Flowers are possibly the oldest means to express affection, love, gratitude, and a host of other emotions. Flowers are also still one of the most touching gifts to receive from someone. Over time, different types of flowers have come to be associated with specific emotions.
The underlying message in a floral gift depends upon which type of bouquet is chosen. There is even a term for this- "florigraphy". Florigraphy literally means "the language of flowers". Take heed when sending a floral arrangement as a gift and make certain that you are sending the appropriate 'message'.
Adoration
Blue Hyacinth - Undying devotion.
Evening Primrose - A shy type of admiration or devotion.
Heliotrope - Jerry Maguire could have just as easily sent Heliotrope to express "You complete me", but it wouldn't have been as dramatic.
White Hyacinth - I admire you.
Friendship
Bronze Chrysanthemum - If you want to say "Lets just be friends" then send bronze chrysanthemums. It says you value the friendship, but that's all it will ever be.
Pelargonium - I would be happy to be your friend.
Pink Phlox - Send these to someone you have just met and would like to be friends with.
Pink Rose - Send these to a someone you consider a special friend.
Left: Arrangement of pink roses, spear grass and fern.
Hurt
Laburnum - If a person sends Laburnum, they are stating that they feel neglected.
Indecision
Goldenrod - If you haven't made a decision, send goldenrod.
White Geranium - White geraniums also signal indecision. For extra emphasis, send a bouquet of both goldenrod and white geraniums.
Insecurity
Pink Geranium - If someone sends pink geraniums, they are expressing doubt.
Scarlet Geranium - Scarlet geraniums symbolize distrust.
Love
Gardenia - I secretly love you. .jpg)
Morning Glory - They simply state "I love you", and are often sent for the 11th wedding anniversary.
Orange Lily - Orange lilies convey the intensity of passionate love.
Peony - Peonies bashfully say "I love you".
Periwinkle - A person sends periwinkle to their first love.
Primrose - Primroses send the message "I need you".
Purple Iris - Purple irises state "I am madly in love with you".
Purple Larkspur - Purple larkspurs are also sent to first loves.
Purple Lilac - Purple lilacs also symbolize first love.
Red Rose - Red roses are the traditional symbol for love.
Tiger Lily - Tiger lilies are meant to symbolize passionate love.
Above: Image of pink peonies courtesy Iain Stephens Floral Design.
Matrimony
Ivy - I would like you to be my wife.
Rejection
Blue Lobelia - Signifies that the sender doesn't love, even like, the recipient.
Daffodil - If you receive or send a bouquet containing daffodils, it sends the message that affections aren't reciprocated.
Red Dahlia - Red dahlias symbolize rejection.
Snapdragon - Snapdragons are used to send a message of absolute rejection.
White Dahlia - If white dahlias are contained in a bouquet, it means "Leave me alone".
White Lobelia - If you are sent a bouquet of white lobelia, the sender doesn't appreciate your attention and wants to be left alone.
White Rose - White roses mean the sender doesn't love the recipient.
Yellow Dahlia - Yellow dahlias mean "I am repulsed".
Yellow Rose - Yellow roses tell the recipient that the sender loves someone else.
Hope
Magnolia - Keep the faith and don't give up.
Remember MeForget-Me-Nots - Forget-me-nots are sent to remind a loved one not to forget them while they are apart.
Rosemary - I will never forget you.
Zinnia - Zinnias signify missing a friend or in remembrance of a friend who is far away.
Send zinnias to a friend who is far away.
Now that you know more about the symbolism behind flowers, be sure you send the right message the next time you send a bouquet.