Some people say that flowers can say it all, and the truth is that they really can, but in order to make your floral bouquet speak you first need to know what the meanings of the flowers you are thinking of including are. There are many ways to express different degrees of love, understanding, congratulations, and many more emotions in just a simple floral bouquet and while you may not realize it, there is more to figuring out these emotions than simply picking the right colour rose! If you want the perfect flower for your occasion, you might consider researching the meanings of the flowers you enjoy below to get a firm grasp on what belongs in your next floral gift bouquet, basket, or arrangement.
Alstroemeria
Commonly also referred to as the Peruvian lily, the alstroemeria is unique due to the fact that coloured flower grows backwards from the stem up, so that the bottom of the leaf is actually the side you see in full bloom. These twists can symbolize the hard times that can make every relationship special, which is why the flower is known as a sign of friendship and devotion, perfect for a get well gift to say you will make it through this struggle as well.
Amaryllis
With deep colours of red, white, and pink slowly emerging from the centre of the amaryllis flower, it should not be hard to figure out why the flower symbolizes pastoral poetry. However, If poetry is not your thing, you might want to include the flower in a graduation or baby shower gift since it’s more common meaning is pride.
Anemone
With its lovely deep red, blue or white colouring, it would be hard to pass by this flower, but if you are moving or saying goodbye to someone the anemone flower which literally means forsaken can be a wonderful gift to leave behind.
Aster
If you are giving a gift to someone you love, rather it be a friend or your true love, you will not want to forget the delicate aster accents as the flower itself symbolizes love. Also, since the aster can also signify daintiness and is the birth flower for September, it can add a unique decorative touch to a baby flower bouquet or basket.
Azalea
While many people think of the azalea as an annual blossoming plant, it can also have many more meanings if given in a get well basket such as take care of yourself for me and temperance or as a plant for an incoming child since it can also mean fragile passion and is the Chinese symbol of womanhood.
Begonia
While you may enjoy the pretty beauty of red, yellow, and pink begonias, you may not be so quite to send floral arrangements of this particular flower to your friends since it actually conveys the warning of beware.
Bells of Ireland
If you are sending out a bouquet of flowers to a recent college or high school graduate, the bells of Ireland make for a wonderful accent as the thick green foliage also will wish the graduates good luck in their future ventures for you.
Birds of Paradise
This unique plant will add a special touch to any floral arrangement, although the bird pf paradise's statement is best understood in a planted pot, alone on its own, as the yellow and orange leaves sprout from the blue stems making it appear to really be a tropical bird that has landed in the pot.
Calla Lily
The glorious white bloom of the calla lily represents magnificence and beauty. They are most popular and often used in wedding bouquets and other elegant floral designs.
Carnation
There is a reason why the carnation is often found in many floral arrangements. They symbolize fascination and deep friendship among women.
Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum thought to convey to your recipient that they are a wonderful friend, as well as the emotions of cheerfulness and rest. Therefore, it no wonder that they are often included in ‘just because’ bouquets and in new baby floral baskets.
Cyclamen
The pink, purple, and red light shades of the cyclamen flower will generally light up a room, even if their meaning is a feeling of resignation or sorrow.
Daisy
A bright white daisy is often thought of as a simple pleasure to look at, so it is not surprising that its actually meaning makes it quite virtuous. It stands for innocence, loyal love and purity.
Gardenia
Some people often mistake the white gardenia for a white rose, since they are delicate and have a very similar bloom. However, their meanings are quite different as gardenias profess a "secret" love for their recipient.
Gladioli
Gladiolas come in a variety of luscious colours that are all each very delicate despite the fact that they were known as the flower of the gladiators. Depending on what you are using them for, they can mean both ‘give me a break’ and ‘I’m really sincere'.
Heliconia
The heliconia flower is a tropical flower that immediately beckons attention. The most eye catching element of the heliconia are the leaves of the bloom, as each leaf looks much like a parrot’s beak, thus earning the heliconia its affectionate nickname. This bright flower can mean pride and sunshine, which it definitely brings to any room.
Hydrangea
The hydrangea flower and its very full colourful bloom are often is used to represent gratitude, or saying thank you for your understanding. This can make both a wonderful I’m sorry gift, or a gift to show your appreciation and thank someone special.
Iris
Although the deep bluish-purple bloom of the iris is said to be the emblem of France, the flower itself can mean many more things. Is seen as a symbol of faith, hope, wisdom and valor. It can also say, "my compliments," making it fitting for a romantic bouquet and for a congratulatory bouquet.
Kalanchoe
This is a really pretty coloured, small flowering plant. It is what many would consider an “old world” flower. It is known to symbolize eternal love, persistence and prosperity.
Larkspur
The larkspur blooms come in a variety of colours and are often mistaken for delphinium because of their similar structure. However, instead of a bell shaped flower, you will see many individual more traditional flower blooms lined up the larkspur stem, which symbolizes fickleness.
Lily
The lily is a fantastic flower. They are available in a variety of colours and represent, modesty, purity and have sensitivity and a charm that is refreshing and full of life. They can represent the beginning of life and comfort in the end of life. The lily is one of the most versatile flowers and is welcome in almost every home.
Orchid
Orchids come in a wide range of colours, but the delicate blooms usually appear to be hanging from a thread off of the stem, as if they designed to look frail, but also beautiful. Although the orchid is a Chinese symbol for many children, you will most commonly see an orchid in a wedding bouquet instead of a new baby bouquet since it also means love, beauty, refinement, and beautiful lady.
Peony
The bright colours of a full peony bloom are so multi-layered that this is one flower you are not likely to mistake for another. Although the peony can represent shame thus making it wonderful way to say ‘I am sorry’, you will more commonly see it appear in anniversary arrangements since the peony also means a happy life and a happy marriage.
Poinsettia
The story behind the poinsettia is very revealing to its meaning. A humble young man dug up weeds on the side of the road and placed them on the church altar at Christmas. The weeds changed into vibrant red and green flowers in front of their very eyes. Poinsettias seem to convey the magic of the holidays.
Rose
The gift of one single fully blooming rose is meant to convey ‘I Love You’ or when given after a relationship forms that ‘I Still Love You.’ A full bouquet of mature rose blooms can convey both gratitude and a loving way to say thank you.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons are native to the Mediterranean areas, but they are now found just about anywhere. The delicate blooms can signify a gracious lady or deception as the name implies.
Spider Mum
While spider chrysanthemums are very common in bouquets, you may want to be careful with who you give them to, as the literal meaning of the spider mum is to ask someone to elope with me!
Stock
Stock is an annual flower that grow in a wide array of colours and are a very hardy flower that can convey bonds of affection, promptness, and the sentiment that ‘you'll always be beautiful to me.’
Sunflower
Sunflowers have long since been admired and documented as symbols for unconventional beauty. They represent the sun, and have strong historical ties to ancient cultures. Sunflowers follow the sun, with their heads face up reflect happiness, longevity, warmth and growth.
Tulip
Tulips, the flower emblem of Holland, come in a wide variety of colours. Most people believe tulips mark the true beginning of spring as their lovely buds begin to appear. In a floral bouquet, a tulip can make a addition and is considered to mean perfect, deep love.