Red Rose β Love, Passion
The most universally recognized symbol of love worldwide. A deeper red is said to signify deeper love and passion.
Red Tulip β A Declaration of Love
The Netherlands' signature flower, the red tulip symbolizes a genuine declaration of love. In 17th-century Holland, a single tulip bulb once sold for the price of a house.
Forget-Me-Not β Remember Me, True Love
A flower whose very name became its meaning. Its small blue blossoms symbolize unchanging love and longing.
Lily of the Valley β Return of Happiness, Pure Love
Small, bell-shaped white flowers with a delicate fragrance. In France, there's a tradition of gifting them to loved ones on May 1st, cementing its association with happiness.
Sunflower β Adoration, Unrequited Love
Its habit of turning to follow the sun made it a symbol of unwavering devotion and adoration. Greek mythology tells of the nymph Clytie, who turned into a sunflower after falling in unrequited love with the sun god.
Yellow Rose β Friendship, Cheerfulness
While red roses signify passionate love, yellow roses are widely used to express cherished friendship and a bright, warm heart.
Daisy β Innocence, Hope
A humble flower commonly found in open fields, symbolizing unadorned innocence and hope for new beginnings. Also well known for the petal-plucking "loves me, loves me not" game.
Pink Carnation β A Mother's Love
The classic flower for expressing gratitude on days honoring parents and mothers. A Western legend holding that it bloomed from the Virgin Mary's tears gave it its association with a mother's love.
Alstroemeria β Friendship, Devotion
Also called the Peruvian lily, this flower's vivid yet subtle coloring symbolizes lasting friendship and devotion.
Iris β Good News, Faith
Named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow who served as a messenger between the gods, this flower came to symbolize good news and trust.
Lavender β Silence, Calm
Known for its soft purple hue and soothing scent, lavender symbolizes quiet trust and calm stability.
Red Poppy β Consolation, Eternal Rest
Famous for blooming across the battlefields of World War I, the red poppy is worn as a badge in the UK and other Commonwealth countries each November to commemorate fallen soldiers.
Hyacinth β Love That Overcame Sorrow
Legend holds this flower bloomed from the death of Hyacinthus, a beautiful youth loved by Apollo in Greek mythology, making it a symbol of love that has overcome deep sorrow.
Cherry Blossom β Fleeting Beauty, New Beginnings
Blooming briefly before falling, the cherry blossom symbolizes the beauty of a fleeting moment and the transience of life. As a herald of spring, cherry blossom festivals are held in cities around the world.
White Lily β Purity, Nobility
Its clean, pure-white petals symbolize purity and nobility. A classic flower used widely in the West, from wedding bouquets to religious ceremonies.