Flower Meanings and Symbolism in 2025

For centuries, flowers have communicated emotions and messages that words cannot express. This ancient practice, known as floriography or the language of flowers, reached its peak during the Victorian era but remains relevant today. Understanding flower symbolism helps you choose blooms that perfectly convey your sentiments in 2025.

The History of Floriography

The language of flowers became particularly popular in Victorian England, where strict social conventions limited verbal expression of emotions. People used specific flowers and arrangements to send coded messages to one another. Today, while we're less constrained in our communication, the symbolism remains a beautiful way to add depth and meaning to our floral gifts.

Popular Flowers and Their Meanings

Roses: The Universal Symbol of Love

Roses are the most symbolic of all flowers, with meanings that vary dramatically by color:

• Red roses: Passionate love, romance, and desire. The classic expression "I love you"
• Pink roses: Admiration, gratitude, joy, and gentle emotions. Perfect for expressing appreciation
• White roses: Purity, innocence, reverence, and new beginnings. Popular for weddings and sympathy
• Yellow roses: Friendship, joy, and caring. Once symbolized jealousy, now represents platonic love
• Orange roses: Enthusiasm, passion, and energy. Express desire and fascination
• Lavender roses: Enchantment and love at first sight. Represent uniqueness and wonder
• Black roses: End of something, farewell, or rebirth. Can symbolize new beginnings after endings
• Blue roses: The impossible, mystery, or achieving the unattainable (naturally rare)

Rose number symbolism:

• 1 rose = Love at first sight
• 3 roses = "I love you"
• 6 roses = I want to be yours
• 12 roses = Be mine / Complete love
• 24 roses = Yours completely / Thinking of you 24/7
• 50 roses = Unconditional love
• 99 roses = Eternal love / I'll love you till I die

Lilies: Majesty and Purity

• White lilies: Majesty, purity, and virtue. Traditional funeral flowers symbolizing restored innocence
• Pink lilies (Stargazer): Prosperity, wealth, and ambition
• Orange lilies: Confidence, pride, and wealth
• Yellow lilies: Thankfulness, joy, and desire for enjoyment
• Calla lilies: Magnificent beauty, faith, and purity

Tulips: Perfect Love

• Red tulips: Declaration of love, believe me, true love
• Yellow tulips: Cheerful thoughts, sunshine, and hopeless love (historically); now represents cheerfulness
• Pink tulips: Caring, good wishes, and affection
• Purple tulips: Royalty, nobility, and rebirth
• White tulips: Forgiveness, worthiness, and remembrance
• Orange tulips: Energy, enthusiasm, and passion

Orchids: Luxury and Strength

• General symbolism: Exotic beauty, refinement, luxury, and strength
• Pink orchids: Grace, joy, and femininity
• White orchids: Purity, elegance, and reverence
• Purple orchids: Royalty, admiration, and respect
• Yellow orchids: Friendship, new beginnings, and joy

Sunflowers: Adoration and Loyalty

Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their tendency to follow the sun represents devoted love and faith. They also convey warmth, happiness, and vitality—perfect for uplifting someone's spirits.

Carnations: Lasting Love

• Red carnations: Deep love and admiration
• Pink carnations: A mother's undying love (Mother's Day flower)
• White carnations: Pure love, innocence, and good luck
• Yellow carnations: Rejection or disappointment (historically); now can mean friendship
• Purple carnations: Capriciousness and unpredictability

Peonies: Romance and Prosperity

Peonies symbolize romance, prosperity, good fortune, and happy marriage. They're traditional flowers for 12th wedding anniversaries and represent bashfulness and compassion. In Chinese culture, peonies are known as the "king of flowers" and represent honor and wealth.

Gerbera Daisies: Cheerfulness and Beauty

• General meaning: Cheerfulness, innocence, and purity
• Pink gerberas: Admiration and adoration
• Red gerberas: Fully immersed in love
• White gerberas: Purity and innocence
• Yellow gerberas: Warmth and cheerfulness
• Orange gerberas: Sunshine and warmth in your life

Less Common Flowers with Powerful Meanings

Iris

Named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, iris flowers symbolize hope, faith, wisdom, and valor. Purple iris specifically represents wisdom and compliments.

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas carry varied meanings: gratitude for understanding, heartfelt emotions, and abundance. In Japan, they can also represent apology and understanding.

Chrysanthemums

In Australia and much of the Western world, chrysanthemums (especially white) are associated with death and mourning. However, in Asia, they represent longevity, happiness, and are given to celebrate joyous occasions.

Forget-Me-Nots

These delicate blue flowers symbolize true love and remembrance. They're perfect for expressing "remember me forever" and are often given to ensure someone keeps you in their thoughts.

Lavender

Beyond its calming scent, lavender symbolizes devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness. It can also represent distrust in some historical contexts.

Australian Native Flowers and Their Symbolism

Australian native flowers carry unique meanings, particularly significant for local celebrations:

Waratah

The NSW state flower symbolizes courage, boldness, and resilience. Its striking red color represents strength and survival in harsh conditions.

Wattle (Acacia)

Australia's national flower represents unity, resilience, and the Australian spirit. Golden wattle specifically symbolizes new beginnings and spring.

Banksia

Banksias symbolize rebirth and new life, as they often bloom prolifically after bushfires. They represent Australian endurance and renewal.

Flannel Flower

This uniquely Australian bloom represents gratitude, appreciation, and mental health awareness (adopted by mental health organizations).

Herbs and Their Meanings

Even herbs carry symbolic meaning when included in bouquets:

• Rosemary: Remembrance and fidelity
• Basil: Good wishes and love
• Mint: Virtue and warmth of feeling
• Sage: Wisdom, immortality, and domestic virtue
• Thyme: Courage and strength

Color Symbolism Across All Flowers

While individual flowers have specific meanings, color carries universal symbolism:

• Red: Passion, love, desire, courage, and respect
• Pink: Grace, gentleness, joy, admiration, and appreciation
• White: Purity, innocence, reverence, sympathy, and humility
• Yellow: Friendship, joy, caring, and new beginnings
• Orange: Enthusiasm, fascination, energy, and warmth
• Purple: Royalty, dignity, pride, and success
• Blue: Tranquility, peace, openness, and serenity
• Green: Health, resilience, good fortune, and youth

Cultural Considerations in 2025

In multicultural Australia, it's important to be aware of cultural differences in flower symbolism:

Asian Cultures

• White flowers often associated with funerals and mourning
• Odd numbers of flowers preferred (except 4, which sounds like "death")
• Chrysanthemums celebrate life and joy
• Lotus flowers symbolize purity and enlightenment

European Traditions

• Red and white flowers together may be avoided (blood and bandages)
• Even numbers of flowers often preferred
• Yellow flowers can symbolize infidelity in some cultures

Creating Meaningful Bouquets

Tips for combining flowers with intention:

• Layer your message: Combine flowers with complementary meanings for a richer message
• Consider the recipient: Choose symbolism that resonates with their cultural background
• Mix traditional and modern: Blend classic roses with contemporary choices
• Include a note: Explain the symbolism to ensure your message is understood
• Trust your instincts: Personal meaning can supersede traditional symbolism

Modern Interpretations in 2025

While traditional flower symbolism remains relevant, modern interpretations are more flexible. Today's flower gifting focuses on:

• Personal preference: The recipient's favorite flowers matter more than strict symbolism
• Aesthetic appeal: Visual impact and beauty take precedence
• Seasonal appropriateness: Fresh, seasonal blooms over out-of-season imports
• Sustainability: Locally-grown and eco-friendly options gaining symbolic value
• Inclusive meanings: Yellow roses now celebrate friendship rather than jealousy

The language of flowers adds depth and intention to your floral gifts. Whether you follow traditional symbolism or create your own meanings, flowers remain one of the most beautiful ways to communicate emotions in 2025.