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What Your Favourite Flowers Symbolise

Chloe Tan

Imagine your friend from high school posting cryptic posts on Facebook, as if hinting at the state of her current love life yet not exactly revealing anything. In the days of the Victorian Era, flowers were the instrument of choice to achieve this, especially in high society where expressing one's feelings openly wasn't the norm. Thus, the Victorians crowned flowers as the language of love.

In those days, flowers were not only used to express attraction towards someone, it could also be used as a device of romantic rejection. According to the Smithsonian Guide, roses meant "devotion", apple blossom meant "preference", and yellow carnation meant "disdain" or "union"... In other words, "I only see you as a friend."

Nowadays, some of the meanings have changed, along with people's flower preferences. Here is a list of common favourites of our community and what your favourite flowers symbolise.


Table of contents:


1. Gerberas



Bouquet of gerberas from Patricia's Flowers

(source: Patricia's Flowers Gerberas!)


Gerberas usually come in warm orange, yellow and red tones, reminiscent of the sunset. In the past, gerberas symbolise the “innocent hearts of children”, as well as “happiness and gratefulness for the life you have been given”. Nowadays, they generally symbolise the “simple beauty of a very happy life”.


Its meaning may also vary by cultures.


  • In Egypt, gerberas are known as the “devotion to the Sun”.

  • The Celts believed gerberas to be a stress-relief, known to reduce the sorrows of everyday life.

  • Worldwide, gerberas are the official birth flower for September.

  • Alternatively, gerberas are popular for weddings as they also symbolise innocence, beauty and purity.

To give or receive gerberas means to wish someone a life of happiness, vibrant and cheerful. This gift can be romantic or platonic and is suitable for every happy occasion, as its aim is to celebrate life.


Different coloured gerberas have slightly differentiated meanings as well. To read more, click here.




2. Singapore Orchids (aka "Vanda Miss Joaquim")


Although there is no clear interpretation (or “flower language”) of Singapore Orchids from the Victorian Era, it has an interesting backstory that can be an excellent conversation starter at a party. Some may associate Singapore Orchids to resilience, due to its ability to bloom all year round.


  • Singapore Orchids, also known as the Papilionanthe (Vanda) Miss Joaquim, are the oldest recorded hybrid from Singapore.

  • Singapore Orchids have the nickname “Princess Aloha” orchid.

  • It is named after its breeder Agnes Joaquim, who was inducted in Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame in 2015.

  • In April 1899, the Singapore Orchid was shown to the world for the first time, and was then awarded “rarest orchid”.

  • Eventually, it chosen as Singapore’s national flower in 1981 for its "resilience and year-round blooming quality".

  • It was also chosen to represent Singapore’s hybrid culture.


A corsage of Singapore Orchids (Vanda Miss Joaquim) from Patricia's Flowers

(source: Patricia's Flowers Singapore Orchid Corsage)

Its vibrant purple hue are stunning on its own, but also complements warm tones like gerberas. We find that they bring a pop of colour to pastel and light colours, making great accents to spice up your bouquet, such as in the Lorelai Jade or Graceful Beauties arrangement.



Box arrangement of blue-themed Singapore Orchids (Vanda Miss Joaquim)

(source: Patricia's Flowers Graceful Beauties)





3. Roses




A bouquet of orange and pink roses, known as "Sunset Serenade" from Patricia's Flowers

(source: Patricia's Flowers Sunset Serenade)


Roses are an all-time classic, and for good reason. Whether for Valentines Day or a romantic anniversary, red roses are the go-to for expressing your undying love.


Interestingly, depending on colour, roses can also be appropriate in platonic settings too! For example, a yellow rose can symbolise friendship and happiness, or even serve as a simple “good luck” message to the recipient. In the past, it could also mean accusations of betrayal or infidelity, depending on context.


Nowadays, it is not uncommon practice to combine red roses and yellow roses to gift to a “special friend”. It can also mean “falling in love with a friend”, or “celebration for love and friendship”. Want to express that your appreciation to your partner for being your best friend? This is the bouquet to go!


As there are over 300 hundred types of roses, to read more about the different hidden message in roses, click here.





4. Chrysanthemum


Chrysanthemums are a popular favourite of people in China, as they are associated with longevity and good fortune.


Furthermore, they are known for their medicinal properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with health benefits including relieving eye pain, headache, sore throat, and hypertension.


In Australia, chrysanthemums are a traditional staple to celebrate Mother’s Day, as chrysanthemums are also referred to as “Mums”. Even if it’s not Mother’s Day, chrysanthemums (or Mums) are a great way to tell your Mum how much you love her.


However, do take note that red chrysanthemums symbolise romantic love. So if you’re planning a surprise for Mum, we strongly suggest yellow or white chrysanthemums!


Additional note: we provide same-day delivery of chrysanthemums in NSW Central Coast to celebrate the amazing mums of Sydney! Find more information about it here.



5. Lilies


Each variation of lilies symbolise different things, but the most common interpretation is purity and fertility. However, lilies are also often used as sympathy flowers, as they symbolise peace, rebirth, hope, and healing. White lilies, which are the most common and popular type, symbolises peace and rebirth.


If you received lilies as a gift, fret not! This does not necessarily mean the sender is wishing something bad upon you. As lilies are associated with healing, they can simply mean "cheer up". However, it is important to note that lilies are poisonous to both cats and dogs. Thus, it's not recommended to gift to someone with furry friends at home.








If you liked those flowers, you could always combine them into a neat bouquet! Whether it's a gift for someone special or a pop of colour in your home, we specialise in stunning floral arrangements for every occasion.


This page is powered by Patricia's Flowers, NSW Central Coast's trusted florist.

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nojaco8285
1月29日

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