AD – GIFTED | Flowers make me happy. Whether I cut my own from our garden, or I receive a bunch from Alan, or a sweetly hand-picked posy from Flora. But did you know a gift of flowers can go way beyond a simple yet eloquent demonstration of love? Flowers actually have a secret language all their own. And once you know more about the language of flowers, you can say just about anything you want to, depending on the colour and bloom of your choice.
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The secret language of flowers
As any florist will tell you, the symbolic language of flowers, aka Floriography, has its roots in ancient myths, legends and folklore. They’ve featured in poetry, plays, art, and more for centuries. Shakespeare, William Wordsworth, and Georgia O’Keeffe to name but a few are well-known for their floral references and inspiration. And if you’re interested, you’ll find the works of the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese are peppered with flower and plant symbolism, used by people to express their feelings in a coded way. Once you start looking at the meanings behind the colours, you might be surprised!
So what do the colours of flowers mean?
Red flowers
Red is traditionally associated with love, passion, and romance (think Valentine’s Day) but also courage and respect. Examples include roses, tulips and red hot pokers.
Pink flowers
Ranging from pastel pink femininity and healing, to deep fuchsia for fun, playfulness, happiness and love. Think roses, carnations, stocks, cherry blossom, and sweet peas.
White or cream flowers
White represents the whole circle of life – from birth, weddings, and funerals. But it also symbolises purity and honesty. Examples include lilies, gypsophila (baby’s breath), spring blossom, lunaria (honesty), and lily of the valley.
Yellow flowers
Traditionally the colour of sunshine, hope and happiness. It’s no coincidence that many Spring flowers are yellow, symbolising the welcoming back of the sun. Think daffodils, dandelions, forsythia, and sunflowers.
Orange flowers
Not my favourite colour but many love their bold flamboyance, warmth and enthusiasm to cheer people up. Examples include marigolds, zinnias, dahlias, calendulas, and nasturtiums.
Purple flowers
From gentle mauve to deep iris and rich plum, purple is traditionally associated with luxury, royalty and respect. Think lavender, violets, tulips, and heather.
Blue flowers
Blue signifies harmony, serenity, peace and calm. Often used to tone down brighter yellows and oranges, examples include bluebells, cornflowers, hydrangeas, and forget-me-knots.
Green flowers
Refreshing and balancing, green is often used in foliage, or as a filler and a backdrop to the other colours, and it’s also said to bring good luck. Think grasses, ivy, eucalyptus, gladioli, and chrysanthemums.
Letting Happiness Bloom with Moonpig*
While I’m no expert, the secret language of flowers is something that as a gardener and an English and Drama graduate I’m fascinated by. So I’m thrilled to be working with Moonpig* on their ‘Let Happiness Bloom’ campaign, which is all about spreading love through acts of kindness. Something we definitely need more of during this isolation period. Because even though we can’t see each other, a message through the post goes a long way. And flowers, in particular, can brighten a room and our mood. Their scent lowers stress symptoms and by oxygenating the air, they help to make us feel our best self.
Moonpig generously allowed me to choose a gorgeous bouquet of flowers to brighten our home, and a further two bouquets to spread some kindness and love to two more lucky recipients. I chose some beautiful mixed peonies featured throughout this post for myself (no lilies because they’re poisonous to cats). As both my aunts live on their own, I chose a bouquet of pink and white lilies* for one and a potted white orchid for the other. The online process was super easy, and all selections arrived within 48 hours of ordering. Safe to say, both my aunts and I are absolutely thrilled 🙂 And to make life even easier, you can also download the Moonpig app too.
Using the secret language of flowers yourself
So you see, by choosing the right flowers you can express your feelings both beautifully and eloquently. Whether you’re sending flowers to a friend, a lover, your parents, or for another occasion. Why not research the traditional flower colour for a birthday month, for example? Although, you might want to write an explanation to go alongside, unless your recipient is also knowledgeable about the language of flowers! But really, at the end of the day, giving flowers is all about letting someone know that you’re thinking about them. And, hopefully, spreading a little kindness and love during this most challenging and stressful of times too.
Have you ever gifted flowers based on the meaning behind the colours? Now you know a little more about the hidden language of flowers, do you think it would influence your choice next time? What are your favourite flowers to receive, irrespective of what the colours mean?
* This post features gifted items but all opinions are my own.
Eena says
This was so interesting to read, Lisa! I knew there color specifics when it came to roses but not for other flowers! I really enjoy pink flowers the most and it symbolizes happiness. And I did only use white orchids for my wedding, haha, interesting to see that white tends to be a wedding thing.
Lisa says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Eena! And yes, it’s interesting that most bouquets are pink and white mixes but as it turns out, the meaning behind the colours is probably spot on too! x
Kayleigh Zara says
These look absolutely stunning – Moonpig flowers are some of my favourite I love to send them to my nan when I’m away from home to brighten up her week.
The peonies look stunning and I really love the colour – it so interesting that flowers can represent so many different things x
Lisa says
They are so beautiful, I was so thrilled! And yes, it’s very interesting about all the different colours and their meanings. In fact, depending on what flower you choose, that can alter the meaning too, but that’s a whole other blog post! X
Lizzie Bee says
Gosh I love delving into the meaning behind simple gestures such as giving someone flowers! In Chinese culture, white flowers are deemed “unlucky” because we use them at funerals (and to be honest… Anything associated with white like hair accessories was unlucky, too!). This was an incredibly interesting read!
Lisa says
Oh yes, I had heard about white in Chinese culture, that was very interesting because we use white for funerals too but also for marriage and births. Thank you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it 🙂 x
Je says
My mom is obsessed with orchids and anthuriums. I grew up with them and other flowers all around the house. During my wedding my mom ensured that I had an orchid bouquet and everyone else had orchid boutonnieres haha! They turned out pretty great I must say.
My personal fave has always been white flowers. I didn’t know they represented such great things. I love them even more now. 🙂
Lisa says
Oh, that’s so lovely to hear, and white flowers are also among my favourites – and you can get some beautiful white snapdragons too! 🙂
Teresa says
I love colour psychology and the cultural differences that are attached to flowers. It’s so interesting how we tend to make decisions, especially when wanting to show our feelings, according to colours. I come from a culture where publicly showing your feelings is not appropriate. So, when my ex got me a pink and red rose bouquet in the shape of a heart on our first Valentine’s Day it didn’t even cross my mind that he himself would’ve chosen that. I thought the florist had basically told him what to purchase. But in reality he was trying to tell me a lot with that gesture. Things he found really difficult to form into words. That sure was a lesson learned 🙂
Lisa says
Oh my goodness, what a simply wonderful gesture from your ex, and on a first date too! That’s perfect, such a great example of how you can message someone without words – although also a good example of why you might need to include a decoder! Lovely story, Teresa, thank you 🙂
Ashleigh says
What a lovely read this morning. I love flowers so much! They make me happy regardless where they come from. Like you said it can be from the garden, your partner or daughter… wherever it’s from they make me happy! They are so beyond beautiful and can brighten up any room. I must admit though I never knew what each colour meant and now I love them even more… giving a meaning behind them makes it so much more special!
Lovely post Lisa! Xxx
Ashleigh
Lisa says
Oh thank you so much, Ashleigh, that’s so kind of you! And yes, when I started researching for this post, I was quite surprised by what some of the colours symbolised, it was hard to keep it a relatively short post, haha xxx
Lisa Jones says
This is such an interesting and lovely post. I never knew that flowers could mean so many different things! Normally I just pick a pretty colour but I’ll definitely take note from this in the future! ❤️
Lisa says
Oh that’s great, I’m so pleased you found it useful – happy flower choosing in the future! X
Fransic verso says
I only knew about the red flowers but you have a bunch of it here. I guess I know what kind of flowers I will gift next time based kn the language.
Lisa says
That’s great to hear, I’m so pleased this post was helpful 🙂
Emily Wells says
What a lovely post! I have never really thought about flowers this way. I am a massive flower fan, especially recently and it just shows how much thought goes into colors! Thank you for sharing, how interesting!
Em x
Lisa says
Thank you, and I’m so pleased you found it interesting! x
Tiffany says
Such an interesting read Lisa! I love flowers but had no idea of the meanings behind the colours. The flowers you chose from Moonpig are gorgeous, peonies are definitely one of my favourite flowers! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Lisa says
Thank you, Tiffany, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it – and yes, the flowers are absolutely gorgeous, I didn’t realise how much I loved peonies until these ones arrived! xx
Jenny in Neverland says
These flowers are gorgeous. I love Moonpig for flower delivery! It’s really interested all the meanings of the colours but they all make total sense when you think about it 🙂 I personally love white flowers – I love the purity of them. But I’m also drawn to blue flowers quite often too! xxx
Lisa says
This is the first time I’ve used Moonpig for flowers but it won’t be the last – like you, I love white flowers, especially mixed with pink and green. There’s something about the colour combination that I find absolutely beautiful! xxx
Fadima Mooneira says
Beautiful post. I always love flowers and agree with you that they help us express our feelings. That’s why most Malaysian romance author use flowers to symbolise romance in their writings.
Lisa says
Thank you 🙂 And yes, romance novels are full of floral symbolism, aren’t they? Jasmine blossom seems to feature quite heavily!
Joe Dayvie says
This is fascinating! While I’m sure some are well versed in colors and their meanings, I am not. This was a good read and very informative 🙂
Lisa says
Thank you so much, I’m so glad it was interesting – and I had to research some of this too!
Charity says
This is such a great and informative post. I did not know the meaning behind certain colors of flowers. Thanks so much for sharing. I loved reading all about it!
Lisa says
Thank you, and you’re welcome, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Jupiter Hadley says
This is such an interesting read! I never realized all of the different meanings of flowers.
Lisa says
Thank you, neither did I until I started researching it!
Toni Rainbows says
What a gorgeous post! I absolutely loved your photos and your writing style is lovely! So interesting… I’ll have to try to remember it all now!
Toni x
Lisa says
Oh thank you so much, that’s so kind of you, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! x
Adam says
Interesting read, I’ve never put much thought into the colours of flowers, other than I like lighter colours and purple.
Lisa says
Purple works so well with whites, creams and pale pinks, that’s a lovely colour combination.
Nikki - Notes of Life says
Beautiful! I must admit that when choosing flowers I go with types and colours I like, rather than what they might mean.
Lisa says
Well, I think most of us do, but it was fun to find out a little more 🙂
Kelsey says
Wow! I find this sort of stuff fascinating! Already thinking of how i can incorporate it into my fiction writing…Thank you for sharing!
Lisa says
Oh wow, that’s amazing, thank you so much!
Amanda says
Oh my goodness, I loved this post! So interesting. I love yellow flowers and of course because they are happiness! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lisa says
Thank you so much – and yes, yellow definitely equals happiness!
Under Flowery Sky says
Wow, what a wonderful post. I love giving and getting flowers,
it’s amazing to know more. Somehow I thought it’s like that.
And I’m actually writing about flowers, flower decorations
are my obsession.
Lisa says
Oooh, goodness, I’d love to read about flower decorations if they use symbolism too, that would be so interesting!
Charlotte Louise says
Wow! This was such an interesting read! I’ve always loved flowers but I never realised how many meanings were behind them! I’ll definitely have to pinch some ideas from this next time I purchase flowers for someone else! What a lovely and beautiful post ♥️💕
Lisa says
Thank you very much, I’m so glad you found it interesting – I loved researching it too, I learned a lot! 🙂 x
Aimsy says
What a lovely post! I knew some of the meanings behind the colours but not all. Very interesting to find them out! You really can’t beat a fresh bunch of flowers, can’t you? Really brightens your day. I love that Moonpig is doing flowers, I never really realised they did, but what a lovely way to send a treat through the post?!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Lisa says
Thank you! Yes, like you, I knew some of the meanings but not all so I really enjoyed researching the rest of them. And I hadn’t realised Moonpig did flowers either, but I know where to go the next time I want to order some! x
Kev S says
I will remember this when buying flowers in the future
Lisa says
That’s very good to hear 🙂
Alex says
This was so interesting to read! I had no idea about the different meanings behind colours of flowers, and it’s inspired me to think more carefully about what I’m trying to express when I’m choosing a bouquet for myself or family members. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa says
Oh that’s great to hear, I hope you have some fun choosing your colours – although at the end of the day, I’m sure they’d be thrilled with any fresh flowers!
Jaya Avendel says
I once read a lovely book on Victorian flowers, and loved it. There is so much hidden symbolism in the colors of a bouquet that we can miss if we do not have our eyes open. Yellow and red flowers are among my favorite, and cream colored ones always make me think of weddings, or at least the garlands fairies often wear. 🙂
Lisa says
Fairy garlands, oh that is lovely, Jaya, no wonder you’re a poet! And yes, writing this post reminded me of all the flower symbolism in the literature I’d read years ago too 🙂
Kelly Diane says
This is such an interesting post. I’ve never thought of gifting someone a certain colour of flowers depending on what they mean. Instead, I’ve always based it on what the recipients favourite colours were.
Lisa says
And I think that’s absolutely right – this gifting based on colours can be a bit of fun or a coded message, but if you know someone loves a particular colour mix then that’s what to go for 🙂
Cassie says
Peonies were my mother’s favorite flower! I always think of her when I see them! I actually want to someday get a watercolor tattoo of peonies for that reason! This was such an interesting read! I’ve never thought about how writers use flowers to express so many things.
Lisa says
A watercolour peony tattoo sounds amazing, what a lovely memory to make for your mother. And I’m glad you found this interesting too, Cassie 🙂
Nancy says
It is interesting to learn about the different languages that the flowers give off. Ooooh I’ve seen different colors- I feel like purple represent me a lot lol. Oooh these white flowers are cute as well! Thanks for sharing the language of flowers. I will keep this in mind when I get a bundle for someone next time :).
Nancy ♥
Lisa says
Purple, white, pink and green are among my favourite colour combinations as well – great minds, Nancy! 🙂
Lu Reviews Books says
I love this post! I read a lot of historical romance and it was common to use flowers to communicate feelings back then. I think it is oh-so-romantic. Thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
Thank you 🙂 And yes, you’re right, I’d forgotten about historical romances!
Amber says
This is such an interesting post I did not know a lot of the meanings behind the flowers. Thank you for sharing this is has really given me a better insight!
Lisa says
You’re welcome, I’m so glad it was interesting!
Elaine Fitzpatrick says
This is really interesting. I knew some of the colours but not all of them. I love cut flowers in my home really cheers me up and I didn’t know Moonpug delivered flowers. I tend to choose my favourite colours white, pink or yellow.
Lisa says
There’s nothing like fresh flowers, is there? And I hadn’t realised Moonpig did flowers before now either, oops!
Kim says
This is such an interesting post Lisa. I’d heard different flowers could have different meanings before, but didn’t know this also applied to colours too. I’ve used Moonpig for cards and small gifts in the past but have tried out their flower delivery service, yet.
Lisa says
Thank you so much, Kim 🙂 And I’d really recommend Moonpig for flowers, they are all beautiful and the service was exceptional, both in terms of speed and blooms!
Lisa Marie Alioto says
I had no idea – I need to pay better atttention to what I’m buying and receiving! 🙂
Lisa says
Haha, maybe you do! 🙂
Winnie says
That’s so interesting his flower colors mean something! I always thought it was for variety!
Lisa says
I think as long as you or your recipient love them, that’s all that really matters though!
Geniussr says
Yes Flowers express your feelings more beautifully than words can do…. I knew a little about flowers language but not In depth.. thanks for sharing in detail and for such a beautiful post Lisa…. loved reading it… ❤️
http://www.geniusenough.com
Lisa says
I know a lot more now than I did too! Thank you, lovely, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it x
Amie says
This is such a beautiful post lisa, I love flowers so much and this has made me learn so much about them
Love, Amie ❤️
The Curvaceous Vegan
Lisa says
Aw, thank you, Amie, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! x
Riana Ang-Canning says
Aww this is so fun! I love the idea of sending a message with flowers. Definitely agree that yellow flowers always represent sunshine, happiness and brightness for me! I actually find dark red flowers, like roses, to be kind of dark and depressing, and would prefer lighter and brighter ones.
Lisa says
Oh that’s interesting! I like dark purples but I’m not the greatest fan of dark reds either – not sure what that says about me though, haha! 🙂
It's a Readlief! says
This article is so informative! I never thought that using flowers I can convey specific feelings to others.
Lisa says
I was aware of it but not in any great details 🙂
Alyssa says
This is awesome! I love flowers and I like that you can use them in different ways to express something. 🙂
Lisa says
Indeed, I was so fascinated when I was researching this post!
Katie | Life With Ktkinnes says
Your flowers look absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never thought about the meaning of the colour of the flower, apart from sticking to the idea that yellow roses are for friendship, and that red roses at weddings are considered bad luck, but it’s definitely something I’ll think about now! Thank you so much for sharing, and I’m looking forward to using your discount code to order some flowers as a special gift 💖
Lisa says
They are indeed, I’m very lucky! And I didn’t know red roses at weddings were bad luck, how strange, you’d think they’d be perfect as it’s a love-filled occasion! Yay, whoever gets some flowers is going to be very lucky 🙂 xx
Kathryn says
What a lovely post to read this morning. It has made me feel bright and cheerful.
I found it so interesting to read the different meanings behind the different colours.
Thank you for brightening my morning 🙂
Lisa says
Oh my goodness, that’s so lovely to read, I’m thrilled, thank you for letting me know! 🙂
Becca Newkirk says
Such a good and interesting read, now I’ll keep the colors in mind when I buy flowers for my mom for special occasions!
Lisa says
Thank you, I’m so glad it was helpful!
Holly says
This was SOOO interesting and I feel like I know more about flowers than I ever did. I love flowers and didn’t know they had as much meaning behind them as they do. Thanks for sharing.
Holly x
Lisa says
Oh thank you, that’s very kind – I feel I know a lot more now too! x
Sue Berk Koch says
I love flowers and find the meanings behind the colors endlessly intriguing. blue and purple are my favorites…I may be trying to find serenity! Thanks for posting the color meaning summary.
http://www.susanberkkoch.com/blog
Lisa says
Blue and purple are some of my favourites too, especially with pinks and whites and greens – not sure what that says about me though!
Rebiah says
This is so educating, as someone who loves flowers but knows nothing about them, I would say this is quite an eye-opener and I can now express my feeling through flowers knowing exactly what they mean.
Lisa says
Thank you so much, I’m so glad this was helpful, I hope you have some fun with it in the future 🙂
Amy says
This is a wonderful post and I love that there’s so many meanings behind the different flowers. For special occasions I always send my Mum yellow flowers, mainly because it’s her favourite colour but also because it’s such a happy colour too so they’re perfect for someone who needs a bit of cheering up. I love looking at all the bouquets on offer too – they’re so pretty! Thanks for sharing Lisa 🙂 x
Lisa says
Thank you, Amy, and I think yellow is the perfect colour to cheer anyone up. How could you not smile with a burst of sunshine in your home? I’m so pleased you enjoyed this post, thank you again 🙂 x
Hester says
Such a wonderful and interesting post this was! I love everything nature, and have a lot of plants and flowers in my home, but it’s really cool to know a bit more about them now!
Lisa says
Oh thank you so much 🙂 And yay for a fellow plant lover!
Ash says
I learned so much from this! I only knew the basics like red for love etc. I love orange and yellow flowers, even if they might not be the most popular
Lisa says
That’s great to hear – and we can’t all like the same colours, luckily!
Clarissa Cabbage says
Thanks for this Lisa. I always find this kind of thing interesting. I knew red was for love, but I didn’t know anything past that. As far as favorite flowers to receive… I like tulips for some reason. Also wildflowers. I love wildflowers.
Lisa says
I love tulips too, there’s something about the way they present as a closed bud and then unfurl into so much languorousness! And wildflowers are super pretty too 🙂
claire says
This is so interesting! Especially as I am currently trying to figure out what I want in my bouquet for my upcoming wedding.
I adore receiving flowers, although I suffer terribly with hayfever so I do try to avoid if I can, but those few months of the year I am not sneezing, my house will have flowers all over.
Thank you for sharing x
Lisa says
Aw, I suffer from hayfever too but mine tends to be tree pollen-triggered so I’m OK with the flowers! I hope you can find something that works for your wedding though – maybe more of a foliage bouquet might work and still look lovely? x
Alfredo says
Great post! Have you read “The Language of Flowers: A Miscellany” by Mandy Kirby? Very cool! I came across it when I interviewed an American author called Vanessa Diffenbauch back in 2011 who wrote a novel (fiction) also called “The Language of Flowers”
Lisa says
Thank you, Alfredo, that’s so kind! And no, I haven’t, but it’s going on my TBR list shortly, I’ve just looked it up and it looks BEAUTIFUL! 🙂
Nic | Nic's Adventures & Bakes says
Lovely post, I did not know about the colours meaning something, I just think they look pretty 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Lisa says
To be fair, that’s what I look for first though! 🙂
Miranda says
This was such a lovely read! I particularly love purple flowers for the deftones and richness of color. I have a yellow room and they accent well.
Lisa says
Thank you 🙂 And purple with yellow is a classic combination, your room sounds lovely!
T.B.C says
What a wonderfully uplifting post! Thank you. I love flowers, they just brighten up your day, no end. And now I know what they mean I shall have fun in sending them too. Secret messages using flowers – there’s a book or a play in there somewhere. Gorgeous post. Hope you are well x
Lisa says
Oh my goodness, thank you so much! Yay, I hope you do have some fun and I agree, I think there is definitely a book or play waiting to be written specifically around this subject 🙂 Hope you keep well too x
Baby Boomer Super Saver says
The language of flowers is so fun to explore. During Victorian times, people exchanged little flower bouquets and every flower and spring of greenery conveyed a message. As you mentioned, a red rose could signify passionate love, and a white rose meant pure love. But a yellow rose would have meant “I just want to be friends” as yellow also represented friendship. Roses are for love, rosemary is for remembrance . . . it goes on and is a lot of fun to research.
Lisa says
Yes, it really was fun to look into – it’s something I want to continue looking at too, I love the idea of coded messages by colour and, eventually, by flower or plant!
Natalia says
Thank you for sharing the most beautiful post ever! I love flowers like crazy. Currently, I have orchids, roses and plumbs in my house. But I love them all
Lindifique
Lisa says
Goodness, thank you so much, what a lovely thing to say! Your house sounds wonderful 🙂
Christy says
Wow, there is so much information here. I will certainly consider a little more now than just the colour of a flower. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa says
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, and happy flower choosing in the future!
Erika Brady says
My friend’s grandfather passed away this weekend, so I want to have a bouquet delivered to them. I’ll have to listen to your advice that orange flowers can cheer people up due to their bold and flamboyant color. I’ll have to start looking online to find a bouquet that has a design that fits her tastes.
Lisa says
That’s such sad news, I’m so sorry to hear that. But a bouquet of flowers is a very thoughtful and kind gesture, I hope you can find a florist that can make something suitable for you.
GWT says
Apart from coffee, travel, music fried chicken, not necessarily in that order, flowers are one of my favourite things.
Interestingly when buying for others, it’s always what catches my eyes but when buying for myself, whites and creams.
I now know what I think about myself.
Lisa says
It’s really interesting isn’t it? My favourites are purples, whites, creams and plenty of greenery!