Flower meanings: learn the language of flowers

We all know red roses are a classic symbol of true love. Beyond that, though, many of us aren’t sure of the symbolic meanings of flowers—and may fear accidentally sending the wrong message (especially in a budding relationship).
Usually we don’t need to worry. Although people in Victorian England were well aware of the symbolic meaning of dozens of flowers, today, most of us just appreciate a pretty bouquet. Still, it can be fun to know a little about the language of flowers, and mentioning their significance in an accompanying card or note may make the gift even more meaningful.
Inspired? Create and share by tagging @hallmarkstores.
Here are some of the traditional meanings of flowers—and some ideas about who might appreciate them. Of course, if you know that a particular flower in a certain hue is someone’s favorite, then it’s always appropriate. In that case, it just means, “I know you and I love you”…and what could be more meaningful than that?
Tulips
Meaning: “I love you.”
Maybe send them to: Your Valentine, especially if he or she isn’t into roses.
Lilies
Meaning: “Refined beauty.”
Maybe send them to: Your girlfriend or wife, to let her know she’s a classy lady. Don’t give white lilies by themselves because they might remind her of Easter. Pink lilies can look especially romantic.
Irises
Meaning: “Compliments.”
Maybe send them to: Your Valentine, to tell her you can’t say enough good things about her. Purple irises are often mixed with other flowers in Valentine’s Day bouquets.
Daisies
Meaning: “We understand each other.”
Maybe send them to: Your sister or your BFF.
Gardenia bonsai
Meaning: “You make me so happy.”
Maybe send them to: Your husband.
Bamboo plant
Meaning: “Lucky.”
Maybe send them to: Your boyfriend, to let him know you were lucky to have met him.
Anthurium plant
Meaning: “Home and happiness.”
Maybe send them to: Your spouse, to let him know you love your life together. Like many tropical plants, this is popular to give to guys.
Bird of Paradise plant
Meaning: “Joy and excitement.”
Maybe send them to: Any Valentine, male or female, who makes you feel like you’re in paradise.
Zinnias
Meaning: “I miss you.”
Maybe send them to: A long-distance love or friend.
Orchids
Meaning: “You’re beautiful.”
Maybe send them to: Any Valentine, male or female. Potted orchid plants are more often given to men, while orchid bouquets are more frequently given to women.
Miniature or sweetheart roses
Meaning: “You’re a sweet girl.”
Maybe send them to: Your daughter or granddaughter.
Pink roses
Meaning: “Admiration; gratitude.”
Maybe send them to: Your mom or your grandma.
Lavender roses
Meaning: “Enchantment.”
Maybe send them to: Your new girlfriend…or a crush!
Yellow roses
Meaning: “Friendship.”
Maybe send them to: Your friend, of course. In a romantic context, these can mean, “let’s just be friends,” so watch out!
Shop Valentine's Day
See allYou may also like
See more-
Mother's Day What to Write in a Mother's Day Card
Tell her just how much she means using this guide from Hallmark writers.
-
Gift Wrapping Giftology: how to wrap a Mother's Day gift
Make Mom’s day with these simply stunning Mother’s Day gift-wrapping ideas. Watch our video tutorials ...
-
Mother's Day How to Write an Appreciation Letter for Mom
No one has loved you (or put up with you) like Mom has. Or let’s say it wasn’t “Mom”—maybe it’s been a stepmom, grand...
-
Valentine's Day Free Printable Valentine’s Day Coloring Pages You'll Love
Valentine’s Day is all about love. Not just the romantic kind, either. More and more, people are using Valentine’s Da...
-
Valentine's Day What to Write in a Valentine's Day Card
Hallmark writers offer up inspiration to help you find just the right loving words to add when you sign a valentine.
-
Birthday What to Write in a Birthday Card
When it comes to signing birthday cards, there are people who have no problem picking up a pen and adding a warm, per...
-
Christmas Christmas Wishes: What to Write in a Christmas Card
Get sample messages, tips and watch our new video guide to write the perfect Christmas card.
-
Anniversary What to Write in an Anniversary Card
Here’s to lasting love! From still-newlyweds toasting with wine glasses they opened on their weddin...
-
Christmas Baby’s First Christmas: Making it a holiday to remember
All of a sudden, you’re more than just a couple: You’re a family. Or a bigger family. Baby’s first Christmas means...
-
Anniversary Anniversary gifts by year
There are a lot of anniversary gift lists out there. Most hit the major milestones with traditional and modern the...
-
Father's Day Father's Day Without Dad: Remembering Lost Loved Ones with New Traditions
For many of us, “father” is synonymous with love, guidance and support. That love does not dissipate after our fat...
-
Family How to Support Foster Families
It’s so exciting when someone you know welcomes a child into their lives, whether by birth, adoption, or fostering...
-
Baby Gifts for New Parents: Thoughtful Things to Give and Do
We know what to get for babies: onesies and blankies and binkies. But what about the newly overwhelmed moms and da...
-
Kwanzaa What is Kwanzaa?
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Wishes: Connect with a Kwanzaa Card
Kwanzaa, a festival of lights rich in African symbolism, takes place each year from December 26th through January ...
-
Hanukkah Hanukkah Wishes: What to Write in a Hanukkah Card
Hanukkah is a lighthearted festival filled with rich traditions, many of which include food, fun, family and frien...
-
Christmas What is Three Kings Day?
Each January 6th, Latinx families around the world celebrate Three Kings Day— Día de los Tres Reyes Magos...
-
Father's Day 10 homemade Father's Day gifts
Dads like useful things. If you already know this, it’s probably because this isn’t your first Dad Rodeo (that’s w...
-
Mother's Day Free Printable Mother’s Day Coloring Pages
Show Mom, Grandma and Nana how much they mean with printable coloring pages you can decorate just for them. We hav...
-
Wedding What to write in a wedding card
Imagine yourself in the parking lot walking in to your friend’s wedding reception—pen in hand, neck...