Folks ask us ALL THE TIME about specific flower meanings. I have always had some standard answers, mostly based on hearsay, but recently I came across Victoria's Dictionary of Flowers... and it is an awesome resource!! http://www.scribd.com/doc/53971049/Victoria-s-Flower-Dictionary
It provides us with awesome tidbits like gladiolus mean "You pierce my heart" and yellow roses stand for "infidelity"... There are some positive meanings in there too but I loved those two in particular.
The Society of American Florists is also a great resource for flower meanings.
| Alstroemeria | aspiring |
| Amaryllis | dramatic |
| Anemone | fragile |
| Apple Blossom | promis |
| 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 | spirited |
| Forget-Me-Not | remember me forever |
| 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 |
I have decided that if I had my wedding to do over again (which hopefully I won't!) that I would want to choose flowers for my bouquet that conveyed a special meaning. I went back to my own bridal bouquet recipe and here is what I came up with (using victoria's flower dictionary):
White roses- A heart unacquainted with love... hmmm?
Craspedia- Edgy OR Good Health... lets go with good health on this one
Dusty Miller- Delicate, Happy ... better...
Stock- You will always be beautiful to me... perfect!
