If only flowers could talk. Well, actually they do— in a language all their own.
FLOWER SPEAK
When selecting flowers for a holiday gift, or the garden, a wedding, or even a tattoo, it’s handy to keep the meaning of flowers in mind. Our research found that the meaning of most flowers may depend more on the color of the flower, than the bloom itself. Here are the meanings of some of the most popular flowers.
Roses
With over 150 species, roses are one of the most available, and certainly the most iconic, flowers worldwide. With traditional long-stemmed, garden roses, spray roses, and countless hybrids, the count for rose choices goes well into the thousands.
Roses are perhaps the most traditional gift of love, and therefore, are a great way to impress your significant other on Valentine’s or any day of the year.
Typically, red roses, closely associated with romance, are sent to a beloved. So, if that isn’t the message you’re trying to send, you may want to consider another color.
Spoil a best friend with yellow roses, which symbolize friendship and happiness. Whether for a birthday, a little bit of cheer, or to simply to express how much a friendship means to you, this shade of rose will do the trick. Yellow roses are also a perfect way to say “get well” after a sickness or surgery. And, as the most cheerful rose, yellow varieties are great way to celebrate “Galentine’s Day,” or brighten the day of someone who may not have a Valentine this year.
Pink roses are more subtle and appropriate to signify admiration, happiness, a strong friendship, or the love between family members. (We love the idea of sending pink roses as a gift from dads to their daughters on Valentine’s Day.) Pink roses, in shade from pale to bold, are also a great way to recognize Mother’s Day, a Sweet 16, Quinceanera, promotion, or homecoming.
White roses, elegant and pure, are ideally suited to symbolize marriage, remembrance, new starts, and spirituality. Normally identified with reverent occasions, the white rose is a fitting way to honor a friend or loved one in recognition of a new beginning or a farewell.
Carnations
Carnations are another great way to send love, especially on a budget. These flowers were once more popular than roses, but their appeal waned over the past decades. With new colors and hybrid varieties, even mini carnations, they are now back in favor and more popular than ever for their versatility, sturdiness, and ability to last well beyond more delicate blooms.
According to agriculture experts at Texas A&M University, these are a variety of messages sent when presenting carnations. Red carnations say, “My heart longs for you.” While pink carnations say, “I will never forget you,” and white say, “Our love is pure.” Yellow carnations convey, “You have disappointed me.” So, on second thought, you may want to avoid yellow carnations!
Daisy
“Fresh as a daisy,” is an adage with which we are all familiar. This simple, and sunny springtime bloom, which brightens fields and tables alike, brings several positive meanings. Daisies are an expression of purity, innocence, new beginnings, joy and cheerfulness. With their sunny faces and bright white petals, they are the perfect representation of gentle beauty and simplicity.
Delphinium
Pink delphiniums are a perfect gift to a partner when renewing vows as they represent youth and renewal. They're also a great option to include in bouquets for anniversaries to celebrate another year together.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers, named for the center of our solar system, for their brilliant yellow petals and broad open faces that turn with the sun, are especially popular today for their simplicity, affordability, and lasting beauty. Representing “new life,” sunflowers make for wonderful bridal bouquets, and presents at christenings, first birthdays, and graduations.
Tulips
Tulips come in nearly every color of the rainbow, and are beautiful as a table centerpiece or mantle decoration on a gray winter day. We love tulips because they are so versatile.
Like yellow roses, they are a cheerful and happy flower suitable for anyone. In the coldest parts of the country, tulip bulbs peeking through the snow are a sign of hope that spring is just around the corner. Yellow tulips, especially state happiness, cheerfulness, and hope. Victorians, it is said, even believed yellow tulips literally meant,
“There’s sunshine in your smile.” It is for this reason yellow tulips are perfect “just because” offerings, appropriate for teacher’s or caregiver gifts, or as a warm thank you to a dinner host.
Pink tulips symbolize well wishes, happiness, and love—of the platonic kind. Gift pink tulips to friends and family members to express how much they mean to you, and save the red blooms for a significant other.
Tulips are a less expensive, but still beautiful way to let someone know you care this Valentine’s Day.
ASK THE EXPERTS
Giving flowers is a thoughtful way to show someone you care about them. Whether you're looking to buy flowers for an anniversary, birthday or celebration or you simply want to surprise a loved one with a thoughtful arrangement, learning flower meanings can help you pick the right ones.
Use this handy reference as a starting point for a few of the most common blooms, and check in with Valley Center’s La Mesa Floral Artistry Weddings & Events for additional meanings, and recommendations for a flower bouquet that expresses your truest sentiments.
La Mesa Floral Artistry Weddings & Events, Valley Center’s community florist since 2016, is available at any time to answer your floral questions, create an arrangement, or order specific blooms.
For more information, call 908.872.6550, email lamesaevents.floral@gmail.com, or visit www.lamesafloral.com. In addition to their local floral studio, La Mesa Floral Artistry is also featured as the resident florist at CJ Gift Shoppe, 29115 Valley Center Road.