The Language of Flowers: Discover the meanings of flowers based on their variety and color
If you love flowers, you know full well that they are the perfect way to convey messages, embody symbols, and express emotions. The language of flowers, or floriography , is the art of deciphering the hidden messages contained within these delicate and enchanting beauties. Join Sessile.fr as we explore the symbols and meanings associated with different types and colors of flowers.
The Symbolism of Flowers by Variety
Flowers— symbols of love, purity, or resilience—carry a thousand and one messages. With Sessile.fr, discover the hidden meanings of flowers based on their variety!
The Rose
It is the undisputed queen of flowers, the one that fascinates and captivates people all over the world. The rose, the favorite flower of hopelessly romantic lovers, carries within it different symbolism depending on the color of its petals. In red, it symbolizes passionate love; in white, it evokes a gentler, more enduring love. In its soft pink hue, the rose embodies maternal tenderness better than any other flower.
Your bouquet of roses also takes on a different meaning depending on the number of roses it contains! 1, 2, 3, 10, or 100 roses? Love at first sight, a declaration of eternal love, a wedding anniversary: your artisan florist from the Sessile.fr network will help you decipher the hidden meaning of your bouquet of roses!
The Peony
The iconic flower of Mother’s Day, the Pentecost rose graces florists’ displays every spring with its opulent petals and subtle fragrance. It is seen, in turn, as a symbol of nobility, prosperity, or vitality, the peony certainly hasn’t finished turning heads…
The Lotus Flower
Often associated with renewal and purity, the lotus flower carries different symbolism depending on the culture and the color of its petals. This enigmatic flower holds special significance in Hindu culture, where it is a symbol of strength and resilience.
The Poppy
The poppy embodies childhood innocence of childhood. Yet this beautiful wildflower, prized for the vivid red of its fragile petals, carries powerful symbolism—which, surprisingly, is far from peaceful, as it is associated with bloody historical events.
Lily of the Valley
Every May 1, we give it as a gift to wish happiness to those we love. Its delicate bell-shaped flowers and fresh, green scent are a hit. What is less well known is that the tradition of giving lily of the valley on May 1 dates back to the Renaissance and is specifically attributed to King Charles IX, who, during a visit to the Drôme region, was presented with a sprig of lily of the valley. Charmed by this gesture, the following year he decided to give this same flower to the women of his court.
The Anemone
Among the most delicate flowers, the anemone holds a unique place in the language of flowers. It evokes both fragility and hope, reminding us of the fleeting beauty of precious moments. When white, it symbolizes sincerity and the purity of feelings; when red, it embodies passion and ardent love; when violet, it speaks of loyalty and mystery.Giving anemones is a way to send a poetic and subtle message— ideal for a tender declaration of love or a gesture of support.
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The Lily
A flower deeply associated with royalty, the lily carries various meanings in the language of flowers. In many cultures, it symbolizes purity and elegance. Its voluptuously curved petals evoke rebirth and perfection, making the lily an emblem of nobility and timeless grace.
The Daffodil
Recognizable by its trumpet-shaped flower and vibrant yellow color, the daffodil emerges as a sign of rebirth and springtime joy in the wake of a harsh winter. In the language of flowers, the yellow daffodil is known as a symbol of resilience and inner strength.
The Sunflower
If there is one flower that embodies the light of summer more than any other, it is undoubtedly the sunflower. Because it faithfully follows the movement of the sun, it perfectly symbolizes loyalty and the quest for light and truth.
Orchids
All over the world, they captivate lovers of exotic potted flowers. Orchids are the ultimate symbol of refinement and feminine elegance. Depending on their variety and color, they evoke, in turn, innocence, purity, joy, passionate love, or even gratitude.
The Tulip
When we want to delight the people we love with flowers, we sometimes find ourselves torn between roses and tulips. It must be said that these two beauties of nature are staples of spring flower stands! While the rose is known as THE flower associated with love, it’s less well known that the tulip also symbolizes passionate love. In the language of flowers, the tulip is indeed associated with passionate love. It’s therefore a perfect gift to express your feelings for a loved one.
The Carnation
The carnation, or “flower of the gods,” carries different symbolic meanings depending on its color in the language of flowers. The red carnation represents admiration and deep love. The pink carnation expresses maternal love, and the mauve carnation evokes fantasy. The white carnation honors the deceased at funerals and also symbolizes good luck and sincere love.
The Chrysanthemum
Although chrysanthemums are traditionally associated with mourning, this flower has an entirely different meaning in the language of flowers. When given as a bouquet, certain new varieties of chrysanthemums actually evoke joy and lasting love. This positive symbolism transcends borders, resonating in Japan, Australia, and the United States.
The Forget-Me-Not
The forget-me-not, that adorable little blue flower that blankets the meadows starting in March, holds deep symbolic meaning in the language of flowers. Symbolizing loyalty and eternal love, the forget-me-not is closely linked to the concept of memory. It has become an emblem of the fight against Alzheimer’s disease and a symbol of remembrance for the Armenian genocide during World War I.
The Buttercup
From the first frosts of winter to the first glimmers of spring, the lovely, fleshy ranunculus delights flower lovers. While it’s hard to resist its charm, know that giving a bouquet of ranunculus is a way to let the recipient know that they’ve made an impression on you! In fact, in the language of flowers, a bouquet of ranunculus literally means: “I’m dazzled by your charm”…
The hydrangea
As soon as the warm weather returns, it delights flower lovers by adding color to the granite farmhouses of Brittany and the shaded patios. The hydrangea is recognizable by its flower clusters, which are both opulent and delicate. In the language of flowers, the hydrangea embodies feelings of gratitude and appreciation. It also evokes beauty and grace, though in certain contexts it can take on a negative connotation linked to a sense of vanity.
The Mimosa
Every winter, it brightens the gray landscape with its vivid, luminous yellow. The mimosa, that delicate and fragrant flower, infuses our winters with a bit of its light and intoxicating aura. In the language of flowers, the mimosa’s characteristic colorful pompons symbolize kindness, comfort, and human warmth. It’s worth noting that the mimosa is also the symbol of International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8.
Lisianthus
On florists’ displays, it holds its own alongside roses, ranunculus, and peonies. And for good reason: the lisianthus flower, or meadow gentian, certainly isn’t lacking in charm. To understand the symbolism of the lisianthus in the language of flowers, one must look at the etymology of its scientific name:eustoma, composed of the Greek words “eu” (beautiful, good, well) and “stoma” (mouth). Thus, the lovely lisianthus flower is associated with the idea of well-chosen words or the memory of a romantic kiss.
The Iris
Recognizable by its elegant petals and powdery fragrance, the iris enhances a wide variety of spring floral arrangements. In the language of flowers, the mauve iris symbolizes faith, courage, bravery, hope, and wisdom. It’s worth noting that interpretations vary somewhat depending on the color of the petals.
Hibiscus
A tropical flower of extravagant beauty, the hibiscus (or althea) is distinguished by its five funnel-shaped petals bearing colorful stamens with yellow anthers. Whether in a pot or incorporated into a floral arrangement, it infuses our homes with an irresistible summery atmosphere. In the language of flowers, the symbolism of the hibiscus varies depending on its color. In its white form, it embodies purity and femininity; in its red form, passion; and in its pink form , friendship.
Wisteria
If there is one climbing plant that epitomizes gentleness and tender love, it is the wisteria. The romantic connotations of wisteria date back to antiquity: the Greeks and Romans believed that its vines had the power to preserve marital love. In the language of flowers, wisteria symbolizes mutual trust. With its intertwined stems, this woody plant also symbolizes deep love (“I cling to you”), while its sweet, delicate fragrance awakens the senses.
Lilac
With its clusters of delicate blossoms and its unmistakable, delicate fragrance, the lilac never ceases to charm as the warm weather returns. The lilac is a flower that perfectly symbolizes the exuberance of youth and the first stirrings of love. In white, it represents innocence, purity, and youth. In its mauve hue, it evokes budding love.
Jasmine
The warm days of summer are marked by the blooming of a pristine flower with an enchanting fragrance: jasmine. This small shrub, native to the Himalayas, perfectly embodies the concepts of innocence, purity, discretion, and resilience. Across different cultures, jasmine is also a powerful symbol of love, beauty, good luck, and prosperity.
The Daisy
Delicate, radiant, and a gentle reflection of childhood, the daisy evokes images in the collective imagination of summer meadows and bouquets freshly picked by hand. Behind this apparent simplicity lies a rich symbolism, rooted in both tradition and contemporary customs. The daisy is a flower that speaks from the heart: tender love, innocence, loyalty… it embodies gentle and sincere emotions.
The Symbolism of Flowers Based on Their Color
While the language of flowers is closely tied to the specific varieties, it also depends on another factor that gives flowers their charm and uniqueness: their color! Let’s explore together the meanings behind the colors of flowers…
Red flowers
While red flowers are most often associated with love and passion, they are also a powerful symbol of respect, gratitude, and courage. Roses, poppies, carnations, and hibiscus are all flowers that will convey deep and lasting emotions to your loved ones.
Yellow flowers
Yellow flowers embody feelings of kindness, warmth, and lasting friendship better than any others. With their bright or soft yellow petals, they are also a symbol of light, gratitude, and joy. Among the most popular yellow flowers are sunflowers, lilies, and lisianthus.
Pink flowers
Like red flowers, pink flowers are a symbol of love. They also embody happiness, tenderness, and femininity. The color pink is found in flowers such as roses, lilies, carnations, peonies, and lisianthus.
White flowers
A symbol of purity and innocence, white flowers are traditionally given to celebrate happy occasions such as weddings, births, baptisms, or birthdays. For these special occasions, white peonies, roses, or lisianthus are popular choices!
Orange-colored flowers
Symbols of joy and vitality, orange flowers also embody creative energy. Lilies, gerberas, carnations, and other orange-colored ranunculus are highly sought after for celebrating a birthday or a professional achievement. Your local florist from the Sessile.fr network can also recommend orange flowers if you’d like to send a loved one a get-well gift.
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
