Flower Meaning and Flower Symbolism

Flowers are found in the earliest of human documentation. Ancient Asia, Middle East, Europe, all displayed flowers in many ways to display emotions, wealth, and status.

As literature and art boomed, you will notice that many of the timeless authors include flowers to compare beauty and grief. Shakespeare mentions 175 different plants and flowers in his works, and even writes about roses specifically 70 times.

In the Victorian Era flowers were incorporated in some of the most famous works.

Lawrence Alma-Tadema, The Roses of Heliogabalus (1888)

Anniversary Flowers

Did you know that there are different flowers that represent different milestones in marriage?

Roses are typically the most popular anniversary flower, and rightfully so. They have a classic image and represent romantic love and passion! The quantity of the roses included in a bouquet classically changes based on different milestones. 

Check out our article on Roses to see more on this topic!

Roses are not the only flowers traditionally used in anniversary bouquets!

If you’re thinking about buying a bouquet to celebrate a marriage anniversary, you should consider including these flowers in your bouquet!

Milestone	Flower	Why	Imagery
1st Birthday  Flowers	Carnation	These flowers represent young and passionate love. Perfect to celebrate the honeymoon phase of a marriage.
2nd Birthday Flowers	Cosmos	The happy and bright cosmos perfectly capture what young marriage can feel like.
3rd Birthday Flowers	Sunflower	The movement of sunflowers to follow the sun and stay strong and healthy represents the challenges a couple may have faced in their first few years together as well as the bright future they have in front of them.
4th Birthday Flowers	Geranium	Symbolises two people coming together in mind, body and spirit. They have become comfortable with each other.
5th Birthday Flowers	Gerbera Daisy	In the 5th year of marriage, many have gotten into a routine and comfortability, but the gerbera daisy reminds us that there are still plenty of surprises left to uncover. There is Fidelity and Forever Love in this relationship.
7th  Birthday Flowers	Freesia	Freesia symbolizes how far the couple has come. They can now reflect on the journey that has led to this point, and they can look forward to the surprises that are still yet to come.
10th Brithday Flowers	Daffodil	A single daffodil can be fragile, but when they come together they are a beautiful bright bouquet of happiness. Much like a 10 year marriage. Combining all of the little memories from over the past decade to create an extraordinary life with the one you love and trust.
15th	Roses	Even after 15 years, the love of this couple is just as strong and passionate as the first anniversary spent together.
20th	Aster	This flower has been known to have properties of knowledge and wisdom. In 20 years what have you learned and how have you grown.
25th	Iris	Iris is a flower with a strong stalk and a vibrant flower that stands tall. Much like a 25 year marriage, this flower represents strength and futility.
30th	Lily	For many, 30th anniversaries are during a transitional phase of life. Lilies are to remind you to reflect on all you’ve accomplished together in 30 years.
40th	Gladiolas	The sword shaped flower shows how no matter how much time has passed, your lover still “pierces your heart”.
50th	Yellow Roses and Violets	Complimentary colours and very different flowers represent the long life shared by two people who support and complement one another.

 

Birth Month Flowers

Do you know what your birth flower is? 

This flower is meant to have similar qualities to those born in the corresponding month! Most months have two flowers!

 

Month	Flowers	Qualities	Imagery
January Flowers	Carnation Snowdrop	You are passionate, loyal and protective of the ones you love.
February Flowers	Violet Primrose	You are truthful, wise, humble, and a great friend.
March Flowers	Daffodil Jonquil	You are naturally optimistic, a happy person and bring joy to those around you.
April Flowers	Daisy Sweet Pea	You have a  happy-go-lucky personality. You like simplicity and are young at heart.
May Flowers	Lily of the Valley Hawthorn	You are talented, trustworthy, and have a good heart.
June Flowers	Rose Honeysuckle	You are charismatic, passionate, and often love to be the centre of attention.
July Flowers	Delphinium Water Lily	You are open hearted, positive, loving, and one of the kindest people to be around.
August Flowers	Gladiolus Poppy	You are strong, independent, and fiercely stand by what you believe in.
September Flowers	Aster Morning Glory	You are brave, stylish, and devoted to who you love.
October Flowers	Marigold Cosmos	You are creative, passionate, driven, and at times, stubborn.
November Flowers	Chrysanthemum	You are a dynamic personality, who is forward thinking, determined, and hard working.
December Flowers	Narcissus Holly Poinsettia	You are caring, spiritual, honest, and lucky.

 

Flower Symbolism

Over time the meaning behind giving flowers has evolved and adapted into as time continues. Each flower has their own secret message and for many of the past, giving a specific flower was the best way to get your emotions off your chest. 

Now, not all of these have the same feelings as they did hundreds of years ago, and many just give their favourite flowers and colours to their loved ones without considering these antique messages, which is very OK! They’re all beautiful and could have a different meaning for every individual.

We find it interesting to learn about some of our favourite flowers and love to share what we’ve learned so you may consider this next time you gift a bouquet!

Flower	Symbolysm	Imagery
Amaryllys meaning	Pride
Anemone meaning	Love diminishing, vanishing hopes.
Aster meaning	Delicate love, faith, wisdom, elegance.
Bird of Paradise meaning	Faithfulness from a woman to man.
Baby’s Breath meaning	Innocence, purity of heart
Carnation meaning	Light Red-Admiration Dark Red-Deep love White-Innocence, pure love, remembrance Pink-Affection, mother’s love Purple- Impulsive, unpredictable Yellow-Rejection, disappointment Striped(any colour)-Regret
Chrysanthemum meaning	Joy, optimism, perfection.
Daffodil meaning	Respect, unrequited love.
Delphinium meaning	Fun, big hearted, grace, dignity.
Freesia meaning	Innocence and friendship
Gerbera meaning	Sunshine of my life
Hyacinth meaning	Playfulness
Hydrangea meaning	Heartfelt emotion, gratitude
Iris meaning	Promise of love, faith, hope
King Protea meaning	Change, transformation, diversity and courage.
Lavender meaning	Devotion, love
Matthiola, Stock meaning	Happy life, lasting beauty, affection
Mimosa meaning	Secret love
Orchid meaning	Maturity, refinement, beauty, love, femininity
Oriental Lily meaning	Motherhood, purity of heart
Peony meaning	Happy life and happy marriage, good health, prosperity, compassion and bashfulness
Ranunculus meaning	You are attractive or radiant
Snapdragon meaning	Strength or gracious lady
Statice meaning	Success, Sympathy, remembrance
Sunflower meaning	Pride, adoration
Tulip meaning	Generally- Fame, perfect lover Red-Declaration of love Yellow- Hopeless love Variegated(solid colour with white edges)- Beautiful eyes