Flower Bouquet Meanings: The Hidden Language of Flowers

Flowers have a deep language within them. A bouquet with a gladiolus can remind someone to remain strong, while a single yellow rose can show a friend just how much you care. Beyond their beauty, there are many hidden flower bouquet meanings. The shape of the flower, when it blooms, its colour, and where its from can all give you a hint. Here’s how to say more with flowers.

Lily

Lily flowers have a long history. The Greek were known for their love of lilies, often decorating ceramics with their image. In China and Japan, they’ve long been used as dining centerpieces.

The lily is one of May’s birth flowers. White lilies often represent purity and heaven, while yellow lilies symbolize happiness and joy. Lily flowers are commonly used in sympathy arrangements for condolences and funerals.

Sunflower

When on the stem, sunflowers follow the sun. This is likely why they’re known as the flower for spiritual devotion as well as adoration. Sunflowers symbolize intellect and companionship as well. They’re a common flower featured in late summer bouquets and arrangements.  

Dahlia

Dahlias are originally native to Mexico and Central America, giving them their vibrant colour palette. Much like the structure of the flower itself, dahlias represent boldness while still being elegant and graceful. And if you needed another excuse to include a dahlia in your arrangement, they signify good taste!

Anemone

Anemones are one of those flowers that mean very different things depending on where you are. In China, Egypt, and other Eastern cultures, they’re historically known as a symbol or illness and are considered bad luck. But in Western countries, they’re typically more seen as protection against evil.

Gladiolus

The name gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius, which means sword. This is likely why they’re known as the flower of the gladiators! Just picture their shape, with sword-like leaves and long, straight stalks. For this reason, they represent strength, resilience, and integrity. Glads are also one of the August birth flowers.

Rose

Nearly everyone knows how beloved the rose is as a symbol of romance and passion. It’s the quintessential flower for Valentine’s Day and for saying I love you (red roses especially). The rose is also June’s birth flower, and has been beloved for centuries for its medicinal, culinary, and aromatherapy properties. The white rose is also known to represent innocence and heavenly nature.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are most known as a flower to gift when you’re feeling grateful or to represent abundance. In Japan, they’re known as a flower of apology as they wilt but will easily rise again with proper care.

On the negative side, hydrangeas can signify heartlessness and boastfulness, especially during the Victorian era. Luckily, they’re back in style and in everyone’s good graces!

Peony

The peony flower was initially grown in China more than 2,000 years ago, where it was known as the “king of flowers.” It represented wealth and prosperity, seen as a symbol of royalty. Peonies can also indicate romance and passion and is a very common wedding flower. The peony is also one of November’s birth flowers (though is more commonly seen in Vancouver in mid-spring).

Carnation

Carnations are a classic flower used in all kinds of arrangements. They come in many colours, each with their own symbolism. Carnations are known most as January’s birth flower and to represent female or mother’s love. For this reason, they’re a popular flower for Mother’s Day.

Chrysanthemum

Another super popular and versatile flower, the chrysanthemum (affectionately known as mums) has been cultivated for more than 2,500 years. They bloom beyond the warm months of summer, giving them a noticeable cheerful quality when we’re saying goodbye to other flowers. They’re known as social flowers, representing friendship, love, and joy.

Flower Colour Meanings

As you might have noticed, the colour can drastically affect what a type of flower may mean. Here’s a generalization of some flower colour meanings.

• White: purity, luck, and truth.
• Red: love, admiration, and passion.
• Pink: more subdued, innocent love. Non-romantic love.
• Yellow: kindness, trust, and friendship.
• Orange: warmth, excitement, and cheer.
• Green: prosperity and good fortune.
• Purple: royalty, admiration, and romance.
• Blue: intimacy and loyalty.

Say It With Flowers!

There’s a flower for every occasion and relationship. If you’re looking to say something with the type of flowers you choose, we love diving deep into the meaning behind flower bouquets. Contact us to have a custom bouquet made for your friend, loved one, or for a special event.