The Romantic Meaning of Flowers

The Victorian era has been acclaimed as one of great importance to the meaning of flowers. Each colour, each flower was always carefully presented and meaningfully given.

With the help of flowers we have expressed our feelings since the beginning of time. As such Myrtle was sacred to Aphrodite, the mythological Greek goddess of love. In medieval times it was used for bridal garlands.

The Rose, associated with love and romance, is known to be sacred to Dionysus, the Greek god of revelry as well as to Venus, the goddess of love.

In the early 18th century, a different type of flower language was introduced to Europe. Based on a Turkish "sacred language of flowers", it became popular to send a Persian "Salem" to communicate feelings of attraction, affection or love. The "Salem" is a bouquet whose symbolic arrangement forms a code. In 1819, Louise Cortambert authored the original source-book, "Le Language des Fleur". Thus merging the romantic predisposition of the French with the flower lore and the Persian Salem. Victorians intensified the meaning flowers while using these floral dictionaries. Every type of flower, its colour, and even the positioning and presentation of the flower had a special meaning.

Helping us convey thoughtfulness, love or expressing feelings which words cannot articulate, flowers are given for all occasions and for many reasons. We invite you to create your own "secret" message for that special someone by using the romantic "language of flowers":

Amaryllis - Pride, Beauty

Carnation, white - Sweet, Lovely

Carnation, general - Fascination

Carnation, red - Admiration

Chrysanthemum, white - Truth

Chrysanthemum, red - I Love You

Daffodil - Regard

Daisy - Innocence

Fern - Fascination, Sincerity

Forget-Me-Not - True love, Memories

Gardenia - You're Lovely, Secret Love

Gerbera - You Are The Sunshine of My Life

Hyacinth - Loveliness

Iris - Warmth, Affection

Ivy- Wedded Love, Fidelity

Lilac, purple - You Are My First Love

Lily, pink - Romantic

Lily, white - Majesty

Orchid - Love, Beauty

Peony - Happy Life, Happy Marriage

Primrose - I Can't Live Without You

Rose, red - Passionate Love

Rose, white - You're Heavenly

Rose, pink - Perfect Happiness

Rose, dark pink - Thankfulness

Rose, yellow - Joy, Friendship

Rose, peach - Modesty

Rose, orange - Fascination

Rose, lavender - Enchantment

Rose, red and white together - Unity

Rosebud - Beauty, Youth

Sunflower - Adoration

Red Single Bloom - Love at First Sight

Single Bloom - Simplicity, Gratitude

2 roses - Mutual Feelings

3 roses - I Love You

7 roses - I'm Infatuated With You

9 roses - We'll be together forever

10 roses - You Are Perfect

11 roses - You Are My Treasured One

12 roses - Be Mine

13 roses - Friends Forever

15 roses - I'm Truly Sorry

20 roses - I'm Truly Sincere Towards You

21 roses - I'm Dedicated to You

24 roses - Forever Yours

25 roses - Congratulations

36 roses - Remembering Our Romantic Times

40 roses - My Genuine Love for You

50 roses - Unconditional Love

99 roses - I Will Love You All the Days of My Life

101 roses - I'm Completely Devoted to You

108 roses - Will You Marry Me?

999 roses - I Will Love You Till the End of Time