Flower Meanings

When we choose flowers for a wedding or a funeral, people often ask “What is the meaning behind the flower meanings?

Here we have created an elementary guide looking at 56 different varieties to try and help you make your choice.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria is a beautiful flower that represents fortune, devotion and friendship. Alstroemeria comes in a wide variety of shades, including white, pink, red, orange, purple and yellow. You can even find them in rare royal or grape purple. They’re often two-toned and freckled, giving them a bit more depth and interest. A single stem has an average of four blooms, along with some tremendous sword-shaped greenery that adds colour and volume.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis symbolises pride, determination and radiant beauty. The word “amaryllis” comes from the Greek word “amaryssein,” which means “to sparkle.” Often associated with the Christmas, amaryllis are commonly used in festive centrepieces or within a wreath. There’s no wrong way to use these hardy blooms. Amaryllis is a wonderfully versatile flower that packs a big punch with several show-stopping blooms on each broad stem.

Anemones

Also known as windflowers, anemones symbolise anticipation and are thought to bring luck and protect against evil. They’re a highly sought-after wedding flower that comes in a variety of both natural and tinted shades. Colours include red, hot pink, burgundy, blue and purple. If you’re not a fan of the black centres, they’re also available with pale green centres.

Anthurium

Tropical anthurium is an exotic flower that symbolises hospitality and represents kindness, making these heart-shaped blooms a perfect addition to your home. These flowers have a waxy appearance and come in six vibrant colours.

Astilbe

The astilbe flower is also known as false spirea, false goat’s beard, or feather flower. They are said to have the meaning of “I will be waiting for you’ or ‘I’ll still be waiting,” symbolising patience and dedication to a loved one. But don’t let their delicate look fool you, they are pretty hardy flowers. The flowers sit on strong green stems above airy, green foliage. Each stem features a plume of feather-shaped branches that hold small flowers clusters, resulting in a beautiful, feathery soft bloom. Astilbe is available in white, red and several shades of pink.

Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath, also known as gypsophila, symbolises everlasting love, innocence and purity. Baby’s breath is often thought of as a filler flower, but it can make quite an elegant statement all on its own, think fluffy cloud-like arrangements. It can fit with any theme, from vintage to modern to rustic.

There are two types of baby’s breath: million-star baby’s breath and new love baby’s breath. Million-star is a classic variety and what most people think of when they think of baby’s breath – named because each stem has a spray of many tiny white blooms that give it the appearance of a million stars. New love baby’s breath is very similar, but the flowers are slightly larger.

Bouvardia

Bouvardia symbolises enthusiasm and is named in honour of Charles Bouvard, who ran the Royal Gardens in Paris during Louis XIII’s reign. Bouvardia features beautiful clusters of flowers shaped like stars on delicate branches, and are available in yellow, pink, red, peach and white. Bouvardia is also referred to as royal katty, albatross and pink luck.

Bird of Paradise

Bird of Paradise symbolises joy and paradise. This tropical flower (a.k.a. the crane flower) also represents faithfulness, thoughtfulness and love. The hard, beak-like part of the flower is known as spathe and gives the flower the appearance of a bird’s head and beak since it is perpendicular to the stem. Once bloomed, each stem features three vibrant orange petals and three blue petals.

Calla Lilies

Named after the Greek word for beauty, calla lilies are a traditional symbol of marriage and are also used to celebrate major transitions in life. Calla lilies altogether exemplify “magnificent beauty,” while white calla lilies primarily represent purity, honesty and innocence, making them a popular choice for wedding bouquets. Other than white, calla lilies also come in shades of pink, purple, yellow, orange and more.

Carnations

Carnations, like roses and some other flowers, have slightly different symbolism for different colours. As a whole, they are said to symbolise pride and beauty. A red carnation symbolises love, pride and admiration, while a pink carnation symbolises the love of a woman or a mother. A white carnation symbolises innocence and pure love. Use single stems throughout your arrangements for a pop of fun colour, or bunch three to five stems together to create a ruffled focal flower that may just be mistaken for a peony.

Celosia

Celosia, also known as a coxcomb, symbolise uncomplicated affection. They are sought after for their incredible texture and unusual style. We offer both coxcomb and feather varieties in numerous striking colours. Our coxcomb celosia has a fan-shaped bloom with velvet frills. On average, the bloom size is 3-5 inches and has a stem length of 30 inches long. The feather variety is unique; its multiple laterals create a feathery-like look and have a soft touch. These coral-like flowers blend fabulously with garden roses, billy balls, protea, snapdragons etc.

Chrysanthemums

This cheerful flower has been said to symbolise fidelity, optimism, joy and long life. Often called mums, these fun blossoms can also convey loyal love, hope and cherished friendship. They’re known to be long-lasting, low-maintenance and very affordable. Pair white chrysanthemums with lisianthus, roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and seeded eucalyptus for a classic bouquet.

Cornflowers

Cornflowers are fun and whimsical wildflowers that feature a brilliant true-blue colour. These flowers have a ball-like centre with frilly petals surrounding the eye and can range in size from 1/2 an inch to 1 inch. Also known as boutonniere flowers or bachelor buttons, legend has it that cornflowers were worn by young men in love; if his love was returned the flower would remain bright and fresh, however, if the man’s love was not returned, the flower would fade boutonnieres quickly.

Daffodils

Daffodils are a springtime staple that signifies rebirth and new beginnings. These star-shaped blooms tend to be overlooked and under-appreciated, but they have so much potential. Daffodils are both beautiful and affordable. In addition to their bright, classic colour, daffodils are also offered in a combination of both white and yellow, and orange and white. They also come in all-white, too. No matter the shade, you’ll find daffodils in both standards, mini and double varieties.

Dahlias

Dahlias are said to represent dignity, elegance and good taste. They’re a wedding favourite, available in a wide variety of bold, bright and beautiful shapes and colours. Their large blooms provide the perfect amount of fullness and elegance. Historically, dahlias have symbolised the lasting bond and commitment created between two people, making them an excellent representation of marriage.

Daisies

Daisies symbolise new beginnings and innocence. These gorgeous spring flowers are commonly used as both focal and filler flowers in wildflower and rustic designs. They’re known as a spray variety, meaning each stem has an average spray of 3 to 5 colourful blooms. When combined with a mixture of other fillers, greenery, and a few accent flowers, daisies can truly stand out.

Delphinium

Delphinium represents light-heartedness and vivacity. What a beautiful flower meaning. The English word delphinium comes from the Greek word for dolphin, which is delphis. The name is fitting, thanks to the long and lean shape of the flower that looks like the gentle mammal of the sea. Delphinium is also commonly known as larkspur.

Freesia

A great flower for adding texture, freesia symbolises sweetness, innocence and thoughtfulness. Freesia is known for its sweet scent. These fragrant flowers have about 3-5 funnel-shaped blooms and have an average stem length of 10 to 20 inches long. Freesia looks absolutely beautiful as a stand-alone option, and also make a stunning addition to almost any arrangement. You can find freesia in a variety of colours such as white, purple, orange, yellow and more.

Garden Roses

Garden roses are a classic choice for wedding flowers, and they go with almost every theme. Just like standard roses, these large blooms have similar respective flower meanings. Garden roses are gorgeous, full-bodied roses, that often feature a lovely fresh scent, and are available year-round. Their lush, ruffled petal, full bloom makes them irresistible.

Gardenia

Gardenia has been a classic wedding flower choice for generations. This sweet, fragrant flower symbolises a few different things like purity, love and sophistication, making them a perfect pick for a bridal arrangement. Their paper-white petals and lush, evergreen foliage make them irresistible and versatile.

Gerbera Daisies

A part of the daisy family, gerbera daisies specifically convey cheerfulness. How could you not be cheerful with these bold blooms? They’re widely known as a flower for all seasons and they come in both, standard and mini varieties. With more than 10 colours to pick from and a variety of different textures, you’re bound to find the perfect flower for your design.

Gladiolus

A striking, long-stemmed flower filled with blooms from bottom to top, the gladiolus symbolises generosity, sincerity, strength of character, faithfulness and honour. Gladiolus can add height, balance and colour. We offer these gorgeous flowers in an array of colours that include purple, orange, white, red, green and many shades of pink.

Heather

Heather represents good luck and also admiration. In the sixteenth century, Scotland, soldiers used to even wear white heather in their caps to bring them not only luck but protection. To this day, Scottish brides include white heather in their wedding bouquets for good luck. Heather comes in lovely shades of white, purple, pink and green.

Hellebores

Hellebores have been a staple for many florists for quite some time. Although the symbolism of the flower isn’t crystal clear, the one thing that is known for sure is its beauty and ability to add interest into any floral arrangement.

Hellebores have a beautiful, natural bend to their stems and have five round petals that come in an array of beautiful colours and patterns: ranging anywhere from white-green, mauve-y pink, and all the way to deep purple shades. On each stem, you’ll find 3-5 blooms with a special pattern like specks, swirls, or gradient. Available in the spring, these versatile blooms pair well with flowers like roses, anemones or any bloom that has a romantic feel.

Hyacinth

Hyacinths represent playfulness and sport. Greek legend has it that a young man Hyakinthos was loved by the Gods, and when he was killed by a discus, the flower that grew from his blood was christened a hyacinth in his name.

Hyacinth comes in an array of colours, including a beautiful farm mix pack. These fragrant flowers have multiple star-shaped blooms, delicately clustered toward the top of each stem. Although their stem length is not very long (on average around 10 inches long–bloom included), they can be easily incorporated into any tall arrangement with the help of a pick and floral wire.

Hydrangeas

These large, full-bloom flowers are said to represent heartfelt emotions and perseverance. They can also be used to express gratitude for being understood. Naturally, hydrangeas come in shades of white, pink, green and blue (it’s one of the few flowers that have a natural, true blue colour.). But thanks to the technology of floral sprays and intravenous tinting, we’re able to offer hydrangeas in just about any colour.

Iris

Irises are associated with wisdom and trust. Each stem features a beautiful bloom with delicate petals and striking yellow colour. Iris is known as a springtime flower, but it is available year-round. You can find iris in a variety of colours such as white, yellow, purple and a couple of shades of blue.

Lilac

Lilac has different flower meanings throughout different cultures and times, for example, magenta lilac is said to symbolise love and passion, whereas lilac (the soft purple colour) is said to symbolise the first love. Lilac is an excellent choice for adding texture and fullness to an arrangement. They come in beautiful shades of purple, white and blush. They’re offered in three varieties, which are standard, premium and designer.

Lilies

Lilies are a royal flower that symbolises purity and refined beauty. More specifically, a white lily symbolises modesty and virginity, while an orange lily symbolises passion and pride.

Lilies have a star-shaped shaped bloom that features an average of 3 to 5 blooms per stem. They’re available year-round and are offered in several beautiful colours. In addition to their stunning beauty, lilies offer a sweet scent. Some varieties that have a softer aroma include hybrid lilies and asiatic lilies.

Lily of the Valley

Like the lily, the lily of the valley represents purity, and also happiness, sweetness and humility. The popular flower has small, dainty, bell-shaped blooms and is particularly popular for spring bouquets.

Lisianthus

Lisianthus has a variety of meanings, including gratitude, charm, and an everlasting bond. Its bell-shaped, ruffled blooms are available in pink, purple, white, apricot, yellow and green.

Orchids

Exotic beauty, glorious femininity, refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm are just some of the meanings associated with orchids.

Whether you’re planning a summer bash or a cosy fall celebration, these blooms are a suitable choice with their exotic and luxurious appeal. There are many unique colours and varieties to choose from, with over 20,000 species orchids in existence, so the options are almost endless.

Peonies

This flower symbolises a happy life, happy marriage, good health and prosperity. It can also be used to express bashfulness and compassion.

Peonies are known for their large, ruffled blooms and sweet floral scent, which makes them all but irresistible, these stunning symbols are one of the most sought-after flowers available, and with good reason.

Poinsettia

The bright red poinsettia is often affiliated with the Christmas, but year-round, it stands for good cheer, celebration and reassurance. This flower is perfect for winter brides.

Protea

This eye-catching flower is known to symbolise change and transformation. It also represents diversity and courage.

Protea has uniquely shaped, wild-looking blossoms and a long vase life if handled correctly. They can also withstand high-heat environments, making them a hardy choice for summer events.

Queen Anne’s Lace

Queen Anne’s Lace symbolises sanctuary. The filler flower features a distinct, blood-red dot in the centre, which is said to represent a drop of Queen Anne’s blood that fell from her finger onto handmade lace.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus conveys the message that you are radiant with charm and very attractive.

These great buds are the perfect choice when adding depth and texture to floral arrangements. Their soft, round shape and abundance of delicate petals make them a unique addition to anything from elegant bridal bouquets to modern, pared-down centrepieces. Ranunculus are also available in a host of fun and beautiful colours, helping them pair well with almost any theme or pattern.

Roses

All roses symbolise passionate love, but specific meanings are associated with each colour (read up on the different rose colour meanings).

These traditional blooms are versatile, long-lasting and fragrant. They are perfect for special occasions and “just because” moments. With many varieties and colours to choose from, you just can’t go wrong with roses.

Different colours of roses

When you think of the word flowers, what’s the first bloom that comes to mind? For many of us, the majority will think of roses first. Knowing wat the different colour roses mean, you’ll be able to create the perfect bouquet that expresses the perfect sentiment.

White Roses

White roses often represent purity, innocence, and youthfulness. White roses are sometimes referred to as bridal roses because of their association with young love and eternal loyalty. White roses can also symbolise a new beginning and everlasting love.

Ivory Roses

The ivory rose, although similar to white roses, have a totally different meaning. They are said to represent charm, thoughtfulness, and gracefulness. Ivory coloured roses also represent richness and perfection. Ivory roses would be great for letting someone know you care, without romantic intentions. Ivory roses pair well with a mix of Eucalyptus.

Yellow Roses

During Victorian times, the yellow rose had a much different meaning than it does today. While it used to symbolise jealousy, now the symbol of a yellow rose represents friendship, joy, and caring. These beautiful sun-coloured roses can also convey warmth, delight, gladness, and affection, as well as say good luck, welcome back, and remember me. The yellow rose is the perfect rose for a close friend or someone who needs a little cheering up since these blooms are sure to brighten anyone’s day. Yellow roses look brilliant with Sun Flowers.

Peach Roses

The sweet peach rose conveys a meaning of modesty, genuineness, sincerity, and gratitude. It can be great for saying “thank you” and would be an appropriate gift when closing a business deal, for example. The peach rose can also be a great way to show sympathy to a loved one or a close friend.

Orange Roses

This bold and fiery bloom often stands for desire, fascination, enthusiasm, and energy. The orange rose can say “I am so proud of you” with its meaning of admiration and excitement. Feeling unenergised lately? Place a bouquet of these bold beauties in your house for a burst of energy. Coral and coloured roses will often convey the same message as orange roses.

Pink Roses

What does a pink rose colour mean? The meaning of pink roses can stand for femininity, elegance, refinement, and sweetness. However, the pink rose can also have additional meanings depending on its shade. A deep or hot pink rose can convey gratitude, appreciation, recognition and is a great way to say, “thank you,” while pale pink rose symbolises grace, gentleness, joy, and happiness.

Red Roses

Red roses also stand for passion, true love, romance, and desire. The red rose is a classic “I Love You” rose, making it a popular choice for Valentine’s Day. When red roses are used for a bridal bouquet, they represent bliss in the marriage as well as genuine respect and appreciation toward one another. A deep red rose can mean that you are ready for commitment and have a deep passion for that person.

Ultimately, if you want to tell someone you love them, a red rose is the way to go. Red roses pair well with many flowers, but it’s the best pairing is with white roses.

Lavender Roses

Lavender roses are unique yet stunning roses that can make quite a statement. Their symbolism is often tied to enchantment, wonder, splendour, and mystery as well as love at first sight or enchantment at first sight. So, if you have a secret crush or if someone has caught your attention and grabbed your heart, this may be the perfect rose to send them. Pair your secret admiration of these purple roses with your favourite shade of carnations.

Green Roses

Green is the colour of life, abundant growth, and constant renewal of life and energy. The green rose signifies the constant rejuvenation of spirit and fertility. It can symbolise richness, abundance, and bounty. Green roses are a sign of plenty and copiousness. Green is also a very pleasing colour and is often said it can impart a sense of balance, stability, and peace to the human mind. When you want to surprise or please someone, give them a green rose. They will pair perfectly with Spider Mums of the same colour.

Blue Roses

Blue roses represent mystery, the impossible, or the unattainable. Give a blue rose to someone and you are saying “you are extraordinarily wonderful and unique.” Blue roses are perfect for the woman who marches to the beat of her own drum. Blue roses look stunning alone, but if you want to compliment them, bring along with midnight plum mini calla lilies.

Black Roses

The black rose is a mysterious bloom that can convey many meanings. The colour black has often been synonymous with death and mourning and is usually used at funerals. But black roses do have a more positive meaning as well. They can stand for the beginning of new things and major change. Black roses can inspire confidence by signalling the birth of a new era and can bring hope and courage. You’ll love to see these alongside the Walk of Fame Garden Rose.

Multi-coloured Roses

Multi-coloured roses are uniquely coloured and provide a fun and unique way to send your message. For example, a yellow rose with a red tip can mean friendship or falling in love while a pink and white rose can be the perfect gift to say thank you to a good friend. Pair these with an equally colourful mix of daisies, carnations, and alstroemeria.

Mixed Colours

Can’t decide on a single rose colour? Feel free to mix and match. When you combine a mix of coloured roses, you can send multiple or slightly different messages. For example, a combination of red and yellow roses conveys happiness and cheerfulness, while a mix of red and white roses can symbolise unity, making that combination a popular choice for weddings.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are said to represent graciousness. They make an elegant choice for adding height and texture to an arrangement and are more than capable of standing on their own in a bouquet or centrepiece. Our snapdragons are offered in twelve different colours plus a farm mix package too.

Statice

Statice is another popular filler flower rife with meaning. The flower, which comes in blue, white, red, yellow, pink and purple, represents success, sympathy or remembrance, which makes it appropriate for a variety of occasions.

Stocks

The stocks stands for beauty everlasting and a joyous, happy life. It also symbolises a lasting, loving bond. This filler flower comes in white, pink, purple and peach. The flower has a delicious clove-like scent and is also known as the gillyflower.

Sunflowers

Since sunflowers follow the light of the sun, it is said that they represent warmth, adoration and dedication or dedicated love.

We offer several varieties of sunflowers, from traditional yellow with black centres to red-enhanced, and most of the varieties are available year-round, so you’re bound to find the perfect option for your event. Sunflowers look beautiful on their own, but pair nicely with many other flowers, like feverfew daisies, roses, solidago, lisianthus and more.

Sweet Peas

Like roses, sweet peas have different flower meanings depending on their colour. However, they’re commonly known to symbolise appreciation and departure.

Sweet peas have a lovely fragrance and an irresistible ruffled look. These multi-florals come with about 3 to 5 blooms per stem. Sweet peas range in colours from pastel pink to bright yellow. They’re mostly used in garden-style bouquets and centrepieces. Sweet peas are gorgeous on their own but pair seamlessly with other spring flowers like peonies, garden roses and tulips.

Tulips

Tulips tend to mostly be associated with sweet, pastel-hued floral arrangements around Easter time. However, tulips are capable of packing a serious punch in terms of colour, texture, and volume in everything from bouquets to aisle arrangements.

Given that tulips represent the perfect love adding them to your bridal bouquet signifies a declaration of your love and faithfulness to your partner. In addition to standard tulips — which can showcase some beautiful multi-tonal centres — you can also choose from feathered fringe tulips, large French tulips, bold double tulips, and ruffly parrot tulips.

Xerographica Tillandsia

The xerographica tillandsia, more commonly known as an air plant, is a plant that has few or no roots, therefore can live without soil, and can get water and nutrients from the air.

Because they don’t need soil and have such a unique look, they are perfect for the dreamer.

Air plants are eco-friendly, easy to use and can be used almost anywhere in wedding and home décor. From bouquets and boutonnieres to unique place card holders and centrepieces, you could even create a lush, living art piece, perfect for a ceremony backdrop or just spicing up an empty wall.

Yarrow

For years yarrow (also known as Achillea millefolium) has been used for agricultural and medicinal purposes, but they’ve been used in floral design too.

Yarrow features multiple blooms per stem that cluster together to create the look of one large flower head. It has a fresh, herby-scent and provides the perfect pop of colour. With proper care, yarrow can last up to five days and they’re also heat-tolerant flowers, so you don’t have to worry about them wilting.

For information on using flowers in any ceremony please click here.