Flower Meanings: Symbolism of Flowers, Herbs, and Trees

Do you know the language of flowers? Each flower carries its own meaning. Orange blossom signifies chastity, purity, loveliness; red chrysanthemum means "I love you."

Flower meanings have fascinated people for centuries, featuring prominently in Shakespeare's works. Bouquets make meaningful gifts—know what yours symbolizes. Many gardeners choose flowers representing personal meanings. Roses have special meanings, as do wedding flowers. Birth month flowers are another important area of symbolism.

Rose Meanings

Red roses = love and desire. But colors vary:

• Dark red: unconscious beauty
• White: purity, innocence, reverence, silence
• Pink: grace, happiness, gentleness
• Yellow: joy, friendship, new beginnings
• Orange: desire, enthusiasm
• Lavender: love at first sight
• Coral: friendship, modesty, sympathy

Wedding Flowers: Flowers of Love

Flowers feature prominently at weddings. Example: Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal bouquet held special meanings. The groom wears a flower from the bridal bouquet—a Medieval tradition of wearing his Lady's colors as a love declaration.

Fun idea: garden gathering where each person brings a meaningful flower. Or paint kitchen tiles with flowers representing loved ones.

There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
—The Language of Flowers, London, 1875

Meanings of Herbs, Flowers, and Trees

Share your meaningful flowers! If we're missing a favorite, tell us its meaning.

Want to grow a meaningful flower? Click linked plant names for free growing guides.

Symbolic Meanings of Herbs, Flowers and Trees
Aloe	Healing, protection, affection
Angelica	Inspiration
Arborvitae	Unchanging friendship
Bachelor's button	Single blessedness
Basil	Good wishes
Bay	Glory
Black-eyed Susan	Justice
Carnation	Alas for my poor heart
Chamomile	Patience
Chives	Usefulness
Chrysanthemum	Cheerfulness
Clover, white	Think of me
Coriander	Hidden worth
Crocus, spring	Youthful gladness
Cumin	Fidelity
Daffodil	Regard
Daisy	Innocence, hope
Dill	Powerful against evil
Edelweiss	Courage, devotion
Fennel	Flattery
Fern	Sincerity
Forget-me-not	Forget-me-not
Geranium, oak-leaved	True friendship
Goldenrod	Encouragement
Heliotrope	Eternal love
Holly	Hope
Hollyhock	Ambition
Honeysuckle	Bonds of love
Horehound	Health
Hyacinth	Constancy of love, fertility
Hyssop	Sacrifice, cleanliness
Iris	A message
Ivy	Friendship, continuity
Jasmine, white	Sweet love
Lady's-mantle	Comforting
Lavender	Devotion, virtue
Lemon balm	Sympathy
Lilac	Joy of youth
Lily-of-the-valley	Sweetness
Marjoram	Joy and happiness
Mint	Virtue
Morning glory	Affection
Myrtle	The emblem of marriage, true love
Nasturtium	Patriotism
Oak	Strength
Oregano	Substance
Pansy	Thoughts
Parsley	Festivity
Pine	Humility
Poppy, red	Consolation
Rose, red	Love, desire
Rosemary	Remembrance
Rue	Grace, clear vision
Sage	Wisdom, immortality
Salvia, blue	I think of you
Salvia, red	Forever mine
Savory	Spice, interest
Sorrel	Affection
Southernwood	Constancy, jest
Sweet pea	Pleasures
Sweet William	Gallantry
Sweet woodruff	Humility
Tansy	Hostile thoughts
Tarragon	Lasting interest
Thyme	Courage, strength
Tulip, red	Declaration of love
Valerian	Readiness
Violet	Loyalty, devotion, faithfulness
Willow	Sadness
Yarrow	Everlasting love
Zinnia	Thoughts of absent friends

Source: The 2009 Old Farmer's Almanac