In Victorian times flowers were assigned special meanings because the choice of flowers was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. The situation today is clearly different. With so many different flowers, and so many means of communication there are no such rules. It is truly the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning and nothing else. Some people give certain flowers their own meaning, perhaps a colour that reminds them of something, or the shape resembling something else. The most obvious and generally accepted meaning of a flower is that of the rosebud symbolizing youth and young love, whilst a fully blossomed rose symbolizes love and gratitude. White ones tend to symbolize innocence, while pink ones represent joy and contentment. Carnations, daisies and tulips are excellent choices for mothers and sisters as they also symbolize happiness and contentment in a platonic way.
A good florist will help you style and decorate the perfect flower arrangement. There are romantic flower bouquets with custom designs and beautiful names such as ‘Christmas velvet', whilst others, with a generic festive cheer, could also come in a combination of fruit and flower hamper.
As Emma Goldman so rightly put it - ‘I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck'-
Traditional meaning of popular flowers according to www.aboutflowers.com :
Alstroemeria - aspiring
Amaryllis - dramatic
Anemone - fragile
Apple Blossom - promise
Aster - contentment
Azalea - abundance
Baby's Breath - festivity
Bachelor Button - anticipation
Begonia - deep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan - encouragement
Camellia - graciousness
Carnation
pink - gratitude
red - flashy
striped - refusal
white - remembrance
yellow - cheerful
Chrysanthemum
bronze - excitement
white - truth
red - sharing
yellow - secret admirer
Cosmos - peaceful
Crocus - foresight
Daffodil - chivalry
Delphinium - boldness
Daisy - innocence
Freesia -free spirited
Gardenia - joy
Geranium - comfort
Ginger - proud
Gladiolus - strength of character
Heather - solitude
Hibiscus - delicate beauty
Holly - domestic happiness
Hyacinth - sincerity
Hydrangea - perseverance
Iris - inspiration
Ivy - fidelity
Jasmine - grace and elegance
Larkspur - beautiful spirit
Lavender - distrust
Lilac - first love
Lily Calla - regal
Casablanca - celebration day enthusiasm
Stargazer - ambition
Lisianthus - calming
Magnolia - dignity
Marigold - desire for riches
Nasturtium - patriotism
Orange Blossom - fertility
Orchid - delicate beauty
Pansy - loving thoughts
Passion - flower passion
Peony - healing
Poppy - consolation
Queen Anne's Lace - delicate femininity
Ranunculus - radiant
Rhododendron - beware
Rose
pink - friendship
red - passionate love
red & white - unity
white - purity
yellow - zealous
Snapdragon - presumptuous
Star of Bethlehem - hope
Stephanotis - good luck
Statice - success
Sunflower - adoration
Sweetpea - shyness
Tuberose - pleasure
Tulip
pink - caring
purple - royalty
red - declaration of love
white - forgiveness
yellow - hopelessly in love
Violet - faithfulness
Wisteria - steadfast
Yarrow - good health
Zinnia - thoughts of friends