Birthday
HydrangeasPrepared with UFL flower delivery. Flowers have long helped people say what is hard to put into words: thank you, I love you, I am sorry, I am here for you. The same flower can mean different things in different cultures, but there is a widely accepted «dictionary» that florists rely on. Here is how it began, what colours and flowers mean, and how to put together a bouquet with a hidden message.
What is the language of flowers
The language of flowers, or floriography, conveys feelings through the choice of flowers, their colour, number and even presentation. A red rose speaks of love, a yellow one of friendship, a white one of purity and respect. Today these meanings are a tradition rather than a strict rule, but they make a gift more thoughtful.
Where it came from
Flower symbolism was known in ancient China, Egypt, Greece and Rome: the Romans stamped lilies on coins as a sign of prosperity, and in France the lily became a royal emblem. The fashion for «flower messages» reached Europe from the Ottoman Empire in the early 18th century thanks to the English writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu. Floriography peaked in the Victorian era, when whole flower dictionaries were published and bouquets expressed feelings that could not be spoken aloud.
What colours mean
Colour often matters more than the flower itself. In old dictionaries yellow meant jealousy or parting, but today it reads as joy and friendship. White suits both weddings and funerals.
Flower dictionary A–Z
| Flower | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Acacia | secret love |
| Alstroemeria | friendship, devotion |
| Amaryllis | pride |
| Anemone | sincerity, anticipation |
| Aster | love, daintiness, remembrance |
| Azalea | temperance, care |
| Blue hyacinth | constancy |
| Calla lily | magnificent beauty |
| Chrysanthemum | long life, joy |
| Common daisy | innocence, loyal love |
| Cornflower | simplicity, hope |
| Cyclamen | goodbye |
| Daffodil | regard, new beginnings |
| Dahlia | dignity, elegance |
| Daisy | innocence |
| Forget-me-not | true love, remembrance |
| Freesia | trust, friendship |
| Gardenia | secret love |
| Gerbera | cheerfulness |
| Gladiolus | strength of character |
| Hydrangea | gratitude, sincerity |
| Iris | faith, wisdom, a message |
| Jasmine | amiability |
| Lavender | devotion, calm |
| Lily of the valley | return of happiness |
| Lisianthus | appreciation, charm |
| Magnolia | nobility |
| Mimosa | sensitivity |
| Orchid | love, luxury, beauty |
| Peony | happy marriage, prosperity |
| Pink camellia | longing |
| Pink carnation | a mother’s love |
| Pink rose | gratitude, grace |
| Purple hyacinth | please forgive me |
| Purple lilac | first emotions of love |
| Ranunculus | radiant charm |
| Red camellia | admiration |
| Red carnation | admiration |
| Red poppy | remembrance, consolation |
| Red rose | love, passion |
| Red tulip | a declaration of love |
| Snowdrop | hope |
| Sunflower | adoration, loyalty |
| Violet | modesty, faithfulness |
| White carnation | luck, pure intentions |
| White lilac | first love, youth |
| White lily | purity |
| White rose | purity, respect |
| Yellow rose | friendship, joy |
| Yellow tulip | cheerful thoughts |
Ukrainian national symbols — viburnum, mallow, marigolds, sunflowers — carry their own meanings; read more in the main Ukrainian flowers.
How to compose a message bouquet
- Decide on the main message: thanks, love, apology or support.
- Choose the lead flower from the dictionary and a colour to match.
- Add one or two supporting flowers: for example, forget-me-nots («remember me») or lisianthus («thank you») with red roses.
- Mind the number: in Ukraine, odd numbers are for celebrations and even numbers for mourning.
- Add a card: even the most eloquent bouquet is better with a few words.
What not to give
- An even number of flowers for a celebration in Ukraine: even numbers are for funerals.
- Strongly scented flowers such as lilies or hyacinths to someone with allergies or in hospital.
- Yellow flowers to someone who knows the old meanings — add a card saying they stand for joy.
- A potted plant without asking, if you are not sure the person wants to care for it.
Not sure? UFL florists will help you choose the right message and deliver the bouquet in Kyiv.
FAQ
Which flowers mean love?
Red roses, red tulips, peonies and orchids. For first feelings, white or purple lilac and pink roses.
Which flowers say thank you?
Pink roses, lisianthus, hydrangea, carnations or chrysanthemums.
Which flowers say sorry?
Purple hyacinth and white tulips — ideally with a card and sincere words.
Read also
- Types of flowers: names and photos
- White roses: meaning, varieties and photos
- Pink flowers: 10 types for bouquets
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
