Flowers and Their Meanings: The

Language of Flowers
 Bluebell—Humility
 Cactus—Endurance
 Carnation—Fascination, women love
 pink—I’ll never forget you
 red—My heart aches for you, admiration
 purple—Capriciousness
 white—Sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, woman’s good luck
gift
 solid color—Yes
 striped—No, refusal, sorry I can’t be with you, wish I could be with
you
 Chrysanthemum
 red—I love you
 white—Truth
 yellow—Slighted love
 Daisy—Innocence, loyal love, I’ll never tell, purity
 Lily (see also: Tiger Lily)
 orange—Hatred
 white—Virginity, purity, majesty, it’s heavenly to be with you
 yellow—I’m walking on air, false and gay
 Marigold—Cruelty, grief, jealousy
 Orchid—Love, beauty, refinement, beautiful lady, Chinese symbol for
many children
 Petunia—Resentment, anger, your presence soothes me
 Rose
 pink—Perfect happiness, please believe me
 red—Love, I love you
 dark crimson—Mourning
 yellow—Decrease of love, jealousy, try to care
 white—Innocence and purity, I am worthy of you, you’re heavenly,
secrecy and silence
 white and red mixed—Unity, flower emblem of England
 white, dried—Death is preferable to loss of virtue
 white, withered—Transient impression, fleeting beauty, you made
no impression
 tea—I’ll remember always
 damask—Persian ambassador of love
 thornless—Love at first sight
 leaf—You may hope
 bouquet of mature blooms—Gratitude
 variegated—Beautiful eyes
 Violet—Modesty
 blue—Watchfulness, faithfulness, I’ll always be there
 Wisteria—Will you dance with me?

Sunflowers
Like the sun they're named for, these blossoms represent warmth and happiness, Law
says. They also stand for loyalty, according to Gaffney. Though the bright yellow blooms
scream summertime, these spirit-lifting flowers are available all year-round

Red tulips

Red tulips are a favorite among the romantic type. Their deep red hues evoke feelings of passion, love, and
lust — making them an especially popular choice for new, younger couples. They can also mean “believe
me” or “my feelings are true.” So, the next time you’re trying to woo the person you admire, send them an
alluring bouquet of red tulips.

Orange tulips

Orange tulips are used to convey a sense of understanding and appreciation between two people, usually in a
relationship. A bouquet of orange tulips can mean that you feel both physically and spiritually connected to
someone.

Yellow tulips
Years ago, yellow flowers were said to represent hopeless love and jealousy. But in recent years, the color
has been associated with much brighter meanings. Yellow tulips now represent happiness, cheerfulness, and
hope. Victorians even believed yellow tulips literally meant “There’s sunshine in your smile.” It’s for this
reason that yellow tulips have become popular “just because” gifts, as they are sure to bring a smile to
anyone’s face. And if you’re looking to add a bit of luck to your home, it’s believed that planting yellow
tulips in your front yard will bring good luck and prosperity.

Purple tulips

Because purple dye was originally wildly expensive and revered, only the very wealthy could afford to wear
fabrics made from that color. In fact, in the 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I actually forbade everyone except
members of the royal family from wearing purple. Though purple is now a beloved and popular color, it
remains a symbol of royalty and elegance.

White tulips

White tulips are a great way to say “I’m sorry” or “My condolences” and are a popular flower for funeral
services. They also represent purity, honor, and holiness, making them a beloved gift for someone
celebrating a religious milestone, such as a communion, baptism, or bar mitzvah. Superstition also has it that
those who dream about white tulips are about to experience a fresh start or new beginning in life.

Pink tulips
Nothing says “Congratulations” like a big bouquet of beautiful pink tulips. Whether you’re celebrating a job
promotion, the birth of a new baby, or college graduation, pink tulips send good luck and well wishes to
anyone receiving them.

Blue tulips

The man, the myth, the legend — yup, we’re talking about blue tulips! What makes tulips truly unique is
that they are one of the few flowers that come in virtually every color. But, surprisingly, “true blue” is one
of the few colors that has remained absent from tulip’s impressive color palette. Recently, a couple of clever
plant breeders were able to create some of the first blue tulips. Because they are one of a kind, blue tulips
represent individuality and uniqueness.

Modern Cactus Symbolism

Today, cacti are most strongly associated with power in the face of adversity, resilience,
survival, strength, endurance, and courage due to their ability not only to withstand harsh
environmental conditions but to thrive in them.

Additional symbolic meanings include chastity due to their spines, maternal or parental love and
warmth for a child, and the ability to draw inspiration out of emptiness.

Cactus Colors and Their Symbolic Meanings

On top of the basic symbolic associations of cacti, the colors of their flowers can also impart
unique meanings.

 White and Yellow – Both white and yellow cactus flowers symbolize endurance
and strength, the same symbolic meaning as any cactus.
 Pink and Orange – Pink or orange flowers on a cactus symbolize youth and beauty.
 Green – Green flowers on a cactus symbolize good luck.
 Blue – Blue cactus flowers represent loyalty and faithfulness.
 Red – A cactus with red flowers is often given as a birthday gift to symbolize well-
wishing, longevity, and good health.

Cactus Flower Meaning

 A cactus that produces bright red blooms are often given as a birthday gift. The red colors symbolize
pure love and birth, like those produced by the Christmas cactus around Christmas time.
 Yellow blooms symbolize strength and endurance, but a non-blooming cactus also symbolizes that.
 White, orange, and purple blooming cacti have no separate meaning other than that of the plant itself
– strength and endurance.
 Green blooms mean good luck and prosperity.
 Blue blooms represent faithfulness and loyalty.
 Pink blooms signify happiness and joy.
 White blooms mean purity and innocence.
 Red blooms mean passion and romance.
 Purple blooms mean wisdom and knowledge.
 Orange blooms mean friendship and harmony