Discover 23 Amazing Flowers That Mean Love

Giving flowers as a gift has been a long-standing practice that people use to convey their emotions. Certain flowers have become associated with certain occasions, but countless blooms can be given as a loving gesture. Let’s discuss 23 flowers that symbolize love!

1. Lilac

Lilacs begin to bloom during the early spring, and because of this, many people associate them with a fresh start or new beginnings. This is the perfect flower to give a partner as a relationship is just budding or as it’s entering a new chapter.

2. Carnation

Carnations have been beloved by florists and gift-givers alike for decades. Red carnations are symbolic of deep, romantic love, whereas white carnations are more representative of familial love.

3. Roses

Giving red roses is a classic expression of romantic feelings, and this practice has stood the test of time. The connection between roses and love traces back to ancient Greece. According to World History, “The goddess of flowers, Chloris, created a new flower by breathing life into a woodland nymph who had died. Dionysus, the god of wine and plant life, gave it a beautiful perfume, and Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and pleasure, gave the rose its name by rearranging the letters of Eros, her son and the god of love and desire.”

4. Sunflower

The chief symbolism associated with the sunflower is eternal happiness, so give this flower to someone you want to spend the rest of your life with. Other meanings of the sunflower are devotion, good fortune, and promises.

5. Orchid

It’s no secret that the orchid is one of the most delicate and beautiful flowers of all. They also have a strong association with fertility and love. According to the Center for Research in Reproduction and Contraception, “Early Greek parents believed they could control the sex of their unborn children with orchid roots. If the father ate large, new tubers, the child would be male; if the mother ate small tubers, the child would be female.”

6. Daisy

While some flowers symbolize passionate, romantic love, daisies are symbols of innocent and pure love. These are a perfect gift to give to children celebrating their accomplishments!

7. Marigold

Marigolds are bright and vibrant just like the sun. They represent vitality, youth, excitement, and of course, fiery passion. However, in some cultures, marigolds are associated with losing a loved one. Some give this flower as a gift when someone ends a relationship, or in certain cases, when a loved one passes away.

8. Baby’s Breath

When you purchase a bouquet of roses, you’ll often see flecks of baby’s breath peppered throughout. This flower represents purity, beauty, hope, and new starts. Because of its innocent association, it pairs perfectly with flowers that represent passion and romance.

9. Peony

Peonies are often given as gifts of good luck. Because of this, some people might be given this flower when embarking on a new chapter of their lives. This flower is perfect for couples getting engaged, getting married, buying homes, or welcoming new children into their families.

10. Forget-Me-Nots

The story of how forget-me-nots came to be associated with romance is just as adorable as these small blooms. According to Fairfax Gardening, “A knight and his lady were walking along the Danube River, and he picked some blue flowers by the river for his love. He fell in and was swept away. He tossed the flowers to her and cried out, ‘Forget-Me-Not!’ It is said she wore the flowers in her hair until she died. In medieval times, ladies wore these flowers to show their faithfulness and enduring love.”

11. Chrysanthemum

The large and proud blooms of the chrysanthemum make a wonderful addition to any bouquet. These bold flowers symbolize health, strength, happiness, and companionship. These are a great flower to give as a gesture of platonic love.

12. Lily

Although lilies have different meanings, they generally symbolize fertility and purity. This is likely due in part to their association with the Bible, namely the Virgin Mary. Lilies are hopeful flowers. They are a perfect flower to gift an individual embarking on a new journey.

13. Daffodil

After the winter frost passes, daffodils are some of the first flowers to pop their heads out of the ground. They represent resilience, devotion, fresh starts, and a love for life.

14. Begonia

As with many flowers, the meaning of the begonia will change depending on its color. While red begonias are representative of passion and romance, pink begonias are symbols of innocent puppy love.

15. Hyacinth

The hyacinth is associated with death and rebirth in Greek mythology. Giving hyacinths as a gift is a way to say that although our lost loved ones are no longer with us physically, they’ll always be with us spiritually and emotionally.

16. Iris

When you picture an iris in your mind, you’re likely visualizing a bluish-purple flower. However, this bloom comes in a variety of colors. Red and pink irises are symbolic of love and romance.

17. Jasmine

Many people who have experiences the unmistakable scent of Jasmine associate this aroma with romance, sensuality, and seduction. These flowers are also connected to hope, fertility, companionship, and love in the purest sense.

18. Cherry Blossom

Although the cherry blossom only blooms for a few short weeks, its beauty captivates the world. Similarly, these flowers are associated with the fleeting nature of life. Cherry blossoms teach us to deeply appreciate our loved ones while we still have them here on earth.

19. Tulips

Much like roses, tulips are an iconic symbol of love. However, unlike their counterparts, tulips are representative of an all-encompassing love. This flower is less about passion or romance and more about completion, fullness, and eternal devotion. According to the Everhart Museum, “Overall, the flower is often described as expressing a perfect love. “

20. Gardenia

Giving a gardenia to someone is a way to convey your full trust in another person. Like many other flowers on this list, the gardenia represents both romantic and platonic love, so there are many appropriate opportunities to gift it.

21. Buttercup

Many individuals will remember plucking the small and delicate blooms of buttercups from the ground during their childhood. Because of this, it’s become an undeniable poster child for childlike wonder, innocence, and love.

22. Heliotrope

Arguably one of the most romantic flowers of all, the heliotrope is a flower inextricably intertwined with the divine and spirituality. Giving this flower as a gift sends a strong message of eternal love and devotion.

23. Bleeding Heart

This flower gets its name from its appearance. These flowers appear to be small hearts with petal “drops” bleeding from them. They represent forgiveness with many people calling them the best representation of pure, unconditional love.