The Meaning of Flowers (A-D)
We have to confess that when we have ever approached any form of floral elements for an event, we have always been guided by the context of how and where we were displaying a floral addition. Kinda makes sense.
Naturally budget makes an impact on our selection as does the season, but above all – it is the artistry of the design of the floral work that is key. Together with our floral artists we have created some sensational creations – beautiful celebration bouquets, featured ‘hero’ displays, table centrepieces that serve as great conversation starters and so on.
But sometimes that’s all not enough…
What we discovered on one high profile event for an international financial firm from Hong Kong was that flowers came with specific associations that we needed to be mindful of. We were familiar with roses but anything more than that… thankful our client guided us and the day was saved and happiness was everywhere.
It took us some time, a couple of missteps, but eventually we developed a quick reference list of major flowers and their possible meanings. The flowers listed from A through to L are detailed here for your consideration.
Acacia Concealed Love; Beauty in Retirement; Chaste Love
Ambrosia Your Love is Reciprocated
Amaryllis Pride; Pastoral Poetry
Amaryllis/Hippeastrum I am proud of you; pride
Anemone Forsaken
Anemone/Mona Lisa I don’t want to lose you
Anthurium, Red You work to get where you are
Anthurium, White Think of me
Arbutus Thee Only Do I Love
Aster Symbol of Love, Daintiness
Aster China Variety is the spice of life
Azalea Take Care of Yourself for Me; Temperance; Fragile Passion; Chinese Symbol of Womanhood
Bachelor Button Single Blessedness
Begonia Beware
Bells Of Ireland Good Luck
Bellflower / Campanula Gratitude
Bird of Paradise Flower Freedom, Good perspective
Bittersweet Truth
Butterfly Orchid You are always on my mind
Bluebell Humility
Cactus Endurance
Camellia, Pink Longing for you
Camellia, Red You’re a Flame in My Heart
Camellia, White You’re Adorable
Carnation, General Fascination; Woman Love
Carnation, Pink I’ll Never Forget You; Motherly love
Carnation, Red My Heart Aches For You; Admiration; I hold you in high esteem; respect
Carnation, Purple Capriciousness
Carnation, Solid Color Yes
Carnation, Striped No; Refusal; Sorry I Can’t Be With You; Wish I Could Be With You
Carnation, White Sweet and Lovely; Innocence; Pure Love; Woman’s Good Luck Gift
Carnation, Yellow You Have Disappointed Me; Rejection; Enjoy the moment
Cattail Peace; Prosperity
Celosia Fortune
Chrysanthemum You’re a Wonderful Friend; Cheerfulness and Rest
Chrysanthemum, White Truth
Chrysanthemum, Yellow Slighted Love
Crocus Cheerfulness
Cyclamen Don’t lose faith in me
Cypress Mourning
Cyclamen Resignation and Good-bye
Daffodil Regard; Unrequited Love; You’re the Only One; The Sun is Always Shining with You
Daffodil Narcissus You are an angel
Dahlia Fickleness
Daisy Innocence; Loyal Love; I’ll Never Tell; Purity
Daisy, Garden I share your sentiment
Daisy, Red Joy
Daisy, White Innocence; truth
Daisy, Yellow I will try hard to earn your love
Dandelion Faithfulness; Happiness
It is certainly not an exhaustive list so if a flower doesn’t feature and it should – your feedback is appreciated.
Article By Andrea Murphy
