Customs
What do flowers mean?
The red rose is the classic symbol of romantic love in the language of flowers. White flowers symbolise purity, innocence and truth, and white is the colour most used for sympathy and remembrance.
Details
| Topic | What we know | Source and date checked |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysanthemum | Chrysanthemums broadly symbolise loyalty, love and devotion, though the specific nuance shifts with colour: red for romantic love, white for truth and yellow for slighted love. | |
| Daffodil | Daffodils symbolise regard and chivalry, with sentiments like 'you're the only one' attached in some floriography lists. | |
| Hyacinth | Blue hyacinths consistently symbolise constancy in the language of flowers. | |
| Hydrangea | Hydrangeas are traditionally said to mean 'thank you for understanding', expressing heartfelt gratitude. | |
| Lily | Lilies broadly symbolise purity and innocence, which is also why the white lily is the most traditional funeral flower, representing the restored innocence of the departed soul. | |
| Lily of the valley | Lily of the valley symbolises the 'return of happiness' in the language of flowers. | |
| Orange | Orange flowers represent enthusiasm, energy and excitement, making them a vibrant choice for celebrating success. | |
| Orchid | Orchids symbolise beauty, strength, elegance and admiration, and in Chinese tradition are also linked to having many children. | |
| Pink | Pink flowers convey admiration, gratitude and sweetness, often used to say thank you or show appreciation. | |
| Pink carnation | Some New Zealand florists say pink carnations represent a mother's undying love. In Victorian floriography they meant 'a woman's love' or 'I'll never forget you'. | |
| Red carnation | Red carnations are consistently linked to heartfelt longing and admiration in the language of flowers. | |
| Yellow | Some New Zealand florists describe yellow flowers as standing for friendship, joy and happiness. The older Victorian 'language of flowers' gave yellow negative meanings instead, such as slighted love. |
Good to know
- Each fact was checked on the date shown. Florists' stock changes, so check with the florist before you order.
Sources and last checked
Last checked .
- Royal Horticultural Society: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/libraries-at-rhs/articles/the-language-of-flowers. Checked .
- Iowa State University Extension: https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/flowers-and-their-meanings-language-flowers. Checked .
- Ann Cheshire Florist: https://anncheshire.co.nz/blogs/floral-diaries/rose-colour-meanings. Checked .
- Royal Horticultural Society: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/school-gardening/resources/curriculum-linked/the-meaning-of-flowers. Checked .
- Best Blooms (Auckland): https://www.bestblooms.co.nz/blogs/best-mothers-day-flowers-auckland. Checked .
- Roses are Red (Auckland): https://www.rosesarered.co.nz/flower-meanings. Checked .