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70 Flowers and Their Meanings About Love and Strength

From potential wedding blooms to options for sad moments in life.

flower meanings  pink and yellow flower composite
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You can always find a reason for flowers, whether it's a classic bouquet of pink or red roses for Valentine's Day with your partner, or a random Monday in the fall when your best friend needs a pick-me-up after a recent heartbreak. On their own, flowers are beautiful and make for great holiday bouquets to give to a loved one. But each flower also symbolizes one or more important concepts that you can manifest by purchasing a bouquet. The following flower meanings will help guide your next purchase for a romantic date night or a condolence message to someone who recently lost a family member.

While you will probably recognize a fair amount of flowers on this list, you may not know what their colors symbolize or what they can mean spiritually. This isn't to say you can't let your eyes (and nose for that matter) choose the right flower for whoever you are shopping for, but it would probably be awkward if you showed up to a first date with a bouquet of flowers associated with childbirth (this may be a big jump into the future). Although to be perfectly honest, a lot of these flowers also make for gorgeous baby girl names, from Violet to Marigold. For now though, find the flower meaning that makes sense for your purchase, whether it's to celebrate a milestone anniversary or a major accomplishment.

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Hyacinth

Hyacinth is a symbol of peace and commitment. However, according to Florgeous, it can also represent sorrow or forgiveness.

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Lavender

It should be no surprise that lavender represents serenity and calmness. It can also be a symbolism of a long life.

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Pink Bluebells

They might not traditionally be thought as a Valentine's Day flower, but giving someone Pink Bluebells can show your everlasting love.

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Peonies

According to FTD Flowers, these fluffy blooms are most commonly associated with romance, prosperity, and bashfulness. Some even believe they're a good luck charm of sorts, bringing good fortune to whoever receives them. Peonies also have some roots in Greek mythology. As one myth states, Apollo used to turn beautiful nymphs into peonies if Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, knew he was flirting with them.

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Roses

Unsurprisingly, this classic bud is "the most popular choice for Valentine's Day," says Kate Law, floral Industry and merchandising expert and consultant. It could be because red roses symbolize love, romance, beauty, and perfection. The iconic flower is also known for being a bit on the pricier side. According to Michael Gaffney, celebrity florist at the New York School of Flower Design, "flower growers hold back their rose bushes for months in order to have them bloom in time for February 14 — and then they raise the prices, giving roses that sought-after reputation."

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White Rose

On the opposite end, if you went with white roses, you'll be conveying purity. They are often found in weddings for that reason. But they can also be seen at funerals as they represent eternity, as well.

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Matthiola Incana

The spicy cinnamon and clove scent of this delicate bouquet will be a pleasant surprise to your valentine. Once you tell them they symbolize beauty that doesn't fade with age and a lifetime of happiness, they're sure to become their favorite flower.

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Red Chrysanthemum

According to FTD by Design, these fiery red flowers are all about love and passion — so gift these to your partner if you're feeling romantic.

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Ranunculus

These colorful, swirly flowers, also called "buttercups," symbolize charm, attraction, and radiance. Give a bouquet of these beauties and you'll be letting the recipient know: "I am dazzled by your charms," according to Teleflora.

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Pink Asters

Named for their star-shaped flower head, asters represent love, charm, and sensitivity. According to FTD by Design, these pink blossoms are the emblem of Venus, the goddess of love.

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Daffodils

Though this variety is technically the 10 year anniversary flower, gifting your special someone this lucky flower on Valentine's Day will bring 12 months of good luck and happiness, according to Teleflora.

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Gerbera Daisies

Daisies are known for symbolizing beauty, innocence, and purity, Law says. The Gerbera variety, recognizable by their large flowering heads, is available in an assortment of peppy hues, which gives them the additional meaning of cheerfulness. The happy buds are "always a favorite to receive," she says.

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Tulips

"Tulips stand for perfect love," Gaffney says. The elegant and easily identifiable blooms are one of the most popular flowers in the world but are most often associated with the Netherlands, where they flourished in the 17th century. They convey comfort and warmth, says Law, and are a good Valentine's Day pick since they're classic and affordable.

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Alstroemeria

Otherwise known as Peruvian lilies, these long-lasting, attention-grabbing petals represent friendship and devotion, Law says. According to the Flower Expert, they're native to South America and feature multiple blooms per stem, which make for voluptuous arrangements. Perhaps best of all, they're easy to find in most neighborhood supermarkets.

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Casa Blanca Lilies

These white Oriental lilies typically stand for "beauty, class, and style," Gaffney says. "A man who creates a bouquet with these dramatic — and expensive — lilies is sophisticated and knows his partner well." And, Law notes, people love these stunning blooms' heady fragrance.

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Orchids

According to Gaffney, these rare blossoms symbolize love, beauty, luxury, and strength. Plus, they send the message of exotic seduction. "If someone gives you orchids, they're a little wilder than the person who goes for a dozen roses." Orchids also hold up well over time, says Law, both in bouquets and pots.

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Carnations

These ruffled blooms stand for fascination and new love. "For some reason, carnations get a bad rap," says Gaffney. "But I love them; they're marvelous flowers." Even better, these cheerful blooms are hearty and very affordable.

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Sunflowers

Like the sun they're named for, these blossoms represent warmth and happiness, Law says. They also stand for loyalty, according to Gaffney. Though the bright yellow blooms scream summertime, these spirit-lifting flowers are available all year round.

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Irises

In some parts of the world, dark blue or purple irises indicate royalty, according to Law. No matter their color (they're most commonly seen in blue, white, and yellow), they stand for faith and hope, says Gaffney. Mix them up with red tulips or daisies for a "striking combination," Law suggests.

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Gardenias

Loaded with fragrance, these elegant flowers signify purity and joy, and connote deep, old-fashioned love, according to Gaffney. "The man who buys these likely has a history with the woman he's buying them for," Gaffney says. Because they're pricey and are sold as single blooms, they'll definitely make a statement on the holiday.

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Agapanthuses

These delicate flowers come in a variety of colors such as blue and purple. Agapanthus have medicinal qualities and often symbolize love.

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Alyssums

Not only are Alyssums simply beautiful, but they are also resistant to heat and drought, making them a durable option for certain climates. Their flower meaning is "worth beyond beauty" and "sweetness of soul."

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Anemones

While you could gift a bouquet of Anemones to someone who is struggling, you could also plant these flowers in a bed as they will spread for seasons to come. They symbolize protection from evil, so they are the perfect gesture for a loved one that has fallen sick or is going through a difficult time.

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Purple Asters

Asters are a hardy perennials that bloom in various colors including red, white, lilac, and mauve. These flowers were placed at the alters of Greek Gods and symbolize wisdom, faith, and valor.

flower meanings azalea
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Azaleas

Azaleas are beautiful blooms that come in a variety of colors from pink to white. They symbolize abundance and are thus a meaningful gift for someone who is looking for success.

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Balloon Flowers

We don't know what's cuter: their name or their appearance. Either way, Balloon flower symbolize endless love and honesty, making them a perfect purchase for a milestone anniversary.

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Black Eyed Susans

If they love daisies, then that special someone will love Black Eyed Susans, which have a similar yellow hue and black center. They give off an air of encouragement thanks to their flower meaning, making them a great bouquet choice for a graduation, too.

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Bergnias

Nicknamed "Elephant's ears," these flowers mean health and renewal. You could surprise a sick friend with these gorgeous blooms to manifest wellbeing.

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Bellflowers

These easy-to-grow blossoms grow between May and September and symbolize affection, consistency, and everlasting love. Depending on your color scheme, they could make the perfect floral arrangement for your wedding ceremony an reception.

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Poppies

Red poppy flowers symbolize remembrance and consolation, which makes them a comforting and meaningful choice for floral arrangements at a funeral.

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