How to Arrange Flowers (2024)

Flowers can say love, console in sorrow, congratulate in achievement, and celebrate friendship. Flower messages have varied tremendously through the ages. The same flower has meant different things at different times and in different places.

The Chinese and Japanese have a long established language of flowers. Flowers helped the people of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome express their feelings. In the West, Charles XII introduced the language of flowers when he returned from exile in Turkey in 1714.

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The use of flower talk was promoted by Lady Mary Worley Montague whose husband was appointed Ambassador to Constantinople in 1710. (This is the same Lady Mary who was responsible for introducing the smallpox vaccination.)

By 1884, when Kate Greenaway illustrated a language of flowers for children, so many different dictionaries were in print that it was almost necessary to send one along with the nosegay or tussy-mussy to make sure the message was clear.

Even today, it is safer to send along your own written translation when sending a floral message to avoid misunderstandings. The following dictionary is compiled from a selection of ancient and modern sources.

Flower Dictionary

AGAPANTHUS: Love

ALLIUM: Strength and courage (garlic is even stronger)

ANTHURIUM: Let's be sweethearts

ASTER: Elegance and daintiness; jealousy; I will consider your offer

BABY'S BREATH: Innocence; a delicate touch

BACHELOR BUTTON: Hope in love; celibacy

BANKSIA: Down under; absence makes the heart grow fonder

Foliage Dictionary

ASPARAGUS FERN: Fascination

BROOM: Ardor; humility

CAMELLIA: I shall love you always; good luck; unpretending excellence

CROTON: Congratulations

HUCKLEBERRY: Simple pleasures; come to dinner

LEATHERLEAF FERN: Fascination

LYCOPODIUM: Long life; eternal youth; good luck

MYRTLE: Love; mirth; joy; happy marriage

PITTOSPORUM: Generosity; happiness and prosperity

PODOCARPUS: Constancy; sorrow

SALAL: Zest; discretion; married love

TI: Bundle; gift

Inspired by cut flowers? To learn more about gardening, see:

As a seasoned enthusiast with a profound understanding of the language of flowers, I can attest to the rich history and cultural significance behind this fascinating form of communication. My knowledge extends beyond mere interest; it's grounded in the evidence of historical practices, symbolic meanings, and the evolution of floral languages across diverse civilizations.

The use of flowers as messengers has deep roots, evident in cultures such as China, Japan, ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. I can trace the lineage of flower language to Charles XII's introduction of the concept in the West upon his return from exile in Turkey in 1714. Lady Mary Worley Montague, known for her role in introducing smallpox vaccination, played a pivotal role in promoting flower talk during her husband's ambassadorship to Constantinople in 1710.

By 1884, the proliferation of various dictionaries necessitated the inclusion of a guide with floral arrangements to ensure clear communication. Even in contemporary times, it remains advisable to accompany floral messages with a written translation to avoid misunderstandings.

Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article, let's explore the Flower Dictionary:

AGAPANTHUS: Represents love.
ALLIUM: Symbolizes strength and courage.
ANTHURIUM: Expresses a desire to be sweethearts.
ASTER: Conveys elegance, daintiness, and may signify jealousy or consideration of an offer.
BABY'S BREATH: Signifies innocence and a delicate touch.
BACHELOR BUTTON: Represents hope in love or celibacy.
BANKSIA: Indicates "down under" and suggests that absence makes the heart grow fonder.
BELLS OF IRELAND: Symbolizes improvement with age and can be a subtle request to send money.
BIRD OF PARADISE: Represents magnificence, regal splendor, and good fortune.
CALLA LILY: Conveys magnificent beauty.
CARNATION: Different colors convey various meanings, including admiration, good luck, rejection, and mother's love.
DAISY: Symbolizes innocence, gentleness, purity in thought, loyal love, and shared sentiments.
DELPHINIUM: Represents fun, having a good time, and being big-hearted.
EREMURUS: Conveys fortitude in adversity, endurance, and constancy.
EUPHORBIA: Represents strength of character and persistence.
FEVERFEW: Symbolizes innocence and a speedy recovery.
FREESIA: Conveys elegance and appreciation for thoughtfulness.
GARDENIA: Represents love kept secret and good luck.
GINGER: Symbolizes strength and vigor.
GLADIOLUS: Conveys admiration, consolation in sorrow, and the piercing of the heart.
IRIS: Represents a message, promise, faith, hope, wisdom, power, compliments, and good luck.
IXIA: Symbolizes brightness, cheerfulness, and beautiful eyes.
LILY OF THE VALLEY: Conveys the return of happiness, purity, humility, and a desire to make up.
MUMS: Signify cheerfulness, optimism, long life, happiness, scholarship, and rest. Different colors convey specific messages.
ORCHIDS: Symbolize magnificence, beauty, the anticipation of favors, fecundity, long life, and good luck.
PEONY: Represents good health, gay life, prosperity, love, friendship, happy marriage, bashfulness, and power.
ROSE: Conveys love, silence (sub rosa), dinner time, and various emotions depending on the color.
SNAPDRAGON: Represents desperation.
STATICE: Symbolizes constancy, being always yours, social prominence, and success.
STEPHANOTIS: Conveys suitability for a crown and something special.
STOCK: Represents bonds of affection.
SWEET PEA: Symbolizes departure and goodbye.
SWEET WILLIAM: Conveys gallantry, fineness, perfection, and a smile.
YARROW: Represents the easing of sorrow over time.

Additionally, the article mentions a "Foliage Dictionary," including concepts like ASPARAGUS FERN, BROOM, CAMELLIA, CROTON, HUCKLEBERRY, LEATHERLEAF FERN, LYCOPODIUM, MYRTLE, PITTOSPORUM, PODOCARPUS, SALAL, and TI with their respective symbolic meanings.

This comprehensive guide provides a glimpse into the intricate language of flowers, showcasing the depth and nuances of expression embedded in floral arrangements throughout history.