The symbolic meaning of flowers

Throughout the ages, flowers have held special significances, significances which vary from culture to culture, age to age. Flowers have been used as symbols in art, come to be associated with certain celebrations and festivals, and have been given as gifts to connote particular kinds of affection. It was the Victorians who popularised the symbolism of flowers, and during this era many handbooks were printed to guide would-be givers in their choice of bloom and colour.

Today, different species of flowers have taken on meanings which are widely recognised; for example, the water lily representing purity and innocence, or the stargazer lily being the appropriate flower for wedding bouquets. Theoretically, a bouquet of different blooms could hold endless symbolic meanings.

So choosing the flowers which go into a bouquet according to their symbolic significance means that you are giving more than flowers to the recipient: you're giving luck, love, friendship, loyalty - whatever combination of well wishes that you choose. The meaning behind the blooms shows that you've put a little bit more thought and effort into the gift, it demonstrates how much you care about the person you're giving to.

But flowers aren't always gifts; they make beautiful home decorations, too. So why not fill your home with symbols of perseverance, vivacity or aspiration? We have a range of artificial flowers so realistic that you'll be hard-pressed to tell the difference between them and their natural counterparts. Below is a description of the symbolic meanings of each of the species that we have in stock.