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The Meaning of Flowers

Written by Rhonda Ferree, retired horticulture educator

Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Do you have flowers ordered for your loved one? "Flowers are a great way to communicate your love and affection," says Rhonda Ferree, Horticulture Educator with University of Illinois Extension. "Over the years, flowers have developed meaning and are known as a way to convey a special message."

"Flowers can represent everything from friendship to true love." Chrysanthemums show friendship. Gardenias represent secret love. Lilies are a traditional wedding flower and mean chastity, innocence, and purity. Give a primrose to say, "I can't live without you." Another popular wedding bouquet flower is the Stephanotis to show happiness in marriage. Tulips are given to the perfect lover and more specifically a red tulip declares your love. Finally, orchids are commonly given as corsages to show love and beauty.

"But no other flower shows more meaning than a rose." According to the Rose Information Bureau, each rose color has a special meaning. All roses symbolize love, but certain colors of roses can take on special meanings. What's more, when several colors in various stages of bloom are combined in one arrangement, your floral bouquet can speak a whole sentence instead of just one thought. Here are some of the most widely accepted meanings for different rose colors, blooms, and arrangements:

• Red roses show love, respect, or courage

• Yellow roses represent joy, gladness, or freedom

• Pink/peach roses exude gratitude, appreciation, admiration or sympathy

• White roses demonstrate reverence, purity, secrecy

• Two roses joined together display engagement

• Red and white roses together prove unity

Additionally rosebuds say, "You are young and beautiful." A single rose stands for simplicity. In full bloom, it means "I love you" or "I love you still," and a bouquet of roses in full bloom signifies gratitude.

"If you receive fresh flowers for Valentine's Day, here are some tips to ensure the longest vase life." Don't let your flowers get thirsty or hungry. Add water containing floral food to the vase every day. The best flower food can be obtained from your floral retailer.

Once the flowers are past their prime, discard them or make the memory last. Make a rose potpourri out of your rose petals. Press and dry the flowers for your memory book. The uses of flowers are endless.

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Visit the Horticulture program page at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/fmpt/hort.html to download a brochure on "The Meaning of Flowers."

 

MEET THE AUTHOR

As horticulture educator, Rhonda Ferree inspired citizens in local communities to grow their own food and improve their home landscapes. She focused on high quality, impactful programs that taught homeowners how to create energy-efficient landscapes using sustainable practices that increase property values and help the environment.

After 30 years with University of Illinois Extension, Rhonda retired in 2018. She continues to share her passion for horticulture related topics as “Retro Rhonda” on social media.

ABOUT THE BLOG
ILRiverHort is a blog that helps people connect to nature and grow.