Guide to the Symbolism of 50 Flowers
Flowers have long been used as symbols to convey emotions, messages, and meanings across different cultures. Here’s a Hong Kong florist guide to the symbolism of 50 popular flowers, including their historical and cultural significance.
1. Roses
Red Rose: Love and passion.
Pink Rose: Admiration and gratitude.
White Rose: Purity and innocence.
Yellow Rose: Friendship and joy.
2. Tulips
Red Tulip: True love.
Yellow Tulip: Cheerfulness.
Purple Tulip: Royalty and elegance.
White Tulip: Forgiveness.
3. Lilies
White Lily: Purity and peace.
Tiger Lily: Confidence and pride.
Calla Lily: Elegance and sophistication.
Easter Lily: Resurrection and hope.
4. Sunflowers
Symbol of adoration, loyalty, and longevity.
In some cultures, they represent good luck and positivity.
5. Orchids
Purple Orchid: Royalty and respect.
White Orchid: Innocence and elegance.
Pink Orchid: Femininity and grace.
Yellow Orchid: New beginnings and friendship.
6. Daisies
Innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
In Norse mythology, they are associated with Freya, the goddess of love and fertility.
7. Chrysanthemums
White Chrysanthemum: Truth and loyalty (common in funerals in Asia).
Yellow Chrysanthemum: Optimism and joy.
Red Chrysanthemum: Love and passion.
8. Carnations
Red Carnation: Love and admiration.
Pink Carnation: A mother’s undying love.
White Carnation: Innocence and pure love.
Yellow Carnation: Disappointment or rejection.
9. Lavender
Serenity, calmness, and devotion.
Often associated with healing and relaxation.
10. Jasmine
Love, purity, and grace.
In South Asia, jasmine is a symbol of divine hope and spiritual purity.
11. Marigold
Passion and creativity.
In many cultures, marigolds are associated with the sun and are used in rituals and festivals.
12. Lotus
Purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.
A sacred flower in Hinduism and Buddhism.
13. Peonies
Prosperity, romance, and honor.
Often used in weddings as a symbol of happy marriages.
14. Poppies
Red Poppy: Remembrance and sacrifice.
White Poppy: Peace.
Yellow Poppy: Wealth and success.
15. Hydrangeas
Gratitude, understanding, and heartfelt emotion.
In some cultures, they can symbolize apology.
16. Gardenias
Purity, gentleness, and secret love.
Often associated with peaceful and happy memories.
17. Camellias
Pink Camellia: Longing for someone.
White Camellia: Admiration and perfection.
Red Camellia: Passion and deep desire.
18. Lilac
First love and youthful innocence.
In Victorian times, lilacs symbolized the bittersweetness of love.
19. Hibiscus
Beauty and femininity.
In Hawaii, hibiscus flowers represent hospitality and joy.
20. Anemones
Protection and anticipation.
In Greek mythology, they are linked to the story of Adonis and represent fleeting moments.
21. Gladiolus
Strength of character, honor, and integrity.
Named after the Latin word for “sword,” symbolizing resilience.
22. Forget-Me-Nots
True love and remembrance.
A symbol of enduring connections.
23. Sweet Peas
Pleasure and good wishes.
Often associated with departures or farewells.
24. Ranunculus
Radiant charm and attractiveness.
Often used to convey admiration and adoration.
25. Zinnias
Red Zinnia: Endurance and constancy.
Yellow Zinnia: Daily remembrance.
White Zinnia: Goodness and purity.
26. Dahlia
Dignity, creativity, and elegance.
Often associated with a strong inner strength.
27. Freesia
Friendship, trust, and innocence.
Frequently used in weddings to symbolize purity.
28. Snapdragon
Grace and strength.
In folklore, they symbolize deception or resilience.
29. Amaryllis
Pride, determination, and radiant beauty.
Often a symbol of success and confidence.
30. Bluebells
Humility, gratitude, and everlasting love.
In folklore, they are linked to fairies and enchantment.
31. Delphinium
Positivity, lightness, and new opportunities.
Associated with protection in some traditions.
32. Aster
Patience, elegance, and daintiness.
In Greek mythology, asters are linked to the goddess Astraea.
33. Magnolia
Nobility, dignity, and perseverance.
In Chinese culture, magnolias represent feminine beauty and gentleness.
34. Cosmos
Harmony, peace, and order.
Often given as a gesture of gratitude.
35. Protea
Courage, transformation, and resourcefulness.
Named after Proteus, the Greek god of change.
36. Iris
Wisdom, valor, and faith.
Named after the Greek goddess Iris, the messenger of the gods.
37. Alstroemeria
Devotion, friendship, and prosperity.
Often gifted to celebrate strong bonds.
38. Baby’s Breath
Innocence, purity, and everlasting love.
Commonly used in wedding bouquets and decorations.
39. Yarrow
Healing, protection, and love.
In folklore, it is associated with courage and overcoming adversity.
40. Bells of Ireland
Good luck and prosperity.
Often included in bouquets to wish someone well.
41. Heather
Solitude, admiration, and protection.
In Scotland, purple heather is considered lucky.
42. Holly
Protection, resilience, and goodwill.
Commonly associated with Christmas.
43. Nasturtium
Patriotism and conquest.
Often symbolizes victory or achievement.
44. Pansy
Thoughtfulness, remembrance, and free spirit.
Derived from the French word “pensée,” meaning thought.
45. Edelweiss
Courage, devotion, and deep love.
A symbol of enduring love in Alpine traditions.
46. Hyacinth
Purple Hyacinth: Sorrow and regret.
White Hyacinth: Beauty and peace.
Pink Hyacinth: Playfulness and joy.
47. Cactus Flowers
Endurance, survival, and maternal love.
Associated with thriving in adversity.
48. Morning Glory
Affection and unrequited love.
Symbolizes the fleeting nature of time.
49. Crocus
Youthful happiness and cheerfulness.
Often associated with spring and new beginnings.
50. Verbena
Healing, protection, and creativity.
In ancient times, it was considered sacred and linked to magic.
Understanding the symbolism behind flowers allows you to craft meaningful gestures that resonate with cultural, emotional, and personal significance. Whether for celebrations, condolences, or declarations of love, this guide can help ensure your floral message is perfectly tailored to the occasion.
