From Bird of Paradise to Begonia: Flowers and their Meanings
More than beautiful accessories, flowers convey a message. Here's the secret language of flowers, shared
Melissa Maddison
18 November 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. I love hunting for interesting things, finding unusual treasures, then bringing them home and displaying them in a unique way.
Houzz Australia Contributor. I love hunting for interesting things, finding unusual... More
In Victorian times, the meanings of flowers played a significant role in all manner of relationships. One chose carefully when presenting a floral offering or planning a garden, lest the meaning be misinterpreted. These days our offerings are a bit more diverse, but knowing about flowers and their meaning adds a layer of enjoyment to life.
Ophelia, when assigning flowers in Hamlet, knew they had a story to tell. While others thought her mad, she was using flowers to convey her message, cleverly wrapped up in the meanings of the flora itself.
And while the poetic beauty of this Shakespearean device – to inform someone of feelings and send an important message through flowers – might not be seen as much these days, it is fascinating to learn the meanings and symbolism of the flowers we surround ourselves with, either in our houses or our gardens.
Let’s start with some traditional flowers, then move on to some sub-tropicals and other varieties common in Australia.
And while the poetic beauty of this Shakespearean device – to inform someone of feelings and send an important message through flowers – might not be seen as much these days, it is fascinating to learn the meanings and symbolism of the flowers we surround ourselves with, either in our houses or our gardens.
Let’s start with some traditional flowers, then move on to some sub-tropicals and other varieties common in Australia.
Roses
Roses (Rosaceae), arguably the most beautiful, thorny, scented queens of the floral kingdom, are as varied in meaning as they are in colour. While we all know red roses symbolise romantic love, there are also flowers to give to those we are beginning relationships with (white) and those for people we are jealous of (yellow).
Don’t despair if a bunch of yellow roses has come your way, as they can also symbolise new life and new beginnings. Pink roses are for giving thanks and acknowledging friendship, and are your best bet if you’re in doubt or are concerned about sending mixed messages.
Roses (Rosaceae), arguably the most beautiful, thorny, scented queens of the floral kingdom, are as varied in meaning as they are in colour. While we all know red roses symbolise romantic love, there are also flowers to give to those we are beginning relationships with (white) and those for people we are jealous of (yellow).
Don’t despair if a bunch of yellow roses has come your way, as they can also symbolise new life and new beginnings. Pink roses are for giving thanks and acknowledging friendship, and are your best bet if you’re in doubt or are concerned about sending mixed messages.
So too, the delicate and humble tulip (Tulipa) has varied meanings depending on its hue. These beautiful yellow tulips symbolise hopeless love, whereas red tulips declare love. Choose wisely.
Browse spaces designed for plant lovers
Browse spaces designed for plant lovers
Daisies
The beautiful simplicity of the daisy (Compositae), whether a bunch in the hand or a rambling hedge along a fence, evokes feelings of happiness and simpler times. Indeed, Kate Greenaway – who wrote the Victorian flower guide The Language of Flowers in the 1800s – ascribes ‘innocence’ to daisies. Maybe this stems from their association with children making daisy chains, or just the unsophisticated natural beauty of the flower itself.
The beautiful simplicity of the daisy (Compositae), whether a bunch in the hand or a rambling hedge along a fence, evokes feelings of happiness and simpler times. Indeed, Kate Greenaway – who wrote the Victorian flower guide The Language of Flowers in the 1800s – ascribes ‘innocence’ to daisies. Maybe this stems from their association with children making daisy chains, or just the unsophisticated natural beauty of the flower itself.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is often associated with purity and serenity, and the essential oil is used to aid sleeplessness and promote calm. However, in Victorian times a simple bunch of lavender could signal distrust and caution. Lavender is not the only flower or plant to have a negative connotation.
Although also a wonderful essential oil, used to promote calm and reduce anxious feelings, and a most important ingredient in Italian food, the humble basil (Ocimum basilicum) symbolised hatred.
Lavender (Lavandula) is often associated with purity and serenity, and the essential oil is used to aid sleeplessness and promote calm. However, in Victorian times a simple bunch of lavender could signal distrust and caution. Lavender is not the only flower or plant to have a negative connotation.
Although also a wonderful essential oil, used to promote calm and reduce anxious feelings, and a most important ingredient in Italian food, the humble basil (Ocimum basilicum) symbolised hatred.
Rosemary
A beautiful plant, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) symbolises remembrance, hence the sprig we wear on Anzac Day. As an essential oil it assists memory and is used to help us focus and study. Perhaps this is the reason it is associated with clarity and remembrance.
DIY project: natural lavender and rosemary moisturiser
A beautiful plant, rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) symbolises remembrance, hence the sprig we wear on Anzac Day. As an essential oil it assists memory and is used to help us focus and study. Perhaps this is the reason it is associated with clarity and remembrance.
DIY project: natural lavender and rosemary moisturiser
Violets
Violets (Violaceae) come in all manner of colours, and were lauded by the Romans, as well as Napoleon and Edwardian gentlefolk. A potted gift of violets can symbolise faithfulness, watchfulness and modesty. Perhaps the perfect gift for an elder loved one or a trusted business partner.
Violets (Violaceae) come in all manner of colours, and were lauded by the Romans, as well as Napoleon and Edwardian gentlefolk. A potted gift of violets can symbolise faithfulness, watchfulness and modesty. Perhaps the perfect gift for an elder loved one or a trusted business partner.
Peonies
The beautiful peony (Paeonia), cultivated in China for thousands of years, has many meanings. Kate Greenaway describes the peony as a symbol of shame and bashfulness, while other meanings include happy marriage, good health and prosperity. It has been called the King of Flowers and bears its moniker well in its many variations.
The beautiful peony (Paeonia), cultivated in China for thousands of years, has many meanings. Kate Greenaway describes the peony as a symbol of shame and bashfulness, while other meanings include happy marriage, good health and prosperity. It has been called the King of Flowers and bears its moniker well in its many variations.
Begonias
The temperate/subtropical begonia (Begoniaceae), of which Australia has multiple varieties, has many meanings. They can symbolise caution and care, as well as good communication. Consider a pot of begonias situated near your computer or work space, to give you guidance and support communicating with friends and colleagues.
The temperate/subtropical begonia (Begoniaceae), of which Australia has multiple varieties, has many meanings. They can symbolise caution and care, as well as good communication. Consider a pot of begonias situated near your computer or work space, to give you guidance and support communicating with friends and colleagues.
Jonquils
Sweet-smelling jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla), easy to grow in most temperate regions of Australia, have two very different meanings.
They can express desire for somebody or signify domestic harmony. Perhaps a bunch from a partner can signify equal amounts of both? The daffodil, from the same family, symbolises regard or chivalry. One daffodil can signify misfortune, but a bunch can symbolise happiness and joy. Commonly known in Australia as the flower associated with The Cancer Council, perhaps now they also have begun to symbolise hope.
Sweet-smelling jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla), easy to grow in most temperate regions of Australia, have two very different meanings.
They can express desire for somebody or signify domestic harmony. Perhaps a bunch from a partner can signify equal amounts of both? The daffodil, from the same family, symbolises regard or chivalry. One daffodil can signify misfortune, but a bunch can symbolise happiness and joy. Commonly known in Australia as the flower associated with The Cancer Council, perhaps now they also have begun to symbolise hope.
Bird of paradise
The striking bird of paradise (Strelitzia), not native to Australia but abundant in our subtropical climate zones, can symbolise magnificence and joyfulness. Indeed, just to look at this plant conjures up these types of images. A standout in any garden.
Plant profile: bird of paradise
The striking bird of paradise (Strelitzia), not native to Australia but abundant in our subtropical climate zones, can symbolise magnificence and joyfulness. Indeed, just to look at this plant conjures up these types of images. A standout in any garden.
Plant profile: bird of paradise
Frangipani
While making us long for tropical holidays, the frangipani (Plumeria) symbolises many things for different cultures. These include prosperity, immortality, life and death, and new beginnings. They are also associated with marriage and love and are features of many garden weddings. The frangipani has countless varieties in Australia, and simply symbolises summer and the pure joy of that season for many of us.
While making us long for tropical holidays, the frangipani (Plumeria) symbolises many things for different cultures. These include prosperity, immortality, life and death, and new beginnings. They are also associated with marriage and love and are features of many garden weddings. The frangipani has countless varieties in Australia, and simply symbolises summer and the pure joy of that season for many of us.
Gardenia
My favourite, the evocative smell of the Gardenia symbolises, for me, my Aunty Pam and her beautiful, tropical garden. The meanings of the gardenia are as beautiful as the flower itself. Joy, sweetness and purity are all associated with the gardenia, as well as a simple exclamation of love.
Appearing in myriad varieties, it is best planted outside, in a subtropical environment with no exposure to extremes of temperature.
My favourite, the evocative smell of the Gardenia symbolises, for me, my Aunty Pam and her beautiful, tropical garden. The meanings of the gardenia are as beautiful as the flower itself. Joy, sweetness and purity are all associated with the gardenia, as well as a simple exclamation of love.
Appearing in myriad varieties, it is best planted outside, in a subtropical environment with no exposure to extremes of temperature.
Take time to smell the roses
Next time you carefully arrange a bunch of flowers, or choose a selection at the growers’ market, remember some of the symbolism that is wrapped up in the bouquet. Their beauty runs deeper than merely their petals and stems.
Tell us
What are your favourite flowers and why? Post some pics of your blooms. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Browse beautiful gardens
Next time you carefully arrange a bunch of flowers, or choose a selection at the growers’ market, remember some of the symbolism that is wrapped up in the bouquet. Their beauty runs deeper than merely their petals and stems.
Tell us
What are your favourite flowers and why? Post some pics of your blooms. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Browse beautiful gardens
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Stephanotis ...beautiful right now and smelling beautiful ...non invasive creeper
I love my roses the newest rose is Daniel Morecombe, absolutely beautiful rich blood red rose with a really lovely perfume.
They look like velvet, wendan26. Gorgeous!