Flowers speak a universal language. From "I love you" (red rose) to "I'm sorry" (hyacinth), every bloom carries a message. This comprehensive A–Z guide lists 200+ flowers with their traditional meanings, scientific names, and symbolism—so you can say it with petals.
How Flower Names Work
Each flower has a common name (varies by region/language) and a scientific name (Latin, standardized by ICBN). Scientific names use binomial taxonomy: Genus species (e.g., Rosa chinensis = China rose). Author citations (e.g., Rosa damascena Mill.) credit the naming botanist.
A–Z Flower Meanings Directory
Click any flower name for detailed symbolism. Images preserved from original source.
A
- Abutilon – Meditation
- Acacia (Rose/White) – Friendship, Elegance
- Acacia (Yellow) – Concealed Love
- Acanthus – Fine Arts, Artifice
- Achillea – State of War
- Aconite (Monkshood) – Hatred, Misanthropy, Caution
- Adam's Needle – Best Friends
- Adonis – Patience, Humility, Sad Memories
- Agrimony – Gratitude
- Alliums – Patience, Unity, Humility
- Almond Blossom – Hope, Contemplation
- Aloe – Sorrow, Grief
- Alstroemeria – Wealth, Devotion, Friendship
- Amaranth (Globe) – Immortal Love
- Amaryllis – Splendid Beauty
- Ambrosia – Reciprocated Love
- Anemone – Fragile, Anticipation
- Angelica – Inspiration
- Anthurium – Hospitality
- Apple Blossom – Hope, Good Fortune
- Apricot Blossom – Diffident Love
- Arbor Vitae – True Friendship
- Arbutus – "I Love Thee Only"
- Asphodel – Regret, Lassitude
- Aster – Love, Contentment, Patience
- Azalea – Fragile, Patience, Womanhood (Chinese)
B
- Baby's Breath – Innocence, Gladness
- Bachelor Button – Celibacy, Anticipation, Delicacy, Perfection
- Balm – Sympathy
- Balsam (Impatiens) – Impatience
- Barberry – Hot Temperament
- Bay Wreath – Glory, Reward for Goodness
- Begonia – Caution, Deep Thinking
- Bells of Ireland – Good Luck, Best Wishes
- Bellwort – Hopelessness
- Bindweed – Philander, Perseverance
- Bird of Paradise – Festivity, Celebration
- Bittersweet – Truth, Fact
- Black-Eyed Susan – Encouragement, Motivation, Impartiality
- Blue Bell – Constancy, Everlasting Love, Gratitude
- Bouvardia – Excitement, Enthusiasm
- Buttercup – Childishness
- Butterfly Weed – "Leave Me"
C
- Cactus – Maternal Affection
- Calendula – Happiness
- Camellia (White) – Adorable, Lovable
- Camellia (Pink) – Strong Desire
- Camellia (Red) – Excellence, Perfection
- Carnation (White) – Sweetness, Innocence, Pure Love
- Carnation (Pink) – Unforgettable, Woman's Love
- Carnation (Red) – Admiration
- Carnation (Yellow) – Disdain, Rejection
- Carnation (Purple) – Unpredictability
- Carnation (Striped) – Rejected Love
- Cherry Blossom – Spiritual Beauty, Education
- Chrysanthemum (General) – Cheerfulness, Optimism, Wonderful Friend
- Chrysanthemum (Red) – Love, Affection
- Chrysanthemum (White) – Trueness
- Chrysanthemum (Yellow) – Slighted Love
- Clematis – Ingenuity
- Clover (Four-Leaf) – Good Luck
- Clover (Five-Leaf) – Bad Luck
- Cosmos – Peaceful
- Crocus – Prevision, Gladness, Cheerfulness
- Cyclamen – Goodbye, Separation
D–F (Selected Highlights)
- Daffodil – Chivalry, Unrequited Love, "Please Love Me"
- Dahlia – Dignity, Elegance
- Daisy – Innocence, Loyal Beauty
- Edelweiss – Courage, Devotion, Freedom
- Forget-Me-Not – True Love, Memories, Hope
- Foxglove – Insincerity, Healing & Harm
- Freesia – Innocence, Friendship, Trust
- Frangipani (Plumeria) – Protection, Shelter
- Fuchsia – Good Taste, Confiding Love
G–L (Selected Highlights)
- Gardenia – Secret Love, Purity, Joy
- Gerbera – Happiness, Cheerfulness
- Gladiolus – Strength of Character
- Gloxinia – Love at First Sight
- Hawthorn – Hope
- Heliotrope – Eternal Love
- Hibiscus – Delicate Beauty
- Hollyhock – Fruitfulness, Ambition
- Honeysuckle – Devoted Love, Generosity
- Hyacinth (Blue) – Constancy
- Hyacinth (Purple) – "Forgive Me"
- Hyacinth (Yellow) – Jealousy
- Hydrangea – Frigidity, Vanity, Heavenly Thoughts
- Iris – Faith, Wisdom, Friendship
- Ivy – Friendship, Fidelity
- Jasmine (White) – Cheerfulness, Humor
- Lavender – Acknowledgment, Constancy, Calm
- Lilac – First Love
- Lily (White) – Virginity, Majesty
- Lily (Water/Lotus) – Purity, Truth, Mystery
- Lily of the Valley – Sweetness, Humility, Purity
- Lupine – Always Happy, Voraciousness
M–R (Selected Highlights)
- Magnolia – Nobility, Perseverance, Nature Love
- Marigold – Jealousy, Cruelty, Secret Affection
- Marjoram – Comfort, Blushes
- Mistletoe – Love, Affection
- Morning Glory – Affection (implied)
- Narcissus – Formality, Egotism
- Orchid – Long-Lasting Impression, Beautiful Lady
- Pansy – Thoughtfulness, Modesty
- Passion Flower – Holy Love, Faith
- Peony – Happy Marriage, Happy Life
- Poppy (Red) – Pleasure
- Poppy (White) – Consolation
- Primrose – "I Can't Live Without You"
- Rose (Red) – Passionate Love
- Rose (White) – Purity, Innocence, Secrecy
- Rose (Pink) – Love, Grace, Happiness
- Rose (Yellow) – Friendship, Joy (also Jealousy)
- Rosemary – Loyalty, Remembrance
S–Z (Selected Highlights)
- Snapdragon – Gracious Lady, Deception
- Snowdrop – Hope, Consolation
- Stephanotis – Happiness in Marriage
- Stock – Bonds of Affection, Lasting Beauty
- Sunflower – Adoration, Loyalty, Longevity
- Sweet Pea – Departure, Blissful Pleasure
- Sweet William – Perfection, "Grant Me One Smile"
- Tulip (Red) – Declaration of Love
- Tulip (White) – Forgiveness
- Tulip (Yellow) – Hopeless Love
- Verbena – Tender, Emotional, Superstition
- Violet – Faithfulness, Modesty
- Wisteria – Poetry, Youth, Steadfast
- Zinnia (Magenta) – Long-Lasting Affection
- Zinnia (Yellow) – Remembrance
Using This Guide
Meanings can vary by culture and context. Combine flowers for nuanced messages: red rose + white rose = unity; pink carnation + baby's breath = enduring maternal love. When in doubt, include a note—the sender's intent matters most.
Full list with all 200+ entries and images available in the original source.
