Giving flowers to our loved ones is always wonderful, but on Valentine’s Day it’s extra special. Make sure you send the message you want, or that don’t say the wrong thing, by learning a little something about floriography, or “the language of flowers."
Practiced for thousands of years across different cultures, floriography was popularized in Britain during the Victorian era when learning the symbolism behind each flower became a popular hobby.
For example, while it’s generally known that red roses symbolize love and affection, but did you know that red tulips and red chrysanthemums are also declarations of love? The following is a primer for flowers that represent sentiments you just might want to get right on Valentine’s Day.
- Pink roses mean gratitude, admiration, and joy, whereas white roses are meant to be given to a new love.
- Yellow roses are for friendship, and peach roses are for gratitude.
- Freesias symbolize lasting friendship.
- Pink tulips are known to convey a message of affection, caring, and good wishes. They are perfect to give to family members and good friends.
- Red salvia means ‘forever mine', and blue salvia says, “I think of you.”
- Violets speak of loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness.
- Orchids represent refined beauty.
- Peruvian lilies denote a powerful bond, friendship, prosperity, and longevity.
- Lavender symbolizes devotion, faithfulness, love, and humility.
- Tulips are a declaration of perfect love, romance, rebirth, and wealth.
Finally, while carnations generally convey the message of health, energy, and bonds of affection, be wary of striped carnations – they say ‘sorry, I can’t be with you!’