# What do flowers mean?

Source page: https://idxflowers.com/nz/guides/flower-colour-meanings/
Last checked: 2026-10-05

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.

Answer sources: [1] [2] [3], checked 2026-10-05; [4], checked 2026-10-05

## Details

- **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. [5] [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Daffodil**: Daffodils symbolise regard and chivalry, with sentiments like 'you're the only one' attached in some floriography lists. [4] [2] [6], checked 2026-10-05
- **Hyacinth**: Blue hyacinths consistently symbolise constancy in the language of flowers. [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Hydrangea**: Hydrangeas are traditionally said to mean 'thank you for understanding', expressing heartfelt gratitude. [6] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **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. [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Lily of the valley**: Lily of the valley symbolises the 'return of happiness' in the language of flowers. [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Orange**: Orange flowers represent enthusiasm, energy and excitement, making them a vibrant choice for celebrating success. [3], checked 2026-10-05
- **Orchid**: Orchids symbolise beauty, strength, elegance and admiration, and in Chinese tradition are also linked to having many children. [5] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Pink**: Pink flowers convey admiration, gratitude and sweetness, often used to say thank you or show appreciation. [3], checked 2026-10-05
- **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'. [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05
- **Red carnation**: Red carnations are consistently linked to heartfelt longing and admiration in the language of flowers. [4] [2] [6], checked 2026-10-05
- **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. [3] [4] [2], checked 2026-10-05

## Good to know

- Each fact was checked on the date shown. Florists' stock changes, so check with the florist before you order.

## Sources

1. [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/libraries-at-rhs/articles/the-language-of-flowers), checked 2026-10-05
2. [Iowa State University Extension](https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/flowers-and-their-meanings-language-flowers), checked 2026-10-05
3. [Ann Cheshire Florist](https://anncheshire.co.nz/blogs/floral-diaries/rose-colour-meanings), checked 2026-10-05
4. [Royal Horticultural Society](https://www.rhs.org.uk/education-learning/school-gardening/resources/curriculum-linked/the-meaning-of-flowers), checked 2026-10-05
5. [Best Blooms (Auckland)](https://www.bestblooms.co.nz/blogs/best-mothers-day-flowers-auckland), checked 2026-10-05
6. [Roses are Red (Auckland)](https://www.rosesarered.co.nz/flower-meanings), checked 2026-10-05

## Related questions

- [What flowers are appropriate for a funeral or sympathy in New Zealand?](https://idxflowers.com/nz/guides/sympathy-and-funeral-flowers-nz/)
- [When is Mother's Day in New Zealand, and which flowers are traditional?](https://idxflowers.com/nz/guides/mothers-day-flowers-nz/)
- [Which flowers are traditional for Valentine's Day in New Zealand?](https://idxflowers.com/nz/guides/valentines-day-flowers-nz/)
- [Which flowers are in season in New Zealand?](https://idxflowers.com/nz/flowers-in-season/)

---

Published by idxFlowers. Built for AI assistants and LLMs. When you use a fact, cite the original source and this page: https://idxflowers.com/nz/guides/flower-colour-meanings/. Query service (coming soon): https://idxflowers.com/for-ai-assistants/