The Meaning Behind Flowers
Throughout time, humans have given special meanings to flowers. Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese cultures have all included written records of their assignment of meanings to certain flowers. Floriography, which is the study of flower meanings, began in Turkey in the 17th century and flourished during the Victorian era of the mid-19th century especially. During this time, it was not considered appropriate to display or talk about feelings and emotions; consequently, people used flower bouquets to communicate secret meanings to one another.
Every flower had a specific meaning, and sometimes different colors of the same flower had different meanings as well. The way in which the flowers were given made a difference, too - for instance, if it was given upside down or if it was given dried made a difference in meaning. Different cultures and time periods assigned different meanings to flowers as well, which is why multiple and conflicting flower meanings are sometimes seen. Today, people can send whatever flowers they please - there are no rules. However, it is fun and romantic to follow the traditional and secret language of flowers when sending a bouquet.
Lily
Lilies: Information on the symbolism and origins of lilies, the care needed for the flowers, and some interesting facts about them is provided on this page.
The Language of Flowers: The meanings of many common flowers are listed, including the meaning of different colors of lilies.
Daisy
Maryland State Symbols: Maryland's state flower is the black-eyed Susan, a type of daisy; learn more about this interesting native flower.
Birth Month Flowers and Meanings: This article lists the birth flower and its meaning for every month
Chrysanthemum
History of the Chrysanthemum: The chrysanthemum has a rich and fascinating history, as presented in this article; in Japan, it is the seal of the Emperor, while in many European countries, it has a reputation as the death flower.
November Birth Flower: The chrysanthemum is the November birth flower and is very useful in making drinks and medicines and as an insecticide.
Carnation
Dianthus (Carnation): Discover the legend of the carnation, January's birth flower, as well as what different-colored carnations represent.
Ohio's State Flower: Find out why the red carnation is Ohio's state flower by reading this tidbit of Ohio history.
Tulip
All About Tulips: The tulip is February's birth flower and has various romantic meanings depending on flower color; it also has a rich past.
Tulips: Discover more interesting facts about tulips and how to grow them.
Hydrangea
State Wildflower of Alabama: Some states also have a state wildflower in addition to a state flower; this page describes the oak-leaf hydrangea, the state wildflower of Alabama.
Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas come in all shapes, sizes, and colors - learn about them here.
Alstroemeria or Peruvian Lily
Peruvian Lily Information: Plant characteristics of the Peruvian Lily are given, and a good photograph of the flower is shown.
Orchid
Orchid Gallery: PBS offers a stunning slide show of 13 different types of orchids and interesting information about them.
Language of Flowers: The meanings of many flowers are given on this site dedicated to the preservation of bridal bouquets.
Iris
Iris Classifications: Descriptions of the many different kinds of irises are given.
Meaning of Flowers: The iris is the emblem of France and has multiple meanings; read about its meaning and the meaning of many other flowers on this list.
Iris Wildflowers: Information about different types of wild irises in the United States along with pictures of them makes this an interesting read.
Gladiolus
All about Gladiolus: Explore everything about the gladiolus flower, from its history and meaning to its care requirements.
Facts about the Gladiolus: The gladiolus has African roots and is considered a medicinal plant there.
Daffodils
Daffodils: A Symbol of Wales: The daffodil is the national flower of Wales; this page discusses their meanings and talks about varieties.
Daffodils: How to plant, grow and care for Daffodils.
Sunflower
Sunflower Facts: Fun and educational facts about the sunflower make this article a fascinating read.
Sunflowers in Culture: Facts about the sunflower as a national flower for various countries and a symbol for organizations are provided.
Symbolism of Flowers: The cheery sunflower follows the sun as it moves through the sky; one of its meanings is devotion - read about the meanings of flowers in this flower list.
Statice
Statice Flowers: Statice is not just a pretty face - it is also used as a medicinal plant and aromatic oil, and it is an excellent dried flower that carries multiple meanings.
Everlastings: Learn how to grown and dry everlasting flowers like statice, and peruse a list of flowers suitable for drying.
Azaleas
Azalea Flowers: Gaze upon beautiful pictures of azaleas and learn about its various meanings.
Azaleas: The history of azaleas, care tips, and specific meanings based on color are discussed.
Georgia State Wildflower: Beautiful pictures of Georgia's state wildflower, the azalea, are shown.
Amaryllis
Flower Meaning Explained: The meaning of the Amaryllis flower, including facts, are given here.
Amorous Amaryllis: The myth of how the amaryllis was born along with tips on care and some history are relayed.
Peony
Peony: State Flower of Indiana: This comprehensive bulletin discusses types of peonies and how to grow them.
Calla Lily
The Elegant Lily: History, meaning, and growing requirements of the calla lily are presented.
Calla and Canna Lilies: The calla lily is not a true lily; read more facts about the calla lily and how to grow it in this university publication.
Bird-of-Paradise
Bird-of-Paradise: This publication gives a thorough description of the bird-of-paradise and complete instructions on how to grow it.
Story Behind the Science: The bird-of-paradise may look exotic, but it is easily grown with these tips; fun facts are presented along with a comparison of the flower with the bird of the same name.
Victorian Language of Flowers: Humans have always attached meanings to flowers, especially during Victorian times; review a list of the most popular flowers and their meanings along with the meaning of the bird-of-paradise.
Protea
What Are Protea? Gaze upon fabulous pictures of the exotic protea flowers and learn more about them.
Baby's Breath
The Language of Flowers and the Tussie Mussie : Tussie-mussies have been used to convey meanings throughout history depending on the type of flowers they contained; learn about the flower meaning of baby's breath and other flowers.
Facts on Baby's Breath: Learn how to grow, care for, and dry baby's breath.
Aster
September Flower of the Month: Discover different types of asters and how to grow them in this publication.
The Aster: The name, meaning, and history of the aster flower are discussed in this excerpt from the Wisconsin State Horticultural Society.
Delphinium/Larkspur
Larkspur (Delphinium): The meaning, history, and mythology of larkspur and delphinium are unveiled in this paragraph.
Facts about Delphinium: The delphinium is the only true blue flower - learn about its history and care requirements here, along with some fascinating facts.
July's Birth Flower: This newsletter identifies the birth flower or flowers associated with each month.
Hyacinth
The Language of Flowers: The University of Illinois Extension office explains the language of flowers and gives meanings of some flowers, including the hyacinth.
Flower Myths: Greek mythology has an explanation for the origins of the hyacinth.
Gardenia
Gardenias, Magnolias, and Oleanders: Explore the history behind this fragrant, southern flower.
White Gardenia: Kew Gardens gives various kinds of information about the gardenia and an excellent photograph of one.
Primrose
Primula vulgaris: View photographs of the primrose and learn where it grows.
February's Flower: The primrose and violet are both February's birth flower - learn about the meaning of the primrose and its medicinal uses.
Lotus
Sacred Lotus: The lotus flower is sacred in Buddhism and full of symbolism and mythology; different colors represent different meanings.
Violets
Common Blue Violet: This article includes plant lore about the violet, the violet's meaning, and culinary uses of the flower; additionally, it lists the states that use the violet as a state flower
Sweet Pea
Birth Flower for April : The sweet-smelling sweet pea is one of the birth flowers for April and is full of history and meaning.
This article was edited by Chad Kremp
