What Message are You Sending with Your Valentines Bouquet?
If you lived in Victorian times the choosing of particular flowers to send to a loved one or friend was a matter of some consideration. Each blossom was assigned a meaning; Orchids for beauty, Heliotrope for devotion, Forget Me Nots for true love, Bachelor’s Buttons for hope in Love, Red Pinks (Carnations) for pure, ardent love etc…….
You wouldn’t want to send a bouquet containing Evening Primrose for inconstancy, Foxglove for insincerity, Camellias for pity, Larkspur for fickleness, Lavender for distrust etc…….
You were pretty safe with Roses, which have many types, but all mean some version of love. That is probably how we ended up with Roses as the signature bouquet to express ardent love.
If your are lucky enough to have a branch with Peach blossoms, then you can send the message “This heart is thine”.
The Language of Flowers sent a secret message with each bouquet.
Although I noticed that some of the meanings came from classical Roman and Greek writings and customs.
I wonder what went on in winter when nothing was blooming? Your emotions would have to be bottled up till spring! I do like the idea that I could send a bouquet to let a lover know that the affair was over or that I am not interested, thereby, letting the person down gently. A sprig of Boxwood leaves for Stoical indifference accompanied by a Nightshade blossom for bitter truth.
And if you are really perturbed then send some Nettles for slander or cruelty. Or even Dead Leaves meaning sadness. Indian Pinks (Carnations) signify aversion. That one could come in handy.
It was a time when religion was part of everyday life with strict norms.
Concepts of chastity, purity and religious fervor are themes within the language of flowers. Orange Blossoms for chastity, Passion flower for religious fervor and Lily for purity.
There are thick Language of Flowers books like these two, published in the Victorian Era. They gave a detailed glossary of flowers and their meaning with illustrations.
A whole language devoted to floral art and expression of emotions using flowers and even branches of trees i.e. a Fir branch for Elevation. Kind of makes sense.
In an era when people were limited in their social interactions and decorum didn’t allow discussions of ones emotions, this elaborate system of sending messages came into vogue.
Chart with Flower Meanings
All of the meanings of the individual flowers are from this list.
obtained by searching Goggle Images for Language of Flowers
It cuts off at Roses but there are lots more flowers and meanings beyond “R”. See the list in the link at the end of this article for more meanings of flowers.
Valentines Day 2025
A little bouquet of Pelargonium flowers in pinks and reds has the feeling of an old fashioned garden and in Language of the flowers it says “your hand for the next dance?”
Luckily, we live in the modern world and hidden meanings in the types of flowers you choose isn’t a consideration in choosing a beautiful bouquet. Flowers can be admired for their beauty. Emotions can be expressed diplomatically without worry of social consequences.
In the month of February we have Valentines Day and its celebration cheers up the gray winter days and reminds us that love is in the hearts of those around us. Unfortunately, our holidays have become somewhat hokey and sugar drenched. The language of flowers is a reminder that in times past there was a deeper amount of thought given to presenting just the right expression of ones feelings.
For a little different Valentines Bouquet this year, assemble a mix of flowers that expresses the feelings you have for the person you love. Include a note explaining the meanings. You can use this list, but you could instead, assign a meaning of your own creation. There are no flower language police to correct you. Thank goodness.
I mention assigning your own meanings because I noticed that the list shown has lots of old fashioned flowers that don’t relate to modern florist flowers very well. Plus it is a way to personalize your gift. Just a fun idea to change up Valentines offerings a bit.
Have a lovely Valentines week! If you don’t have a special someone to give or receive flowers from, make up your own bouquet and enjoy the beautiful colors, hidden message and happiness that flowers can bring into your home.
Further information on the Meanings of Flowers
Want to learn more about the language of flowers? Check out the library, internet or this link to the Iowa State Extension article.
Thank you. Very interesting.
Hi Cleo,
That was a fun and quick one just to put a twist on Valentines. Always so nice to hear from you!………..Lois