Ultimate Florist’s Flower Symbolism Chart

Here’s a comprehensive Florist’s Ultimate Flower Symbolism Chart that includes popular flowers, their meanings, and the ideal occasions they suit. It’s designed to be practical for florists, designers, or anyone gifting flowers.


FlowerSymbolismColors & VariationsIdeal For
玫瑰Love, Passion, Purity, FriendshipRed (love), White (purity), Yellow (friendship)Romantic occasions, anniversaries, apologies
莉莉Purity, Renewal, TransitionsWhite (purity), Pink (admiration), Orange (passion)Funerals, weddings, new beginnings
郁金香Perfect love, Elegance, ProsperityRed (true love), Purple (royalty), Yellow (cheer)Spring events, declarations of love
SunflowerAdoration, Positivity, LoyaltyYellow (sunshine, joy)Cheer-up bouquets, congratulations
PeonyRomance, Good fortune, ProsperityPink, Red, WhiteWeddings, celebrations, abundance
OrchidBeauty, Strength, LuxuryWhite (elegance), Purple (royalty), Pink (grace)Sophisticated gifts, love, admiration
DaisyInnocence, Youth, New beginningsWhite (innocence), Pink (gentle love)Baby showers, springtime gifts
康乃馨Fascination, Mother’s love, DevotionPink (gratitude), Red (admiration), White (pure love)Mother’s Day, sympathy, thank-you bouquets
ChrysanthemumFriendship, Joy, LoyaltyYellow (joy), White (truth), Red (love)Friendship bouquets, respect, condolences
HydrangeaGratitude, Understanding, ApologyBlue (apology), Pink (emotion), White (grace)Thank-you gifts, reconciliations
IrisWisdom, Courage, FaithBlue/Purple (royalty), Yellow (passion)Sympathy, admiration, intellectual gifts
LavenderSerenity, Devotion, CalmPurple (grace, healing)Get-well gifts, meditation, romance
AnemoneAnticipation, ProtectionRed (forsaken), White (sincerity)Romantic suspense, spiritual gifts
RanunculusCharm, Radiance, GraceVarious bright colorsRomantic gestures, celebrations
GardeniaSecret love, Purity, RefinementWhite (pure love)Romantic gifts, weddings, subtle confessions
ZinniaRemembrance, Endurance, Lasting affectionMixed colors (multi-emotions)Farewells, long-distance gifts
MarigoldGrief, Healing, WarmthOrange/Gold (vibrancy, healing)Day of the Dead, remembrance, encouragement
Forget-Me-NotRemembrance, True loveBlue (loyalty, memory)Memorials, keepsakes
CamelliaAdmiration, Perfection, LongingPink (longing), Red (passion), White (adoration)Romantic gestures, hidden love
DelphiniumDignity, Grace, PositivityBlue (clarity), Pink (levity)Sympathy, encouragement

Tips for Florists:

  • Mix meanings intentionally: Pairing red roses with white lilies symbolizes eternal love and purity.
  • Color trumps species sometimes: A yellow flower nearly always adds cheer, even if the flower traditionally symbolizes loss.
  • Ask your clients what emotion they want to convey. Then, build arrangements around that core feeling.
  • Seasonality enhances symbolism: Spring flowers = rebirth, Summer = vibrancy, Autumn = reflection, Winter = resilience.