MEANINGS OF FLOWERS

The Society of American Florists has compiled these lists of flowers meanings from a variety of sources.

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules – it’s the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Your florist can help you send the right message. Many people assign their own personal meanings – a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives. For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources.

Victoria’s Flower Dictionary in “The Language of Flowers” Novel

cover-language-of-flowers-Paper back coverVanessa Diffenbaugh’s novel “The Language of Flowers” tells the story of Victoria, a young woman from the foster-care system who uses the Victorian language of flowers to communicate with others and make sense of her troubled past. Diffenbaugh created Victoria’s Flower Dictionary by reviewing several dictionaries – “The Flower Vase” by Miss S. C. Edgarton, “Language of Flowers” by Kate Greenaway, “The Language and Sentiment of Flowers” by James D. McCabe, and “Flora’s Lexicon” by Catharine H. Waterman – and scanning the meanings, selecting the definition that occurred most often or she liked the best.

BIRTH MONTH FLOWERS

Month

Flower

January Carnation
February Iris, Violet
March Daffodil
April Daisy, Peonies
May Lily, Lily of the Valley
June Rose
July Delphinium
August Dahlia, Gladiolus
September Aster, Forget-me-not
October Calendula (aka Marigold)
November Chrysanthemum
December Poinsettia, Holly, Narcissus, Paperwhite

STATE FLOWERS

State

Flower

Alabama Camellia
Alaska Forget-me-not
Arizona Saguaro Cactus blossom
Arkansas Apple blossom
California California Poppy
Colorado Rocky Mountain Columbine
Connecticut Mountain laurel
Delaware Peach blossom
Florida Orange blossom
Georgia Cherokee Rose
Hawaii Hawaiian hibiscus (ma‘o hau hele)
Idaho Mock Orange
Illinois Purple Violet
Indiana Peony
Iowa Wild Prairie Rose
Kansas Sunflower
Kentucky Goldenrod
Louisiana Magnolia
Maine White pine cone and tassel
Maryland Black-eyed susan
Massachusetts Mayflower
Michigan Apple blossom
Minnesota Pink and white lady’s slipper
Mississippi Magnolia
Missouri Hawthorn
Montana Bitterroot
Nebraska Goldenrod
Nevada Sagebrush
New Hampshire Purple lilac
New Jersey Violet
New Mexico Yucca flower
New York Rose
North Carolina American Dogwood
North Dakota Wild Prairie Rose
Ohio Scarlet Carnation
Oklahoma Oklahoma Rose
Oklahoma (Floral Emblem) Mistletoe
Oklahoma (Wildflower) Indian Blanket
Oregon Oregon grape
Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel
Rhode Island Violet
South Carolina Yellow Jessamine
South Dakota Pasque flower
Tennessee Iris
Texas Bluebonnet
Utah Sego lily
Vermont Red Clover
Virginia American Dogwood
Washington Coast Rhododendron
West Virginia Rhododendron
Wisconsin Wood Violet
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush

MEANING OF FLOWERS

Flower

Meaning

Alstroemeria aspiring
Amaryllis dramatic
Anemone fragile
Apple Blossom promis
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 admiration/appreciation
red passionate love
red & white unity
white purity
yellow friendship
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

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