Here's the Meaning Behind All of Your Favorite Flowers (2024)

Do you know flowers have special meanings? It's true. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac, ancient cultures from the Greeks to the Chinese—and the Romans and Egyptians, too—assigned each flower meanings. For example, the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, as well as her Roman equivalent, Venus, were associated with roses. In medieval art, lilies came to be represent the Virgin Mary, and therefore purity. This "symbolic language of flowers" was used in literature, too, including the works of William Shakespeare. In act IV of Hamlet, poor Ophelia hands out posies including rosemary (remembrance), columbine (foolishness), and violets (faithfulness) to communicate feelings and thoughts she could not.

So, the next time your plan your flower garden, or send a beautiful bouquet to a loved one, think about what you're really saying. Are you sending a not-so-hidden message? The Victorians were experts at this, using flowers rather than words to reveal their emotions. Why go through the uncomfortable process of turning down a suitor, after all, when you could just send a yellow carnation to express disdain? Want to learn more about what those bewitching blooms you just received really mean? Read on—and then be sure to check out the best English Garden Ideas to Transform Your Backyard Into a Charming Oasis.

Dependable and classic, these white daises grow every spring and and continue to bloom until fall. They represent innocence and hope, making them the perfect option for gifting to someone who may need some support and encouragement.

As the name implies, these small and delicate beauties symbolize true love memories. They're a sweet gesture and reminder of never-ending love.

Named for the dragon's mouth shape the flower makes when its sides are gently pressed together, snapdragons are said to symbolize graciousness, as well as deception. The latter attribute might have something to do with the old wives' tale that concealing a snapdragon somewhere on your body makes you fascinating to others.

In Victorian times, bluebells stood for kindness. Now they're known for representing care and warmth, as well as humility.

This charming flower signified "joy in love and life." Aww!

The quintessential Valentine's classic is the gold standard for a reason: The red rose symbolizes love, making it a truly romantic keepsake.

Named after the Greek world for dolphin, these lovely conical-shaped flowers—which are said to resemble the playful sea mammal—are also known as larkspurs. They represent joy, lightheartedness, verve, and vivacity, making them the perfect gift to perk up someone who is feeling low.

These stunners are a declaration of love. Creating arrangements is easy with tulips, whether they're featured as a single color, in a cheerful mix of tone on tone blooms, or in combinations of contrasting hues. Arrange tulips in a formal vase, or tuck them into a Mason jar and allow them to drape.

The voluminous petals make us swoon. Who would have guessed that they represent "anger?"

Traditionally a symbol of marriage, white calla lilies denote chastity, honesty and innocence. The flowers, which are named after the Greek word for beauty, come in a variety of colors. Each hue offers a different meaning, like purple for passion, and yellow for gratitude.

These brightly colored wildflowers, popular in wedding bouquets, signify anticipation—perhaps because they close up at night and reopen in the morning. The most common anemone shade is white, which represents sincerity, no doubt due to its especially delicate looks.

Don't add striped carnations to your bouquet, as they mean "I cannot be with you." Harsh!