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Floriography: how to speak in flowers

2019-02-07

Flowers speak a language all of their own: floriography. From affection to sympathy, jealousy to the most intense feelings of desire — you can say it all (secretly) with flowers.

Deep roots

In every culture throughout history, flowers have played an important cultural role. Whether painted in art, written into poetry, offered to gods, worn or given in a bunch, flowers are deeply rooted to us.

The Victorians relied on floriography to send cryptic messages of love that couldn’t be spoken aloud in their restrained society. Many would go around, armed with floral dictionaries, ready to decipher bouquets they’d received from admirers — because each flower has a special meaning and symbolism.

Use this simple guide to floriography to find a fresh way to celebrate the wonderful people in your life: family, friends, colleagues, your true love. Show them you care, speak in flowers!

Scabiosa

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Magnetic A magnetic symbol of new love. If you’re head over heels about someone and want to get their attention, then scabiosa is your cupid! It’s pretty petals, nectar-rich blossom, and delicate fragrance attract all manner of birds and bees and — if you’re lucky — your soon-to-be lover!

Freesia

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Friendship Fragrant freesias mean lasting friendship in the language of flowers. Freesias are the ultimate friendship flower. Give your best buds a floral pick-me-up this Valentine’s — or any time of the year — because freesias symbolise trust, devotion, thoughtfulness, and honesty. The most friendly freesia? Probably Freesia ‘Pink Passion’. You might just find it in our seasonal bouquets right now. Just saying.

Ranunculus

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Radiance A dazzling symbol of bright charm and enchantment. Don’t wait for someone to send you flowers this Valentine’s Day; treat yourself to a bloomon bouquet filled with little symbols to remind yourself of your unique charm and dazzling traits, like the elegant Ranunculus ‘Butterfly’ or peach-perfect Ranunculus ‘Nina’.

Tulips

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Love Tulips are a declaration of love! Red tulips for eternal love, yellow for appreciation. White tulips are for forgiveness, pink for maternal love, and variegated petals for beauty. Love in every colour. Your loving mum or sister. Sometimes, it’s our nearest and dearest that need a reminder of how much we love and appreciate them. Nothing says that more beautifully than big, bold, beautiful Tulipa ‘Menton’.

Rose

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Affection The absolute icon of romance and emblem of love for centuries! Roses are an interpreter for all our feelings and festivities. The swiss-army-knife of floriography! We can’t think of an occasion that isn’t made better with roses: Cheer up a friend with pastel spray roses like ‘Sweet 4 Tune’. Forge a love that’s yet to be realised with burgundy Rosa ‘Star Trek’. Express gratitude with Rosa ‘Peach Avalanche’. Welcome a new baby with sweet Rosa ‘Barbarella’. Or, tell someone your passionately theirs with crimson Rosa ‘Nina’.

Lily

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Majesty On par with the rose for its multitude of meanings, lilies are bursting with symbolism: purity, unity, femininity, excellence, and greatness. A majestic, long-lasting flower like Lilium ‘Brindisi’ or ‘Original Love’ could only be for one person — your soulmate.

Peony

In one word:

Floriography:

Perfect for:

Passion Rich in sentiment, peonies speak of protection, good fortune, happy marriage, healing, romance, honour and everything in between. If you’re looking for a fresh and modern way to express your love, then peonies are it! They’re not quite in season yet. But, in spring when they are, boy! It’s the best excuse to treat someone — or yourself — to these beautiful, billowing blooms.

Celebrate love this Valentine’s Day and every other day with flowers, flowers, and more flowers! Each bloomon bouquets contains a whole dictionary of positive vibes and meanings. Send flowers