Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Symbolism behind the color of flowers
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, just in case you hadn’t heard! Flower color symbolism dates back centuries and is found in most cultures! What DO those colors mean? You might want to know before you buy, just in case your special someone DOES know!
Red, in particular with roses, stands for romantic love and passion, but can also mean desire, strength, courage and respect.
- Pink is playful, innocent and a more platonic love.
- Yellow flowers like daffodils and tulips represent joy, friendship and health.
- Blue flowers are interesting, they are most likely a hothouse hydrangea. The blue symbolizes openness, relaxation and intimacy. These hothouse hydrangeas are usually available closer to March and April but you may find some in warmer climates.
- White symbolizes purity and honesty, so often used in bridal bouquets. Interestingly, they can also symbolize sympathy as the color is often given to those grieving.
- Orange is fun. It means joy, warmth and enthusiasm. It can also mean fascination and/or new beginnings.
- Purple implies royalty. This color flower would be more for a respected mentor, not a lover!
- Lavender means enchantment!
- Green represents fertility.
Orchids, whatever color they are, offer exotic, delicate, long-lasting beauty. Most people think of them as a tropical plant only. Understandable as those are the ones often sold in nurseries.
But Minnesota’s State Flower is the Showy Lady Slipper orchid. And she’s beautiful.
To be honest, any flower, such as the dandelion often given as a bouquet by a child, is beautiful!
So, say it with whatever flowers, whatever color suits the receiver!