The History and Meaning of Flowers - A Valentine's Day Tribute

Victorian Flower Arrangement
[sodahead.com]

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings. Since the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words.


What makes Victorian arrangements stand out is the use of multiple bunches of flowers.


These arrangements expressed the abundance of the Victorian era and the upper class.


There are two distinct styles:

• A nosegay Victorian flower arrangement was triangular shaped and used roses, baby's breath, hydrangeas, and pansies. There were also long leafy stems added, with a lace doily and colorful ribbons. (eHow)
• The tussie mussie is a nosegay design as well, except that it is round in shape instead. Also, the tussie mussie was given to lovers and could convey different messages depending on the flowers used. (eHow)

Today, there are so many flower choices there are no longer any rules. Sentiment equals meaning. For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources:

Alstroemeria - aspiring 

Amaryllis - dramatic 

Anemone - fragile 

Apple Blossom - promise 

Aster - contentment 

Azalea - abundance 

Baby's Breath - festivity 

Bachelor Button - anticipation 

Begonia - deep thoughts 

Black-Eyed Susan - encouragement 

Camellia - graciousness

Carnation 

pink - gratitude

red - flashy 

striped - refusal 

white - remembrance

yellow - cheerful

Chrysanthemum 

bronze - excitement 

white - truth 

red - sharing 

yellow - secret admirer

Cosmos - peaceful 

Crocus - foresight 

Daffodil - chivalry 

Delphinium - boldness 

Daisy - innocence 

Freesia - spirited 

Forget-Me-Not - remember me forever 

Gardenia - joy 

Geranium - comfort 

Ginger - proud 

Gladiolus - strength of character

Heather - solitude 

Hibiscus - delicate beauty 

Holly - domestic happiness 

Hyacinth - sincerity 

Hydrangea - perseverance 

Iris - inspiration 

Ivy - fidelity 

Jasmine - grace and elegance 

Larkspur - beautiful spirit 

Lavender - distrust 

Lilac - first love 

Lily 

Calla - regal 

Casablanca - celebration 

Day - enthusiasm 

Stargazer - ambition

Lisianthus - calming 

Magnolia - dignity 

Marigold - desire for riches 

Nasturtium - patriotism 

Orange Blossom - fertility 

Orchid - delicate beauty 

Pansy - loving thoughts 

Passion flower - passion 

Peony - healing 

Poppy - consolation 

Queen Anne's Lace - delicate femininity 

Ranunculus - radiant 

Rhododendron - beware

Rose 

pink - friendship 

red - passionate love 

red & white - unity 

white - purity 

yellow - zealous

Snapdragon - presumptuous 

Star of Bethlehem - hope 

Stephanotis - good luck 

Statice - success 

Sunflower - adoration 

Sweetpea - shyness 

Tuberose - pleasure 

Tulip 

pink - caring 

purple - royalty 

red - declaration of love 

white - forgiveness 

yellow - hopelessly in love

Violet - faithfulness

Wisteria - steadfast 

Yarrow - good health

Zinnia - thoughts of friends

About the Author

I'm Melanie, the founder of BermudaQuest and an archaeology undergraduate at the University of New Mexico. I love writing about ancient and modern cultures. My goal is to make information about our origins available to everyone [in simple English!]