As you may be aware, many common flowers you can purchase at a flower shop to place in a bouquet or arrangement have some symbols or meanings attached to them. Not everyone places much stock or importance in the symbolism of flowers, but it’s at least worth considering these traditions when purchasing flowers for another person, or especially for a particular event.
With this in mind, here are some examples of some of the meanings and symbols associated with some of the most commonly purchased flowers at our flower shop in San Francisco, CA:
- Aster: Aster symbolizes patience, and also a love of variety. In some arrangements it can also be used to help create a sense of daintiness or elegance.
- Amaryllis: This flower is most commonly used to symbolize splendid beauty, or worth beyond beauty. It is commonly used for romantic arrangements.
- Carnations: Carnations are extremely popular and accessible flowers, and come in many different colors. A red carnation is symbolic of love, pride or admiration. A pink carnation is symbolic of the love of a woman or a mother. A white carnation is reflective of innocence or pure love. A purple carnation is symbolic of capriciousness. Be careful with yellow carnations, though, as they symbolize disdain, rejection or disappointment.
- Daisies: Daises are symbolic of purity and innocence, and are frequently used to convey loyal love. There are specific varieties of daisies that can convey other types of moods as well.
- Delphinium: Delphinium are gorgeous blue-purple flowers that symbolize fun, levity and big-heartedness, as well as strong attachment. They’re perfect for friendship or fun, summery arrangements.
- Gardenias: Gardenias are popularly used to convey secret love, and joy. Use them to show that special someone just how lovely you find them.
- Irises: Irises are traditionally symbolic of eloquence or wisdom. When they have blue flowers, they symbolize faith or hope, while yellow flowers symbolize passion and white flowers symbolize purity.
- Lilacs: Lilacs are a favorite springtime flower across much of North America, and are commonly used in arrangements to symbolize innocence and confidence. White lilac symbolizes humility and innocence, while purple lilacs can be symbolic of first love.
- Lilies: Lilies represent purity and beauty. White lilies in particular double down on the purity and virginity, while orange lilies symbolize passion and Lily of the Valley is representative of sweetness and purity of heart. Easter lilies are often used as the symbol of the Virgin Mary.
- Roses: Roses symbolize love in various forms, based on color, number and variety.
- Snapdragons: Snapdragons are representative of graciousness and strength.
- Sunflowers: Sunflowers are symbolic of pure thoughts, adoration and dedication, and can specifically be a symbol of dedicated love.
- Tulips: Tulips are often used as a declaration of love, but can also symbolize fame.
For more information about various flower meanings, contact The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers. The team at our flower shop in San Francisco, CA looks forward to answering any questions you have about how to make the perfect arrangement for any occasion!