Saying something through the flower has to be learned. And not only when you want to express something particularly diplomatically, but also literally. Flowers are an excellent way of non-verbal communication. They can deliver clear messages, because depending on color and variety, flowers symbolize love, death, hope, happiness or health, for example. But even this language must be learned to speak. Which type of flower is the right one for which occasion? Which flower can be used to convey which message? And what is the meaning of different colors? We have the answers to all questions! 


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What is the language of flowers?

A bouquet of red roses says more than a thousand words, because as a universal gesture of love, the red rose will never fail to make an impact. This is due to the fact that in our culture many flowers are associated with unique meanings. This symbolism has existed for several centuries and was first evidenced with the onset of written communication through images among the ancient Egyptians and ancient Greece. Later, the meanings of flowers manifested themselves in France. In 1819, the Frenchwoman Charlotte de Latour, with her book "Le Language de Fleurs", creates not only a comprehensive overview of the meaning of flowers, but also a kind of instruction manual for communicating with them. As the first book in the history of this subject, "The Language of Flowers" describes the meaning of 272 different flowers with the help of a monthly calendar. Two years later, Karl Müchler translates the book into German, and many other writers publish similar works. With the abundance of publications, however, the symbolism of flowers does not become more precise, but even diluted. More and more often, the language of flowers adapts to local and regional customs and traditions.

Even though the language of flowers has lost its prominence since then, many flowers are still associated with a fixed, symbolic meaning today. From a bouquet of roses to tulips and carnations, there is a floral communication counterpart for almost every occasion - such as joy, longing or jealousy. With our lexicon of flower language there is tutoring in all essential flower questions:

Meaning by flower type

That roses are used as a symbol of love and tulips give a face to spring new beginnings, most probably know. But other flowers also have their own meaning and symbolized solid values. To ensure that the choice of flowers sends the right message in the next floral greeting, we reveal to you here the symbolism of the most popular flower varieties.

Blüte einer Gerbera in Rot

What do gerberas mean?

If the gerbera were a person, it would be one of those who permanently have a smile on their lips and infect everyone else with their good mood and positive nature. Gerbera are harmless good mood flowers, which should trigger an equally positive feeling in the giver and the recipient. In almost any color, it radiates contentment, serenity and cheerfulness. So if you want to pass on good mood and optimism with your flower greeting, choose Gerbera following the flower language. Whether for partner or partner, friends or family, the Gerbera is the right choice.


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Blüte einer Lilie in Rosa

What do lilies mean in the language of flowers?

Lilies are popular flowers mainly because of their magnificent size and shape. They belong to those plants whose meaning comes from mythology. According to legends, lilies and their meaning have their origin in a drop of the mother's milk of the Greek goddess Hera and thus symbolize innocence, beauty and purity. Because of this symbolism, they are equally used in weddings and funeral ceremonies.


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Kleine Blüten von rosa Rosen

What do roses mean in the language of flowers?

In the language of flowers, red roses in particular represent the strong emotional bond shared by two people who deeply love and desire each other. Pink flowers, in contrast, usually symbolize tender youthfulness, yellow roses stand for jealousy and white for purity and fidelity. 


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Orchideenblüte in Rosa

What do orchids mean in the language of flowers?

With their exotic beauty, orchids are particularly suitable as a gift to express affection and admiration. In this regard, the different varieties and colors speak the same language and are equally suitable for floral greetings with such a meaning. Incidentally, they also indicate the exceptional beauty of the person receiving the gift.

Drei Nelkenblüten in Rosa

What do carnations mean in the language of flowers?

Love is in the Air! Not only roses create a romantic mood. Carnations also symbolize intimate love and passionate feelings, especially in the color red. Thus, these flowers and their meaning are ideal for expressions of love. However, in other colors - such as pink, white or yellow - carnations can also be ideally given to friends, family or work colleagues. They then stand more for gratitude and happiness.

Blüte einer Sonnenblume

What do sunflowers mean?

If you want to top the good Gerbera mood, it is best to reach for the sunflower or combine the two flowers cheerfully. Because while the sunflower once stood for wealth and extravagance according to Charlotte de Latour, today it is the epitome of summer good mood and joy in nature and life. A beautiful gift for friends and family, sunflowers radiate lightness, happiness and warmth while sincerely delivering the message "I like you!"


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Blüte einer Calla in Weiß

What do Callas mean?

Callas are one of the more exotic flower varieties and exude pure elegance with their unusual curved shape. In the past, the calla also had a different meaning and symbolized death as a mourning flower. Today, on the contrary, it rather stands for immortality and represents fascination and beauty with its elegant appearance. So whenever you want to signal admiration to your counterpart or send the message "You are beautiful. I admire you!", callas are the right choice.


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Blüte einer Dekochrysantheme

What do chrysanthemums mean in the language of flowers?

Chrysanthemums have their origin in the Asian region and stand there - especially in their original yellow color - for happiness and health. In our circles, however, the autumn flower often symbolizes truthfulness and sadness. Especially as a white flower, it is well suited as a grave arrangement and represents death and mourning. Which meaning the different colors in the flower language have, we explain to you also still specifically further down in the contribution.

Blüte einer rosafarbenen Tulpe

What do tulips mean in the language of flowers?

Besides roses, tulips are one of the most popular flower classics among Germans. All the more important to take a look at what meaning tulips have according to the language of flowers. Due to their blooming period from March to May, tulips, just like spring, stand for new beginnings and rebirth. Thus, they are perfect as a gift for births and to celebrate life. In general, however, it also stands for great feelings, love and affection. The darker the color, the more intense the feelings of the bearer.


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Flowers Meaning By Colors

Roses are red, violets are blue? But how do you make sense of this? The colors of flowers or of certain types of flowers are also associated with fixed meanings. Thus, red clearly stands for unconditional love, yellow is usually the color of happiness and blue is the symbol of loyalty and fascination. At the same time, the symbolism of flower colors hardly differs from the meaning of colors in general. What special flower-color combinations there are besides the red rose, we explain to you now.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Rosa

What is the meaning of pink flowers?

Similar to the related red, the color pink also stands for love and affection in the language of flowers. Pink flowers can hint at a first crush and exude romantic flair without delivering as direct a message as red flowers. In a friendship, pink flowers show loving affection and appreciation.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Blau

What is the meaning of blue flowers?

The rarity of blue flowers already suggests that they symbolize specialness and fascination. The bright color not only looks great, but in the language of flowers is a sign of loyalty and constancy. In addition, blue flowers can also stand for spirituality and longing, but always a mysterious mood goes along with blue flowers.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Gelb

What is the significance of the color yellow in flowers?

The sunflower gives it away: yellow flowers stand for joie de vivre, energy and cheerfulness, they automatically spread a good mood and symbolize summer and sun like no other color. Flowers of all kinds in the color yellow are therefore almost always the perfect gift when a good mood is on the agenda.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Weiß

What is the meaning of white flowers?

The delicate restrained white of many varieties of flowers allows their often unusual shapes to come to the fore. Thus, white flowers usually convince with elegance and extravagance. The absence of color also symbolizes purity, innocence and honesty. Due to a long tradition, white is often still considered the color of farewell and death. White callas or lilies are therefore still used today as grave flowers.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Lila

What is the meaning of purple flowers?

Purple flowers often have a spiritual meaning and have a particularly mystical effect. As a gift, they convey appreciation and uniqueness.

Aquarell Farbklecks in Orange

What is the meaning of orange flowers?

Similar to yellow flowers, orange flowers have an energizing and optimistic effect. They radiate warmth and youthful freshness in equal measure and are particularly suitable as a gift for birthdays or positive occasions that should be characterized by a joyful mood.

Frequently asked questions about flowers Meaning: flower gestures by occasion

As beautiful as the idea of communicating with flowers is, it's also complicated. If you too have lost track of which flower in which color means what, then here comes the simple summary: We explain to you which flowers you should give for which occasion. In case of doubt, a few lines to the flower greeting will always bring exactly what you really want to say to the point.

What flowers represent love?

If you want to confess your love to someone through a floral gesture, the color red is just right for you. Classically with a bouquet of red roses or even combined with carnations and chrysanthemums. Pink and white accents can make the bouquet more exciting and fresh without missing the actual gesture. If you want to play it safe, give the promise of 100 years in harmony and love with 100 Red Roses.


Flowers of love

Which flowers represent hope?

Classically, green is considered the color of hope. So if you want your bouquet to send the message "Don't give up hope," focus on the green. Since there are few green cut flowers, the best way to achieve this is to combine white flowers with lots of greenery.

Which flowers represent friendship?

Apart from individual favorite flowers, which you as a good friend should of course know, a colorful bouquet full of good mood flowers is probably particularly suitable for friendly flower greetings. Nevertheless, gerberas represent friendship like no other flowers, so be sure to include them in your floral arrangement.

What flowers represent mourning?

Also mourning flowers can be selected according to the individual preferences of the person to be mourned, because personal preferences are of course more important than conventional meanings. However, if you want to keep it classic, white and red flowers are especially suitable to express grief and love for the deceased person. Typical flower varieties here are callas, lilies and roses. Gerberas in neutral colors can also symbolize compassion, sympathy and attachment.


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What flowers represent happiness?

Not only a four-leaf clover symbolizes ultimate happiness. Flowers can also be used to communicate the message "Good luck" or "Congratulations" in a targeted manner. In the language of flowers, chrysanthemums, carnations and daisies in particular are considered to be messengers of good luck. The colors can be chosen in a variety of ways and combined in cheerful, colorful bouquets.

What flowers represent health?

In the Asian region, yellow chrysanthemums symbolize happiness and health. As a good-better message, they are also suitable here, for example, in combination with gerbera, carnations or sunflowers radiating joie de vivre. A lot of additional greenery also signals hope and confidence.

Which flowers represent new beginnings?

What can symbolize a new beginning better than spring flowers that bring color back into the environment for the first time after the gray winter months? Tulips, daffodils or even daffodils are the ideal gift for births or new stages of life and in all colors the perfect symbol for a new beginning.

What flowers have the meaning family?

Even with the family, it is necessary to know the favorite flowers of the person receiving the gift. Nevertheless, with carnations or tulips you do not go wrong and express family cohesion and love.