Floriography is the study of flower types 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.
Flower Meaning: 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.
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
Language of flowers they represent.
| Canna Lily. | They flower in summer and autumn. The flowers look beautiful in a vase arrangement. The blooms last for 3 to 7 days. | Glory and power, but also represent beauty and perfection |
| Celosia | Stunning plume-like flowers that bloom from summer to fall. Awesome in arrangements, striking in bouquets. The flower lasts 5 -7 days. | They mean immortality, affection, warmth, humor, and friendship. |
Centaurea or Cornflower. | Pretty delicate petals arrange on top of a long stem. They bloom in spring and summer. Ideal in posies, dainty floral arrangement, the flowers last from 4-7 days. | Hope, devotion, anticipation, fertility, and love. And prosperity. |
| Convallaria; | Lily of the valley. Fragrant and delicate beauty, they are used for small posies and wedding bouquets. Spring and summer are their time, and they last for 2-4 days. | They symbolize purity and happiness. |
| Cyclamen | Flowering houseplant – blooms in winter and autumn. Flowers last 6-9 days. | Tenderness, sincerity, maternal love. |
| Dahlia | Blooms in summer and autumn. These beauties are good as cut flowers or in a water-filled arrangement. Flowers last 4-5 days. | Elegance, dignity, confidence, and beauty. |
| Delphinium (Larkspur) | Showy spikes are perfect for arrangements, bouquets, and cut flowers. Summer/autumn they flower, and last 6-8 days | Fun, levity, lightness, and joy. |
| Dicentra(Bleeding heart) | Heart-shaped flowers on an arching stem. Flowers spring and summer and lasts 3-4 days. | Romantic love and purity. |
| Echinacea | Blooms in summer. Ideal for arrangements, and cut flowers. The flowers will last 3-5 days. | Strength and health. |
| Emilia (Tassel flower). | Tassel-like flowers appear in summer and fall. Great for cut flowers and arrangements. Lasting 4-6 days. | This flower symbolizes creativity. |
| Eremurus | Blooms in spring and summer. Impressive garden plant and cut flower. The flowers last from 3- 6 days. | Endurance. |
| Eryngium (Sea Holly) | A thistle-like flower that lasts for 6-9 days. They bloom in summer and autumn and are used for bouquets and arrangements. | Independence, severity, and attraction. |
| Eustoma | Other name Lisianthus. Large showy flowers in summer and autumn. Use – cut flowers, bouquets. Last- 4-7 days. | Happiness, positive energy, gratitude, peace, and charm. |
| Forsythia | Blooms in spring, beautiful in a vase. Flowers last 2-4 days. | Anticipation. |
| Freesia | Blooms in Spring through to Autumn. Flowers are used in posies, arrangements, and cut flowers. Blooms last 4-7 days. | Freedom, friendship, trust, innocence, and kindness. |
| Fuchsia | Stunning in a vase by themselves. Flowering in spring through to autumn. Flowers last 5-6 days | Elegance, good taste, confiding love. |
| Gardenia | From spring to summer. Used in wedding arrangements. Flowers last 2-4 days | Purity, sweetness, joy, and secret love. |
| Gentian | Flowers spring to autumn.Used for cut flowers and flower arrangements. Last – 4-5 days | Passion, charm, sweetness, and loveliness. |
| Gloriosa | Blooming from late spring to fall, they make a colorful climber in the garden or cut flowers. Lasting 5-7 days. | Passion, glory, honor. Purity and beauty. |
| Gomphrena | Pom-pom flower, ideal as cut flowers or in arrangements. The flowers last 4-7 days. Summer/autumn. | Immortality & endless love. |
| Heliconia | Flowering spring through to autumn, these flowers are great in modern bowl arrangements. Last 8-10 days | Youth, pride, and great returns. |
| Hosta. | Used in the garden to brighten shady areas. Flowers spring to Autumn. Flowers last 5-7 days. | Devotion and friendship. |
| Hyacinth | Flowers in spring, ideal in a vase or hand-tied posy. Flowers last 3-5 days | Spring and rebirth, sport, playfulness. |
| Hydrangea | Shrub flowers spring to autumn. Flowers are used in bridal bouquets and arrangements. Lasting power – 3-5 days. | Gratitude, honest emotions, persevering love. Vanity. |
| Iberis candytuft. | Blooms in spring thru to summer. Posy bowls or small mixed bouquets for use. Flowers last 4-6 days. | Indifference, beauty & sweetness. |
| Jasione | Flowers in spring-autumn. Used as cut flowers or as a garden plant. Flowers last from 4-7 days. | Justice and rightfulness. |
| Jasmine | Fragrant blooms in spring to summer. Often uses in wedding arrangements and bouquets. Flowers last 3-4 days. | Love and romance, friendliness, modesty. |
| Kniphofia | Flowers from spring through to autumn. Nice in a tall vase. Ideal pot plants. Flowers last from 4-7 days. | They are a symbol of good fortune. |
| Lathrus Sweet pea | Spring through to autumn, these pretty flowers are nice in arrangements or a small posy. The flowers last 3 -5 days. | Gratitude and happiness. |
| Lavender | Blooms from spring, till autumn. Add to a small posy or a small arrangement. Can be used dried. Lasting flowers from 5-9 days. | Devotion and purity. |
| Lewisia | A showy season from spring to autumn. Mostly a garden pot plant, flowers last from 4-7 days. | Rebirth and new beginnings. |
| Lobelia | Spring to autumn flowering is ideal for gardens and pot plants. Continuous flowers -blooms last 3-5 days. | Distinction and malevolence. |
| Leontopodium | Flowers from spring to autumn. Starlike flowers, best in garden pots. Otherwise known as Edelweiss – flowers last 2-4 days. | Deep love, loyalty, and notoriety. |
| Lupin | Spring and summer are their flowering time. Blooms can be used in a vase, bouquet, or arrangement. They last 4-7 days. | Happiness, creativity, and imagination. |
| Myosotis Forget me not. | Flowers appear in spring and summer. Although small in size they are used in small bouquets or arrangements. Flowers last 3-4 days. | Hope, remembrance, true and undying love. |
| Narcissus | Spring blooming, they are used as cut flowers or hand-tied bouquets. The flowers last from 4-8 days. | A new beginning and brings good luck. |
| Nemesia | Perfectly planted in a basket as a gift to someone special. It flowers all year round, and the flowers last several days for each bloom. | They mean friendship. |
| Nerine | Flowers in Autumn and Summer. Ideal growing in a pot, or as a cut flower in a vase. The flowers last 5-9 days | Freedom and good fortune. |
| Nigella | Perfect in a posy, or as a supporting flower in an arrangement, the flowers flower in spring to autumn and last 4-7 days. | Harmony, love, support |
| Oenothera | Planted in a gift basket, they flower from spring to autumn, and the individual flowers last 3-7 days. | They mean protection, youth, and love. |
| Petunia | A popular garden or pot plant. Flowering spring to autumn, rich in color, and the flowers last 4-6 days. | Anger & resentment but also desire & hope |
| Phlox | Flowers in spring to autumn, great garden or pot plant, great cut flower. Each bloom lasts 4-7 days each. | Harmony, partnership, unity & compatibility. |
| Plumeria Frangipani | Blooming in spring through to autumn, they are used in bridal bouquets and arrangements or for corsages. Lasting 3-7 days. | Beauty, grace, new beginnings, birth, and immortality. |
| Ranunculus | Flowers appear in spring and summer. Useful for bouquets, arrangements, and cut flowers. The blooms last 4-7 days. | Attractiveness and charm. |
| Rhododendron | They can bloom all year round. Beautiful as a plant gift. Can be cut flower but lasts for 4-7 days. | Temptation, caution, and danger. |
| Sandersonia | Flowering from spring through summer, and prized as a cut flower because they last from 7-10 days. | Longevity. |
| Scabiosa | They bloom from summer to autumn, they are used in bouquets, arrangements, and as cut flowers. The flower lasts 5-7 days. | Love, purity, and peace. |
| Strelitzia | Useful for cut flowers or look good in a bouquet or arrangement. Lasts 7-12 days. Flowers all year round. | Freedom and immortality. |
| Tagets | Or Marigold – it flowers in spring through to autumn. Fabulous in a garden container, or used in a small posy. Lasts 4-5 days. | Faith, fidelity, passion, and creativity. |
| Tiger Flower | Blooms in summer and look great in a garden container pot. Flowers last 4-5 days | It represents cruelty. |
| Torenia | The flowers bloom from spring through to autumn and last 3-5 days. they are good in containers in the garden. | Happiness and charm. |
| Tricyrtis | Summer and autumn are when they flower, and they last 4-7 days. | This flower symbolizes fertility. |
| Tropaeolum | Or Nasturtium – a cheerful patio plant that blooms from spring to autumn. The flowers last 3-5 days. | They mean victory and success. |
| Tulip | Spring is when they flower, they are florists’ favorite for cut flowers, bouquets, and arrangements. Blooms last 4-7 days. | True love – red. White purity. Purple means royalty. |
| Ursinia | Pretty daisies that bloom all year round. Great in tubs on the patio. The flowers last from4- 6 days | Innocence love. |
| Valeriana | Fragrant flowers from summer to autumn. Use – cut flowers in a vase. Flowers last 4-6 days | Health and strength. |
| Verbena | Flowers in summer and autumn. Used in hanging baskets on the patio. Flowers last for 4-6 days. | Romance, protection, happiness. |
| Veconicastrum | Summer and autumn for flowering. Perfect in garden borders. Flowers last 3-5 days. | This flower means dignity. |
| Violet | Happy-faced flower for all seasons. A perfect container plant. The flowers are pretty and last from 3-5 days. | Modesty, faith, true love, remembrance. |
| Watsonia | Flowers all year round. Used in gardens, or in a wildflower bouquet or posy. Flowers last 3-6 days. | Innocence, purity, and chastity. |
| Weigela | A flowering shrub that is beautiful in the garden. Flowers from spring to autumn. Flowers last 4-7 days. | Faithfulness and grace. |
| Wisteria | A truly beautiful climbing vine – flowers dramatically from spring to summer. Can be used as a cut flower if supported. Flowers last 4-8 days. | Obsession passionate love. Immortality. |
| Xanthisma | A flowering all-year type of daisy. Best in the garden, but suit a small posy. Flowers last 3 -7 days. | Endurance. |
| Xeranthemum | Small daisy that flowers in summer to autumn. Best in containers in the garden. Flowers are papery and last 4-6 days. | Cheerful, eternity, lasting love |
| Xerochysum | Blooms from spring to autumn. Nice in garden pots. Flowers last 4-7 days. | Immortality. |
| Xerophyllum | Flowering from spring to summer. A garden flower or use in wildflower bouquet. Flowers last 3-7 days. | Rebirth and new beginnings. |
| Yucca | Spires of bell-shaped flowers – ornamental cut flower or garden plant. Flowers from spring to autumn. Lasts 4-7 days. | Protection, purity, purification. |
| Zantedeschia | Calla lily – a florist favorite. Good cut flowers, bouquets, and arrangements. Spring and summer. Flowers last 5-9 days. | Purity, holiness, rebirth, resurrection. |
| Zephyranthes | Blooming spring to autumn can be used in arrangements or cut flowers. Flowers are dainty and last from 4-7 days. | Happiness and joy. |
| Zinnia | Blooming summer and autumn, these lovely flowers are used as cut flowers or in a bouquet. They last from 3- 7 days. | Friendship, goodness, and remembrance. |
| Zygo-petalum | Autumn to spring, these orchids bloom and can be used as an indoor plant or as a but flower. The flowers last 7-11 days when cut. | Fertility and spiritual connection |