Flower selection was limited in Victorian times, so a flower had a specific symbol and meaning.
This is no longer the case and any flower is a simple gesture of kindness or affection, but the Society of American Florists keeps a history of what individual flowers meant:
| FLOWER | HISTORICAL MEANING | MODERN MEANING |
|---|---|---|
| Alstroemeria | Aspiring | |
| Amaryllis | Dramatic | Radiant beauty |
| Anemone | Fragile | |
| Anthurium | Hospitality | |
| Apple Blossom | Promise | |
| Aster | Contentment (believed to drive away evil spirits if burned) | Patience |
| Azalea | Abundance | |
| Baby’s Breath | Festivity | |
| Bachelor Button | Anticipation | |
| Begonia | Deep thoughts | |
| Bird of Paradise | Joy | |
| Black-Eyed Susan | Encouragement | |
| Camellia | Graciousness | |
| Carnation | Pride, Beauty & Eternal Maternal Love | |
| Pink | Gratitude | |
| Red | Flashy | |
| Striped | Refusal | |
| White | Remembrance | |
| Yellow | Cheerful | |
| Chrysanthemum | The Sun & Fidelity | |
| Bronze | Excitement | |
| White | Truth | |
| Red | Sharing | |
| Yellow | Secret admirer | |
| Cosmos | Peaceful | |
| Crocus | Foresight | |
| Daffodil | Chivalry | Chivalry |
| Dahlia | Elegance | |
| Delphinium | Boldness | |
| Daisy | Innocence | Innocence, Gentleness & Cheerfulness |
| Freesia | Spirited | |
| Forget-Me-Not | Remember me forever | True Love |
| Gardenia | Joy | Ecstasy & Luck |
| Geranium | Comfort | |
| Ginger | Proud | |
| Gladiolus | Strength of character | Strength of character |
| Heather | “Solitude (used for roofing, bedding, fuel & rope)” | Admiration |
| Hibiscus | Delicate beauty | Delicate beauty |
| Holly | Domestic happiness | |
| Honeysuckle | Devotion | |
| Hyacinth | Sincerity | |
| Hydrangea | Perseverance | Sincerity |
| Iris | Inspiration | Goodness |
| Ivy | Fidelity | |
| Jasmine | Grace and elegance | |
| Larkspur | Beautiful spirit | |
| Lavender | Distrust | |
| Lilac | First love | Mother/Child Love & Newfound Love |
| Lily | Peace | |
| Calla | Regal | |
| Casablanca | Celebration | |
| Day | Enthusiasm | |
| Stargazer | Ambition | |
| Tiger | Wealth & Pride | |
| White | Chastity & Virtue | |
| Lisianthus | Calming | |
| Magnolia | Dignity | |
| Marigold | Desire for riches | Resilience |
| Nasturtium | Patriotism | |
| Orange Blossom | Fertility | |
| Orchid | Delicate beauty | Refinement, Virility & Love |
| Pansy | Loving thoughts | |
| Passion flower | Passion | |
| Peony | Healing | |
| Poppy | Consolation | |
| Queen Anne’s Lace | Delicate femininity | |
| Ranunculus | Radiant | |
| Rhododendron | Beware | |
| Rose | Never-Ending Love & Passion | |
| Black | Death’s parting & Hatred | |
| Blue | Mystery | |
| Blue-Lavender | Respect | |
| Lavender | Love at first sight | |
| Peach | Honor & Desire to be together | |
| Pink | Friendship | Honor, Friendship & Grace |
| Red | Passionate love | Passionate Love, Romance & Beauty |
| Red & white | Unity | |
| White | Purity | Respect, Purity & Silent Love |
| Yellow | Zealous | Love, Beauty, Friendship & Betrayal |
| Snapdragon | Presumptuous | |
| Star of Bethlehem | Hope | |
| Stephanotis | Good luck | |
| Statice | Success | |
| Sunflower | Adoration | Longevity, Loyalty & Best Wishes |
| Sweetpea | Shyness | (complementary to a bouquet) |
| Tuberose | Pleasure | |
| Tulip | Fame & Perfect Lover | |
| Pink | Caring | |
| Purple | Royalty | |
| Red | Declaration of love | |
| White | Forgiveness | |
| Yellow | Hopelessly in love | |
| Violet | Faithfulness | |
| Wisteria | Steadfast | |
| Yarrow | Good health | |
| Zinnia | Thoughts of friends |