |
|
| Magnolia | Dignity, love of nature, nobility. | |
| Marigold | Grief; Cruelty; Jealousy; Sacred affection; Despair | |
| Marigold, Pot | Grief, despair. | |
| Meadowsweet | Uselessness | |
| Mimosa | Sensitivity, secret love. | |
| Mint | Virtue. | |
| Mistletoe | Kiss me, affection, to surmount difficulties. | |
| Monkshood | Beware, a deadly foe is near, danger. | |
| Morning Glory | Loves you. 11th wedding anniversary. | |
| Moss | Maternal love, charity. | |
| Myrtle | Duty; Affection; Home; Love; Discipline; Instruction | |
N |
Back to Top |
|
| Narcissus | Stay as sweet as you are; Egotism; Formality | |
| Nasturtium | Conquest, victory in battle. 40th wedding anniversary. | |
| Nightshade | Truth | |
O |
Back to Top |
|
| Oak Leaves | Bravery. | |
| Oleander | Caution; Beauty; Grace | |
| Olive Branch | Peace. | |
| Orange Blossom | Purity; Innocence; Eternal love; Marriage; Fruitfulness; Lovliness | |
| Orange, Mock | Deceit. | |
| Orchid | Rare beauty, a belle. | |
| Orchid(Cattleaya) | Mature charm | |
P |
Back to Top |
|
| Palm Leaves | Victory, success. | |
| Pansy | Thoughtful reflection; Merriment | |
| Paperwhite | Aphrodisiac due to its intoxicating scent. | |
| Parsley | Festivities, fertility | |
| Peach Blossom | Captive | |
| Peony | Bashfulness, shame, happy life, happy marriage, good health, prosperity. | |
| Peppermint | Cordiality, warmth of feelings | |
| Periwinkle | Friendship. | |
| Periwinkle, Blue | Early friendship | |
| Periwinkle, White | Pleasures of memory | |
| Petunia | Resentment, anger, your presence soothes me. | |
| Phlox | Unanimity. | |
| Pine | Hope; Pity | |
| Poinsettia | Be of good cheer | |
| Polyanthus | Pride of riches | |
| Poppy | Eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination. 9th wedding anniversary. | |
| Poppy, Red | Pleasure, consolation, remembrance. | |
| Poppy, White | Consolation, sleep, rest. | |
| Poppy, Yellow | Wealth, success. | |
| Prickly Pear | Satire | |
| Primrose | I can’t live without you. | |
| Primrose, Evening | Happy love. | |
Q |
Back to Top |
|
| Quaking Grass | Agitation | |
| Queen Anne’s Lace | Haven. | |
| Quince | Temptation | |
R |
Back to Top |
|
| Ranunculus | You are radiant with charm, radiant charm. | |
| Rhododendron | Danger, caution. | |
| Rose | Love, passion, perfection. | |
| Rose, Black | Death | |
| Rose, White with Ivy | Purity of intentions and promise of fidelity | |
| Rose, Assorted Colours | You’re everything to me | |
| Rose, Bud, Small | Pure and lovely, beauty and youth, a heart innocent of love. | |
| Rose, Burgundy | Unconscious Beauty | |
| Rose, Burgundy | Beauty within. | |
| Rose, Coral | Desire. | |
| Rose, Dark Crimson | Mourning. | |
| Rose, Dark Pink | Thankfulness. | |
| Rose, Deep Red | Un-self-conscious beauty. | |
| Rose, Hibiscus | Delicate beauty. | |
| Rose, Lavender | Love at first sight, enchantment. | |
| Rose, Leaf | You may hope. | |
| Rose, Light Pink | Grace, gladness, joy, perfect happiness, please believe me, gratitude, admiration, gentility. | |
| Rose, Long Stemmed | I will remember you always | |
| Rose, Moss | Confessions of love. | |
| Rose, Orange | Fascination, display feeling of enthusiasm. | |
| Rose, Orange or Coral | Desire | |
| Rose, Peach | Desire, gratitude, apprecation, admiration, sympathy, modesty. | |
| Rose, Pink | Happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship, sympathy, grace, gentleness. | |
| Rose, Red | Love, passion, respect, courage, I love you, beauty, pure and lovely, prosperity. | |
| Rose, Red & White Together | Unity | |
| Rose, Short Stemmed | Sweetheart; Girlhood | |
| Rose, Single Red | Simplicity; I love you | |
| Rose, Single, Full Bloom | I love you, I still love you, new love. | |
| Rose, Sweetheart | Darling, Dear or Honey | |
| Rose, Thornless | Love at first sight. | |
| Rose, White | Innocence; Purity; Heavenly; Secrecy; Silence; Charm | |
| Rose, White, Dried | Death is preferable to loss of virtue. | |
| Rose, Yellow | Joy, friendship, true love, decrease of love, jealousy, trying to care, freedom, slighted love. | |
| Rosebud | Beauty; Youth; A heart innocent of love | |
| Rosebud, Red | Pure; Lovely | |
| Rosebud, White | Girlhood | |
| Rosemary | Remembrance, purity, rebirth. | |
| Roses, Mature Blooms | Gratitude | |
| Roses, Yellow & Orange Together | Passionate thoughts. | |
| Roses, Yellow & Red Together | Happiness, congratulations. | |
S |
Back to Top |
|
| Saffron | Beware of excess | |
| Sage | Virtue. | |
| Salal | Zest. | |
| Scabious | Unfortunate love. | |
| Shamrock | Light heartedness | |
| Smilax | Loveliness. | |
| Snapdragon | Deception, gracious lady, presumption. | |
| Snowdrop | Hope | |
| Spearmint | Warm sentiment. | |
| Spider Flower | Elope with me. | |
| Star Of Bethlehem | Purity. | |
| Statice | Sympathy, remembrance, success. | |
| Stephanotis | Happiness in marriage, desire to travel. | |
| Stock | Lasting beauty, bonds of affection, promptness, you’ll always be beautiful to me. | |
| Strawberry | Perfect goodness | |
| Sunflower | Pure thoughts, adoration, sunshine | |
| Sweet Pea | Delicate pleasures; Goodbye; Blissful pleasure; Departure; Thank you for a lovely time | |
| Sweet William | Gallantry, smile, finesse. | |
T |
Back to Top |
|
| Tamarisk | Crime | |
| Thrift | Sympathy | |
| Thyme | Activity. | |
| Tuberose | Dangerous pleasure. | |
| Tulip | Declaration of love, fame, passion | |
| Tulip, Red | Believe me, declaration of love, fame. | |
| Tulip, Variegated | Beautiful eyes. | |
| Tulip, Yellow | Hopeless love, there’s sunshine in your smile. | |
V |
Back to Top |
|
| Verbena | Will you get your wish? | |
| Vernal Grass | Poor but happy | |
| Veronica | Fidelity | |
| Violet | Modesty, affection, faithfulness, virtue | |
| Violet, Blue | Watchfulness, faithfulness, I’ll always be true. | |
| Violet, Purple | Thoughts of you, blue love. | |
| Violet, White | Let’s take a chance, youthful innocence. | |
| Violet, Yellow | Love of country. | |
| Viscaria | Will you dance with me? | |
W |
Back to Top |
|
| Wallflower | Fidelity in adversity | |
| Weeping Willow | Mourning. | |
| Wheat | Friendliness. | |
| Wisteria | Welcome | |
| Woodruff | Sweet humility | |
Y |
Back to Top |
|
| Yarrow | Healing, sorrow. | |
Z |
Back to Top |
|
| Zinnia | Thoughts of absent friends, in memory of an absent friend. | |
| Zinnia, Magenta | Lasting affection | |
| Zinnia, Mixed | Thinking / In memory of an absent friend | |
| Zinnia, Scarlet | Constancy. | |
| Zinnia, White | Goodness. | |
| Zinnia, Yellow | Daily remembrance. |
Disclaimer: As there are many of these lists residing in cyberspace I haven’t referenced any particular one that I have accessed these meanings from. Each of these lists seem to carry a few of each others and there is no referencing in place. If I have inadvertently taken a meaning from your site and your are the original owner please don’t hesitate to contact me and shall append the referencing.
em>Photo source: Eggybird

Hmmm – looks like the only thing I can say is “Happy Fourth Wedding Anniversary”. [There's a Pelargonium/Geranium blooming on the windowsill.]
Stuart, where are the daffodils or narcissus? I think what you call Agnus castus is the same one that we call Vitex or Chaste Tree.
And the lollypop garden is so weird!
Annie at the Transplantable Rose