Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers

Flowers are heavily associated with love and roses are commonly seen as the most romantic flower of all. But did you know that the number of roses is significant?

A dozen roses is traditionally sent to ask someone to be yours, while sending 24 roses says "I’m yours." Sending 50 roses is said to signal that your love is unconditional while the extravagant gift of 100 roses (part of our Valentine’s Day flowers collection) symbolises total devotion.  

Rose colour meanings

• Yellow roses: symbolise care, warmth and friendship.

• Red roses: a declaration of eternal love.

• Pink roses: signify joy and appreciation.

• Red flowers: one of the most popular flower colours, red flowers convey passion, love and affection – they're perfect flowers for an anniversary.  

• Pink flowers: with positive associations like grace and joy, pink flowers convey romantic, familial or platonic love. 

• Yellow flowers: be it daffodils, sunflowers, or tulips, yellow flowers can’t help but make you smile. They symbolise joy and friendship, making them ideal flowers for congratulations.   

• White flowers: associated with innocence, flowers for a new baby tend to be white. It’s important to be culturally aware; in some cultures, white flowers such as lilies are sympathy flowers. 

When it comes to houseplants, orchids are sophisticated yet relatively low maintenance to care for. They offer lasting beauty which makes them a popular choice.  

Orchid plant meanings can range from love to adventure and innocence to good health, making them a wonderful gift for loved ones. In this regard, they are ideal for gesturing anything from "thank you" to "get well soon." 

For advice on keeping cut flowers looking fresh, read our guide on how to make flowers last longer.  

While most people know their zodiac sign, many people don’t realise that they also have two birth flowers. Birth flowers are said to represent the people born in that calendar month.   

• January: Carnation and snowdrop  

• February: Violet and iris  

• March: Daffodil and jonquil 

• April: Daisy and sweet pea 

• May: Lily of the valley and hawthorn  

• June: Rose and honeysuckle  

• July: Delphinium and water lily  

• August: Gladiolus and poppy 

• September: Aster and morning glory 

• October: Marigold and cosmos  

• November: Chrysanthemum and peony  

• December: Holly and narcissus  

Floriography, or the language of flowers and plants, has been practised for thousands of years. In Victorian times, flowers were often used to convey secret messages and many households owned a guide to floral gifts which helped to decipher flower symbolism. 

In the nineteenth century, a single red rose was said to indicate that the giver had taken a fancy to you, while a bouquet of forget-me-nots was sent to a loved one who was moving away.  Understanding the meaning of flowers is still key when gift giving today.