The Meaning of Flowers

Some of the most well-known examples include the red rose, which symbolises love and passion, while white lilies often represent purity or remembrance.

Because of this symbolism, choosing the perfect bouquet often depends on the occasion, and the person receiving them, and the person receiving them—whether that’s choosing the perfect flowers for a first date, or sending get well soon flowers.

Here at Euroflorist, we have flowers for every reason—even if you have no reason at all.

So, what do flowers mean? Well, we’ve put together a list of flower meanings, as well as how this changes with the colour of flowers, to help you decide which bouquet of blooms is most suited to your special someone.

1. Roses

Roses are perhaps the most famously symbolic flowers. In floriography, the red rose is a classic symbol of  love and romance thanks to its deep colour, velvety texture, and its association with love in poetry, art, and history.

But beyond the classic red rose bouquet, other rose colours have their own meanings, such as pink roses for gratitude and admiration, white roses for purity and remembrance, and yellow roses for friendship and joy. There are also orange roses with these flowers meaning dedication, encouragement, and happiness.

2. Lilies

Lilies are often seen in wedding and funeral bouquets, typically in white, with these flowers meaning purity. 

Pink lilies, however, stand for prosperity and abundance, orange for confidence and energy, and yellow for gratitude and happiness.

3. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are named for their tendency to turn toward the sun—a trait that has made them symbols of loyalty and warmth throughout history.

And, unknown to many, you can also get dark red sunflowers, which are typically one of summer’s rarest blooms and symbolise strength and devotion.

4. Daisies

Daisies are simple flowers that are often associated with purity and childhood. They symbolise new beginnings when they start to bloom in spring—the season of renewal.

You can also get pink daisies, which stand for affection and a gentle love, as well as yellow lilies, which symbolises cheerfulness and vitality.

5. Orchids

Orchids are a common houseplant in many homes, symbolising luxury and rare beauty in their classic white colour. In ancient cultures, they were also linked to fertility and strength.

There are many types of coloured orchids, with purple standing for admiration, pink for joy and femininity, and yellow for friendship.

6. Tulips

Tulips are amongst some of the first flowers to bloom in spring, symbolising renewal and the return of joy. Originating in Central Asia and cultivated heavily in the Netherlands, tulips have become a symbol of deep love and affection.

Similarly to roses, red tulips also stand solely for true love and admiration, with yellow representing cheerfulness, white for forgiveness and respect, and purple for elegance.

7. Peonies

Peonies are a full flower, symbolising romance and a happy marriage in their pink form. In Asian culture they are deeply symbolic and were once considered the ‘king of flowers’, believed to bring good luck to those who grow or display them.

White peonies represent regret, while red symbolises respect, honour and even wealth.

8. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are a flower found in many bouquets, with the common flower meanings including happiness, loyalty, love, and remembrance.

Chrysanthemums can come in many different flower colours, with red chrysanthemums representing love and passion, white symbolising loyalty and grief, and yellow meaning sorrow, or happiness in different cultures.

9. Hyacinths

Hyacinths are very fragrant spring flowers. In Greek mythology, they are associated with mourning and rebirth, but they also represent playfulness thanks to their vibrant colours.

There are many different colours of hyacinth, with blue representing sincerity and care, purple for sorrow or forgiveness, white for innocence and love, pink (or red) for playfulness and joy, and yellow for jealousy.

10. Carnations

Carnations are a flower that have been cultivated for centuries and are known for their ruffled petals and clove-like scent, as well as cinnamon and nutmeg. They’re often used in Mother’s Day bouquets and dedicated mixed carnation bouquets thanks to their long life and variety of colours.

Red carnations stand for love and admiration, pink for gratitude and ‘a mother’s love’, white for good luck, purple for fascination, and yellow for disappointment or rejection.

Purchase a Bouquet

Here at Euroflorist, we work with over 54,000 florists worldwide to deliver hand-crafted bouquets to over 140 countries—so there’s a bouquet for every occasion.

Browse our full range of bouquets to find the perfect, and most meaningful, gift for your special someone.

For more information on the meaning of flowers, and their care instructions, check out our flower dictionary.