12 Incredible Flowers That Mean Strength

Flowers aren’t just beautiful. Some flowers represent strength, courage, and bravery. Depending on the region, a flower can have multiple meanings. For instance, roses typically represent romance or love, but they can also symbolize courage. The color of the flower can also change its meaning. So, what flowers represent strength, and why? Follow along to discover 12 incredible flowers that mean strength.

1. Astrantia

The first flower on our list is the astrantia, also known as masterworts. Astrantia, though, isn’t a flower species, but a genus of flowers. Astrantia flowers mean a lot of different things. First off, the name of the genus is derived from the Greek word for star, which describes its star-like shape and petals. These flowers represent strength, innocence, protection, and courage. Some people interpret the meaning of astrantia flowers as beauty, magic, and spirituality. Regardless of the meaning, they are beautiful and vibrant flowers you can grow to add color to your garden.

Astrantia plants are native to Central, Eastern, and Southern Europe and the Caucasus. There are about 5 to 10 recognized species and dozens of hybrids and cultivars. They are decorative and showy flowers that come in different colors including pink, purple, red, and white.

2. Zinnia

Did you know that zinnias also represent strength? These bright American flowers hold a lot of meanings, which like roses, change depending on the color and how it’s gifted. Zinnias can represent affection, friendship, endurance, and passion. Crimson and deep violent zinnias are more closely associated with passionate romance and deep feelings. So, what does it mean to give someone a zinnia? Giving someone a zinnia can tell them that you’re thinking of them or longing for them. You can give an old friend a zinnia that you miss and want to re-spark a friendship.

Like Astrantia, zinnia is a genus, meaning zinnia flowers vary in size and appearance. They are native to most of the Southwestern United States to South America. Most species though are native to North America. A popular species is the Zinnia haageana, a flower that’s stem can easily reach 16 inches tall.

3. Amaryllis

Third on our list is the amaryllis, another plant that represents strength. It also symbolizes strength and determination. These flowers are bright, large, and bold. They bloom in the winter and remain open wide. Because of this, they are associated with strength and pride. Interestingly, another meaning is radiance, or ‘to sparkle’, which represents this beautiful flower genus well. Each color changes the meaning. A red amaryllis typically means romantic love and passion, while a pink amaryllis depicts a cherished friendship. Yellow amaryllis flowers spark joy and happiness and are given on successful days.

This lovely genus has two species. However, some flowers in the genus Hippeastrum are mislabeled as amaryllis. Amaryllis plants are tall and stunning. The stem alone can reach up to 2 feet tall.

4. Echinacea

Continuing our list are echinacea flowers. They are also called coneflowers. This lovely genus has a lot of meanings, which stem from its antibiotic properties. For instance, these flowers represent strength, but also healing. They are closely linked to health and well-being. Gifting a sick loved one echinacea flowers lets them know that you’re thinking of them and want them to get better.

Another possible meaning for coneflowers is resilience and perseverance. These lovely flowers bloom even after harsh winters. Currently, about 10 echinacea species are recognized. These lovely flowers are native to eastern and central North America. They have massive heads with long and colorful petals. Traditionally, this plant was used to treat insect bites, tooth infections, and headaches.

The advice provided in this article is informational only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s advice.

5. Gladiolus

Another genus, gladiolus, makes the list. Gladiolus flowers represent many things. Sometimes, they can mean strength and perseverance, while other times, the long flowers symbolize remembrance and the honoring of passed loved ones. These lovely flowers can also mean calmness or integrity. They are delicate and light flowers.

Showy flowers in the Gladiolus genus can easily surpass 2 feet tall. They are members of the Iridaceae family. Stems are narrow, and tall, and produce multiple flowers on the sides. Although mainly native to parts of Africa, Asia, and Mediterranean Europe, these flowers and their cultivars are found all over the world. There are about 260 to 300 recognized species.

6. Sunflower

Sunflowers are some of the most iconic and well-known flowers. They are massive, bright, and cheerful. Not only do sunflowers symbolize strength, but also loyalty and adoration. This meaning dates back to the story of Clytie and Apollo. Sunflowers also represent faithfulness and warmth. So, why faithfulness? Sunflowers are faithful to the sun. They always point and reach for bright light. Interestingly, sunflowers in China represent long life and good fortune.

Although most of us think about the large yellow sunflower, these flowers come in different colors and sizes. Some even grow multiple heads of flowers on each stem. Sunflowers are native to North, Central, and South America. These excellent flowers have many uses. You can dry sunflower seeds for consumption and make sunflower seed oil.

7. Hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers aren’t just delicious and made for tea, they also mean a lot of things. For instance, while hibiscus flowers represent strength, they can also symbolize beauty, delicacy, and love. Like other flowers on this list, their meaning changes a lot depending on the flower color. For instance, red hibiscus flowers are associated with passion, love, and romance. You gift these flowers to your significant other to spark affection. Yellow hibiscus flowers don’t represent romantic love though, but instead happiness, warmth, and good luck. Purple hibiscus flowers are regal and symbolize importance.

Hibiscus flowers are beautiful and have a long history. They are tropical flowers with long life cycles. Hibiscus flowers are large, showy, and trumpet-shaped. Each flower has five or more pink, red, purple, yellow, and white petals.

8. Dragon Flower/Snapdragons

Snapdragons, also called dragon flowers, represent strength and graciousness. They are long, delicate, and elegant flowers that vary in color and size. Another possible meaning for snapdragon is deception, magic, and protection. Others find that snapdragons symbolize secrecy and mystery.

Why is this plant called a dragon flower or snapdragon? These lovely flowers look like the faces of dragons when carefully squeezed. These lovely plants are used throughout the world but are only native to rocky areas of Europe, the United States, Canada, and North Africa.

9. Chrysanthemum

The next plant on our list is the chrysanthemum. These lovely and large flowers represent power, friendship, warmth, kindness, and joy. They typically depict long and happy lives. People gift chrysanthemums to their loved ones as a sign of faithfulness or longevity. Like other flowers on our list, the color changes the meaning. Bright green chrysanthemums represent good health, wealth, and luck. In China, this flower represents a lot of things, including one of the “Four Gentlemen”. It’s a sign of nobility.

Chrysanthemums are lovely large flowers native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe. Most species grow wildly in China. There are at least 20 species and many more cultivars. They are grown as ornamentals in front yards in large groups.

10. Peony

The next flower on our list of flowers that mean strength is the peony. Peonies are large, bright, and thick flowers. Peonies, like roses, are known as romantic and affectionate flowers. They represent love, sweetness, happiness, honor, and beauty. They also represent a good marriage. It’s a great gift for a newlywed couple. Like chrysanthemums, peonies are important in Chinese culture.

Peonies are members of the family Paeoniaceae. They have short seasons but are worth the long wait for the brilliant blooms. Peonies have at least 25 species, although some experts argue there are up to 40. These lovely flowers grow as perennials or deciduous shrubs. Their origin is debated, but they are found across temperate and cold areas of the Northern Hemisphere. No two peony species or cultivars are alike. Some have single rows of petals, while others have double rows.

11. Dahlia

Dahlias are lovely and bold thick flowers. Like most plants on our list, the dahlia is a genus of flowering plants. Within the genus are at least 49 distinct species and hundreds of cultivars and hybrids. Dahlias represent commitment, beauty, elegance, creativity, dignity, and finding inner strength. Another interpretation of these lovely flowers is maintaining grace under pressure. When someone gifts you a dahlia, it can mean they believe you are a strong person.

Dahlias are members of the Asteraceae family. If you think they look familiar, it’s because they are closely related to sunflowers, zinnias, and chrysanthemums. These lovely and vibrant flowers can reach over 8 feet long depending on the species or cultivar. Dahlias are native to Mexico and Central America but are found throughout the world.

12. Protea

The 12th and final flower that means strength on our list is the protea, an old and long-standing genus of South African flowers. They are more commonly called sugarbushes. Protea flowers represent strength, livelihood, pressure, diversity, and resilience. This plant thrives in different environments and extreme conditions. The genus has existed for at least 300 million years.

Protea plants are stunning and large. There are many cultivars grown throughout the world. They thrive in subtropical environments. One of the most popular protea flowers is the king protea, which has a large flower head. Fun fact, the kind protea is South Africa’s national flower. So, why do they represent strength and resilience? This flower can survive wildfires and still grow afterward. When mature, this plant can reach about 6 feet and 7 inches tall. These flowers are important for many birds including the malachite sunbird and the Cape sugarbird.

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