15 Flowers That Symbolize and Say ‘Congratulations’

There are few gifts more synonymous with achievement and congratulations than flowers! From prom dances to school graduations to birthdays or weddings, flowers are always appreciated! Whether happily anticipating a new family member, triumphing over pregnancy challenges, or achieving educational milestones, flowers beautifully convey the sentiment. However, there are a few flowers that represent these feelings of achievement better than others, and in this list the best types of flowers are laid out for the choosing! From the big sunflowers to the delicate and ornate orchids, don’t look any further to find the right pick for you! With each type of flower, we will discuss which colors are better suited towards a congratulatory bouquet! This way one can rest assured their thoughtful gift gives exactly the intended message!

1. Daisies

Symbolically tied to children and innocence, Daisies of all colors congratulate on pregnancy or new births. Suitable for general good wishes, especially during challenging times or new beginnings. Mixed-color Daisies, especially the bold Gerbera type, bring cheer after a difficult decision, symbolizing happiness and good health.

2. Daffodils

With their cheerful yellow hue, Daffodils are more than visually appealing; they symbolize eagerness and hard work. Perfect for celebrating the birth of a baby or the start of a new career. They also make excellent graduation bouquets, symbolizing a student’s hard work and eagerness for new beginnings.

3. Carnations

Beyond corsages, Carnations symbolize pride and love in a supportive way. Ideal for congratulatory bouquets, especially in colors like yellow, orange, white, and green. Carnations offer a wide variety for tailoring arrangements to recipients’ favorite colors without changing the overall meaning. White carnations work absolutely perfectly as a wedding gift, as shown in the picture above!

4. Calla Lilies

Often used for condolences, Calla Lilies also carry a dignified message of faith and purity for congratulations. White or cream in most cases, these lilies, when mixed with others or used solo, create a unique arrangement suitable for various congratulatory messages.

5. Chrysanthemums

Symbolizing joy and vitality, Chrysanthemums, especially in red and bright orange, convey friendship and good wishes. Used globally for various celebrations. They’re excellent for recognizing hard work and zeal, making them ideal for golden anniversaries or milestone achievements.

6. Gladiolus

Standing tall in brightly colored spikes, Gladiolus makes a bold statement in any arrangement. While red may symbolize infatuation, orange, yellow, or purple blooms send a message of congratulations and friendship. Symbolizing strength and dedication, Gladioli are a natural choice for significant successes, births, or anniversaries. As hinted in its name, these beautiful flowers are ideal to mark a ‘glad’ occasion in a loved one’s life!

7. Heather

With centuries of history as a symbolic flower, Heather, associated with admiration and support, sends a message of congratulations or support. Popularized by Queen Victoria during the Victorian era, it’s still commonly used today in Great Britain to congratulate someone after graduating, getting a promotion, or moving into a new home.

8. Hydrangeas

Celebrating a new baby or upcoming birth? Hydrangeas, with their bubbly appearance, are an excellent choice. Easily customizable to the baby’s gender, they offer both pink and blue varieties. Large masses of Hydrangea blossoms send a message of support and excitement, their beauty continuing to last for months after drying out naturally.

9. Irises

Strongly associated with celebration, Irises, particularly the purple variety named ‘Congratulations,’ symbolize support and admiration for any achievement. Deep purple and bright orange irises paired together or mixed with other blooms create a powerful congratulatory message, and they’re easy to grow at home for cutting.

10. Larkspurs

Similar to Gladiolus but with their own charm, Larkspur flowers symbolize a romantic message. Great for congratulating someone on an engagement, anniversary, wedding, or another romantic announcement, white and purple blooms of Larkspur create a distinctive congratulatory message when mixed with other flowers.

11. Orchids

Delicate and ephemeral, Orchids offer unique-looking blooms for congratulatory arrangements. Popularly used for pride and congratulations, purple Orchids convey satisfaction and royalty, perfect for graduations or new careers. White Orchids, with their elegant appearance, are fitting for celebrating engagements or anniversaries.

12. Peonies

Symbolizing good luck, fortune, and success, Peony flowers are often sent as congratulations. The many-layered petals signify wealth and prosperity, ideal for celebrating big wins, new jobs, or significant life changes. White peonies are commonly used for weddings and anniversaries, while pink peonies symbolize good luck, creating a vibrant congratulatory bouquet.

13. Roses

While roses are usually correlated with romance and love, that only truly applies to the deep red roses. However, the variety of colors that roses come in make them quite versatile for sending a wide array of messages. Orange, yellow, and white roses, in particular, are great for saying “Congrats!” in a bouquet. They’re recommended for new jobs and career successes. Yellow roses are preferred for baby showers and housewarming, while orange roses convey supportive friendship, ideal for colleagues or long term friends. White roses are suitable for celebrating engagements and weddings alike, representing the sanctity of the newlywed’s union.

14. Stargazer Lilies

Just one of the many types of lilies, Stargazer Lilies send a playful, prideful message. Pink Stargazer Lilies symbolize wealth, prosperity, and success, making them ideal for mixed bouquets with distinct messages. Orange lilies also congratulate someone on their confidence or drive. These are a common show-stopping choice for new graduates and those reaching the heights of their careers after years of hard work.

15. Sunflowers

Sending a strong positive message of success and happiness, Sunflowers, with their large, colorful petals, make a bold impact. Smaller Sunflowers are easily worked into arrangements, competing with other showy blooms. White sunflowers send a refined celebration message, while dark red varieties intensify recognition of hard work.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Neirfy/Shutterstock.com