45 Flower Meanings that May Surprise You

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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.

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Daisy

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

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Calla Lily

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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.

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Camellia

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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.

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Gardenia

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

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Hydrangea

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

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Lilac

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

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Verbena

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

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Amaryllis

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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.

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Chrysanthemum

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

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Rose

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.

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Rhododendron

New Rhododendrons for the South

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

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Peony

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

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Ranunculus

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

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Sunflower

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

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Daffodil

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

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Sweet Pea

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

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Red Carnations

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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!

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Magnolia

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

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Orchid

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

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Chamomile

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

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Tansy

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

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Grape Hyacinth

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

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Lavender

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

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Goldenrod

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This bright and cheery bloom represents encouragement.

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Hyssop

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

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Forget Me Not

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

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Purple Iris

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

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Pansy

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

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Nasturtium

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

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Heliotrope

Photo: Ralph Anderson

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

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Hollyhock

Photo: Ralph Lee Anderson

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

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Lily-of-the-Valley

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These dainty little bulbs carry the tender message of sweetness.

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Yellow Rose

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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.

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Cornflower

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This dainty blue bloom holds a special meaning, blessing.

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Zinnia

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

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Getty Black Eyed Susan

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

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Honeysuckle

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

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Red Tulip

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

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

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Daisy

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Calla Lily

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Camellia

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Gardenia

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Hydrangea

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Lilac

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Verbena

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Amaryllis

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Chrysanthemum

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Rose

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Rhododendron

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Peony

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Ranunculus

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Sunflower

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Daffodil

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Sweet Pea

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Red Carnations

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Magnolia

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Orchid

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Chamomile

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Tansy

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Grape Hyacinth

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Lavender

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Goldenrod

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Hyssop

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Forget Me Not