Flowers each carry their own symbolism: red roses mean love, tulips devotion and spring, sunflowers joy and loyalty, lilies purity, and peonies happiness and prosperity. Colour also plays a part – red is passion, white is purity, yellow is friendship and joy. Think about both flower and colour when choosing a bouquet as a gift.
A bouquet is never just a bouquet. Through the centuries, flowers have carried meanings – a whole "language of flowers" that couldn't be spoken aloud in words. Here you'll find the best-known flowers and colours and their symbolism, so you can choose a bouquet that says exactly the right thing.
This is why flowers have meaning
The language of flowers – also known as floriography – became especially popular in the 1800s, when small bouquets were sent with hidden messages. Many of the meanings live on today, and although no rules are set in stone, they add a beautiful extra dimension when you give or style flowers.
The best-known flowers
- Rose: love and romance – especially the red one.
- Tulip: devotion, spring and new beginnings.
- Sunflower: joy, warmth and loyalty.
- Lily: purity, elegance and celebration.
- Peony: happiness, prosperity and a good marriage.
- Ranunculus: charm and admiration.
The meaning of colours
Colour can change the message entirely – the same flower says something different depending on its hue:
Tip: Yellow roses mean friendship and joy – not romance. Want to send a romantic signal? Choose red; for a friend, yellow or pink are a warmer choice.
Overview
| Colour | Symbolism | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Love, passion | Your partner, romance |
| White | Purity, peace | Wedding, condolence |
| Yellow | Friendship, joy | A friend, thank you |
| Pink | Affection, gratitude | Mum, friend |
| Purple | Admiration, dignity | Respect, tribute |
Choose the right gift bouquet
Think about the occasion, the recipient and the colour. A romantic gesture calls for red roses or peonies; a thank-you or birthday suits happy yellow and pink tones. And whatever the bouquet, the right vase elevates the gift – a beautiful vase turns the flowers into a gift that stays long after the bouquet has wilted.
Frequently asked questions
What do flowers mean?
Flowers carry symbolism: roses mean love, tulips affection, sunflowers joy, lilies purity and peonies happiness. The colour adds nuance to the message.
What do red roses mean?
Red roses symbolise love and passion and are the classic romantic choice.
What do yellow flowers symbolise?
Yellow stands for friendship, joy and gratitude – a warm, non-romantic choice.
Which flowers suit a gift?
For romance: red roses or peonies. For thank-yous and birthdays: yellow and pink tones. Choose based on the occasion and the recipient.
What is the language of flowers?
Floriography – a tradition, especially from the 1800s, where flowers and colours were used to send hidden messages.
Summary
Roses mean love, tulips affection, sunflowers joy, lilies purity and peonies happiness – and the colour adds nuance to the message, from passion (red) to friendship (yellow). Choose the bouquet based on the occasion and the recipient, and let a beautiful vase complete the gift.
Read also
- How big should the vase be for my bouquet?
- How to make tulips & cut flowers last longer in the vase
- Vases for every room: the complete guide
Give your bouquet the right setting – find your new vase or a flower vase.
