Blog Layout

Flower Meanings for Specific Varieties

Christine Tasker • February 15, 2023

At Ruby Oak Floristry, we truly love our flowers! And we are lucky enough to get to touch and smell them every day. Our friends and customers often ask us about our favourite flowers. That’s such a difficult question to answer. For us, every flower has so much beauty and appeal and can look so different in the various arrangements we make.


Adele and I still get excited when new colours and varieties of flowers come into season and into our shop! Sometimes it’s the pure magnificence of a large stem of phalaenopsis orchid combined with a large tropical leaf that sets our hearts fluttering. Or on another day, we take delivery of the most amazing and delicately shaded ranunculus, snapdragons, Lisianthus or anemones. A big favourite are poppies still in bud that we watch unfurl over the day. None of us ever get tired of the massively tall blue and purple delphiniums, or the Pink Floyd roses in a ‘Pop of Colour’ or ‘Pink Love’ bouquet.

Art and Flowers

Lately I’ve been looking at paintings that show flowers as fantastic objects of beauty and wonder and was blown away by the Cressida Campbell exhibition in Canberra. I’m looking forward to seeing the Monet & Friends Alive exhibition at The Lume in Melbourne, showcasing the life and vibrant works of Monet, Cézanne, Renoir, and Manet.


Saying it with flowers
Flowers have for so long been sent as tokens of love and affection, and displayed as symbols of celebration and remembrance. The start of the COVID pandemic was the time when we started Ruby Oak Floristry, and a time when sending flowers became one of the only ways for people to connect with our friends and family to say ‘Happy Birthday,’ I’ Love You’ , ‘Missing You’ or Congratulations’.


From the perfect floral arbour for a wedding, a beautiful bouquet for a birthday, a message of thanks, or to pay one’s respect at a funeral, flowers have long been such an important part of human culture.


But, while everyone knows that red roses signify love, how many of you know that an entire language of flowers exists with every bloom, foliage and plant having a particular emotion attached, for example wisteria for ‘welcome’ or ivy for ‘fidelity’?


The language of flowers was historically used as a means of secret communication by the romantic early Victorians (early 1900’s). It soared in popularity during the 19th century, especially in Victorian England and the U.S., when proper etiquette discouraged open displays of emotion. It was common for them to carefully plan every bouquet and posy to deliver a message. Flowers were used to send mysterious and playful messages of love and friendship, thoughtful messages of sympathy and grief, and even darker communications signifying bitter endings of relationships or jealousy.


Imagine receiving a beautiful bouquet and having to reach for your handy flower meaning guide (or Floriography) to work out what the message was!


In the Victorian language of flowers, hundreds of blooms were ascribed specific meanings based on folklore, science, and ancient history. (ranunculus, for example, boldly states, “I am dazzled by your charms,” while marigold represents despair).


Here’s a list of some of the flowers used by a Ruby Oak Floristry and their secret meanings. Maybe you’d like to include some of these flowers in a bouquet for a special friend:

Carnation Fascination, female love, mother’s love
– Red carnation Alas for my poor heart, my heart aches, deep love
– White carnation Innocence, pure love, sweet love
– Pink carnation I’ll never forget you
– Striped Refusal
– Yellow carnation Disdain, Disappointment, Rejection
Chrysanthemum, red I love you
Chrysanthemum, yellow Slighted love
Chrysanthemum, white Truth
Daffodil Regard, Unequalled Love
Dahlia, single Good taste
Daisy Innocence, Loyal love, I’ll never tell
Daylily Chinese emblem for mother
Hydrangea Gratitude for being understood; Frigidity and heartlessness
Lily(white) Virginity, Purity, Heavenly
Lily (yellow) Happy, Gay, Walking on air
Lily (orange) Hatred
Lily, tiger Wealth, Pride
Peony Bashful, Happy Life or Shame
Poppy Consolation
Rose, red Love, I love you
Rose, dark crimson Mourning
Rose, pink Happiness
Rose, white Innocence, Heavenly, I’m worthy of you
Rose, yellow Jealousy, Decrease of love, Infidelity
Snapdragon Deception, Graciousness
Sunflower, dwarf Adoration
Sunflower, tall Haughtiness
Sweet pea Blissful pleasures, Good-bye, Thank you for a lovely time
Sweet William Gallantry, Passion, declaration of love
Tulip, yellow Sunshine in your smile

It’s so interesting to see how the Victorians ascribed meanings to flowers, as a way of communicating. 


We can also think about how for different flowers; meanings differ widely, not only from person to person but from family to family, culture to culture, and one historical period to another. When choosing flowers you may want to consider, “What has this flower meant to me? Or to my friend/sister/ mother/grandmother?” Do I or the person I’m sending flowers to prefer a particular perfume? So much of our memories, good and bad, can be connected to the sight and the perfume of flowers.

Interested in reading more about flowers and their meanings? 


Try these beautiful books: 


Floriography

An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers

By: Jessica Roux


The Complete Language of Flowers 

A Definitive and Illustrated History 

By: Suzanne Dietz 


The Language of Flowers, Miscellany 

by Mandy Kirkby 


The Secret Language and History of Over 600 Blooms (A Flower Dictionary) 

By: Karen Azoulay 

Find Us On Facebook Follow Us On Instagram www.localsearch.com.au Find Us On GBP Follow Us On Pinterest
Three potted plants are sitting on white blocks — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Jackson Barron December 22, 2023
At Ruby Oak Floristry, our passion for all things nature beyond just cut flowers. We also love our indoor plants, and how they can transform any space into a lush and inviting oasis. To ensure that your indoor plants are healthy and thriving for years to come, it’s crucial to provide them with proper care. In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of indoor plant care, and hopefully provide you with the knowledge you need to become successful plant parents. 1. Choosing the Right Plant The first step to successful indoor plant care is selecting the right plant for your space and lifestyle. Consider factors such as: Light requirements: Different plants have varying light needs, ranging from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. Match your plant to the available light in your space. Watering needs: Some plants like to stay consistently moist, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. Choose a plant that aligns with your watering habits. Space availability: Ensure you have adequate space for your chosen plant’s mature size. Overcrowding can hinder growth and health. 2. Proper Potting and Soil The right pot and soil are essential for your plant’s overall health. When potting your indoor plant, keep these tips in mind: Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix specific to your plant’s needs, such as cactus soil for succulents or a general-purpose mix for common houseplants. Repot your plant as it outgrows its current pot to prevent root-bound issues. 3. Watering Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by indoor plant owners. To ensure you’re providing the right amount of moisture, follow these guidelines: Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry for most houseplants. Avoid letting your plant sit in standing water, as it can lead to root rot. Empty the saucer beneath the pot after watering. Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. 4. Humidity Many indoor plants, especially tropical varieties, thrive in higher humidity. To maintain the right humidity levels: Group your plants together to create a microclimate with increased humidity. Use a humidity tray or mist your plants regularly with a spray bottle. Invest in a room humidifier for a more controlled approach. 5. Pruning and Maintenance Regular maintenance helps your indoor plants remain healthy and attractive: Prune dead or yellowing leaves to promote new growth. Rotate your plant regularly to ensure even growth and prevent leaning toward the light source. Dust the leaves to keep them free from debris, which can hinder photosynthesis. 6. Fertilisation Indoor plants benefit from occasional fertilization, typically during their growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer and follow the instructions for your specific plant. 7. Pest Control Keep an eye out for common indoor plant pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Address any infestations promptly with natural remedies or insecticidal soap. In short, indoor plants can bring beauty and a breath of fresh air to any space, but caring for them requires some knowledge and commitment. So whether your a seasoned green thumb or new to the world of indoor plants, follow these tips and your plants will be thriving in no time!
Bouquet of red flowers — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day December 4, 2023
Let’s chat about why it’s a great idea to pre-order your Christmas flowers now and how Ruby Oak Floristry can turn your table into a dazzling centrepiece.
Dog wearing a flower crown is sitting next to a bride and groom — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day October 5, 2023
Learn how you can adorn your surroundings with stunning blooms that are not only visually captivating but also entirely safe for your pets.
Two women are sitting in wicker chairs holding vases of flowers — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day September 15, 2023
This blog is written because of being proud of how far this business go. To reflect back on the story before it becomes a distant memory is another reason.
Table with a bunch of stuffed animals and flowers on it — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day June 30, 2023
If you’re looking for gift ideas for a new mother in your life, look no further! Here are some unique and thoughtful ideas to consider.
Room with a lot of shelves filled with vases and plants — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day June 12, 2023
Let's explore the beauty of gifting flowers for various occasions and provide you with our recommendations for choosing the perfect floral arrangement.
Group of women standing next to each other — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NS
By Adele Day April 17, 2023
Mother’s Day is a special occasion celebrated worldwide to honour mothers and motherly figures for their love, care, and sacrifices. Read on to learn more!
Person is holding a bouquet of pink and red flowers — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day March 17, 2023
In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for sending flowers that can help you to choose the right arrangement and make the process as smooth as possible!
Woman is arranging flowers in a flower shop — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day March 3, 2023
Have you ever been unsure about spending money on flowers? At Ruby Oak Floristry, we know that gifting flowers is not everyone's cup of tea. Read on!
Bride and groom are standing in front of a floral — Flowers in Fairy Meadow, NSW
By Adele Day February 18, 2023
Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyous time, but it can also be stressful, particularly when it comes to budgeting. One of the most significant expenses in a wedding is the cost of flowers. Flowers are an essential element in wedding décor, adding beauty, elegance, and colour to the event. However, the cost … Why Do Wedding Flowers Cost So Much? Read More »
More Posts
Share by: