Unlocking Floral Language: Understanding the Meaning Behind Flower Colours

Flowers have captivated the human imagination for millennia. As a result, flower colours have had symbolic meanings attached that have evolved across cultures and centuries. The Victorian secret language of flowers, floriography, cemented the colour of flowers as holding meaning beyond its visual appeal. But what do different coloured flowers mean? 

From secret love messages in Victorian times to modern-day flower gifts, the idea of flowers having special meanings is still popular today. Let flowers do the talking as this guide will help you pick the perfect floral gift based on colour symbolism. 


Peach bouquet

What Do Red Flowers Mean?

Red flowers are a classic choice to express deep love and desire, making them popular for romantic occasions. Their bold colour conveys a sense of intensity and admiration, making them the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or Anniversaries. Beyond romance, red flowers symbolise courage, strength, and respect. In Chinese culture, red flowers are seen as incredibly lucky, representing good fortune, wealth, and happiness. They're often used at weddings and other joyful events to bring positive energy and blessings. 

What Do White Flowers Mean?

White flowers symbolise purity, innocence, and new beginnings. Their pristine beauty makes them the perfect choice for milestone occasions like weddings, christenings, baby showers, or housewarmings. Different types of white flowers tend to symbolise various things. For example, white chrysanthemums tend to be associated with mourning or grief, whereas white carnations are said to represent a mother’s love. 

What Do Yellow Flowers Mean?

In Ancient Egyptian culture, yellow flowers were considered the colour of eternal and indestructible entities, and as a result, symbolised immortality and the divine. Today, yellow flowers are often associated with happiness, joy, and friendship. Their bright and cheerful appearance evokes feelings of optimism and warmth. They are a popular choice to brighten someone's day or to celebrate a new beginning. 

Daffodil

What Do Pink Flowers Mean?

Pink flowers are often associated with grace, gentleness, and happiness. They convey a sense of femininity, youth, and innocence. Pink roses, for example, symbolise admiration, gratitude, and softer emotions compared to red roses. They also have a rich and interesting history — the Ancient Greeks held the Dianthus (pink flowers) in high esteem, calling it ‘The Flower of Zeus’. If you do decide to gift a loved one a pink bloom, be sure to let them know it's a bouquet the gods would approve of! 

What Do Blue Flowers Mean?

Blue flowers are often associated with peace, tranquillity, and serenity. Their calming colour evokes feelings of calmness and openness. Blue flowers can also symbolise trust, loyalty, and wisdom. In literary history, blue flowers are a mystic symbol of longing. Due to this, it became a widely recognised literary symbol among the Romantics

What Do Purple Flowers Mean?

Purple flowers are often associated with royalty, luxury, and wisdom. Their rich and regal colour conveys a sense of opulence and sophistication. Purple is also linked to spirituality — in New Age and Wiccan traditions, believers often wear purple attire to enhance their psychic abilities. 

Gift a Bloom That Means More

Flower colours are more than just visual delights — they carry symbolic meanings that have evolved over centuries. From the passionate red to the serene blue, each hue evokes a distinct message.  

By understanding the language of flowers, you can elevate your floral gifts to a new level of thoughtfulness. Whether you're expressing love, friendship, or admiration, consider the symbolic power of colour and create a truly meaningful floral arrangement with Euroflorist

Author

David Denyer

Euroflorist's Flower Expert

With over 35 years of floristry experience, David Denyer is a renowned master in his field. His talent and artistic vision have earned him numerous accolades and awards, establishing him as one of the industry's leading figures. David has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his passion for floristry in Europe, China, Australia, and America. His captivating demonstrations have left a lasting impression on floral enthusiasts globally. In 2023, David made a memorable appearance on the prestigious television show, Gardeners World, further solidifying his reputation as an exceptional florist. David's journey to success began in 1996 when he was named Interflora "Florist of the Year." Since then, he has represented the United Kingdom in the "Europa Cup" and achieved consecutive Chelsea Gold Medals and Best in Show titles at the renowned Chelsea Flower Show from 2000 to 2003. In July 2004, David was once again named Interflora "Florist of the Year" and led his team to victory at the Interflora World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. He continued to impress with another Chelsea Gold Medal in 2005 and received a Gold Medal in 2011 for his floral installation titled "A Sense of Perspective." David's Accolades: July 1996: Interflora "Florist of the Year"; September 1999: Represented the UK in the "Europa Cup" in Austria; May 2000-2005: 6x Consecutive Chelsea Gold Medal and Best in Show - Professional Floristry; July 2004: Interflora "Florist of the Year"; September 2004: Interflora World Cup Winners in Melbourne, Australia; 2011: Chelsea Gold Medal for "A Sense of Perspective" floral installation; 2023: Appeared on Gardeners World in 2023; David's vast experience and expertise now benefits Eflorist customers. Understanding the emotional power of flowers, he ensures that every customer receives the utmost delight when enjoying their thoughtfully sent bouquet.