What Does Your Bouquet Mean? Here Are 14 Flowers and Their Hidden Meanings
When we're gifting flowers for a loved one, we’re often drawn to the prettiest blooms or the ones that seem to best fit the occasion. But, did you know there are hidden meanings to flower colors? The benefit of knowing the meaning of flower colors is that you can choose bouquets that better represent the emotions behind your gesture.
If you’ve never studied plants or thought to research the meaning of flower colors, you may not know the difference between a red rose and a pink rose or a lavender hyacinth and a cobalt blue hyacinth. These distinctions in hue mean more than you think, so we asked three floral experts to break down some of the most common flowers found in bouquets, and what the meaning of flower colors represent to your recipient.
Red Roses
When you think of grand bouquets, a dozen (or more!) red roses might come to mind. The red rose has solidified itself as the symbol of romance, and rightfully so.
According to Nikki Abis, floral designer at Starbright Floral Design and resident florist at Moxy Chelsea, red roses “are known as a symbol of passion and are globally recognized as the flower of love.”
Purple Roses
While red roses are the symbol of romance in general, purple roses hold a more specific meaning. According to Abis, purple roses symbolize love at first sight — maybe because they're the most fragrant rose variety, so you smell them before you see them!
Abis also notes that the color purple is associated with royalty, so choosing these blooms sends the message that you think highly of the recipient.
Pink Roses
Feeling thankful? Pink roses are a great gift for holiday hosts, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and birthdays because they represent gratitude and appreciation. Plus, pink roses are available in a wide range of vibrancies, so you can choose the shade that best suits your recipient.
“Pink Mondial roses are a favorite light pink rose of ours, while Pink Floyd is a favorite hot pink variety!” says Abis.
Yellow Roses
If the reason for your bouquet gift isn't a romantic one, opt for this sunny shade. Yellow roses are an excellent choice when gifting flowers to a friend, as Abis says they’re the rose of friendship.
“Yellow is a happy color, have you ever seen a smiley face?” Abis jokes. “Naturally, when people see bright cheery colors like yellows and oranges, they are going to smile!”
Red and Pink Carnations
Like roses, red and pink carnations are another popular Valentine’s Day flower, but the difference in color makes a difference.
“A red carnation is used to symbolize love and affection for someone, whereas a pink carnation can stand for admiration,” says David Denyer, a flower expert at Eflorist. “You can always include a mix of these colors if you wish. This can really elevate the depth of the bouquet.”
Tulips
On the list of flowers that symbolize love, tulips rank high for Denyer. Not only does the flower represent perfect love and elegance, but the story behind its significance is equally as heartwarming as receiving a bouquet of these blooms.
“Some say the meaning originates from a tale of a prince,” Denyer says. “His lover was killed, and in his sadness, he rode his horse off a cliffside, and the red tulips bloomed where his body touched the ground.”
White Lilies
According to Tom Su, a garden and landscaping expert and owner of Lawn Edging, lilies “add class and some sort of intrigue” to a bouquet, but the color will change their meaning.
For example, white lilies “connote innocence and morality,” says Su. Presenting a loved one with a bouquet of white lilies declares your affection is pure.
Orange Lilies
According to Su, orange lilies are “vibrant and bold like passion and confidence” and represent “a fiery and strong relationship.” They declare that the connection between you and your recipient is powerful.
White Chrysanthemums
Although chrysanthemums are not typically used in bouquets, Su says they still bear a profound message in the language of flowers. For example, white chrysanthemums, Su says, mean “truthfulness and faithfulness.”
Red Chrysanthemums
Red chrysanthemums, on the other hand, “refer to open-heartedness with a lot of sharing feelings,” Su explains. Presenting a loved one with red chrysanthemums is a gesture of reassurance that you are committed to that person with your whole heart.
Lavender Hyacinths
If you’re looking to spice up a bouquet, Su says hyacinths are the answer. “The spring flower represents playfulness and frivolity,” he says.
Hyacinths come in various colors, from apricot to cobalt blue to deep red. While these hues are fun and vibrant, Su notes that a lavender hyacinth specifically represents sorrow, so be careful which color you choose to incorporate in your bouquet.
Sunflowers
Like yellow roses, sunflowers radiate happiness and have a light, summery feel to their petals.
“They refer to love and loyalty,” Su notes. “When someone selects sunflowers, it means ‘You brighten my day, and I stick by you.’”
Orchids
If you’re thinking of sending a bouquet and signing the card “your secret admirer,” you might want to consider orchids.
According to Su, orchids mean deep love “but with a touch of mystery, exoticism, and nobleness associated with it. And they are ideal tools to express appreciation toward an exceptional individual.”
You Might Also Like
