Plant Meanings

Plant

Meaning

     

Abatina

Fickleness

     

Acacia rose or white

Secret Love

     

Acacia yellow

Elegance

     

Acanthus

Art

     

Acanthus

The fine art, Artifice

     

Agrimony

Thankfulness, gratitude

     

Alcea rosea

Please remember me, epiphany, remembrance, nostalgia

     

Allium

Patience, good fortune, prosperity, unity

     

Almond

Promise

     

Aloe

Grief

     

Aloe

Affection, also Grief

     

Alyssum maritimum

Immortal love

     

Amaranth

Immortality[1]

     

Amaranth (Globe)

Immortal love

     

Amaryllis

Pride

     

Ambrosia

Love is reciprocated

     

Anemone

Forsaken, sickness, anticipation, undying love

   

Angelica

Inspiration

     

Angrec

Royalty

     

Anthurium

Hospitality, happiness, abundance

     

Apple blossom

Preference

     

Arborvitae

Everlasting friendship

     

Arborvitae

Unchanging friendship

     

Arbutus

You are the only one I love

     

Arum

Faith, purity

     

Asphodel

My regrets follow you to the grave

     

Aster

Symbol of love, daintiness, talisman of love, trusting

     

Aster

Symbol of Love, Daintiness

     

Azalea

Take care, temperance, fragile, gratitude, passion, Chinese symbols of womanhood

     

Baby’s breath

Innocence, purity of heart

     

Bachelor’s button

Happy or blessed celibacy, good luck, wealth

     

Bachelor’s button

Single blessedness

     

Balm

Sympathy

     

Balsam

Ardent love

     

Balsamine

Impatience

     

Basil

Success

     

Basil

Good wishes

     

Bay tree

Glory

     

Bay wreath

Glory

     

Begonia

Beware, a fanciful nature

     

Begonia

Beware

     

Belledonna

Silence

     

Bellflower

Unwavering love

     

Bells of Ireland

Luck

     

Bird of paradise flower

Liberty, magnificence, good perspective, joyfulness, faithfulness (when given by a man to a woman)

     

Bird’s-foot trefoil

Revenge

     

Bittersweet

Truth

     

Black Dahlia

Betrayal and dishonesty

     

Black-eyed Susan

Justice

     

Black-eyed Susan

Justice

     

Blackthorn

Fate, protection, hope against adversity, good fortune

     

Bluebell

Loyalty, constancy, humility & gratitude

     

Borage

Courage

     

Borage

Bluntness, Directness

     

Bouvardia

Enthusiasm

     

Box

Constancy

     

Broom

Humility

     

Brugmansia

Vivacity, vibrancy, health, danger

     

Bulrush

Docility

     

Bumblebee Orchid

Industry

     

Buttercup

Riches

     

Butterfly weed

Let me go

     

Cabbage

Profit

     

Calla Lily

Magnificence and beauty

     

Camellia

Unpretending excellence

     

Camellia, pink

Longing For You

     

Camellia, red

You’re a Flame in My Heart

     

Camellia, white

You’re Adorable

     

Campanula

Gratitude

     

Candytuft

Indifference

     

Canterbury Bells

Gratitude

     

Carnation

Fascination; distinction; love

     

Carnation red

Deep romantic love, passion

     

Carnation Striped

Refusal

     

Carnation, green

Secret symbol of the followers of Oscar Wilde, love between two men

     

Carnation, mauve

Dreams of fantasy

     

carnation, pink

I’ll never forget you

     

Carnation, purple

Capriciousness, whimsical, changeable, unreliability

     

Carnation, Red

Alas for my poor heart, my heart aches

     

Carnation, solid color

Yes, affirmative

     

Carnation, striped

Refusal

     

Carnation, white

Innocence, Pure love, Women’s good luck gift

     

Carnation, white

Sweet and lovely, innocence, pure love, faithfulness

     

Carnation, yellow

Disdain, Disappointment, Rejection

     

Celandine

Joys to come

     

Chamomile

Patience in adversity

     

Cherry blossom

A good education,Transience of life, Mono no aware, Wabi-sabi, gentleness, kindness (in Japan)

Feminine beauty (in China)

     

Chestnut

Do me justice, Chastity

     

China aster

Love of variety, fidelity

     

Chives

Usefulness

     

Chrysanthemum

fidelity, optimism, joy and long life

     

Chrysanthemum, red

Love

     

Chrysanthemum, red

I love you

     

Chrysanthemum, white

Truth, loyal love

     

Chrysanthemum, yellow

Slighted love

     

Cinquefoil

Beloved daughter

     

Clematis

Mental beauty

     

Clematis, evergreen

Poverty

     

Clove

Undying love

     

Clovenlip Toadflax

Please notice my love/feelings for you

     

Clover, red

Industry

     

Clover, white

I promise

     

Clover, white

Think of me

     

Columbine

The emblem of deceived lovers, ingratitude, faithlessness

     

Columbine

Foolishness, folly

     

Columbine, purple

Resolution

     

Columbine, red

Anxious, Trembling

     

Coreopsis

Always cheerful

     

Coriander

Lust

     

Coriander

Hidden worth/merit

     

Cowslip

Winning grace

     

Crab blossom

Ill nature

     

Creeping Willow

Love forsaken

     

Crocus

Youthful joy, love, abuse not, Lupercalia

     

Crocus, spring

Cheerfulness, Youthful gladness

     

Cyclamen

Resignation, Diffidence, Goodbye

     

Cypress

Death, mourning, despair, sorrow.

     

Daffodil

Uncertainty, chivalry, respect or unrequited love, return my affection; new beginnings

     

Daffodil

Regard, Unequalled Love

     

Dahlia

Elegance and dignity

     

Dahlia, single

Good taste

     

Daisy

Innocence, loyal love, purity, faith, cheer, simplicity; or, dissembling as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

     

Dandelion

Overcoming hardship

     

Daylily

Chinese emblem for mother

     

Delphinium

Levity, fun, generosity, ardent attachment, joy

     

Dill

Passion

     

Dill

Powerful against evil

     

Diphylleia

i will show my true self to you, clarity, honesty

     

Edelweiss

Devotion, courage

     

Eglantine rose

A wound to heal

     

Elderflower

Compassion

     

Fennel

Strength; cuckoldry, as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet,[2]

     

Fennel

Flattery

     

Fern

Magic, enchantment, confidence, sincerity & shelter

     

Fern

Magic, Fascination, Secret bonds of love

     

Forget-me-not

True love, don’t forget me

     

Forget-me-not

True love memories, Do not forget me

     

Foxglove

Insecurity[3]

     

Freesia

Innocence, thoughtfulness

     

Fungus

Resilience, loneliness, solitude, disgust

     

Gardenia

Secret love, joy, sweet love, good luck

     

Gardenia

You’re lovely, Secret love

     

Geranium

Gentility, determination

     

Geranium

Folly, Stupidity

     

Gladiolus

Strength of character, honor, conviction

     

Gladiolus

Flower of the Gladiators, Integrity, Strength, Victory

     

Goldenrod

Encouragement

     

Goldenrod

Encouragement, Good fortune

     

Gorse

Love in all seasons

     

Hawthorn

Hope, fertility

     

Heather, purple

Solitude, beauty, admiration

     

Heather, white

Protection

     

Heliotrope

Eternal love, Devotion

     

Hibiscus

Rare and delicate beauty

     

Hibiscus

Delicate beauty

     

Holly

Defense, Domestic happiness

     

Hollyhock

Ambition

     

Honeysuckle

Devoted affection, bonds of love

     

Honeysuckle

Bonds of love

     

Houseleek

Domestic economy

     

Hyacinth

Sport, Game, Play

     

Hyacinth blue

Constancy

     

Hyacinth white

Loveliness

     

Hyacinth yellow

Jealousy

     

Hyacinth, purple

Sorrow

     

Hyacinth, red or pink

Playfulness

     

Hyacinth, white

Loveliness, Prayers for someone

     

Hydrangea

Frigidity, heartlessness; heartfelt gratitude for being understood

     

Hydrangea

Gratitude for being understood; Frigidity and heartlessness

     

Hyssop

Cleanliness, sacrifice

     

Hyssop

Sacrifice, Cleanliness

     

Iris

Faith, trust, Wisdom, Hope, Valor

     

Iris blue

Faith, hope

     

Iris general

Eloquence, good news

     

Iris purple

Wisdom, compliments

     

Iris white

Purity

     

Iris yellow

Passion

     

Ivy

Dependence, endurance, faithfulness

     

Ivy

Affection, Friendship, Fidelity

     

Jasmine

Unconditional and eternal love, monetary wealth. (in the Philippines and Hinduism)

     

Jasmine, white

Sweet love, Amiability

     

Jasmine, yellow

Grace; Elegance

     

Jonquil

Return my affection

     

Lady’s Slipper

Capricious beauty

     

Lamprocapnos

Rejected love, passionate love, unconditional love, compassion

     

Larkspur

Levity, lightness; fickleness, haughtiness

     

Larkspur

Open heart, levity, lightness, fickleness (pink or simple varieties).

     

Laurel

Ambition, success, renown

     

Laurestine

A token

     

Lavender

Happiness, love, devotion, peace, distrust

     

Lemon balm

Sympathy

     

Lemon blossom

Discretion

     

Lilac

Joy of youth

     

Lilac purple

First love

     

Lilac white

Youthful innocence, humility

     

Lily

Love between two women

     

Lily (white)

Virginity, Purity, Heavenly

     

Lily (yellow)

Happy, Gay, Walking on air

     

Lily of the valley

Sweetness, humility, returning happiness, Trust

     

Lily orange

Desire, passion; hatred

     

Lily scarlet

Lofty aspirations

     

Lily white

Purity

     

Lily, tiger

Wealth, Pride

     

Lime blossom

Fornication

     

Lobelia

Malevolence

     

Lotus

Purity, chastity and eloquence; rebirth

     

Lotus Flower

Purity, Enlightenment, Self-regeneration, and Rebirth

     

Love lies bleeding

Hopelessness

     

Magnolia

Perseverance; Love of nature

     

Magnolia

Nobility, Love of nature

     

Mallow

Consumed by love

     

Marigold

Pain and grief

     

Marjoram

Joy and happiness

     

Mayflower

Welcome

     

Meadowsweet

Beauty, happiness, peace, protection

     

Mignonette

Worth

     

Mint

Virtue

     

Moonflower

Dreaming of love

     

Morning glory

Love in vain; affection

     

Mullein

Good-nature

     

Myrtle

Good luck and love in marriage

     

Narcissus

Unrequited love, selfishness

     

Nasturtium

Patriotism, Conquest, Victory in Battle

     

nemophila

you are my one and only, innocence, happiness

     

Nettle (stinging)

Life and death, protection[4] as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet

     

Oak leaf

Strength

     

Oats

Music

     

Olive

Peace

     

Orange blossom

Good fortune, good luck in marriage

     

Orchid

Refined beauty

     

Oregano

Substance

     

Ox-eye daisy

Patience

     

Pansy

Thoughtfulness, remembrance

     

Parsley

Festivity

     

Peach blossom

Long-life, generosity, bridal hope

     

Pear blossom

Lasting friendship

     

Peony

Prosperity, honor (in China)

     

peony

Masculinity, bravery (in Japan)

     

Peruvian Lily

Wealth, fortune, prosperity, friendship

     

Phlox

Harmony

     

Pine

Humility, Piety

     

Pitch pine blossom

Philosophy

     

Plum blossom

Beauty and longevity

     

Plumeria

Perfection, springtime, new beginnings

     

Poppy

Consolation

     

poppy

Eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination

     

poppy red

Pleasure, sacrifice, remembrance

     

poppy white

Consolation, dreams, modern, peace

     

poppy yellow

Wealth, success

     

Primrose

Eternal love

     

Protea

Courage, transformation, daring, resourcefulness, diversity

     

Queen Anne’s Lace

Haven, sanctuary; complexity, delicateness

     

Rainflower

I love you back, I must atone for my sins, I will never forget you

     

Rhododendron

beauty, energy

     

Rose  blue

Mystery, attaining the impossible, love at first sight

     

Rose  white

Silence or innocence, wistfulness, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility

     

rose avender or violet

Love at first sight

     

Rose burgundy

Unconscious beauty

     

rose coral  or orange

Desire, passion

     

Rose red

True love

     

rose, black

Death, hatred, despair, sorrow, mystery, danger, obsession

     

Rose, dark crimson

Mourning

     

rose, dark pink

Gratitude

     

Rose, light pink

Desire, passion, joy of life, youth, energy

     

rose, pink

Grace

     

Rose, pink

Happiness

     

Rose, red

Love, I love you

     

rose, red and white together

United

     

rose, red and yellow together

Joy, happiness and excitement

     

rose, thornless

Love at first sight

     

Rose, white

Innocence, Heavenly, I’m worthy of you

     

rose, yellow

Friendship, apology, intense emotion, undying love; extreme betrayal, a broken heart, infidelity, jealousy

     

Rosebud

Beauty, purity, love, youth

     

Rosemary

Remembrance

     

Rue

Regret, sorrow, repentance

     

Rue

Grace, clear vision

     

Sage

Health, wisdom, respect

     

Sage

Wisdom, immortality

     

Salvia, blue

I think of you

     

Salvia, red

Forever mine

     

Savory

Spice, interest

     

Sensitive plant

Sensitivity, modesty

     

Shamrock

Good luck

     

Snapdragon

Graciousness, strength; deception

     

Snowdrop

Consolation or hope

     

Sorrel

Affection

     

Southernwood

Constancy, jest

     

Spearmint

Warmth of sentiment

     

Speedwell

Travel, kindness, loyalty, protection

     

Speedwell

Feminine fidelity

     

Star of Bethlehem

Atonement, reconciliation

     

Statice

Remembrance, sympathy, success

     

Sticky Catchfly

Invitation to dance

     

Stock

Lasting beauty, a happy life, bonds of affection

     

Straw

United

     

Sunflower

Pure and lofty thoughts, adoration, longevity, loyalty

     

Sunflower, dwarf

Adoration

     

Sunflower, tall

Haughtiness

     

Sweet pea

Blissful pleasures, Good-bye, Thank you for a lovely time

     

Sweet William

Gallantry

     

Sweet woodruff

Humility

     

Sweetbrier

Simplicity

     

Sweetpea

Gratitude, tenderness, farewell

     

Tansy

I declare war on you

     

Tansy

Hostile thoughts, declaring war

     

Tarragon

Lasting interest

     

Thistle

Nobility, endurance, warning[5]

     

Thorn-apple

Disguise

     

Thyme

Courage, thriftiness

     

Thyme

Courage, strength

     

Tulip-tree

Fame

     

Tulip, black

Power, Strength, Supreme elegance

     

Tulip, blue

Respect, Tranquility, Trust

     

Tulip, orange

Understanding, Appreciation, Truest love

     

Tulip, pink

Caring, Good wishes, Friendship, Joyful Occasions, Confidence

     

Tulip, purple

Nobility/Royalty, Rebirth, Spring

     

Tulip, red

Undying love, Passion, Perfect love

     

Tulip, red

Passion, declaration of love

     

Tulip, variegated

Beautiful eyes

     

Tulip, white

Forgiveness, Remembrance, Worthiness, Sincerity

     

Tulip, yellow

Cheerful thoughts, Sunshine, Hope

     

Tulip, yellow

Sunshine in your smile

     

Valerian

Readiness

     

Vervain

Pray for me, protection against evil

     

Violet

Watchfullness, Modesty, Faithfulness

     

Violet white

Modesty

     

Violet, blue

Faithfulness

     

violet, purple

Daydreaming, Love between two women

     

Wheat

Wealth and prosperity

     

white rose dried

Sorrow

     

Willow

Sadness

     

Winged seeds (any kind)

Messengers

     

Wisteria

Welcoming

     

Witch-hazel

A magic spell

     

Wolfsbane

Misanthropy

     

Wormwood

Absence, bitter sorrow

     

Yarrow

Healing, inspiration

     

Yarrow

Everlasting love

     

Ylang-Ylang

Never-ending love

     

Zinnia

Thinking of you; remembering absent friends, sentimentality

     

Zinnia

Thoughts of absent friends, lasting affection