The meaning of flowers

Information sheet

Learn the language of flowers and their hidden meanings. Use this knowledge in garden design and to make flower posies.

  • School term: All year round
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s): English, History, Social Studies


Bluebell; consistency, forgive and forget
Campanula; white - gratitude
Carnation; red - 'alas for my poor heart', striped - refusal, yellow - distain, pink - woman's love
Chrysanthemum; red - 'I love you', yellow - slighted love, white - truth
Daffodil; regard, chivalry
Daisy; innocence
Forget-me-not (Myosotis); true love, 'the key to my heart'
Freesia; friendship
Garden pink (Dianthus); pure love
Gladiolus; strength of character
Hyacinth; blue -consistency, white - unobtrustive loveliness
Iris; yellow - flame of love
Lavender; devotion
Lilac (Syringa); purple - first emotions of love, white - youthful innocence
Lily; pure and modest
Lily of the valley (Convallaria); return of happiness
Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus); hopeless not heartless
Mimosa (Acacia); sensitivity, secret love
Narcissus; self-esteem, female ambition
Orange blossom; bridal festivities, 'your purity equals your loveliness'
Orchid; longevity, elegance
Pansy; thoughtful
Peony; bashfulness
Ranunculus; 'you are rich in attractions'
Rudbeckia; justice
Snowdrop; hope
Solidago; encouragement
Star of Bethlehem (Ornathologum); purity
Stocks (Matthiola); lasting beauty
Sunflower; pure thoughts, adoration, dedication
Sweet pea; departure, delicate pleasures
Tulip; red - declaration of love; striped - beautiful eyes
Veronica; fidelity
Violet; faithfulness

Roses symbolise love and good fortune and the colours have different meanings too;

White - truth, innocence
Pink - admiration, joy and gratitude
Red and white; unity
Red - eternal love
Yellow - friendship, caring
Orange - energy