Floriography

Acacia

Friendship

​

​"Mimosa" Yellow: Joy

White: Elegance

Agonis Foliage ("Peppermint Tree")

Mystery, Drama, Elegance, Grace, Adaptability, Flexibility, Healing, Cleansing

Amaryllis

Pride, Determination, Radiant beauty, Intense love

​

<<Fun Fact>> This flower was named after the Greek myth of the nymph Amaryllis—who pierced her heart with a golden arrow to prove her love—the flower represents striking worth, unyielding effort, and bold confidence.

​​

COLOR

Red: Deep romantic love, passion, desire, and intense admiration

​

White: Purity, innocence, and remembrance

​

Pink: Friendship, gentle affection, and caring

​

Orange: Energy, enthusiasm, and good health

​

Purple: Royalty, ambition, and spiritual depth

​

VARIETY

Mini Tango / Tango: Rebirth, Fresh Perspectives, Exotic energy, Passion, Intense creativity, Unconventional charm, Unique spirit

(Unlike standard heavy-bodied trumpet amaryllises that imply dominant pride, the Tango's ultra-thin, narrow petals represent grace under pressure and a gentle, refined inner strength.)

​

Anemone

White (w/Navy or Black Eye): Protection, Deep mental focus

​

Blue: Hope, Calm, Excitement

Anthurium

Hospitality, Romantic Love, Strength, Luck, Positive Energy, Peace/Harmony, Nature

Calla Lily

Purity of thought, High elegance

Carnation / Dianthus

Beauty, Abundance, Deep & consuming love, Passion, Longing

In Victorian floriography, carnations also represent: Fascination & Distinction.

​

Burgundy: Darker, deeper colors underscore and intensify the flower's core meaning.

​

​

Celosia

Cockscomb: Humor, Silliness, Courage

​

Feather/Flame: Enduring/unfading Love, Strength, Immortality

Cocculus Greens

Boundless energy, Connection, Visual rhythm, Joy, Intertwined paths, Momentum

Cordyline Leaf (Ti Plant)

Good luck, Divine protection, Ward-off negative energy, Inviting blessings

Cosmos

Order, Peace, Tranquility/Harmony, Balance, Joy

Pink: Represents a mother's love, deep affection, and gentle emotion

White: Purity, Modesty, Balance, Faithfulness, Devotion

Red: Love, Passion, Deep Romance

Yellow / Orange: Friendship, Positivity, and Wholeness

Craspedia ("Billy Balls")

Cheer, Positivity, Joy, Optimism

Curly Willow

Emotional intelligence, Insight, Deep wisdom, Mental agility

​

Delphinium

Levity, Lightness

Dusty Miller

Humble endurance, Support, Innocence, Purity

Eryngium ("Sea Holly")

Sharp Intellect, Attraction, Independence, Severity

Eucalyptus

Clarity, Focus, Mental rejuvenation

​

​

Fern

Feather Fern: Lightness/Weightlessness, Purity, Pure intentions, Gentleness, Safe travel

​​

Flat Fern: Sanctuary, Shelter, Protection, Relationship Stability

​

Fiddlehead Fern: Growth, New beginnings, Eternal youth, Untapped potential

​

Foxtail Fern: Playfulness, High spirits, Vibrant energy, Quirky, Unique, Admiration

​

Tree Fern: Ancient wisdom, Primordial connection, Enduring strength

​

Maiden Hair Fern: Virginity, Purity, Secret bond of love

​

Plumosa Fern: Natural whimsy, Lighthearted fascination, Delicate grace

​

Sword Fern: Health, Confidence, Sincerity, Gallantry, Confidence

​

Ming Fern: Resilience, Peace, Harmony, Balance, Stability

Flax Leaf

Honest work, Practicality, Skill

​

Green Flax: Fertility, Utility, Domestic harmony, Building a life together

​

Purple Flax: Distinguished, Regal, Mystery, Rare Beauty

Foxglove

Toxicity, Insincerity, Deception

Green Trick / Dianthus

Renewal, Good fortune, Freshness, Originality, Admiration

Galax Leaves

Encouragement, Enduring friendship, Steadfastness

Geranium, Scented

Comfort, Healing, Uplifted energy

Rose scented: Fondness, Preference

Lemon scented: indicates an Unexpected Meeting

Nutmeg scented: indicates an Expected Meeting

Variegated (+ Scent meaning): Multi-faceted, Complex, Harmoniously contrasting, or a Changeable mind, Capriciousness, Playful changeability

Oak-leaf Shape: True, Steadfast, Platonic friendship 

Gerbera Daisy

Cheerfulness, Friendship, Optimism

​

(Including those with a black center)

Grasses

Bear Grass: Wild elegance, Endurance, Fierce spirit, Rugged, Unbreakable, Strong

​​

Explosion Grass: Overwhelming joy, Overflow of ideas, Uncontainable -or- Chaotic, Burst of anxiety

​

Mondo Grass: Quiet dignity, Camouflage, Boundaries, Protected emotions, "Decorum over drama"

​

Pampas Grass: High Ambition, Pride, Extravagance, Boastfulness, Luxury, Striking presence

​

Ruby Love Grass: Passion, Affection, Vulnerability, Romance, Devotion, Fascination

Grevillea Greens

Diversity, Flair, Untamed Passion, Wildness, Individuality

Hellebore ("Lenten Rose")

Protection, Warding off spirits, Warding off ill health, Overcoming distress

​

(In Victorian floriography, Hellebore may have communicated: Shrewdness, Calculated, Scandal, Accusation of slander / False rumors)

Green: Shrewdness, Aggressive protection, Shield against gossip, Shield against false accusation, Calculated recovery that involves a hard or strategic choice to fix a problem

Burgundy / Purple: Scandal, Mystery, Secrets, Hidden truths, Forbidden knowledge, The weight of distress, Solemn farewells, Enduring deep emotional distress

Pink / Blush: Vulnerability, Being whispered about, Innocent target of gossip, Slow emotional healing, Physical convalescence

Yellow / Apricot: False cheer, Calculated mask, Hidden secrets, Hidden grief, Overcoming distress, Willpower, Wits that outsmart a difficult situation

White: Unyielding protection, Barrier against witchcraft -or, historically- Assasination, Poisoning, "Wolf in sheep's clothing"

Hydrangea

Heartfelt gratitude, Understanding, Abundance

(Traditionally, hydrangea symbolizes: Coldness, Rejection, Vanity, Frigidity)

Hypericum Berries

Green: Protection, Superstition

Iris

Wisdom, Eloquence, Sharp wit

Ivy

Lasting affection, Long marriage

(In Victorian floriography, Ivy may also symbolize: Clinging, Dependence, Overshadowing)

Jade Greens

Wealth, Prosperity, Good fortune

Kale

Ornamental Kale
White & Cream Centers: Pure intentions, Clarity, Dignity, Goodness

Pink/Rose/Magenta Centers: Affection, Warmth, Joyful heart

Deep Purple/Near-Black: High honor, Royalty, Resilience, Seriousness, Surviving hardship

​​

Ruffled/Crinkle-Leaf Kale
Intricate, Deep, Multi-faceted, Many-layered

​​

Smooth-Leaf Kale

Abundance, Weath, Material success, Prosperity

Kangaroo Paw

Uniqueness, Resilience

Red: Passion, Strength

Orange: Energy, Enthusiasm

Yellow: Happiness, Celebration

Green: Nature, New beginnings

Lily

Purity, Rebirth, Refined beauty

​

​

COLOR​

White: Purity, Chastity, Virtue, Sympathy

​

Pink (Stargazer): Prosperity, Abundance, Aspiration

​

Yellow: Thankfulness, Cheerfulness, Gaiety

(Victorian meanings leaned toward rejection, "walking away," or falsehood.)

​

Orange (Tiger): Confidence, Pride, Wealth, Energy, Daring

​

​

VARIETIES

Fire Lily / Gloriosa Lily: Glory, Pride, Boldness, Ambition, Intense passion, Consuming love, Honor, Achievement, Triumph, Resilience, Transformation, Rebirth, Enduring power

​​

​

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL MEANING

In China, the word for lily (bǎihé) sounds like "one hundred harmonies," making it a symbol of unity, harmonious relationships, and a 100-year marriage blessing.

​

In Ancient Greece and Egypt, lilies were tied to fertility, motherhood, and rebirth, believed to have sprung from the milk of the goddess Hera.

Leatherleaf Greenery

Protection, Baseline stability, Support, Humility

Lemon Leaf (Salal)

Friendship, Resourcefulness, Zest for life, Adaptability, Companionship, Easygoing

Leucadendron

Transformation, Grit, Courage, Opening a closed heart

Silver: Emotional breakthroughs, Truth

Liatris ("Blazing Star")

Joy, Bliss, Vitality, Energy, Happiness, Perserverance "I will try again"

Purple: Dignity, Spiritual depth, Courage, Wisdom

Rose-Pink: Affection, Playfulness, Vibrant Energy

White: Purity, Innocence, Fresh starts

Lisianthus

Lifelong Bonds, Charisma, Deep Appreciation

White: Purity, Innocence, and Grace

Peach: Gratitude, Warmth, Appreciation

Pink: Kindness, New Mothers, Youth

Red: Deep love and passion

Blue / Purple: Peace, calm, and openness

Green: Wealth, fertility, and success

Magnolia Greens

Endurance, Perseverance, Dignity, Nobility, Stability, Longevity, Love of Nature

​

​

​

Mums

Longevity, Fidelity, Joy, Optimism, New Beginnings, Innovation

​

Yellow (Button Mums): Loyalty, Optimism, Joy

​

Green (Button Mums): Renewal, Good fortune, Health, Youthfulness, Vitality

​​

***

​

White: Absolute truth, Purity, Loyal friendship

​​

Red/Bronze: Warmth, Coziness, Shared affection

​

Yellow: Bursting joy, Sunshine, Celebration

(Historically, in Victorian times, they signified Slighted love, Requesting clear answers)

​

Golden Yellow: Wealth, Prosperity, Good fortune

(In Victorian floriography, golden or yellow chrysanthemums were a symbol of slighted love or sorrow. But today, they have a much more positive meaning.)

​

Pink & Purple: Gentle affection, Playfulness, Flirtation, Good health​

​

Blue (Natural): Miracles, New beginnings, Breaking boundaries, Innovation, Achieving the impossible. 

("True blue" flowers were considered biologically impossible for centuries. A "naturally" blue mum like this one symbolizes miracles, breaking boundaries, innovation, and achieving what was once thought unattainable. These mums are genetically engineered to accept the blue color from a blue pea flower, and are highly sought-after for modern celebrations.)

​

Blue (Dyed): Heartbreak, Closure.

(Traditionally, a dyed blue mum carries Victorian associations with heartbreak and closure.​​)

Myrtle Greens

Justice, Good Luck​​​

Nagi Greens

Peace, Safety, Calm home, Protective, Safety/Safe journey

Orchid

Luxury, Power, Rare beauty

​

But, meanings vary based on variety as well as color...

​

​

VARIETIES:

Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid): Grace, Affection, Calm, Resilience.

(One of the most popular and recognizable orchids. They bloom for months at a time, making them a modern symbol of lasting dedication.)

​

Dendrobium: Refined nobility, Integrity, Wellness, Honoring milestones

​

Oncidium (Dancing Lady Orchid): Pure joy, Lighthearted, Carefree, Playful, Fresh talent

​

Vanda: Dignity, Status, Admiration.

(Premium and rare orchids reserved for people you deeply respect or hold in high esteem.)

​

​​

COLORS:

White: Elegance, Reverence, Purity, Sympathy, Remembrance

​

Purple: Royalty, High respect, Admiration, Life's milestones

​​

Pink: Grace, Femininity, Affection, Joy, Tenderness, Celebrating relationships

​​

Yellow: Friendship, New beginnings, Optimism, Brightness, Uplifting celebration

​​

Green: Good fortune, Prosperity, Renewal, Longevity, Immortality

Palm Frond

Emerald Palm: Prosperity, Refreshing clarity, Luxury

​

Phoenix Palm: Rebirth, Overcoming adversity

​

Robellini Palm: Refined victory, Delicate grace, Triumph

​

Sago Palm: Longevity, Endurance, Protective armor, Unbreakable spirit

Peony

Committment, Prosperity, Good Fortune, Romance

Pitcher Plant

Resourcefulness, Cunning, Ruthless strategy

Ranunculus

Radiance, Charm, Happiness, Joy, Attraction

​

Red: Radiant attraction

Rose

Deep romantic love, Enduring passion, Respect, Direct statement: "I love you"

Red: Devotion, Desire, Respect, Bravery, Courage, Honor.

Red roses are rooted in early symbolism that links the red hue to profound emotional commitment. Many times, roses are seen as the ultimate expression of romantic devotion and intense desire. In Victorian meanings, red roses express Respect, Bravery, Courage, and Honor (to the recipient). 

​

Burgundy / Dark Crimson: Unknowing beauty, Devotion, Subtle mystery -or- Mourning

​

Pink: Grace, Gentleness, Admiration. (A sweet, softer expression of affection, compared to red.)

​​

Deep Pink: Gratitude, Appreciation, Recognition (Often used to say "thank you")

​​

White: Purity, Innocence, Spiritual reverence, Eternal loyalty, New beginnings

​

Ivory: Charm, Poise, Elegance, Thoughtfulness, Care, Gratitude

​

Light Yellow: True friendship, Warmth

​

Yellow: Friendship, Platonic bonds, Cheer, Joy, Welcoming warmth. (In Victorian times, yellow occasionally symbolized jealousy or infidelity.)

​

Orange: Fierce enthusiasm, Passion, Intense desire. (Bridges the gap between the friendship of yellow and the romance of red.)

​

Peach / Coral: Sincerity, gratitude, and modest admiration. (Often given after a successful deal or closing a new agreement.)

​​​

Toffee: Wisdom

​

Lavender: Enchantment, Fascination, "Love at first sight"

Dark Purple: Royalty, Opulence, Majesty

​

Green: Rejuvenation, Abundance, Peace

​

Black (Very Dark Red): Rebirth, Transformation, End of a chapter. (Historically, it can also signify deep sorrow or farewell.)

​

Ruscus

Thoughtfulness, Longevity, Timeless, Grace, Promises, Memories

Sanseveria ("Snake Plant")

Resilience, Clean slate, Protection from bad luck, Ward-off negative energy

Scabiosa ("Pincushion Flower")

Lightheartedness, Admiration, Captivation, Love, Romance

White: Peace, Purity

​

Lavender, Light Blue: Peace, Tranquility, Pure affection

​

Pink: Gentle love, New beginnings

​

Black/Darkest Burgundy: Quiet intensity, Moody romance -or- Unfortunate love, Mourning, Sorrow, Lost romance

During the Victorian era, near-black Scabiosa blooms were heavily associated with death and widowhood. They were frequently used in funeral arrangements or worn by women in mourning, earning the flower melancholy nicknames like "Mournful Widow" and "Mourning Bride."

​​​​

Smokebush / Cotinus

Wisdom, Mystery, Shifting illusion, Purification, Clarity, Vitality, Deep contemplation, Seriousness, Intellect

Cloud-like blooms: Introspective wisdom, Deception, Illusion, Enigmatic, Secretive, The idea of "smoke and mirrors"

(Paradoxically, Smokebush's frothy blooms both translate to "deception" and "misleading" as much as it does "seeing through the illusion." Historically, in Victorian floriography, it may also have warned the recipient of:  "Things are not as they seem.")

​

Green Foliage: Clarity, Purification, Vitality, Indicates a lively home

The green leaves provide a stark contrast to the cloud-like blooms, symbolizing emerging life or clarity rising above confusion.

​

Burgundy / Purple Foliage: Mystery, Intellect, Contemplation, Seriousness, Royalty - but also may indicate Sorrow

Snapdragon

Graciousness, Elegance, Cordiality, Inner strength

(In Victorian floriography, Snapdragons also imply Deception, Judgement, or Presumption)
 

Red: Passion, Romantic love, Strength

Yellow: Happiness, positivity, good luck

White: Purity, Innocence, Grace

Pink: Grace, Joy, Affection

Purple: Spirituality, Wisdom, Mystery

Stock / Matthiola

Bonds of affection, Lasting Beauty, Promptness

Sunflower

Unwavering loyalty, Cheer, Appreciation, Support, Groundedness

Sweet William / Dianthus

Gallantry, Chivalry, Bravery, Finesse, Dexterity, Youthful joy

​

​

COLOR

Red: Bravery, Nerve, Courage, Commitment, Romance, Passion

​

Pink: Gratitude, Gracious hospitality, Motherly love, Warmth, Gentle affection

​

White: Fresh starts, Raw talent, Innocence, Sympathy, Sacred remembrance

​

Purple: Intrigue, Sophistication, Good fortune, Admiration, Regal

​

​

MULTI-COLORED

Because many Sweet Williams naturally grow with contrasting central "eyes" or variegated edges, they are frequently used to express complex, multifaceted emotions, such as a mixture of joy and longing

Tulip

Clean elegance, Rebirth

Red: A declaration of perfect love, Deep consuming passion, Desire, Undeniable truth.

This conveys intensely romantic feelings, similar to red roses, but with a more joyful and modern energy. 

​

Pink: Affection, Caring, Well-wishes

​

Yellow: Cheer, Joy, Hope, Optimism, Warmth, Affection, Brightness

​

Orange: Fascination, Enthusiasm, Vitality, Energy, Warmth

​

Purple: Elegance, Royalty, Deep admiration, Enchantment, Rebirth, Respect

​

White: Forgiveness, Clean Slates, Renewal, Elegance, Purity

​

Black/Dark Burgundy: Sophistication, Mystery, Drama, Power

​

VARIETIES

Parrot: Breaking boundaries, Daring, Imagination, Extravagance, Untamed passionate love​

​

Waxflower

Innocence, Trust, Lasting success, Friendship, Happiness in marriage, Patience, Endurance

White: Purity, Innocence, Trust, Sympathy, Fresh starts

​

Blush / Pale Pink: Tenderness, Patience, New romance

​

Deep Pink: Gratitude, Admiration, Gentle affection

​

Lavender / Purple: Dignity, Enchantment, Deep appreciation

​

Burgundy / Red: Deep love, Commitment, Passion​

Zinnia

Lasting Affection, Resilience, Committment, Continuity