Flowers can talk, and they tell thousands of stories. Or at least that’s what the French and the Japanese, the inventors of the language of flowers, think. Flowers allow you to convey emotions and meanings. A red rose is a sign of love, and a bouquet of five flowers says ’I love you’, but what else can you say with flowers? Flowers can be used to express love but also joy, distrust and selfishness. In addition to the species, the colour and number of flowers matter.
We studied the language of flowers and found out what different types of flowers, colours and numbers signify. However, the meanings vary quite a lot from one source to another, so you should be a little cautious about the language of flowers. The next time you pick a bouquet, you can think about what you want to say with flowers. Just remember that the most important meaning of flowers is the warm thoughts that the giver wants to convey. Not everything has to be interpreted. The recipient will most likely be pleased with the flowers in any case.
The meanings of flower species
Sunflower: joy, pride and love
Begonia: protection
Dahlia: instability
Eucalyptus: cheering up
Sweet pea: departure
Lily of the valley: hope
Lavender: distrust
Lily, white: purity
Lily, yellow: cheerfulness and joy
Ivy: loyalty
Narcissus: selfishness
Pansy: contemplativeness
Cornflower: sensitivity
Rose, red: love
Rose, white: purity and innocence
Rose, yellow: fierce love
Tulip: fame and love
Red is the color of love, whereas a pink bouquet can be used to say ‘I have a crush on you’. Yellow flowers, on the other hand, often speak of joy and happiness, and white flowers evoke confidence.
The meanings of the number of flowers
1: You mean the world to me! I love you!
2: I want to see you again.
3: I want to be alone with you.
4: I respect you, but I don’t love you yet.
5: I love you!
6: Get well soon/I don’t believe your promises.
7: Proposal.
8: I’m yours until death do us part.
9: I respect you and I’ll always be your friend.
10: I will do everything for you.
11: I’ll always be your friend, but my love hasn’t awoken yet.
12: We’re struggling, but I think we’re going to be okay.
13: I hate you and despise you.
14 or more: You mean the world to me.
If you need a translation and interpretation service for spoken languages, feel free to contact us!
