Many thanks to the author of this article for allowing it to be published on my website.  There are numerous symbology systems for flowers but this old-ways list is the one I prefer.  -steph

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FLOWERS:  Traditional Symbolism

By

B. J. Runyan

© July, 2000

Aloe ~ Grief; Superstition; Wisdom

Amaryllis ~ Pride; Beauty; Haughtiness

Anemone ~ Shyness

Aster ~ Elegance; Daintiness

Bachelor Button ~ New Clothes

Bamboo ~ Strength; Grace; Longevity

Begonia ~ Beware

Brown-Eyed Susan ~ "I'm Watching You!"; "Be Careful!"

Buttercup ~ Health; Fresh Air Needed

Calla Lily ~ Grief; Death

Carnation ~ Spirituality; Expanding One's Aura

Green ~ Protection; Keeps Witches Away

Red ~ Happiness; Love

White ~ Grief; Sorrow

Yellow ~ Jealousy

Chrysanthemum ~ Nobility

Red ~ "I Love You"

White ~ Truth

Yellow ~ Blighted Love

Cornflower ~ New Things Coming

Daffodil ~ Regard; Uncertainty; Respect

Dahlia ~ Regal Bearing; Royalty; Splendor

Daisy ~ Innocence; Purity in Thought; Loyal Love

Dogbane ~ Keeps Threats Away

Fern ~ Fascination

Flag ~ Royalty; Pride; Stiff Neck (Stubborn)

Forget-Me-Not ~ True Love; Faithful Love; Undying Memory

Geranium ~ Gentility; Folly; Stupidity; "You Are Foolish."

Gladiolas ~ Warrior; Striving; "You Pierce My Heart."

Grass ~ Sick Mission; Utility; Bad Luck Gift for Woman

Heather ~

Purple ~ Admiration; Beauty in Solitude

White ~ Protection from Danger; Your Wish Will Come True

Hollyhock ~ Home; Comfort; Refuge

Hydrangea ~ Braggart; Heartless; Beauty Without Substance

Iris ~ Faith; Wisdom; Valor; Hope; Light; Power

Ivy ~ Fidelity; Marriage; Friendship; Wedded Love; Attachment

Jonquil ~ "Please Return My Affection."; "Have Pity on My Passions."

Larkspur ~ Wayward Lover

Lavender ~ Sweetness; Undying Love; Constancy; Loyalty; Fervent But Silent Love

Lily of the Valley ~ Return of Happiness; Tears of the Virgin Mary; "Let's Make Up."

Lily, Tiger ~ Playfulness; Bursting Bonds; Running Riot

Lily, White ~ Purity; Sweetness; Symbol of Motherhood

Lotus ~ Sensuous; Self-Indulgent; Twists to the Dark Side

Marigold ~ Despair; Sorrow; Grief; "What Is the Matter With You?"

Mistletoe ~ "Surmount Difficulties!"; Affection; Love; Parasite; Important to Wiccans

Nasturtium ~ Spice in Your Life; Things Slow to Start But Go On Forever

Orange Blossom ~ Virginal; "Purity Equals Your Loneliness"

Orchid ~ Belle; Flower of Magnificence; "I Await Your Favors"

Pansy ~ Thoughts; Thoughtful Recollection; Good Luck Gift To a Man

Petunia ~ Anger; Resentment; "I Am Furious."

Poppy ~ Eternal Sleep; Oblivion; Dreaminess; Imagination

Rose ~

Deep Pink ~ Gratitude; Appreciation

Light Pink ~ Admiration; Sympathy; Happiness; "Our Love Is Perfect."

Orange ~ Desire; Enthusiasm

Red ~ Passionate Love and Respect

Red / Yellow Blend ~ Gaiety; Joviality

White ~ Reverence; Humility

Yellow ~ Joy; Gladness; or Jealousy

Pale Blended Tones ~ Sociability; Friendship

Snapdragon ~ Presumption; Desperation

Sunflower ~ Homage; Devotion

Sweet Pea ~ "Go Away"

Sweet William (Pink Carnations) ~ Keeps Unwanted Visitors Away; Protects from Ill Wishes or Jealousy

Tulip ~ Fame; Perfect Lover; Imagination

Violet ~ Modesty; Simplicity; "I Return Your Love."

Wisteria ~ Youth; Beauty; Poetry

Zinnia ~ Thoughts of Absent Friends.