Infused with symbolism and fragrance, floral correspondence is a centuries-old tradition that is ideal for expressing your sentiments in a beautiful and eloquent way. In Victorian America and Europe (mid-1800s), flowers were attributed with specific meanings by young men and women who used them during courtship to send messages to each other, whether in a forthright manner or by more clandestine means. Romantic and poetic thoughts were conveyed by the presentation of a single blossom, while lengthier messages were communicated by larger arrangements.

Love and happiness were not the only tenor of these floral epistles. Infidelity, jealousy, disdain and rejection were also expressed by a suitably chosen blossom. While a simple flower may have been sent to a young lady to propose marriage, another seemingly innocuous blossom may have been sent in response, telling the gentleman caller to “get lost.”

The list of meanings is seemingly endless, as nearly every flower has been attributed with a specific meaning at some point over time. The following is a short list of flowers that are commonly used in floral arrangements and their generally accepted meanings:

Camellia—Gratitude.
Daisy—Innocence.
Daffodil—Chivalry, regard.
Forget-me-not—True love and remembrance.
Gardenia—Secret love.
Gladiolus—Sincerity.
Iris—Faith, hope, warmth of affection.
Ivy—Friendship, Fidelity, Affection.
Lily of the Valley—Reconciliation, return of happiness.
Magnolia—Perseverance.
Nasturtium—Loyalty.
Orchid—Love, beauty, refinement.
Peony—Bashfulness.
Rhododendron—Danger.
Rosemary—Remembrance.
Stephanotis—Happiness in Marriage.
Sunflower—Devotion.
Tulip—Love.
Violet—Faithfulness, reciprocal love.

While the hopeful young lovers had the daunting task of familiarizing themselves with the most popular meaning of the day in order to interpret their floral messages, they were also faced with the fact that even colors in the same variety can mean something completely different. In broad terms, red means love, yellow means friendship, lavender is indicative of enchantment, and orange is attributed to fascination. Here are some specific examples of how the same flower can have varied implications based on its color:

Roses

Red—Love, desire, respect or congratulations.
White—Charm, secrecy, reverence, humility or innocence.
Yellow—Joy, gladness and friendship OR infidelity or jealousy.
Pink—Love, grace and gentility.
Dark Pink—Admiration.
Coral/Orange—Enthusiasm or desire.

Carnations

Red—Admiration, desire.
White—Pure love, innocence.
Yellow—Disdain, rejection.
Pink—Remembrance, emblem of Mother’s Day.
Striped—Rejection.
Purple—Antipathy, capriciousness.

A romantic way to tell that special someone just how you feel may be to give a single flower for each day of the week, with a card explaining the meaning of the flower, and how that particular sentiment applies to your relationship. At the end of the week, your sweetheart will not only have a beautiful bouquet, but a clear idea of how you feel!

On the flip side, if you find yourself the object of unwanted affection, consider putting an end to your admirer’s advances once and for all, with a bouquet of yellow or striped carnations. Of course, if you do not want to take the chance of misinterpretation, a bouquet of withered flowers generally sends a pretty clear message!

So, if you are looking for just the right way to thank your neighbor for dog-sitting while you spent a week in Destin this summer, consider sending him a camellia plant. A unique way to ask your best friend to be maid-of-honor in your wedding may be to attach a note to an ivy topiary and leave it at her door-step. Your sister-in-law will never forget the clever way you congratulated her recently announced pregnancy by sending irises to her office.

If you find yourself at a loss for words, and just can’t seem to put your finger on the perfect way to express your most heartfelt sentiments, consider what many have done for centuries – say it with flowers, literally.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.