Language Of Flowers & Flower Meaning
Language Of Flowers a.k.a Floriography is the study of flowers and their meanings.
It can guide us when we send a floral tribute that not only looks good, but one has a special, deep, and meaningful message for the recipient.
Flowers can convey what words cannot say. An example is at a funeral. The floral tribute is used to send your condolences to the family of the deceased.
What is Floriography
& Flower Language?
What is Floriography? It is the study of flowers and their language. Every type of flower has a specific meaning, which can be used to convey messages or emotions.
- It is the symbolic language of flowers; by using a flower alone or in unison with other flowers
- Floriography uses the beauty of the blooms to convey your message and emotions to the recipient.
Floriography adds a new dimension sending flowers. It is fun to compose your floral message using different blooms to speak from your heart.
Flower Meanings & Varieties:
What do they Represent?
There are over 400,000 known types of flowers in the world. With that amount of choice, you should be able to find a favorite that speaks to your heart.
Your message can be simple and cheerful, such as a small bouquet of yellow daisies (meaning innocence, loyal love and friendship), mixed with hydrangea (gratitude for being understanding) and yellow lilies (happy, cheerful and alive).
Or the meaning could be a solid arrangement of glorious red roses that proclaims to one and all that you send them with love and passion!
Hanakotoba vs Victorian flower language:
Do Flowers represent different thing in different cultures?
Other cultures have different representation of the the flower language,
For Example: Hanakotoba (花言葉) is the Japanese form of the language of flowers.
While our site focuses more on the Victorian flower language.
100+ Flower Type Meanings & Names (With Pictures)
There are so many different types of flowers, and each one has its own symbolism. Whether you’re looking for a gesture to express your feelings for special occasions like monthsaries, pair with a personalised message.
Or want to know more about the history of flowers, this guide is packed with information on over 100 different flower types and their meanings. From the common flower bouquets (Like babys breath, roses) to the rare, flowering variegated plants, we’ve got you covered!
Are flowers the right gift for everyone?
If you are doubting if flowers are the right choice, plants are a great option with meanings too! Personally I would love a pot of variegated monstera. In the eastern culture, Monsteras symbolize longevity, respect, and honor.
Types Of Flowers & Their Flower Symbolism
Agapanthus
This plant has round clusters of blue or white funnel-shaped flowers on tall slender stems. Ideal in bouquets & floral arrangements. The flowers last 7-9 days.
Agapanthus Meaning: the Agapanthus is a symbol of love. It is also a symbol of fertility, purity, and beauty.
Alstroemeria
This tropical beauty has long elegant stems with trumpet-shaped flowers. Florists use this flower extensively for cut flowers, arrangements, and bouquets. The flowers last for 14 days.
Alstroemeria meaning: Wealth, prosperity, friendship, and steady devotion.
Carnation
The carnation is known as the Mothers Day Flower – it is both long-lasting and comes in a range of colors which makes it a favorite. They are used in all floral arrangements and last 7 -10 days.
Carnation meaning: Pride, beauty, and fascination, but a striped carnation mean refusal, while yellow means disappointment.
Chrysanthemum.
This gracious flower is the Imperial Family Emblem. It has significant value in celebrated in art, festivals, and home displays. Perfect for all occasions, and is used for floral arrangements. The blooms last 8-10 days.
Chrysanthemum meaning: Friendship, modesty, loyalty, devotion, happiness, joy, and beauty.
Cymbidium Orchid.
Native to Southeast Asia and northern Australia, these orchids have a long stem that produces exotic waxy-looking flowers that last for ages in floral arrangements. One of the most popular orchids in the world, the flowers last 2-3 weeks.
The Cymbidium meaning. It is revered as a symbol of friendship. In Asian culture, it is an honor to be given this flower as it is a symbol of a treasured friendship.
Gerbera Daisy.
This daisy is a stunning flower that is large and comes in a range of awesome colors. Their season is from spring to fall and the flower lasts 7-10 days in bouquets and arrangements.
Gerbera meaning. Symbolizing beauty, innocence, purity, and happiness.
Gladiolus Flower
These flowers bloom in the summer on a sword-like spike that can be up to 4 feet in height. . They look fabulous in a modern arrangement of flowers or a bouquet. These beauties can last up to 7 days.
Gladiolus Meaning: Honor and fond remembrance. Red glads mean love and passion, whereas white means innocence and purity.
Gypsophila or Babys Breath.
More of a group of delicate tiny flowers of white or pink that form on tall stems. Popular in floral bouquets to produce a delicate appearance to the gift. They are grown year-round and lasts for 3-4 weeks.
Gypsophila meaning. These flowers are a symbol of innocence, love, and purity.
Helianthus (Sunflower).
These large daisy-like flowers like to face the sun. They grow on large stalks up to 1-2 feet tall from summer to fall. They come in a variety of colors but yellow is traditional. The blooms last 5 – 9 days in a floral bouquet or as a cut flower.
Sunflowers meaning. Worship, loyalty, faithfulness, and adoration.
Iris.
Valued by florists for their shape and color which ranges from shades of blue to a rich yellow. It is stunning in bouquets and arrangements and its season is spring to summer. The flowers last from 5 -10 days.
Iris flower meaning. Wisdom, hope, royalty, victory, power, and trust. The blue Iris means hope and faith, while the yellow Iris means passion.
Liatris
A prairie wildflower with spiky feathery flowers. It grows in late summer or early fall.
Long and showy, it makes an ideal flower for bouquets or and arrangements. The flower lasts for 4-7 days
Liatris flower meaning. It symbolizes happiness, joy, and bliss, but also represents a desire to try again.
Lilium/Lilies.
The Asiatic Lily and the Oriental Lily are two of the most popular lilies used in floristry for beautiful arrangements and bouquets. They grow all year round, and last 1-2 weeks. They come in many colors.
Lily flower meaning. The white lily means purity and modesty. The orange lily symbolizes passion, while yellow means joy and gaiety. The pink lily symbolises
Magnolia
The magnolia is known for its showy beauty and fragrant flowers. Even their leaves are treasured in floral arrangements. They are used in bouquets and arrangements, and they last 7 days.
Magnolia’s meaning. It represents longevity and perseverance – it also means nobility, feminine sweetness, and beauty.
Osteospermum (African Daisy).
This beautiful daisy comes in many colors. They are pretty in floral arrangements. Best use is in the garden in borders or pots. The plant flowers abundantly during summer through to fall, and flowers last 5-8 days.
Osteospermum/Daisy meaning. Their simple elegance symbolizes purity and innocence.
Papaver (Poppy)
Poppies grow wild in fields and meadows. They grew on the battlefields after World War One ended and are used to symbolize the bloodshed during the battles. They are cheerful, simple flowers that flower from spring to summer and last 2-3 days.
Poppy meaning. They are a solemn reminder of sacrifice and remembrance. They also symbolize peace, sleep, pleasure, hope, and resilience.
Peony
The flowers produced are large and showy. Their shape is exquisite with rows of petals and the blooms are often fragrant. Florists love the Peony for floral displays and they last 5-7 days. They flower from spring into summer.
Peony meaning. Prosperity, wealth, and good fortune. But it can also mean dignity, compassion, and honor.
Protea.
Stunning large booms that are leathery to touch. They appear in autumn to winter.Considered one of the oldest flowers in the world & used for cut flowers, bouquets, or arrangements. The flowers last 10-14 days.
Protea meaning. The protea represents courage, transformation, diversity, and ingenuity.
Rose.
The rose is one of the most popular flowers in the world, prized for its fragrance and beautiful colors. Roses can be used in bouquets, arrangements, and as a single flower. The rose grows year-round and lasts 7 days.
Rose meaning. Love and deep emotion. The red rose for love, white rose – innocence and purity, pink for admiration, joy, and gratitude. Yellow roses mean friendship, while a purple rose means love at first sight.
Sage Flower Type & Meaning.
Sage is both a herb and a perennial plant. It is commonly used in culinary pursuits, as a seasoning. The plant can also be used ornamentally, with blue blooms in June. Flowers last 2-4 days.
Sage Meaning: Domestic virtue. The superstition flourished that a sage plant will be healthy when all is well and will wilt when things go badly.
Tiger Lily Flower Type
Tiger lilies are bright orange flowers spotted with black dots across the petals. They grow to be around 4 feet tall and are lightly scented. The flowers look amazing in a modern bouquet or arrangement. They grow from spring to summer. The lilies last about 4-7 days.
Tiger Lily Meaning: Symbol of Wealth, Positivity and Pride
Flower Names & Their Floral Meaning:
| Flower name | Season and lasting ability. | Meaning. |
| Ageratum | Cute to use in a posy or small arrangement, they bloom in summer and fall. Blooms last 3-4 days. | Politeness and long life. |
| Allium | Flowers in spring through to summer. The blooms last 3-4 days in bouquets and arrangements. | Strength, patience, prosperity, and good fortune. |
| Amaryllis | A fragrant, trumpet-shaped bloom that is used as a cut flower that lasts 5-7 days. | Confidence and pride. |
| Anthurium | The heart-shaped bract is bright in color and long-lasting as a garden plant.. Their season is from spring through to autumn and the floral bracts last from 7-9 days. | Health, happiness, abundance, and beauty. |
| Antirrhinum | Dragon-shaped two-lipped flowers on a long spike are used for arrangements and bouquets. Season – Spring through to summer and flowers last for 5-7 days. | Grace, benevolence, strength, and protection. |
| Astilbe | With decorative plumes of flowers, they flower from spring till autumn. The flowers are used for cut flowers and arrangements. They last for 4-7 days. | Patience and persistence. |
| Banksia | Cone-shaped flower spikes bloom all year round and are used in native flower bouquets and arrangements. The flowers last for 5-8 days. | Rebirth and new beginnings. |
| Baptisia | Pea-like flowers that bloom in spring & summer and are perfect for bouquets and vases. The attractive flowers last from 6 – 9 days. | Symbolizes protection and care. |
| Calluna/ Heather | Hundreds of bell-like flowers that bloom on an evergreen shrub in late summer. These are useful as filler flowers in arrangements but only last from 3-5 days. | Means good fortune, wealth, and independence. |
Flower language: Other Floral definitions & Meaning
Check out our other posts on flower definition & meanings!