Flowers have long been a symbol of beauty, love, and nature’s grace. But did you know that each type of flower also carries its own special meaning? For centuries, people have turned to flowers to express emotions, convey messages, and celebrate milestones. Whether it’s sending a bouquet to a loved one or decorating an event, understanding the symbolism behind flowers can make your gesture even more meaningful.
At Kelly and Company Florist, we believe that flowers are more than just a beautiful gift—they are a way to communicate feelings and create lasting memories. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the symbolic meanings behind some of the most popular flowers and how to choose the right one for any occasion.
1. Roses: The Timeless Symbol of Love
- Symbolism: Love, romance, passion, and beauty.
- Best For: Romantic occasions, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, proposals.
Roses are perhaps the most iconic flower when it comes to expressing love and affection. Their deep, rich history dates back to Greek and Roman times, where they were associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. The red rose, in particular, is a symbol of romantic love and desire, making it the go-to flower for anniversaries, Valentine's Day, and proposals. However, other colors of roses also have their own meanings:
- White Roses – Purity, innocence, and new beginnings (perfect for weddings or new relationships).
- Yellow Roses – Friendship, joy, and happiness (ideal for celebrating a friendship or congratulating someone).
- Pink Roses – Gratitude, admiration, and appreciation (perfect for showing appreciation or admiration for someone).
2. Lilies: Purity and Refined Beauty
- Symbolism: Purity, renewal, and transience.
- Best For: Weddings, sympathy arrangements, Mother's Day.
Lilies are elegant flowers with a rich, delicate fragrance and a graceful appearance. They often represent purity and refined beauty, making them a favorite in wedding bouquets. White lilies, in particular, symbolize purity and virtue. However, lilies also come in other colors, each with its own meaning:
- Pink Lilies – Prosperity, abundance, and abundance of love (ideal for birthdays and celebrations).
- Orange Lilies – Passion, confidence, and enthusiasm (great for someone who exudes energy or to celebrate achievements).
- Stargazer Lilies – A sense of awe and admiration (perfect for showing admiration for someone’s accomplishments).
Lilies are also a common flower used in sympathy arrangements, as they represent the idea of renewal and the beauty of a soul’s journey.
3. Sunflowers: Happiness and Positivity
- Symbolism: Adoration, loyalty, and happiness.
- Best For: Birthdays, congratulations, just because.
Sunflowers, with their bright yellow petals and large, cheerful faces, are a natural symbol of joy and positivity. Their sunny disposition makes them a great choice for celebrating someone’s success, sending well wishes, or simply brightening someone’s day. Sunflowers also symbolize loyalty and adoration, so they can be a lovely gesture for friends or loved ones who hold a special place in your heart.
4. Tulips: Perfect Love and Elegance
- Symbolism: Perfect love, elegance, and rebirth.
- Best For: Springtime celebrations, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or engagements.
Tulips are often associated with perfect love due to their simple yet sophisticated shape. They are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, making them a great choice for celebrating new beginnings, fresh starts, or simply bringing the beauty of the season indoors. While red tulips symbolize true love, yellow tulips can represent cheerful thoughts and happiness, and purple tulips symbolize royalty and admiration.
5. Orchids: Luxury, Strength, and Exotic Beauty
- Symbolism: Luxury, strength, beauty, and refinement.
- Best For: Anniversaries, birthdays, or as a special gift for someone who appreciates exotic beauty.
Orchids are one of the most exotic and luxurious flowers you can send. Known for their delicate petals and striking appearance, orchids represent strength, beauty, and refinement. They’re often gifted for anniversaries, as they symbolize enduring love and elegance. While orchids come in a variety of colors, the most common meanings include:
- White Orchids – Innocence, beauty, and new beginnings.
- Purple Orchids – Admiration and respect.
- Pink Orchids – Feminine beauty and grace.
6. Daisies: Innocence, Purity, and New Beginnings
- Symbolism: Innocence, purity, and cheerfulness.
- Best For: Birthdays, new relationships, congratulations, or celebrating friendship.
Daisies are often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. Their cheerful, simple appearance makes them an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, from welcoming a new baby to celebrating a new chapter in life. Daisies can also symbolize loyal love and friendship. When you want to express affection without the intensity of romantic love, daisies are a beautiful and uplifting choice.
7. Carnations: A Rich Tradition of Meaning
- Symbolism: Love, fascination, distinction, and remembrance.
- Best For: Mother’s Day, funerals, or anniversaries.
Carnations are one of the oldest cultivated flowers and have been used throughout history to express feelings of love and admiration. Each color of carnation carries its own significance:
- Red Carnations – Deep love and admiration.
- Pink Carnations – Gratitude and a mother’s love (making them perfect for Mother’s Day).
- White Carnations – Pure love and remembrance (a common choice for memorials or funerals).
8. Peonies: Romance, Prosperity, and Good Fortune
- Symbolism: Romance, prosperity, and good fortune.
- Best For: Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day.
Peonies are lush, fragrant blooms that have been prized for centuries for their rich symbolism and beauty. They are often associated with romance and prosperity, making them an elegant choice for weddings, engagements, and romantic celebrations. Peonies also represent good fortune, making them a thoughtful gift to wish someone success or happiness in their endeavors.
Choosing the Right Flowers for the Right Moment
When it comes to selecting the perfect bouquet or arrangement, consider the occasion, the recipient’s personality, and the message you want to convey. A well-chosen bouquet can say more than words ever could. For instance:
- For a romantic gesture, choose red roses or a mix of passionate blooms like lilies and tulips.
- For a celebration of friendship, sunflowers or yellow roses can convey joy and positivity.
- For a sympathy arrangement, consider white lilies, white roses, or chrysanthemums, which convey peace, remembrance, and comfort.
At Kelly and Co Florist, we offer a wide variety of flowers, each with its own unique symbolism, to help you express exactly how you feel. Whether you're sending flowers to celebrate a happy occasion or convey your condolences, we can help you select the perfect blooms to communicate your emotions.
Let Your Flowers Speak for You Flower symbolism is a beautiful way to add depth and meaning to your floral gifts. Next time you’re looking for the perfect bouquet, remember the language of flowers, and choose blooms that speak to your heart and the hearts of those you care about.
Shop our selection today and find the perfect flower to say what words can’t.
