How to Use Flowers to Express Emotions

Love, appreciation, sadness, and other feelings might be difficult to share with others. Sometimes we believe words aren’t enough, and they need an extra something to deliver the message the best way.

A worldwide way to express emotions to friends, family, and even strangers is to send a bunch of flowers with a note.

We all know red roses are a common means to show love to someone, but how can we use correctly the many flowers we have at our disposal?

“Flowers always make people better, happier and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.” — Luther Burbank

History of Floriography

The language of flowers is also known as Floriography.

According to Floriography, every flower has a defined meaning and symbolism that can change according to its variety and color.

Also, the number of flowers in a bouquet might change the message.

The use of flowers to communicate feelings seems to have started during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). At that time, the strict etiquette made it hard to share feelings freely, so flowers were used to communicate in the place of words.

Flowers to Express Love

The red rose is the most popular flower to show love and desire toward someone.

A single red rose indicates “love at first sight” while a dozen red roses mean “be mine”.

Another red flower to give to the loved ones is the tulip. A bouquet of red tulips symbolizes a declaration of love.

For lovers on a budget, carnations are a great alternative. White carnations mean “pure love” while pink ones signify “I will never forget you” and are also used as a show of affection of a woman or a mother; red carnations express “deep love and affection”.

Would you like to choose more original flowers to share your feelings? You might want to consider the red salvia, it means “forever mine”, while honeysuckle indicates devotion and strong bonds of love.

On the other hand, heliotropes are perfect to declare eternal love to your significant other.

Flowers to Manifest Friendship

Flowers are commonly used to express friendship, too.

Alstroemeria is the flower of friendship; it symbolizes prosperity, fortune, and wealth, while a bunch of yellow roses means “friendship and joy”.

Thinking about a friend far away? Send him some zinnias, blue salvia, forget-me-not, or white clovers! They all mean “thinking of you”.

Flowers to Celebrate Special Occasions

Dahlias express dignity and glory and are perfect for special occasions such as graduation or a new career. Dahlias also suggest a strong bond between two lovers and are ideal for celebrating anniversaries.

Myrtles are the best way to wish good luck and love to someone just married, along with peonies that mean prosperity and a long, happy married life.

If you are celebrating someone's new beginning, make sure to send a bunch of daffodils.

Flowers to Express Gratitude and Admiration

Are you looking to express admiration to someone?

Send him heather lavender or purple irises. Purple irises also represent wisdom and recognition, while the blue ones signify faith and hope.

Pink roses are great to show both gratitude and admiration.

Hydrangea represents genuine gratitude coming from the heart for being understood. According to a Japanese legend, the hydrangea is also a symbol of apologies.

Flowers to Ask Forgiveness

Purple hyacinth is one of the most used flowers to ask forgiveness; it also symbolizes sorrow and regret.

The reason for its meanings is related to a Greek legend. The Gods Apollo and Zephyr once fought for the attention of a Greek boy named Hyakinthos; unfortunately, during the clash, the boy got killed. From Hyakinthos blood grew a flower called Hyacinth.

White tulips are also great to gift someone if you’re looking for forgiveness.

Flowers to Express Remembrance

Many flowers represent remembrance, like the pansy, often used during funerals.

Verbena is another flower utilized in religious ceremonies; it means “pray for me,” and it’s common to believe that it can protect people against evil.

Other flowers that symbolize remembrance are the asclepias, also known as milkweeds, the gladiolus, the statice, and the poppy.

The red poppies created with fabric are sold nowadays to raise money to help veterans, widows, and orphans. They are worn during Remembrance Day/Armistice Day or the ANZAC Day.

The Language of Flowers Around the World

According to the Japanese culture, the chrysanthemum represents longevity, rejuvenation, and nobility. In Asia, it signifies life and rebirth, and it’s usually gifted for birthdays. The same flower means respect and honor in America, while in Italy, it is placed on the tombs on All Souls Day.

Flowers aren’t welcome at Arabic funerals, while tuberoses are commonly used in Vietnam and carnations in Greece.

Every country uses flowers and colors on different occasions and to share a diverse feeling with other people.

It’s always better to ask for advice from a local person or flower shop before sending the wrong message and making a bad impression.

“Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul.” — Luther Burbank