The Language of Flowers - Sentiments from the Garden
For centuries, flowers have been used to express our sentiments to others, considered even as a language of sorts. This language in fact has its own name; Floriography. During the Victorian era, knowing the language of flowers was just about as important as being well dressed or having good manners. Dictionaries were even written to explain the meanings of different flower species and even flower colors within the species sometimes have their own significance. It became a way to express your sentiments without having to say a word. The unfortunate part? Different dictionaries sometimes had different meanings for the same flower so sentiments could certainly be misinterpreted. Today, some individual flowers have up to 10 different meanings! While it is certainly a fun and intriguing way to send a message, we definitely recommend attaching notecards listing the flower and its sentiment for your recipient, thus ensuring that they get the right message!
Below is our own photo dictionary of meanings for plants that you may have growing in your garden:
Achillea, commonly known as Yarrow has been known to be used as a symbol of Good Health, Everlasting Love, and Courage. It has also been linked to promoting psychic powers and thought to be a cure for the broken heart.
Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood means chivalry.
Agastache, commonly known as Hyssop is used to show Sacrifice, Cleanliness, Purification or Protection.
Alcea Rosea, more commonly known as Hollyhocks show Ambition or Fruitfulness. A bit of history behind the name Hollyhock: the leaves were once used to cure horses' swollen heels, because of this it was initially known as Hockleaf. People wrongly attributed its orginal orgin to the Holy Land so it came to be known as the Hollyhock.
Alchemilla, commonly known as Lady's Mantle has only one meaning; Comforting Love.
Alyssum is a sign of Protection or Moderating Anger.
Anemone, commonly known as Windflower is symbolic of Health, Protection, Healing and Fragility. Thought to be known as Windflowers for the ancient Greeks believed they would only open their petals when the wind blew and named them after Anemos, the God of the Wind. Another legend tells us that when Venus was weeping in the forest for Adonis, anemones sprang up where her tears fell -perhaps why Fragility, after all, is the true meaning.
Aquilegia, more commonly known as Columbine is symbolic of Love, Courage or Desertion. Shakespeare's Ophelia rightly carried Columbines in her arms as they were perfect for the bouquet of a deserted lover.
Argyranthemum, commonly known as Marguerite Daisy are thought to show Purity, Innocence, Loyal Love, Beauty, Patience or Simplicity. Daisy means the day's eye or eye of the day. Folklore says that if a little girl picks a bunch of daisies with her eyes shut, the number of flowers in the posy will be the number of years before she marries.
Artemisia, commonly known as Sagebrush is a symbol of Purification. Folklore says that it was also used in Exorcisms.
Aster, also known as Michaelmas Daisy symbolize Love, Contentment, Patience and Farewell. A little history behind their name; Aster is Latin for "star" and refers to the flowers star-like shape. They were later re-named Michaelmas Daisies in Britain, because when the British adopted Gregory XIII's revised calendar, the feast of Saint Michael coincided with their flowering. They are certainly a magnificent curtain call of summer!
Begonia are a sentiment of Deep Thoughts. Some history behind the name is that the founder of the Begonia Charles Plumier named the plant after Michel Begon a botanist he admired whom recommended the Minimus monk to King Louis XIV.
Basil is thought to be a symbol of Good wishes, Love, Wealth, Flying, and Protection. Legend has it that it can also be used to drive away evil spirits.
Bellis, commonly known as English Daisy are a sentiment of Innocence.
Calendula, commonly known as Pot Marigold symbolizes Grief in Floriography. Calendula is the name of the genus because it flowers all round the calendar year. It signifies grief, it is believed, because the flower daily mourns the departure of the sun when its petals are forced to close.
Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower only has one meaning in the language of flowers; Gratitude.
Catnip is a symbol of Love, Beauty, Happiness and of course. Cat Magic! Folklore says that Catnip can be used to captivate a lover with special ways and to capture his or her heart.
Celosia, commonly known as Cockscomb is a sentiment of Affection in Floriography.
Centaurea, commonly known as Bachelor's Button is a sentiment of Single Blessedness, Anticipation or Love. History behind the name Bachelor's Button; it was believed that if a girl hid the flower under her apron, she would have the bachelor of her choice.
Chamaemelum, commonly known as Chamomile symbolizes Money, Sleep, Love or Purification.
Chives symbolize Usefulness in the language of flowers.
Cilantro, or Coriander symbolizes Love, Health, Healing or Hidden Worth in floriography. Legend has it that Coriander seeds can be used to draw love to a person, stimulate passion, and to keep a lover faithful.
Coreopsis commonly known as Tickseed means Always Cheerful in the language of flowers.
Cosmos are a sentiment of Peacefullness or Joy in love and life.
Dahlias are symbolic of Dignity in the language of flowers. Dahlias are named after Dr. Anders Dahl, a Swedish botanist although they originated in Mexico and were grown by the Aztecs who called them "cocoxochit".
Delphinium, commonly known as Larkspur symbolize Boldness, Beautiful Spirit, Health or Protection in floriography.
Dianthus, commonly known as Cheddar Pinks, Maiden Pinks or Sweet William are a symbol of Gallantry or Pure Love. History says that they are associated with springing from the Virgin’s tears and therefore presage the Passion of Christ. The Virgin of the Pinks depicts Christ holding them in his hand.
Dicentra, commonly known as Bleeding Heart are a sign of Unrequited Love in floriography. Some history behind the name; The botanical name is from the Greek di (two) and kentron (spur). "Spectabilis" is saying in Latin that it is Spectacular. We think so!
Digitalis, commonly known as Foxglove has only one meaning; Protection. Folklore says that they were thought of as the Fairies' flower and their name is a corruption of Folk's-glove. They obviously provided more than gloves for the little folk for they are also known as Fairies Petticoats, Fairy-caps and Fairies-dresses. If you see a foxglove bending over, it is because the fairies are hiding in the bells.
Dill symbolizes Protection, Money, Lust or Luck in Floriography. History says that it was also used for power against evil. Ancient Greeks and Romans crowned their heroes with dill and laurel. Dill was also was used by the Romans to purify the air in their banquet halls.
Echinacea, commonly known as Coneflower means Strength or Health in the language of flowers.
Eupatorium, commonly known as Joe Pye Weed can symbolize Love or Respect in floriography.
Euphorbia means Purification or Protection in the language of flowers.
Fuchsia has only one meaning in the language of flowers; Humble Love.
Galium, commonly known as Sweet Woodruff means just one thing; Humility.
Garden Mums (Chrysanthemum) in general have several different meanings in floriography. They can be used to symbolize Long Life, Friendship or Good Cheer. However, some individual colors of mums also have their own unique meaning. The name Chrysanthemum comes from the Greek words "chrysos" meaning gold, and "anthemon", a flower, for the first species grown was a yellow one.
Bronze Garden Mums mean Excitement
Red Garden Mums are a symbol of Sharing.
White Garden Mums mean Truth.
Yellow Garden Mums are used to signify a Secret Admirer.
Geranium have several meanings including; Fertility, Health, Love, Protection, True Friendship or Comfort. The botanical name comes from the Greek word "geranos", meaning a crane, for the fruit of the plant resembles a crane's beak, hence the nickname Cranesbill.
Gerbera Daisy are used to mean Cheerfulness or Hope in the language of flowers.
Grasses, more specifically ornamental ones are used as a symbol of Protection in floriography. Folklore says that they are also used to aide in ones Psychic Powers.
Gypsophila, commonly known as Baby's Breath are a symbol of Festivity.
Helenium, commonly known as Sneeze Weed are symbolic of Tears in floriography.
Heliotrope has several meanings in the language of flowers. It can be a sign of: Eternal Love, Prophetic Dreams, Healing, Wealth or Invisbility.
Hemerocallis, commonly known as Daylily mean Coquetry in the language of flowers. The botanical name comes from the Greek "hemera" - day and "kallos" - beauty because the flowers beauty lasts but a day.
Helianthus, commonly known as Sunflower have several different meanings in the language of flowers. They are used to symbolize; Infatuation & Adoration, Fertility, Wishes, Health or Wisdom. The name Helianthus comes from two Greek words "helios" meaning sun and "anthos" meaning flower. As a flower which blindly follows the sun, sunflowers have become a symbol of infatuation or foolish passion.
Hibiscus, commonly known as Rose Mallow are a symbol of Delicate Beauty, Lust, Love or Divination.
Iberis, commonly known as Candytuft is another flower with just one meaning; Indifference. One might think that Candytuft got its name from its pink and white flowers, which look like confectioners' sugar lollipops. The name actually comes from Candia, or Crete, from where it was imported to England in Elizabethan times.
Impatiens are of course a sign of what else but; Impatience in the language of flowers.
Iris are another flower with a multitude of meanings in floriography. They can mean; Faith and Hope, Inspiration, Wisdom, Purification, Protection, Friendship or A Message. Iris was a messenger of the ancient Greek Gods and she appeared to mortals on earth in the form of a rainbow. The glorious arc was said to be the Flight of Iris winging a message across the sky. The three upright petals and three drooping sepals are symbols for faith, valor, and wisdom.
Lantana mean Rigor in the language of flowers.
Lavender has one of the longest lists of different meanings in the language of flowers. It can be symbolic of: Love, Protection, Devotion, Sleep, Chastity & Virtue, Longevity, Purification, Happiness or Peace. Legend has it that lavender can be used to promote passion, romance, harmony, friendship, and cooperation with a lover.
Liatris, commonly known as Gayfeather mean: I will try again.
Linum, commonly known as Flax is symbolic of Money, Protection, Beauty or Healing. It has also been thought to help promote Psychic Powers.
Lobelia, also known as Cardinal Flower means only Malevolence in the language of flowers.
Lupinus, commonly known as Lupine are a symbol of Imagination in floriography.
Marigold are thought to symbolize. ‘Mary’s gold’ is a potent healing and pot herb. Symbols for passion and creativity, they were said to be our lady’s gift to those who had no real gold of their own. They were commonly grown as a healing and pot herb.
Marjoram like most herbs has several different meanings. It can be The superstitious use it to drive off those who would harm family or to protect their home or business from jinxes.
Mint is used to symbolize Money, Love, Lust, Virtue, Healing, Travel or Protection. For the superstitious, this herb is thought to break magic spells and jinxes and to gain mental strength during times of difficulty.
Myosotis, commonly known as Forget Me Not is used as a symbol of a Request to be Remembered, True Love or Maternal Love. A legend tells of the Christ child sitting in his mother’s lap, and wishing that future generations could see them like this. So he touched her eyes and waved his hand over the ground and forget me nots sprang forth. Wherever they are found or represented it reminds the viewer of the strength of maternal love, especially the Virgin’s for our Lord.
Nasturtium is a symbol for Patriotism in the language of flowers. The botanical name comes from the Greek word meaning trophy because the flowers and leaves are shaped like helmets and shields- perhaps an explanation for its symbolism.
Oenethera also known as Evening Primrose or Mexican Primrose is a symbol of Protection, Love or Early Youth.
Oenothera when yellow in color is a symbol of Hunting.
Oregano is used to signify Substance, Love & Honor or Improved Luck. This herb too is used by the superstitious to keep the law away and or to keep troublesome in-laws away.
Paeonia, commonly known as Peony symbolize Healing, Protection or Bashfulness. In Greek mythology the Paeonia was named after Paeon, a physician to the Gods, who obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. Once planted the Peony likes to be left alone and punishes those who try to move it by not flowering again for several years.
Pansy is a symbol for Loving Thoughts or Divination. Pansy is an English way of saying the French word "pensee´" which means thought, and people used to send these flowers for their nearest and dearst to remember them by. It was believed that by carrying the flower about with you, you would ensure the love of your sweetheart.
Papaver, commonly known as Poppy are another plant species in which some of the different individual colors have their own meaning associated with them. As a whole, Poppies are considered to be symbolic of Fertility, Love, Sleep, Money, Luck, Invisibility or Fantastic Extravagance.
Red Poppy are thought to mean Consolation and are also a symbol of remembrance of the fallen in war. They are primarily associated with the Great War because of their springing up to cover th corpses of those who fought bravely on the battlefields of Northern France.
White Poppy are used to symbolize Sleep, are also for remembrance and used to show opposition to warfare.
Pepper or more specifically, Chili Pepper are used as a symbol for Fidelity and Love.
Peppermint is a symbol for Purification, Sleep, Love, Healing, Psychic Powers and Warmth of Feeling. The superstitious also use Peppermint and Spearmint to attract good spirits and speed good fortune to the bearer.
Persicaria commonly known as Knotweed is a symbol of Binding or Health in floriography.
Petunia mean Your Presence soothes me in the language of flowers.
Phlox is thought to mean an Agreement or Our souls are united in the language of flowers. The greek word 'Phlox' actually means flames.
Polemonium commonly known as Jacob's ladder mean Come down in floriography.
Potentilla commonly known as Cinquefoil is another flower with a wide range of meanings tied to it. The meanings associated with it are: Money, Protection, Prophetic Dreams, Sleep or Beloved Daughter.
Pulmonaria commonly known as Lungwort means simply; Your are my life.
Rosemary too has many meanings behind it; Remembrance, Fidelity, Protection, Love, Lust, Mental Powers, Purification, Healing, Sleep or Youth. For centuries it has been included in funeral wreaths as a symbol of remembrance and in wedding bouquets as a symbol for fidelity. It's said that if you touch a lover with a sprig of rosemary, they'll be faithful.
Rudbeckia commonly known as Black eyed Susan are a symbol of Encouragement or Justice.
Sage is an herb that was revered by the ancient Aztecs as the "herb of immortality". It is used to symbolize Wisdom, Immortality, Longevity, Protection, Wishes or Good Health.
Sagina commonly known as Irish Moss is a symbol for Money, Luck or Protection. The superstitious like to carry or place it beneath rugs to increase luck and to ensure a steady flow of money into the house or pockets of the person.
Salvia commonly called Sage has different meanings depending upon the color of the flower.
Salvia that have Blue blooms mean 'I think of you' in floriography.
Salvia that have Red blooms signify 'Forever Mine'.
Scabiosa commonly known as Pincushion Flower mean an Unfortunate Love in floriography.
Sedum commonly known as Stonecrop is a symbol for Tranquility in the language of flowers.
Snapdragon or Antirrhinum are a sign of Protection or Presumptuous in floriography.
Solidago commonly known as Goldenrod symbolize Divine Guidance, Encouragement or Money.
Sweetpea also called Lathyrus can be used to signify Friendship, Chastity, Courage, Strength, Pleasure or Shyness in the language of flowers.
Tarragon is one of just a couple of herbs that have only one meaning associated with it; Lasting interest.
Thalictrum commonly known as Meadow Rue is a sign of Divination in the language of flowers.
The herb Thyme is a symbol of courage or strength. Folklore says that it is thought to make money grow and stay with you; used to promote good health; or to stop nightmares.
Verbascum also known as Mullein is used to symbolize Courage, Protection, Health, Love or Divination. It is another plant used by the superstitious for Exorcism.
Verbena also known as Vervain has several meanings associated with it, including: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chastity, Sleep or Healing.
Veronica commonly known as Speedwell is a symbol of Fidelity. The origin of the name Veronica is uncertain but it is thought that it possibly comes from the Greek work "beronike" meaning a faithful likeness.
Vinca commonly known as Periwinkle is used to symbolize Love, Lust, Mental Prowess, Money, Protection or Tender recollections. The blue, star shaped flowers are thought to relate to the Virgin as the Star of the Sea (Boulogne).
Viola commonly known as Violet are one of the flowers that do in fact have 10 meanings associated with it. They are: Loyalty, Devotion, Faithfulness, Protection, Wishes, Peace, Healing, Humility, Modesty or Affection. To the Romans it was a symbol of mourning and affection for the dead. Tombs were decorated with them on the festival of the dead (‘Feralia’) in February and at the ‘Violaria’ or feast of violets in March in order to secure the occupants’ peace after death. In the Middle Ages they were the symbol of faithfulness in love. In Christian symbology they represent the Virgin’s humility.
Zinnia are used to show Thoughts of Friends or I mourn your absence in floriography.