Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Gardening Ideas
  3. Plants
  4. The Real Meaning Behind Those Flowers You Give–and Get!

The Real Meaning Behind Those Flowers You Give–and Get!

By Jorie Nicole McDonald
Skip gallery slides
FB
Mother's Day Red Carnations
Credit: Getty/Sean Ellis
Who doesn't love receiving a bouquet of fresh flowers on Valentine's Day? They're a simple and classic reminder that someone is thinking about you. But, have you ever stopped to consider what those beautiful blooms actually mean? Is your sweetheart sending you a hidden message? It turns out that daisies, orchids, roses, and lilies all mean something quite different. In fact, some flowers even have negative connotations. So, be careful when choosing your Valentine's Day blossoms, folks, because a rose is not simply a rose.
Start Slideshow

1 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Daisy

White Daisy
Credit: Getty/Tim Graham/Contributor

Perfect for the fresh and unguarded couple, daisies are the flower of innocence.

1 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Calla Lily

White Calla Lily Bouquet
Credit: Getty/Santi Visalli/Contributor

This gorgeous, white bloom symbolizes magnificence and beauty. It can also mean purity and rebirth—which is why the Calla Lily is so popular during the Easter season.

2 of 45

3 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Camellia

Pink and White Camellias
Credit: Getty/Frank Bienewald /Contributor

Faithfulness is the meaning behind this popular flower. If your sweetheart gives you a camellia this Valentine's Day, he's in it for the long haul.

3 of 45

Advertisement

4 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Gardenia

White Gardenia
Credit: Getty/JTB Photo/Contributor

This precious bloom represents joy and sweetness. If you receive this flower, your Valentine thinks your perfectly lovely in every way.

4 of 45

5 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hydrangea

Blue and Purple Hydrangeas
Credit: Getty/JTB Photo/Contributor

Hydrangeas are the flowers of apology, so if he forgot Valentine's Day, you should expect a bouquet of these beauties on February 15th.

5 of 45

6 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lilac

Purple Lilac Outside
Credit: Getty/Flowerphotos/Contributor

Representative of youthful bliss, these purple blooms are perfect for the couple whose love hasn't aged a day.

6 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Verbena

Verbena
Credit: Verbena

Because of their appearance in religious ceremonies throughout history, these delectate blooms say "pray for me".

7 of 45

8 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Amaryllis

Pink Amaryllis Flower
Credit: Getty/Flowerphotos/Contributor

The amaryllis is often said to represent splendid beauty, and it's also meant to indicate worth beyond physical beauty. So, if you're gifted with this flower, it's truly something special.

8 of 45

9 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chrysanthemum

Bunch of Pink Chrysanthemums
Credit: Getty/Christopher Furlong/Staff

Chrysanthemum is the flower of optimism. It's easy to be positive when you're in love.

9 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rose

Pink Roses
Credit: PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL/Staff

A rose simply represents love, so it's the most classic choice for Valentine's day. Saying "I love you" never goes out of style.

10 of 45

11 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Rhododendron

New Rhododendrons for the South
Credit: New Rhododendrons for the South

This stunning bloom actually has a negative connotation; it means "beware".

11 of 45

12 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Peony

Blossoming Pink Peony
Credit: Getty/Roberto Machado Noa/Contributor

This stunning, pink bloom symbolizes compassion, and it can represent a great marriage and happy life.

12 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ranunculus

Field of Ranunculus
Credit: Getty/GABRIEL BOUYS/Staff

Perfect for the Southern woman, ranunculus is often said to mean radiant charm.

13 of 45

14 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sunflower

Field of Sunflowers
Credit: Getty/Sean Gallup/Staff

Symbolizing adoration and delicate love, the sunflower is a brilliant choice for Valentin's Day.

14 of 45

15 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Daffodil

Yellow Daffodil
Credit: Getty/Ben Pruchnie/Staff

Often associated with regard and chivalry, daffodils are the gentleman's flower.

15 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sweet Pea

Purple Sweet Pea
Credit: Getty/DEA/RANDOM/Contributor

Sweet pea is the flower of bliss; give it to someone who makes you happy, happy, happy.

16 of 45

17 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Red Carnations

Mother's Day Red Carnations
Credit: Getty/Sean Ellis

Color means everything when it comes to carnations. White means "sweet and lovely", while red says "I will never forget you", but yellow symbolizes disdain. Be careful with this bloom!

17 of 45

18 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Magnolia

White Magnolia Flower
Credit: Getty/Wild Horizon/Contributor

Magnolias symbolize nobility, so if your sweetheart presents you with this fragrant, white flower, chances are he'll treat you like a queen.

18 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Orchid

Pink and White Speckled Orchid
Credit: Getty/Nicky Loh/Stringer

Orchids represent rare and exotic beauty; give this to the person who is truly one of a kind.

19 of 45

20 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Chamomile

Chamomile
Credit: Andrea Ricordi /Getty Images

Popularized by the relaxing tea blend, Chamomile actually means "energy in adversity".

20 of 45

21 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Tansy

Tansy
Credit: Steven Xiong / Getty Images

These dainty, yellow flowers look quite lovey, but they have a darker meaning: "I declare war on you."

21 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Grape Hyacinth

Grape Hyacinth
Credit: Courtesy of Getty via JTB Photo for Southern Living

This flower says "please forgive me". Sometimes, a simply apology is all it takes to repair a relationship.

22 of 45

23 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lavender

Lavender
Credit: Burak Karademir/Getty Images

Perhaps one of the most fragrant blooms, this gorgeous flower symbolizes devotion.

23 of 45

24 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Goldenrod

Goldenrod
Credit: Mother Nature Network

This bright and cheery bloom represents encouragement.

24 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hyssop

Anise Hyssop
Credit: Photo: Kathy Diemer/A Garden for All

The hyssop symbolizes sacrifice, and it's no secret that with great love comes great sacrifice.

25 of 45

26 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not
Credit: Courtesy of Getty via Silvia Reiche for Southern Living

The name says it all. This flower beckons it's recipient to forget me not!

26 of 45

27 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Purple Iris

Bearded Iris
Credit: Jim McKinley/Getty Images

Representing wisdom and respect, receiving this bloom is a bold statement, indeed.

27 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Pansy

Pansies in Pot
Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

The pansy is said to symbolize thoughtfulness and remembrance, which is why they are so popular on Veteran's Day.

28 of 45

29 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Nasturtium

Orange nasturtium
Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

Although nasturtium is technically not a Valentine's Day flower, the bright bloom holds a special meaning: patriotism.

29 of 45

30 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Heliotrope

Spring Garden Flowers: 'Azure Skies' Heliotrope
Credit: Photo: Ralph Anderson

Just when you thought the rose was the most meaningful flower, the heliotrope steals the show; it means eternal love.

30 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Hollyhock

Yellow Hollyhock Blooms
Credit: Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson

Don't let its frilly appearance fool you, this flower means "ambition".

31 of 45

32 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lily-of-the-Valley

Lily of the Valley
Credit: David Q. Cavagnaro/Getty

These dainty little bulbs carry the tender message of sweetness.

32 of 45

33 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Yellow Rose

Rose
Credit: Sharon Mccutcheon/EyeEm/Getty Images

A yellow rose is meant to symbolize warm feelings of friendship. So, while it's a beautiful flower, it is probably not the best choice for Valentine's Day.

33 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cornflower

Cornflower
Credit: Lisa Schaetzle /Getty Images

This dainty blue bloom holds a special meaning, blessing.

34 of 45

35 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Zinnia

Pink Zinnia Blooms
Credit: Ananya Apairach / EyeEm/Getty Images

Long-lasting affection is the beautiful meaning behind this pink bloom.

35 of 45

36 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Getty Black Eyed Susan

Getty Black Eyed Susan with Bee
Credit: Getty

While the name of this yellow beauty is a bit odd, the meaning is something special: justice.

36 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Honeysuckle

Winter Honeysuckle
Credit: Hsvrs/Getty Images

This fragrant flower is said to represent the bonds of love.

37 of 45

38 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Red Tulip

5 Signs You Should Join a Garden Club
Credit: PhotoPlus Magazine/Getty Images

A great alternative to the classic rose, red tulips are a bold declaration of love.

38 of 45

39 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Morning Glory

Bush Morning Glory
Credit: Photo: Wynn Myers; Styling: Sara Oswalt/Sisterbrother MGMT

You should feel very special if you are gifted with a morning glory on Valentine's Day because they represent affection.

39 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

40 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Valerian

Valerian
Credit: Getty Images

Your sweetheart could be trying to send a message with this flower; it means readiness.

40 of 45

41 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Violet

Ultra Violet Buddleia
Credit: Ultra Violet Buddleia

Faithfulness, loyalty, devotion, this is an excellent choice for a Valentine's Day gift.

41 of 45

42 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

White Clover

White Clover
Credit: De Agostini Picture Library/Getty Images

The white clover is often seen as a wish of good luck and great energy. A welcomed gift, indeed!

42 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

43 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

White Jasmine

Madagascar Jasmine
Credit: Courtesy of Kazuo Ogawa/Aflo via Getty for Southern Living

The fragrance of the white jasmine is almost as lovely as it’s meaning: sweet love.

43 of 45

44 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Purple Crocus

Autumn Crocus
Credit: Courtesy of DEA / RANDOM via Getty for Southern Living

The purple crocus is one of the first signs that spring is near, so it makes sense that the blossom represents a youthful happiness.

44 of 45

45 of 45

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Yarrow

Yarrow
Credit: Gail Shotlander/Getty Images

Simplicity is key. This dainty, yellow flower simply represents love.

45 of 45

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jorie Nicole McDonald

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 45 Daisy
    2 of 45 Calla Lily
    3 of 45 Camellia
    4 of 45 Gardenia
    5 of 45 Hydrangea
    6 of 45 Lilac
    7 of 45 Verbena
    8 of 45 Amaryllis
    9 of 45 Chrysanthemum
    10 of 45 Rose
    11 of 45 Rhododendron
    12 of 45 Peony
    13 of 45 Ranunculus
    14 of 45 Sunflower
    15 of 45 Daffodil
    16 of 45 Sweet Pea
    17 of 45 Red Carnations
    18 of 45 Magnolia
    19 of 45 Orchid
    20 of 45 Chamomile
    21 of 45 Tansy
    22 of 45 Grape Hyacinth
    23 of 45 Lavender
    24 of 45 Goldenrod
    25 of 45 Hyssop
    26 of 45 Forget Me Not
    27 of 45 Purple Iris
    28 of 45 Pansy
    29 of 45 Nasturtium
    30 of 45 Heliotrope
    31 of 45 Hollyhock
    32 of 45 Lily-of-the-Valley
    33 of 45 Yellow Rose
    34 of 45 Cornflower
    35 of 45 Zinnia
    36 of 45 Getty Black Eyed Susan
    37 of 45 Honeysuckle
    38 of 45 Red Tulip
    39 of 45 Morning Glory
    40 of 45 Valerian
    41 of 45 Violet
    42 of 45 White Clover
    43 of 45 White Jasmine
    44 of 45 Purple Crocus
    45 of 45 Yarrow

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Real Meaning Behind Those Flowers You Give–and Get!
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.