Flowers are not just for display; they are also a beautiful form of communication.
Every flower carries its own special meaning—a connection that can be traced back to Victorian times. Back then, Victorians often exchanged small “talking bouquets,” which were used as a code for sending secret messages. This language of flowers was later called “floriography.”
But why is this important for modern-day florists and designers?
If you know what each flower means, you can add a whole new level of meaning to your arrangements. It allows you to experiment and design your bouquets with the intention of sending a specific message—a creative way that is sure to attract many of your customers.
Remember: the more meaningful your arrangements, the greater their appeal.
Here are some of the most popular flowers, their meanings, and a few tips on how to incorporate them into your next arrangements:
1. Roses
Roses are classic tokens of affection, but they are a tricky bunch—each rose has its own meaning depending on its color.
Red roses convey romantic love, beauty, and perfection—a time-honored way to say “I love you.” The darker the shade, the more passionate the message.
White roses can mean two different things. For weddings, they can mean new beginnings and growing love, or they can be used to show respect and remember a friend or family member who is leaving.
Pink roses are the epitome of grace and elegance, and they are often given to a woman in the family as a sign of admiration and appreciation.
The warm color of yellow roses symbolizes friendship and joy, making them great gifts for a close friend or an ever-dependable co-worker.
How to use them in your arrangements: For rose-only arrangements, combine colors that are close in hue to send a more specific message, like pairing red roses with pink roses for a romantic look or yellow roses with pale orange roses for a summery bouquet.
To add a bit of contrast, you can also add in pops of green and smaller flowers for texture. Use bay leaves or other darker leaves to make roses with light colors stand out. For rich reds, add baby’s breath or white hydrangea to break between the colors.
2. Tulips
Tulips may not be as passionate as red roses, but they also symbolize love, making them a great alternative for your Valentine’s bouquets.
Since they bloom at the beginning of spring, tulips also represent rebirth and positive change. They make great gifts for family gatherings or for friends who have done something great in their personal or professional lives.
How to use them in your arrangements: Because of their graceful stems and flowing petals, tulips have an effortless way of adding layers and texture with very little effort. They blend easily with almost all colors and work best when mixed with other soft blooms, like ranunculus or garden roses, to create a romantic arrangement. Tulips that have not fully opened also create a symmetrical shape that adds a bit of whimsy and modernity and is perfect for hand-tied bouquets.
3. Peonies
Peonies are often seen as signs of luck, prosperity, and wealth because of their beauty and alluring scent. This makes them a great choice for graduation or housewarming gifts.
This is because in some Asian countries like China and Japan, peonies are considered the “queen of the flowers.” These flowers also carry a cultural significance, as they are used in important holidays like Chinese New Year and other religious traditions.
How to use them in your arrangements: Peonies are beautiful alone, but they can also be mixed with a variety of other spring flowers — like carnations and roses — for a fresh-from-the-garden bouquet.
Because peonies are dome-shaped, they also pair smartly with spiky blooms like foxglove and delphinium to contrast the roundness of the arrangement.
4. Chrysanthemums
The chrysanthemum is the official November birth flower and a sign that fall is coming.
Since this flower blooms in the fall, it signifies joy and hope despite the oncoming winter. In some Asian countries, it is thought to have healing powers, so it is also a sign of honesty, good health, and general well-wishing.
How to use them in your arrangements: Large-sized chrysanthemums make great focal flowers in a mixed flower arrangement — best placed at the top or sides to let them stand out.
They work well as part of a fall bouquet along with other seasonal blooms — like orange roses and Peruvian lilies — that capture the earthy hues of autumn.
5. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are the perfect summer flower, with their tall stalks and bright yellow color. They represent happiness and seem to get their good energy from the sun. They are the perfect gift for joyous occasions like birthdays and baby showers.
But these flowers are also linked to worship and love, and they are a popular choice for Valentine’s Day. This is based on an ancient Greek myth about a nymph named Clytie who fell deeply in love with Apollo, god of the sun. Because of her deep devotion, Clytie transformed herself into a sunflower, constantly facing the sun so she could be with the one she loved.
How to use sunflowers in your arrangements: Because of their bright color and dramatic size, sunflowers are an effortless way to add a pop of color and contrast to your arrangements.
They go well with other larger, showier blooms, like roses and chrysanthemums, to add volume to your bouquet. You can also add other blooms that resemble a sunflower, like daisies, in order to amplify its shape.
Let Your Flowers Do The Talking!
Here at Berkeley Florist Supply, you can find some of the most popular flowers to use to make arrangements that are both unique and meaningful.
Since 1947, we have sold high-quality flowers in bulk to South Florida and other nearby areas. We have hundreds of different kinds of fresh cut flowers from all over the world, so you can choose from a wide range of options when making floral arrangements. We also sell silk and dried flowers, making us your one-stop shop for cut flowers and supplies. For inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at www.berkelyfloristsupply.com. Our friendly staff will be happy to cater to all your floral needs.