What Do Flowers Mean?

Take carnations, for instance. They come in a wide range of colours - red, purple, pink, etc etc - and they each convey different messages, while carnations also have more than one meaning in general. Those meanings include 'bonds of affection'; 'health and energy'; 'fascination'; and 'woman love'.

Meanwhile, the meaning of pink carnations is said to be 'I'll never forget you'; red equals 'my heart aches for you' and purple is said to mean 'capriciousness' or 'whimsy'. Solid coloured carnations mean 'yes', while striped ones say 'no', and white and yellow carnations signify 'sweet and lovely' and 'rejection', respectively.

Another popular flower to give to someone are roses, which again come in many different colours. Red means 'I love you'; white means 'eternal love'; pink says 'perfect happiness'; and yellow is said to reflect 'friendship' or, conversely, 'jealousy'.

More specifically, thornless roses are said to mean 'love at first sight', a red rose bud means 'pure and lovely' and a bouquet of full bloom roses expresses gratitude.

In Victorian times, people frequently used these meanings to give flowers when they wished to express themselves. Take tulips, for example, which generally mean one of three things - 'fame', 'charity' and 'perfect lover'. Red tulips, on the other hand, are said to say 'believe me' or be a declaration of love. Variegated tulips send the message 'beautiful eyes', while yellow tulips are ones of hopeless love.

There are many more, of course, which I'll aim to bring you in other articles. For now, though, if you're looking to buy someone flowers, why not make sure they're expressing exactly how you feel?