Flower Symbols and Meanings

You may already know that colors can have strong significance or can give us a certain “feeling” or emotion, but flowers can, too! Whether you’re looking for the perfect blossom to symbolize a message to a loved one, or you’re decorating for a particular event and want something meaningful, take a look at the following flower symbols and meanings to find the right one for you.

An Unspoken Language

Even since ancient times, flowers have been used to speak to others in a way without saying a word. In some cases, even the way they were presented could symbolize an answer or response: using the right hand to give a flower could mean “yes”, while the left hand could mean “no”. Although times have changed, we still often use flowers to evoke certain feelings in others we care for.

Flowers for Love

Roses are a traditional favorite for this meaning, but they aren’t the only ones! Carnations, gardenias, jasmine, and tulips are all other flowers that also represent love in one way or another. Carnations in particular also have various symbols depending on the color presented: while a red carnation says “my heart aches for you,” a white carnation means “innocence” or “pure love”.

“Happy” Flowers

Want to find blooms that symbolize words like happy, cheerful, or sunshine? Here are some great options to consider:

  • Chrysanthemum: cheerfulness
  • Marjoram: joy and happiness
  • Peony: happy life, happy marriage
  • Pink rose: happiness
  • Yellow tulip: sunshine
  • Sunflowers: sunshine, warmth

Flowers for Mourning

The following options may be the right choice for a funeral, memorial service or for someone who is grieving:

  • Lily: innocence, purity, sympathy
  • Pink carnation: remembrance
  • Dark crimson rose: grief, sorrow
  • All-white bouquet: purity, humility, loyalty

Springtime or Baby Showers

Planning an event to celebrate the warmer weather? Or wanting to shower your expectant friend or family member? Bird of paradise, daffodils, daisies and other springtime flowers are all great symbols of birth, renewal, and hope.

Need a Floral Arrangement in Ohio? Contact Roots Floral Design!

Looking for a florist in Cincinnati or Columbus? Florals and greenery can make any event special and meaningful, no matter the occasion. Reach out to Roots Floral Design for elegant bouquets, floral arrangements and more!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

story driven - innovative - elevated

"Highly recommend Roots Floral Design - absolutely beautiful! I can’t say enough good things about Kaytee and her team. The flowers for our wedding far exceeded our expectations. They were stunning and our guests raved about how beautiful the bouquets and decor were! Kaytee understood our vision and created a beautiful setting for the wedding. Last but not least, Kaytee worked well within our budget and made good recommendations. Thanks Kaytee and team!"

-Megan, Mother of the Bride, Spring 2019 Wedding

Highly recommend Roots Floral Design - absolutely beautiful!

“Kaytee is an absolute GEM! She has so much passion and care for what she does, that you feel like she's a friend more than a vendor. She walks you through each step of the floral process with organization, examples, cost, and detail -- all things that make my detail-oriented heart happy. The end result far exceeded anything we could have hoped for or imagined. ALL. THE. GREENERY. Future brides, run, don't walk to Roots for your wedding. From start to finish, she took care of every single floral need to make our day positively beautiful.”

-Laura, Summer 2019 Wedding

FROM START TO FINISH, SHE TOOK CARE OF EVERY SINGLE FLORAL NEED.

"Kaytee became so much more than a vendor for us. The first time I met her I felt as though I met a long lost friend. She was the very first vendor I chose for the wedding (even before the venue) and she lived up to all my expectations and went above and beyond.  Each time I met with her I felt confident that she completely comprehended my wants and would fashion them into something that looks put together, yet natural. The day-of she silently transformed a bland rustic space into an enchanting, romantic barn. I couldn't have asked for anything more beautiful or unique."

-Grace, Spring 2019 Wedding

THE FIRST TIME I MET HER I FELT AS THOUGH  I MET A LONG LOST FRIEND.

"Kaytee was so great to work with!!! I provided her with some floral inspirations from Pinterest and Instagram but gave her a lot of free rein coming up with the flowers for our wedding and she went above and beyond expectations. Our photographer was obsessed with all the bouquets and we got so many great pictures of them! She did such a good job making my smaller budget work to make high impact arrangements. She's also the sweetest person to be around!"

-Bo, Spring 2019 Wedding

SHE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND EXPECTATIONS!