When presenting flowers to a cherished recipient, it’s not just about choosing the prettiest blooms; it’s also about selecting hues that convey meaningful sentiments. Flower colors hold hidden meanings, offering a subtle language to express your emotions. To guide you in this floral language, we’ve enlisted insights from three floral experts to unravel the significance behind some of the most common flowers found in bouquets.
1. Red Roses
Grand and iconic, a bouquet of red roses signifies more than mere beauty. Nikki Abis, floral designer at Starbright Floral Design, emphasizes that red roses universally symbolize passion and love, making them the quintessential flower of romance.
2. Purple Roses
For a more nuanced expression of love, choose purple roses. Abis notes that these blooms symbolize love at first sight, perhaps owing to their intoxicating fragrance. The regal association with the color purple also conveys high regard for the recipient.
3. Pink Roses
Expressing gratitude and appreciation, pink roses are perfect for occasions like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and birthdays. The versatility of pink shades allows you to tailor the bouquet to match the recipient’s preferences.
4. Yellow Roses
Injecting sunshine into your gesture, yellow roses represent friendship. Abis playfully points out that the brightness of yellow elicits smiles, making it an excellent choice for spreading joy among friends.
5. Red and Pink Carnations
Both red and pink carnations are Valentine’s Day favorites. The key difference lies in the symbolism – red carnations convey love and affection, while pink ones express admiration. Combining both colors adds depth to the bouquet.
6. Tulips
High on the list of flowers symbolizing love, tulips epitomize perfect love and elegance. According to David Denyer, a flower expert at Eflorist, the tale of a prince and the red tulips that bloomed where his lover perished adds a heartwarming layer to their significance.
7. White Lilies
Tom Su, a garden and landscaping expert, highlights that white lilies connote innocence and morality, making them a choice that declares pure affection.
8. Orange Lilies
Radiant and bold, orange lilies embody passion and confidence, signifying a vibrant and strong relationship. Gifting a bouquet of orange lilies signifies a powerful connection.
9. White Chrysanthemums
While not commonly used in bouquets, white chrysanthemums bear profound symbolism. Su explains that they represent truthfulness and faithfulness, making them a meaningful choice.
10. Red Chrysanthemums
Su notes that red chrysanthemums symbolize open-heartedness and a willingness to share feelings. This choice reassures the recipient of wholehearted commitment.
11. Lavender Hyacinths
To infuse playfulness and frivolity into a bouquet, consider hyacinths. Su cautions, however, that a lavender hyacinth specifically represents sorrow, urging careful consideration of the chosen color.
Understanding the language of flower colors adds a layer of thoughtfulness to your floral gifts, allowing you to convey emotions with every petal.
