The Secret Language of Flowers Revealed

It’s February and love is in the air. Whether you’re thinking of ordering flowers for your special someone to prepare for Valentine’s day, or you’re picking out flowers for yourself this year, it can be hard to determine exactly what flowers to send and why. Of course, roses are a great option, but they aren’t the only option out there – and why not step out of your comfort zone and surprise your loved one with a fresh bouquet packed with meaning?

Believe it or not, the flower you send can send a message. Here’s a quick guide to the secret language of common flowers, so you can be sure to say the right thing.

Carnations:

Image via Real Simple

Simple and common, carnations can be obtained almost anywhere. Carnations in general mean fascination and divine love, but if you look at different colors, you get different meanings.

Pink: “I’ll never forget you”

Purple: Capriciousness

Red: Admiration

Solid Color: “Yes”, or an acceptance

Striped: “No” or a refusal; can sometimes mean “I wish I could be with you.”

White: Innocence

Yellow: Rejection

Chrysanthemums:

Image via Country Living

Mums are a gorgeous flower that look great in pots, in bouquets, or in your yard. They have meanings such as friendship, cheerfulness, and rest, which make them a great addition to any garden. Here’s a breakdown of some common chrysanthemum colors.

Red: Love

White: Truth

Yellow: Slighted love

Lilies:

Image via Almanac.com

Lilies are a great complement to any bouquet. Lilies are known to have a lot of meanings, but be careful, because some lilies can have harsh messages.

Calla: Beauty

Orange: Hatred

Tiger: Wealth

White: Purity

Yellow: Happiness; “I’m walking on air”

Roses:

Image via More.com

While roses aren’t the only flower, they certainly are a popular one. We couldn’t leave the meaning of these roses off the list!

Coral: Desire

Dark Crimson: Mourning

Dark Pink: Thankfulness

Lavender: Enchantment

Orange: Fascination

Peach: Modesty

Pale Pink: Joy

Red: Love

White: Secrecy

Yellow: Friendship

A Single Full Bloom: “I love you”

With No Thorns: Love at first sight

Image via FTD

Have you deciphered your next bouquet? Or perhaps you’re wondering what the most recent flowers you received really mean. While the flower language was often used back in the day to communicate with young lovers in secret, most people don’t know the meanings of flowers off hand. But, with spring around the corner, you have the opportunity to fill your garden with beautiful blossoms full of intent and meaning. Why not use the secret language to plant some hidden messages?

What are message are you planning on planting this year?