Flower Meanings Guide: The Hidden Messages Behind Every Bloom

Flowers have been doing the talking for centuries. A red rose can say “I love you”, a sunflower can bring a little brightness, and a bunch of daffodils can mark an exciting new beginning.

It may sound a little mystical, but this way of communicating through flowers is known as floriography, or the language of flowers. It became especially popular during the Victorian era, but it’s a concept we still find fascinating today.

We’ve created a crash course in flower meanings, so you can look up your favourite flower names and discover the symbolism behind them. Ready to jump in? Have a read of our guide, then explore our flower arrangements and find the perfect blooms to say exactly what you mean.

Flower meanings at a glance

There are thousands of different types of flowers, so don’t worry, nobody expects you to learn all of their meanings! Think of this flower symbolism list as a handy cheat sheet, so you can put your new floriography knowledge to good use and impress a few people along the way.

How to understand flower symbolism

The intricacies of floriography can get surprisingly detailed, and the flower type itself isn’t always the whole story…

Type: Different flowers have different associations. For example, roses represent love and affection, while lilies can symbolise purity or devotion.

Colour: A change in colour can change the mood too. Red is closely linked with romantic love, while yellow is more commonly associated with friendship.

Quantity: Some traditions attach meaning to numbers too. A single daffodil has been associated with bad luck, while a whole bunch is said to bring the opposite.

Presentation: Even the way flowers were handed over could carry a message. In some Victorian interpretations, the right hand meant “yes”, the left meant “no”, and giving flowers upside down could reverse their meaning altogether.

Let personal meaning lead the way

Once you understand the meaning of flowers, you can start experimenting with your bouquets and arrangements to let your loved ones know exactly how you feel about them. However, while flower language is fun to explore, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t let tradition boss you around; personal meaning still counts for a lot.

So, if your best friend adores roses, there’s no reason you can’t send them just because they’re associated with romance. Or, if someone’s going through a difficult time, white flowers aren’t always the go-to if you know a bright bunch of tulips is more likely to bring a smile to their face.

Rather than just thinking about the occasion, like if it’s someone’s birthday or you’re celebrating an anniversary, we recommend starting with the feeling behind the flowers. What do you actually want to tell them? Perhaps it’s “I love you”, “I’m proud of you”, or a much-needed “thank you for everything.”

Once you know the message, choosing the flowers becomes a whole lot easier.

Say it better with flowers

Birth month flowers and their meanings

Every month has flowers traditionally associated with it, giving you another lovely way to make a birthday bouquet feel more personal. Pick their birth flower, learn the meaning behind it, or just use it as inspiration when choosing something that feels right for them.

• January: Carnation & Snowdrop
• February: Violets & Iris: 
• March: Daffodil & Jonquil
• April: Daisy & Sweet Pea
• May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
• June: Rose & Honeysuckle
• July: Delphinium & Water Lily
• August: Gladiolus & Poppies
• September: Aster & Morning Glory
• October: Marigold & Cosmos
• November: Chrysanthemum
• December: Holly & Narcissus

Now you know what different flowers can mean; it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here’s how to create a bouquet with a message behind every bloom.

1. Start with the message. Think about who the flowers are for and how you want them to feel. Then, use traditional symbolism as inspiration rather than treating it as a rigid set of rules.
2. Mix with flower types and colours: Don’t forget to have fun! Combining different blooms and shades can make the bouquet feel more thoughtful and personal.
3. Choose seasonal flowers where you can: In-season flowers are always fresher and tend to last longer. Plus, they’re usually more affordable.
4. Give them some love: Trim the stems, remove excess foliage, keep them hydrated, and remember to handle them with care.

This is where an Interflora florist can really help. They know how colour, shape, texture and different flowers work together, and can use that expertise to create something that feels just right for the person and the moment.

Send flowers that say more

Flowers give us another way to say the things that matter, whether it’s a big declaration of love, a quiet thank you or a perfectly timed “I’m thinking of you”.

Knowing a little about flower meanings can add an extra layer of thought, but you don’t need to become a floriography expert before sending a bouquet.

Start with the person. Think about what you want them to feel. Then choose flowers that help you say it. Our local florists will use their skill and creativity to handcraft a bouquet worthy of the message.

Get started today