Flower Color Meanings: Symbolism Behind Each Color
Learn all about the meaning of flower colors.
Aug 13, 2021
qWhen you see a flower, what is the first thing you notice? Is it its size? Its shape? Its scent? Or, perhaps, it is its color. A flower’s color is one of many factors that makes nature so beautiful, which brings us to our question of the day: Do you know what each color means? If not, we do! Let’s take a look at flower color meaning.
Red flowers
Although red flowers are most commonly associated with feelings of true love and passion, they can also be used to convey respect, desire, and courage. Our favorite flower species available in red are roses (these are, of course, a classic, but keep in mind that roses come in other colors, too!). Tulips, geraniums, and poppies also commonly come in red.
Yellow flowers
The color yellow is primarily associated with spreading happiness and joy; however, it is also the ideal color for symbolizing friendship. With their bright hue and cheery personality, yellow flowers can be used to better someone’s day and increase the positive energy in a room. Some popular yellow flowers are sunflowers, daisies, tulips, roses, and lilies.
Pink flowers
Similar to red flowers, pink flowers have also grown to be a symbol of love, though they can also mean happiness, gentleness, and femininity (this last one may be why you see so many pink flowers in Mother’s Day bouquets). The color pink can be found in flowers such as roses, lilies, carnations, peonies, and azaleas.
Orange flowers
Orange flowers are bright and bold, and, thus, they are known to symbolize feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. Some of the top flowers that are available in orange include lilies, tulips, marigolds, and zinnias.
White flowers
Traditionally used in bridal bouquets or during memorial services, white flowers range in meaning from purity and innocence to sympathy. To relay these messages, we recommend using orchids, daisies, carnations, or roses.
Blue flowers
The soothing blue hues that many flowers possess are said to symbolize tranquility and peace. Ultimately, this color is known to spread feelings of relaxation in order to help people release any negative feelings or feelings of stress! Some blue flowers that you may recognize are morning glories, hydrangeas, and cornflowers.
Purple flowers
Purple flowers are said to symbolize success and even royalty, although feelings of admiration and tradition may also come through in purple flowers. A few of our favorite purple flower types include clematis, iris, allium, and bellflower.
Lavender flowers
Although purple and lavender may look similar to the eye, their meanings differ: Lavender flowers typically symbolize grace, elegance, and youth. You can find this color in daisies, orchids, lilacs, and petunias.
Green flowers
The color green in nature, and green flowers, are associated with rebirth and renewal. Additionally, the color green can also symbolize good health, good fortune, and youthfulness. There are countless green plants you can use to surround yourself with these positive feelings. Examples of green flowers are bells of Ireland, button flowers, green cymbidium orchid, and anthurium.
Now, although some flowers come in very specific colors, you can always paint or dye your flowers to reflect the color you want, and some flower colors can even be changed. Take hydrangeas, for example. By changing the pH level of your soil, you can turn pink flowers to blue and vice versa!
What do different flower colors mean?
Flower color meanings help match your bouquet to the message you want to send, such as love, friendship, sympathy, or renewal.
What do red flowers symbolize?
Red flowers are most often linked to love and passion. They can also express respect, desire, and courage.
What is the meaning of yellow flowers?
Yellow flowers are connected with happiness and joy and are often chosen to represent friendship.
What do pink flowers mean?
Pink flowers represent love and can also suggest happiness, gentleness, and femininity, which is why they are common in Mother’s Day bouquets.
What do orange flowers represent?
Orange flowers are bright and bold and are known to represent excitement and enthusiasm.
What do white flowers mean, and when are they typically used?
White flowers can represent purity and innocence as well as sympathy. They are often used in bridal bouquets and memorial services.
What do blue flowers symbolize?
Blue flowers are said to represent tranquility and peace, helping create feelings of calm and reducing stress..
What do purple flowers mean?
Purple flowers are linked with success and royalty and can also express admiration and tradition.
Is lavender the same as purple in flower meanings?
Not exactly. Lavender flowers usually symbolize grace, elegance, and youth, even though they look similar to purple blooms.
Can you change a flower’s color?
Yes. Some flowers can be painted or dyed, and blooms such as hydrangeas can change color based on soil pH, turning from pink to blue or the reverse
AUTHOR
Impress your friends with these cool flower facts written by Shannon O'Conner. Her blog posts will teach you everything from pollination to gifting tips!
