The Language of Flowers – what do different flowers and colours mean?

What is the language of flowers?

The language of flowers (floriography) is about communicating through flowers. Each flower and colour was assigned a particular meaning, and it was possible to send sensitive or secret messages in the form of a small bouquet – without writing a single word. The tradition has roots in Persia and the Ottoman Empire, but spread throughout Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Today the language of flowers lives on through well-known conventions – most people know that red roses mean love, and that white flowers are used in condolences. When you want to send flowers with a special message, it's worth knowing the symbolism. Here we go through the symbolism flower by flower.

Roses – the flower of love

• Red rose: Love, passion and romance.
• Pink rose: Admiration, gratitude and appreciation.
• White rose: Purity, innocence and respect. Also used in condolences.
• Yellow rose: Friendship and joy. Historically it stood for jealousy, but in modern times it represents positive feelings.
• Orange rose: Enthusiasm, joy and fascination.
• Purple rose: Wonder and love at first sight.

Read our complete guide to roses →

Tulips – elegance and spring

• Red tulip: Love and passion – a more modern alternative to the red rose.
• Yellow tulip: Joy, sunshine and friendship.
• White tulip: Forgiveness and a new beginning.
• Purple tulip: Royal elegance and admiration.

Read our complete guide to tulips →

Would you like to order flowers based on colour symbolism? You can easily order flowers online and choose exactly the colour that conveys your message.

Lilies – purity and grandeur

• White lily: Purity, innocence and holiness. Popular at weddings and funerals.
• Orange lily: Pride and confidence.
• Pink lily: Admiration and blossoming love.
• Yellow lily: Joy and gratitude.

Note: Lilies are toxic to cats. Choose a different flower if the recipient has a cat.

Sunflower – happiness and loyalty

The sunflower is a symbol of joy, loyalty and admiration. It always turns its face towards the light – a powerful message of positivity and optimism. Sunflowers are perfect for honouring someone, congratulating success or simply spreading joy.

Carnation – tradition and strength

• Red carnation: Love and admiration. One of history's oldest cultivated ornamental flowers.
• White carnation: Luck and purity.
• Pink carnation: Mother's love – the traditional Mother's Day flower in many countries.
• Yellow carnation: Rejection and disappointment – best avoided if you want to stay on good terms!
• Purple carnation: Unpredictability and spontaneity.

Orchid – exotic elegance

The orchid symbolises rare beauty, luxury and refinement. An orchid bouquet or orchid plant is a gift that says: "You are exceptional." It's perfect as a gift for your boss, at business meetings or to mark a special achievement. You can easily send flowers such as orchids via flowers online throughout the UK.

Peony – romance and prosperity

The peony stands for happiness, prosperity and a happy marriage. It is one of the most sought-after wedding flowers and signals a flourishing and abundant life. In China, the peony is considered the "queen of flowers".

Freesia – trust and friendship

The freesia's delicate flowers and intense fragrance symbolise trust, innocence and friendship. A freesia bouquet says "I trust you" – a beautiful gesture towards a close friend.

What does the colour tell us?

Sometimes the colour is more important than the flower itself. Whatever you choose to send flowers for, the colour alone can carry the entire message. Here's a simple rule of thumb:

• Red: Love, passion, intensity.
• Pink: Care, gratitude, kindness.
• White: Purity, respect, condolence.
• Yellow: Joy, friendship, energy.
• Orange: Enthusiasm, warmth, creativity.
• Purple: Elegance, admiration, mystery.
• Blue: Peace, trust and harmony (a rare natural flower colour – often artificially dyed).

Now that you know the language of flowers, you can choose a bouquet with care. Read our guide to sending flowers for practical tips on ordering and delivery.