The Dictionary of the Language of Flowers

I just finished Vanessa Diffenbaugh's The Language of Flowers and really enjoyed it. About family, love and redemption, it also was interesting because it introduced me to the meaning behind flowers from the Victorian era. Giving someone a flower wasn't as simple as picking out a pretty color or shape. Each flower conveyed a very specific meaning. So next time you are giving a gift, it might be worth seeing whether you're offering up love or anger. If offered up Peony, you may wonder whether someone is angry at you. However, to convey your love, what exact type do you mean? Everlasting love? Then baby's breath.Ardent love? Cactus. Love despite the odds? Dogwood. Maternal love? Moss. You see? It's a lot trickier than you may think standing at the florists. I'd suggest reading the entire book, but I have decided to share the dictionary here:

Abutilon (Abutilon) . . . Meditation 
Acacia (Acacia) . . . Secret love
 Acanthus (Acanthus) . . . Artifice 
Agapanthus (Agapanthus) . . . Love letter 
Allium (Allium) . . . Prosperity
Almond blossom (Amygdalus communis) . . . Indiscretion
Aloe (Aloe vera) . . . Grief 
Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) . . . Devotion
Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) . . . Worth beyond beauty 
Amaranth (Amaranthus) . . . Immortality
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) . . . Pride
Anemone (Anemone) . . . Forsaken
Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa) . . . Inspiration
Apple (Malus domestica) . . . Temptation
Apple blossom (Malus domestica) . . . Preference 
Aster (Aster) . . . Patience 
Azalea (Rhododendron) . . . Fragile and ephemeral passion
Baby’s breath (Gypsophila paniculata) . . . Everlasting love
Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus) . . . Single blessedness
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) . . . Hate
Bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) . . . I change but in death
Begonia (Begonia) . . . Caution
Bellflower (Campanula) . . . Gratitude
Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) . . . Good luck
Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) . . . Magnificence
Blackberry (Rubus) . . . Envy
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) . . . Justice
Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) . . . Constancy
Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) . . . Passion
Bouvardia (Bouvardia) . . . Enthusiasm
Broom (Cytisus) . . . Humility
Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) . . . Ingratitude
Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) . . . Profit
Cactus (Opuntia) . . . Ardent love
Calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) . . . Modesty
Camellia (Camellia) . . . My destiny is in your hands
Candytuft (Iberis) . . . Indifference
Canterbury bells (Campanula medium) . . . Gratitude 
Carnation, pink (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . I will never forget you
Carnation, red (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . My heart breaks
Carnation, striped (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . I cannot be with you
Carnation, white (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . Sweet and lovely
Carnation, yellow (Dianthus caryophyllus) . . . Disdain
Celandine (Chelidonium majus) . . . Joys to come
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) . . . Energy in adversity
Cherry blossom (Prunus cerasus) . . . Impermanence
Chervil (Anthriscus) . . . Sincerity 
Chestnuts (Castanea sativa) . . . Do me justice
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) . . . Frugality
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) . . . Truth 
Cinquefoil (Potentilla) . . . Beloved daughter
Clematis (Clematis) . . . Poverty
Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) . . . I have loved you and you have not known it
Clover, white (Trifolium) . . . Think of me
Cockscomb (Celosia) . . . Affectation
Columbine (Aquilegia) . . . Desertion
Coreopsis (Coreopsis) . . . Always cheerful
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) . . . Hidden worth
Corn (Zea mays) . . . Riches
Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) . . . Joy in love and life 
Cowslip (Primula veris) . . . Pensiveness
Crab-apple blossom (Malus hupehensis) . . . Ill-tempered
Cranberry (Vaccinium) . . . Cure for heartache
Crocus (Crocus) . . . Youthful gladness
Currant (Ribes) . . . Thy frown will kill me
Cyclamen (Cyclamen) . . . Timid hope
Cypress (Cupressus) . . . Mourning
Daffodil (Narcissus) . . . New beginnings
Dahlia (Dahlia) . . . Dignity
Daisy (Bellis) . . . Innocence
Daisy, Gerber (Gerbera) . . . Cheerfulness
Dandelion (Taraxacum) . . . Rustic oracle
Daphne (Daphne) . . . I would not have you otherwise 
Daylily (Hemerocallis) . . . Coquetry
Delphinium (Delphinium) . . . Levity
Dianthus (Dianthus) . . . Make haste
Dittany (Dictamnus albus) . . . Childbirth
Dogwood (Cornus) . . . Love undiminished by adversity
Dragon plant (Dracaena) . . . You are near a snare
Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) . . . Noble courage
Elder (Sambucus) . . . Compassion
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) . . . Protection
Euphorbia (Euphorbia) . . . Persistence
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) . . . Inconstancy
Everlasting pea (Lathyrus latifolius) . . . Lasting pleasure
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) . . . Strength
Fern (Polypodiophyta) . . . Sincerity
Fern, maidenhair (Adiantum capillusveneris) . . . Secrecy
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) . . . Warmth 
Fig (Ficus carica) . . . Argument
Flax (Linum usitatissimum) . . . I feel your kindness
Forget-me-not (Myosotis) . . . Forget me not
Forsythia (Forsythia) . . . Anticipation
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) . . . Insincerity
Freesia (Freesia) . . . Lasting friendship
Fuchsia (Fuchsia) . . . Humble love
Gardenia (Gardenia) . . . Refinement
Gentian (Gentiana) . . . Intrinsic worth
Geranium, oak-leaf (Pelargonium) . . . True friendship
Geranium, pencil-leaf (Pelargonium) . . . Ingenuity
Geranium, scarlet (Pelargonium) . . . Stupidity
Geranium, wild (Pelargonium) . . . Steadfast piety
Ginger (Zingiber) . . . Strength 
Gladiolus (Gladiolus) . . . You pierce my heart
Goldenrod (Solidago) . . . Careful encouragement
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) . . . Abundance 
Grass (Poaceae) . . . Submission
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) . . . Hope
Hazel (Corylus) . . . Reconciliation
Heath (Erica) . . . Solitude
Heather (Calluna vulgaris) . . . Protection
Helenium (Helenium) . . . Tears
Heliotrope (Heliotropium) . . . Devoted affection
Hibiscus (Hibiscus) . . . Delicate beauty
Holly (Ilex) . . . Foresight
Hollyhock (Alcea) . . . Ambition
Honesty (Lunaria annua) . . . Honesty
Honeysuckle (Lonicera) . . . Devotion
Hyacinth, blue (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . . Constancy
Hyacinth, purple (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . . Please forgive me
Hyacinth, white (Hyacinthus orientalis) . . . Beauty
Hydrangea (Hydrangea) . . . Dispassion
Ice plant (Carpobrotus chilensis) . . . Your looks freeze me
Impatiens (Impatiens) . . . Impatience
Iris (Iris) . . . Message
 Ivy (Hedera helix) . . . Fidelity
Jacob’s ladder (Polemonium) . . . Come down
Jasmine, Carolina (Gelsemium sempervirens) . . . Separation
Jasmine, Indian (Jasminum multiflorum) . . . Attachment
Jasmine, white (Jasminum officinale) . . . Amiability
Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) . . . Desire
Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) . . . Pensive beauty
Lady’s slipper (Cypripedium) . . . Capricious beauty
Lantana (Lantana) . . . Rigor
Larch (Larix decidua) . . . Audacity
Larkspur (Consolida) . . . Lightness
Laurel (Laurus nobilis) . . . Glory and success
Lavender (Lavandula) . . . Mistrust
Lemon (Citrus limon) . . . Zest
Lemon blossom (Citrus limon) . . . Discretion
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) . . . Coldheartedness
Liatris (Liatris) . . . I will try again
Lichen (Parmelia) . . . Dejection
Lilac (Syringa) . . . First emotions of love
Lily (Lilum) . . . Majesty
Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) . . . Return of happiness
Linden tree (Tilia) . . . Conjugal love
Lisianthus (Eustoma) . . . Appreciation
Lobelia (Lobelia) . . . Malevolence
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) . . . Purity
Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) . . . Perplexity
Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) . . . Hopeless but not helpless
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) . . . You are my life
Lupine (Lupinus) . . . Imagination
Magnolia (Magnolia) . . . Dignity 
Marigold (Calendula) . . . Grief
Marjoram (Origanum) . . . Blushes
Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris) . . . Desire for riches
Meadow saffron (Colchicum autumnale) . . . My best days are past
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) . . . Uselessness
Michealmas daisy (Aster amellus) . . . Farewell 
Mignonette (Reseda odorata) . . . Your qualities surpass your charms
Mimosa (Mimosa) . . . Sensitivity
Mistletoe (Viscum) . . . I surmount all obstacles
Mock orange (Pittosporum undulatum) . . . Counterfeit
Monkshood (Aconitum) . . . Chivalry 
Morning glory (Ipomoea) . . . Coquetry 
Moss (Bryopsida) . . . Maternal love
Mullein (Verbascum) . . . Take courage
Mustard (Brassica) . . . I am hurt 
Myrtle (Myrtus) . . . Love
Narcissus (Narcissus) . . . Self-love
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) . . . Patriotism
Nettle (Urtica) . . . Cruelty
Oats (Avena sativa) . . . The witching soul of music
 Oleander (Nerium oleander) . . . Beware 
Olive (Olea europaea) . . . Peace
Orange (Citrus sinensis) . . . Generosity
Orange blossom (Citrus sinensis) . . . Your purity equals your loveliness
Orchid (Orchidaceae) . . . Refined beauty
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) . . . Joy
Pansy (Viola) . . . Think of me
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) . . . Festivity
Passionflower (Passiflora) . . . Faith
Peach (Prunus persica) . . . Your charms are unequaled
Peach blossom (Prunus persica) . . . I am your captive
Pear (Pyrus) . . . Affection
Pear blossom (Pyrus) . . . Comfort 
Peony (Paeonia) . . . Anger
Peppermint (Mentha) . . . Warmth of feeling
Periwinkle (Vinca minor) . . . Tender recollections
Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) . . . Bury me amid nature’s beauty
Petunia (Petunia) . . . Your presence soothes me
Phlox (Phlox) . . . Our souls are united
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) . . . You are perfect
Pink (Dianthus) . . . Pure love
Plum (Prunus domestica) . . . Keep your promises
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) . . . Be of good cheer
Polyanthus (Primula) . . . Confidence
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) . . . Foolishness
Pomegranate blossom (Punica granatum) . . . Mature elegance
Poplar, black (Populus nigra) . . . Courage
Poplar, white (Populus alba) . . . Time
Poppy (Papaver) . . . Fantastic extravagance
Potato (Solanum tuberosum) . . . Benevolence
Potato vine (Solanum jasminoides) . . . You are delicious
Primrose (Primula) . . . Childhood
Protea (Protea) . . .  Courage
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) . . . Strength and health
Queen Anne’s lace (Ammi majus) . . . Fantasy
Quince (Cydonia oblonga) . . . Temptation
Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) . . . You are radiant with charms
Raspberry (Rubus) . . . Remorse
Redbud (Cercis) . . . Betrayal
Rhododendron (Rhododendron) . . . Beware
Rhubarb (Rheum) . . . Advice
Rose, burgundy (Rosa) . . . Unconscious beauty
Rose, moss (Rosa) . . . Confession of love
Rose, orange (Rosa) . . . Fascination
Rose, pale peach (Rosa) . . . Modesty
Rose, pink (Rosa) . . . Grace
Rose, purple (Rosa) . . . Enchantment
Rose, red (Rosa) . . . Love
Rose, white (Rosa) . . . A heart unacquainted with love
Rose, yellow (Rosa) . . . Infidelity
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) . . . Remembrance
Saffron (Crocus sativus) . . . Beware of excess
Sage (Salvia officinalis) . . . Good health and long life
Saint-John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum) . . . Superstition
Saxifraga (Saxifraga) . . . Affection
Scabiosa (Scabiosa) . . . Unfortunate love
Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) . . . Change
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) . . . Presumption
Snowdrop (Galanthus) . . . Consolation and hope
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) . . . Parental affection
Speedwell (Veronica) . . . Fidelity
Spirea (Spiraea) . . . Victory
Star-of-Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) . . . Purity
Starwort (Stellaria) . . . Welcome
Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) . . . Happiness in marriage
Stock (Malcolmia maritima) . . . You will always be beautiful to me
Stonecrop (Sedum) . . . Tranquility
Strawberry (Fragaria) . . . Perfection
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) . . . False riches
Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) . . . Simplicity
Sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) . . . Delicate pleasures
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) . . . Gallantry
Tansy (Tanacetum) . . . I declare war against you
Thistle, common (Cirsium) . . . Misanthropy
Thrift (Armeria) . . . Sympathy
Thyme (Thymus) . . . Activity 
Trachelium (Trachelium) . . . Neglected beauty
Trillium (Trillium) . . . Modest beauty
Trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) . . . Fame
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) . . . Dangerous pleasures
Tulip (Tulipa) . . . Declaration of love
Turnip (Brassica rapa) . . . Charity
Verbena (Verbena) . . . Pray for me
Vetch (Vicia) . . . I cling to thee
Violet (Viola) . . . Modest worth
Wallflower (Cheiranthus) . . . Fidelity in adversity
Water lily (Nymphaea) . . . Purity of heart 
Waxflower (Hoya) . . . Susceptibility
Wheat (Triticum) . . . Prosperity
White Monte Casino (Aster) . . . Patience
Willow herb (Epilobium) . . . Pretension
Winter cherry (Physalis alkekengi) . . . Deception
Wisteria (Wisteria) . . . Welcome
Witch hazel (Hamamelis) . . . A spell
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) . . . Cure for a broken heart
Zinnia (Zinnia) . . . I mourn your absence

Peace

So there you have it, the language of flowers. Good luck with your arrangements and gift giving(please stay away from yellow roses).

Until next time,

Danny