Flowers have captivated the human imagination for millennia. As a result, flower colours have had symbolic meanings attached that have evolved across cultures and centuries. The Victorian secret language of flowers, floriography, cemented the colour of flowers as holding meaning beyond its visual appeal. But what do different coloured flowers mean?
From secret love messages in Victorian times to modern-day flower gifts, the idea of flowers having special meanings is still popular today. Let flowers do the talking as this guide will help you pick the perfect floral gift based on colour symbolism.
Red flowers are a classic choice to express deep love and desire, making them popular for romantic occasions. Their bold colour conveys a sense of intensity and admiration, making them the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or Anniversaries. Beyond romance, red flowers symbolise courage, strength, and respect. In Chinese culture, red flowers are seen as incredibly lucky, representing good fortune, wealth, and happiness. They're often used at weddings and other joyful events to bring positive energy and blessings. Shop here for red flowers.
White flowers symbolise purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Their pristine beauty makes them the perfect choice for milestone occasions like weddings, christenings, baby showers, or housewarmings. Different types of white flowers tend to symbolise various things. For example, white chrysanthemums tend to be associated with mourning or grief, whereas white carnations are said to represent a mother’s love. Shop here for white flowers.
In Ancient Egyptian culture, yellow flowers were considered the colour of eternal and indestructible entities, and as a result, symbolised immortality and the divine. Today, yellow flowers are often associated with happiness, joy, and friendship. Their bright and cheerful appearance evokes feelings of optimism and warmth. They are a popular choice to brighten someone's day or to celebrate a new beginning. Shop here for yellow flowers.
Pink flowers are often associated with grace, gentleness, and happiness. They convey a sense of femininity, youth, and innocence. Pink roses, for example, symbolise admiration, gratitude, and softer emotions compared to red roses. They also have a rich and interesting history — the Ancient Greeks held the Dianthus (pink flowers) in high esteem, calling it ‘The Flower of Zeus’. If you do decide to gift a loved one a pink bloom, be sure to let them know it's a bouquet the gods would approve of! Shop here for pink flowers.
Blue flowers are often associated with peace, tranquillity, and serenity. Their calming colour evokes feelings of calmness and openness. Blue flowers can also symbolise trust, loyalty, and wisdom. In literary history, blue flowers are a mystic symbol of longing. Due to this, it became a widely recognised literary symbol among the Romantics. Shop here for bouquets containing blue flowers.
Purple flowers are often associated with royalty, luxury, and wisdom. Their rich and regal colour conveys a sense of opulence and sophistication. Purple is also linked to spirituality — in New Age and Wiccan traditions, believers often wear purple attire to enhance their psychic abilities. Shop here for purple flowers.
Flower colours are more than just visual delights — they carry symbolic meanings that have evolved over centuries. From the passionate red to the serene blue, each hue evokes a distinct message.
By understanding the language of flowers, you can elevate your floral gifts to a new level of thoughtfulness. Whether you're expressing love, friendship, or admiration, consider the symbolic power of colour and create a truly meaningful floral arrangement with eFlorist.