Dictionary of Flowers and Their Meanings
When you wish to send a wonderful bouquet of flowers to someone you care about in Burnaby, it’s very helpful to know something about the meanings some flowers convey. After all, none of us wish to say the wrong thing. The language of flowers, or “florigraphy”, has been allowing us to send a secret message within the gift of flowers for centuries. Knowing the meaning can help you chose just the right bouquet or floral gift for any special occasion. We here at Burnaby Flower Delivery wish to help you in choosing your flowers, with this in mind we have included a dictionary of flowers and their meanings for your choice of flowers with the meanings behind them, so the person receiving them in Burnaby can see what you wish to say without you having to put it to words but by you putting your message of sentiment into the flowers you send.
ACACIA
The Acacia flower has the meaning of love and beauty. This also includes revealing of a secret love as well as Innocent love that expresses a pledge of purity. With the addition of an Acacia flower will say as the years go by your inner beauty shine brighter.
AMBROSIA
Ambrosia, when sending this flower you are letting your secret love know that you are jubilant and show that love is mutual. It’s a great flower to send following your Valentine flower gift, which reveals a secret love
AMARYLLIS
The Amaryllis has been cultivated for its 3 to 5 beautiful flowers on its tall stalks and is part of the Amarylidaceae family, a truly stunning flower that blooms perennially. Its name comes from Greek origins meaning fresh and sparking, and symbolizes pride and idyllic poetry.
ANEMONE
Often called the Wind flower as was born from the tears of Aphrodite as she cried mournfully at the death of Adonis according to Greek mythology, thus signifying forsaken and a dying hope, however its beautiful flower can also symbolizes anticipation.
ARBUTUS
Sometime called the May flower, Arbutus from the Latin means a tree the flower meaning is only you do I love this can mean my love is strong like the tree will last a life time making it a great flower to add to an Anniversary bouquet.
ASTER
The shape of the flower is so like a star that in Greek and Latin it was called astron and astrum which both have the meaning of star, and has become Aster, when you say the name is can sound like a star, the flower denotes the symbol of love, and daintiness as the official symbol of love as it tells the world you are the one and only.
AZALEA
The beautiful flowers of Azalea represent soft femininity and are the Chinese symbol of womanhood. As a flower it can be use to say please “take care of you, for me”, also means “temperance” and “fragile passion” and can be use when sending flower for anytime.
BACHELOR BUTTON
This blue flower Bachelor Button represents single blessedness and is also known as the Cornflower often worn by young men in love as folklore has it if the flower quickly faded he’s love was not returned, and represents symbol of romance as the blue flower.
BEGONIA
The Begonia it was named after an 18th century governor of Santo Domingo. It is thought that he caught an unfortunate disease due to his life style and the Begonia plant became a symbol of beware. However it can also mean I am fanciful and have deep thoughts. The Begonia is mostly given as a pot plant.
BELLS OF IRELAND
This flower name is Moluccella Laevis and are very aromatic know mostly as the Bell of Ireland for their bell calyxas which enclose a tiny white flower which look fairly soft however they are very prickly. When sent you are sending the luck of the Irish as in good luck gift.
BITTERSWEET
The Victorian thought that gift of this flower was a sign of platonic love and affection its also represents Truth. Can be given as a pot plant or in an arrangement of flowers.
BLUEBELL
This flower has the most perfect little rows of blue bell shaped flower from which it get its name sometimes called fairy thimbles. The bluebell symbolizes humility, gratitude and constancy. It’s a good flower to give to auntie on her birthday.
CACTUS
The Cactus symbolizes endurance, maternal love, warmth and my heart longs for you. There are many species of cacti some are edible, an arrangements of cacti in a basket would be a wonderful gift to show endurance with your love.
CAMELLIA (PINK)
Camellia comes in many colours but the pink has the meaning - longing for you. The flower itself is a quality long lasting, to the Chinese the petals are thought to reflect the sprit of a lady. It can also symbolize the everlasting love.
CAMELLIA (RED)
Some find the soft round shape of the petals of Camellia flower to be a symbol of desire add that with bright red colour and you can see where the meaning of “You're a Flame in My Heart” comes from It also has the meaning of excellence so it a great flower to send to congratulate a love one.
CAMELLIA (WHITE)
The soft gentle curves of the Camellia flower are symbol of passion, the white Camellia symbolizes loveliness, and you’re adorable and perfect. A lovely flower to use in a wedding spray.
CARNATION (GENERAL)
The Carnation has become the official flower of Mother’s Day, symbolizing a woman’s love. It also symbolizes fascination, distinction and love. They are a favourite long lasting flower for every occasion available in so many colours.
CARNATION (PINK)
The Pink Carnation has the meaning “I’ll never forget you”, and a sign of gratitude, which is a great gift for someone, is leaving for a new job. It also often used in a sympathy arrangements.
CARNATION RED)
The Red Carnation has a classic charm it symbolizes “My heart aches for you”, and admiration. It can be used any form of arrangement to show your deep appreciation for someone.
CARNATION (PURPLE)
In the colour purple, the Carnation symbolizes capriciousness, which is a trait of unpredictably, and a perfect flower to send on any day for no special occasion.
CARNATION (SOLID COLOR)
In a solid colour the Carnation symbolizes yes, it fact it shouts out yes! Want a fantastic to send a question like marry me and the solid colour of this flower will say, say yes to Me.
CARNATION (STRIPED)
A striped the Carnation has three meanings, no as in a refusal, sorry I can’t be with you, and I wish I could be with you. It’s a good flower gift add white carnations to say I can not be with you on your big day but good luck.
CARNATION (WHITE)
White Carnation means sweet, innocent and lovely, often given as a good luck gift for a woman. It is ideal for the mother of a new baby with added bows and balloons or to give your best friend on her wedding day.
CATTAIL
Send a flower gift of Cattail in an arrangement adds the wishes for peace and prosperity. Just the gift to send someone who needs a lift when they are feeling low.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (GENERAL)
The meaning of this flower is, “You’re a wonderful friend”, cheerfulness and rest. This charming flower can be used for many occasions including your best friend’s birthday.
CHRYSANTHEMUM (WHITE)
The meaning of the white Chrysanthemum flower with its abundant petals is truth, a great flower used to demonstrate love. It will say, It’s true… I love you!”, today or on your anniversary.
CROCUS
The Crocus is a lovely flower is part of the Iris family and has the meaning of cheerfulness and gladness. The gift of the Crocus reminds us of spring and of the start of a new life it’s a wonderful flower to send for a new home gift.
CYCLAMEN
Resignation and good-bye are the meaning of this flowers, however they are a lovely flower and make great gift as a pot plant a great gift to a new neighbour as an acceptance to the neighbourhood .
DAFFODIL
This bright sunny flower has the symbolism of regard and unrequited love. It’s says, “You’re the only one” as well as “The sun is always shinning when I’m with you”. This is a great spring flower to send to anyone you deeply appreciate.
DAISY
The Daisy is one of the oldest flowers believed to be more then 4,000 old often used in decorations. Its meanings are just as old world - innocence, loyal love, and purity. A delightful flower to send to your young niece on her confirmation.
DANDELION
Dandelion symbolizes faithfulness and happiness. This is a wonderful flower that is little used, however it adds a lovely lift to presentation it also has the meaning of affection returned.
FERN
The addition of the beautiful green fern adds that touch of magic to any bouquet as it stands for magic, fascination, confidence and also a secret bond of love. This addition does make any arrangement that extra special gift.
FIR
Part of the Pinus tree family, Fir branches symbolize time and is a fabulous addition to a table centrepiece used for a New Years party.
FLAX
This little pale blue flower is often called a genius plant and has many uses. It produces omega 3 oils and part of the plant can be made in to linen. It’s a beautiful flower for a spray or corsage .
FORGET ME NOT
True love, memories, remember me forever are the meanings of this flower. It is believed the flower got its name from when a young man picking the wild flower for his loved one by a lake and he fell. He was not able to swim so as he slipped into the depths of the water, he called to his love “forget me not”. The cluster of small blue flowers are wonderful in a posy.
FORSYTHIA
The Forsythia flower symbolizes anticipation and promise. This amazing little yellow flowers which run up the woody stem, a large arrangement can seen like a yellow cloud when seen from a distant giving that feeling of the anticipation
GARDENIA
The meaning of Gardenia is “You're Lovely”, joy and secret love. This flower in a most beautiful white is perfect to send to your loved one secret or not, on Valentine’s Day or just an unexpected gift of flowers your recipient will be full of joy.
GERANIUM
The Geranium is the symbol stupidity and folly. These bright coloured blooms are ideal to be given as a pot plants they are great looking on the out side of window and are fun plant.
GLADIOLI
The Gladiola flower symbolizes sincerity and was named after the sword of a Roman Gladiator because of its sword-like appearance. These striking flowers come in many colours and make a lovely tall statement in any floral arrangement.
GLOXINIA
“Love at first sight” represents the meaning of the Gloxinia. Its large handsome leaves and bell like flower is truly love at first sight when given, a great plant to give at anytime of the year and look very decorative in the house.
HEATHER (LAVENDER)
The symbolism of Lavender coloured Heather is admiration and solitude The heather can be shaped on wire to make a back stand to an arrangement great for added a heart to bouquet for your loved one to admire.
HEATHER (WHITE)
The meaning of White coloured Heather is protection and well wishes. “Come buy my lucky Heather and all your wishes will come true”, as they say in Scotland. Add this enchanted flower to your bouquet to wish someone good luck.
HOLLY
The Holly symbolism is that of domestic happiness and defense. It has become an important symbol at Christmas and is used to decorate our homes. It is said to bring good cheer and celebration to the holidays as well as to keep evil spirits at bay when placed on the door.
HYACINTH (BLUE)
Blue Hyacinth represents constancy of The flowers have a lovely light fragrance and the perfect gift to show your friend how constant your friendship is, send this delightful flower on their birthday .
HYACINTH (PURPLE)
Purple Hyacinth symbolizes, “I am sorry”, “Please forgive me”, and sorrow. This little fragrant plant is just the gift for your partner when you have had to miss a dinner due to working late.
HYACINTH (RED OR PINK)
The Red or Pink Hyacinth means, “Let’s play!” Be the life and soul of the party when you give this flower to your host, or use for your date corsage for the school dance whichever way you use this flower is sure to delight.
HYACINTH (WHITE)
The White Hyacinth symbolizes loveliness and “I’ll pray for you”. This flower is a good one to send to someone who needs a boast and would love to know you are thinking of him or her. It says you are loveliness in my eyes whether your gift is a pot plant or a bouquet.
HYACINTH (YELLOW)
The Yellow Hyacinth has the meaning of jealousy. That little greened monster is about how about use this flower in a nice way to say, “While I like the sound of your Easter Holidays, I am however jealous, as I can not come with you.”
HYDRANGEA
The Hydrangea flower means, “Thank you for your understanding.” The beautiful colours of the Hydrangea come from the ph balance of the soil it grows in and the large blooms are widely used for weddings, Easter and Mother’s Day gifts.
IRIS
The Iris is the emblem of France called the Fleur-de-lis because of it shape. The Iris meanings are many including friendship, faith, hope, wisdom, and my compliments. This beautiful bulb flower has blooms in white, blue and a deep yellow and is just a great thank you gift.
IVY
This evergreen plant has the meanings of wedded love, fidelity, friendship and affection. These versatile plants can be used for an occasion to add charm to any presentation of flowers.
JONQUIL
The Narcissus Jonquil flower is a lovely flower that can symbolize love, affection returned, and desire. When given as a gift of flowers and it also has the meaning of sympathy for the dearly departed.
LARKSPUR (PINK)
The Larkspur flower holds the meaning of fickleness. Its blue flower was once often used to make a blue dye. This delightful flower comes in colours from pink to blue and purple they give a feeling of lightness and an open heart to any recipient.
LILY(WHITE)
The White Lily is often use as a wedding flower for its meaning of virginity, purity, and majesty. Used for a funeral, its meaning symbolizes the soul of the dearly departed and their innocence returned after death.
LILY(YELLOW)
The Yellow Lily often says, “I'm Walking on Air.” The Lily is one of the world’s most popular flowers, which can be used at any occasion such birthdays, anniversaries and as a table decoration .
LILY(CALLA)
The Calla Lilly is an elegant flower that carries the meaning of beauty when sent to someone as a gift. It has wonderful fragrance and has often been used for making perfume. The Calla Lily is a popular choice for use in wedding bouquets and table centers.
LILY(DAY)
The Day Lily is a native of Asia and is known as the Chinese Emblem for Mother. Lily is a great flower for Mother’s Day as it is available in seven basic colours with many different hues so you can be sure to have your Mother’s favourite colour.
LILY(EUCHARIS)
The Eucharis Lilly, or Amazon Lily, is has long-lasting white flowers with the deepest evergreen leaves, which have a glossy look to them. It is as charming as its meaning – The Maiden Charms – and is a wonderful plant to send for any occasion.
LILY(TIGER)
The Tiger Lily is a magnificent flower its bright orange flowers and black spots are most likely where the name come from, and like the tiger it symbolizes wealth and pride.
LILY OF THE VALLEY
The Lilly of the Valley has many meanings to both the sender and the recipient of this delicate flower. Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility and You've Made My Life Complete are all associated with this flower. You will make someone day complete with an unexpected gift of this plant.
MAGNOLIA
The Magnolia flower has a wonderful fragrance that reminiscent of long summer nights spend in our grandparents’ gardens playing kings and queens. It symbolizes nobility and is a most beautiful gift to both send and receive.
MARIGOLD
The Marigold name comes from Mary‘s Gold and in affiliated with the Virgin Mary this plant symbols cruelty, grief, jealousy and is often used to celebrate the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, All soul’s Day) day when we celebrate the life of our ancestors.
MISTLETOE
Mistletoe is well know for it Christmas associations and dashing out of the door just as uncle Fred lands a kiss on you. The symbolism of the Mistletoe is “Kiss me”, and affection. It is also Sacred Plant of India and makes a great addition to any Christmas gift.
MONKSHOOD
The Monkshood symbolizes beware – a deadly foe is near. In fact the plant can be highly poisonous itself if touched without gloves. This is not a flower to have in a home with children and pets around.
MOSS
Moss has the meaning of maternal love and charity. It is often used with plants to cover the soil and keep it moist.
MYRTLE
This lovely little flower with its refreshing smell is often use to flavour meat in the Mediterranean Countries giving the meat aromatic spicy taste No wonder is carries with it the meanings of marriage and love, the flower look like star fairy lights and make a magnificent spray of flower to give.
NARCISSUS
The Narcissus flowers have a clump of flowers on top of its stem are ideal for those around displays. This flower symbolizes egotism, formality and “Stay as Sweet as You Are” which is just the flower to give to a girl who is just becoming a teenager.
NASTURTIUM
This pretty flower is as good as it gets. Completely edible, rich in Vitamin C and great for salads with its peppery taste no wonder it’s meaning are conquest and victory in battle. These colourful flowers make for a lovely posy for a child to give to grandmother on her wedding anniversary.
OLEANDER
The Oleander has the meaning of caution, one should be very cautious of, handling this plant is the most poisonous plant even when dead. However is a lovely looking plant and use widely as motorways foliage in the Mediterranean and makes beautiful arrangements.
ORANGE BLOSSOM
The Orange Blossom is the state flower of Florida. These wonderful aromatic flowers carry the meanings of innocence, eternal love, marriage and fruitfulness and are often used in wedding celebrations.
ORANGE MOCK
The Mock Orange is very similar looking to the Orange Blossom but instead symbolizes deceit and counterfeit.
ORCHID
The Orchid flower has many variations in shape and all are uniquely beautiful. Depending on the variety, the plant may have one very large flower, or a number of smaller ones. Orchids generally symbolize love, beauty, refinement, and have been viewed as the Chinese symbol for Many Children. As such it has a special place in a women’s heart is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or a wedding anniversary.
PALM LEAVES
The Palm Leaves are used in floristry when added to the back of a one- sided arrangement. it symbolizes victory and success, often used on palm by plating tow palm leaves together they can also be used as a table piece with candle for your family Easter dinner .
PEONY
Peony is a floral symbol of China and has the meaning happy life, and happy marriage when given as gift of flowers. Peonies are an ideal gift for a wedding anniversary, their lush rounded bloom are so rich in colour.
PETUNIA
The Petunia is a beautiful little flower and makes a nice gift of a potted plant. On one hand this flower symbolizes resentment and anger, yet on the other hand, “Your Presence Sooths Me.” This plant is great as a get-well gift or for grandmother for her garden.
PINE
The Pine is the symbol hope, and pity. Pine branches and cones can be used in your flower arrangements for any time of year, however mainly used for Christmas and Thanksgiving table centerpieces.
POPPY (GENERAL)
The poppy is associated with eternal sleep, oblivion, and imagination and can be found on many a tombstone in many Greek and Roman myths. The bright red gives the promise resurrection after death it can be used in a sympathy bouquet as a sign remembrance.
POPPY (RED)
The Red Poppy has the symbol of pleasure and what a lovely flower bouquet to send to a loved one on Valentine’s Day. Many people have a great love for this delicate flower added with some foliage it would make a stylish garland .
POPPY (WHITE)
The White Poppy symbolizes consolation. Sending a spray of these flowers will show your compassion of sympathy to the recipient who has lost a very dear loved one or to someone whose marriage has come to an end.
PRIMROSE
This pretty little flower that grows wild by the roadside has the meaning of “I Can't Live Without You”. Send a Primrose potted plant to brighten up the family home at Easter
PRIMROSE (EVENING)
The Evening Primrose is also sometime called sun cups or sun drops because of the shape and colour of the flowers. The meaning of this flower is inconstancy however it’s a nice plant to give someone who favourite flower is yellow.
ROSE (BRIDAL)
The Bridal Rose a white ivory colour and carries with it feelings of happy love and can be make into a head band for the bride or as a posy for her to carry.
ROSE (DARK CRIMSON)
The dark Crimson colour has the meaning of mourning however can also symbolize inner beauty. If your home is mostly white, the addition of a vase of this beautifully dark rose makes a bold statement in any room.
ROSE (HIBISCUS)
The hibiscus rose or cotton rose symbolizes delicate beauty. This would make a perfect posy for the May Queen or to give to your child’s teacher at the end of term.
ROSE (PINK)
The Pink Rose symbolizes perfect happiness, and “Please believe me.” It is a favourite of many women as the colour pink tends to bring out the child in us, and it’s also the colour used for initiatives to support breast cancer. Pink roses are the perfect gift to send as a get-well gift.
ROSE (RED)
The Red Rose conveys love and is the most popular Valentine’s Day gift. Also named as the most suitable gift for a 15th wedding anniversary a special gift after that first date when you know she’s the one.
ROSE (TEA)
The Tea Rose name come from the scent that is a little like the fragrance of the Chinese Black tea. This rose comes in pastel shades with its flower head hung down a little on the stalk. The symbolic meaning is “I'll Remember Always” which makes it a good choice for a husband to give to his wife for her birthday.
ROSE (THORNLESS)
The Thornless Rose has a wide-open flower head and is known for the meaning, “ Love at First Sight.” This is a good rose to use in a bouquet or as a corsage. It has a wonderful fragrance that any girl would love.
ROSE (WHITE))
Traditionally the White Rose signifies innocence, purity, secrecy and silence. Often used in bridal bouquets and sympathy sprays.
ROSE (YELLOW)
The Yellow Rose symbolizes friendship and caring. A gift of yellow roses is a perfect way to let someone know that they are your greatest friend.
ROSEBUD
The Rosebud symbolizes beauty and youth, and is a great choice to celebrate the birth of a new baby or to be given to a teenager on their first day at high school.
ROSEBUD (RED)
This Red Rosebud stands for purity and is a great gift for the young at heart.
ROSEBUD (WHITE)
The symbol of girlhood the White Rosebud is fit for a princess on her birthday.
SMILAX
The Smilax flower, or smooth carrion flower, stands for loveliness. This greenish brown flower is a unique flower to give and can be used for almost an occasion.
SNAPDRAGON
This flower comes in many colours that are bright and great for different occasions. Snapdragons represent a gracious lady and are often used as a bouquet for the queen and maids of the fair in the summer months.
SPIDER FLOWER
The name Spider Flower comes from the shape of this flower’s petals that look a lot like spider legs. They are however a very pretty flower that blooms in many colours and can symbolize, “Elope with Me.”
STEPHANOTIS
Oh the scent of the Stephanotis flowers on a warm summer night is heaven. This small flower stands for happiness in marriage and the desire to travel. It can be given as part of a small arrangement and is often seen in wedding bouquets.
STOCK
The Stock flower has the most wonderful range of colours. Its symbolizes the affection, promptness and “You'll Always Be Beautiful to me.” Stock also has a beautiful scent and is often associated with late spring.
SWEET PEA
The Sweet Pea flower is a happy little flower always with a smile on its face. It carries the following meanings of good-bye, departure, blissful pleasure and thank you. It a great idea to take a little posy of these flowers when visiting.
TULIP
The Tulip, the Dutch flower emblem, carries the meaning of perfect love, or “Beautiful Eyes.” What a lovely way to say you are thinking of someone. You do not need a special day to send these beautiful spring flowers, any day is a good day.
VIOLET
These little flowers convey feelings of modesty. In a blue colour, violets can also mean watchfulness or faithfulness. The easy to care for plants make a great gift for someone you care about.
ZINNIA
This flower carries with it the meanings of lasting affection and in memory of. Available in a variety of colour tones, zinnias are a fabulous addition to any sympathy or funeral arrangement.
