Flower Names and Meanings

Asters
There are over 600 species of asters, the most popular being the Monte Casino. Ancient societies believed that the odor of its leaves, when burnt, drove away serpents.

Meanings: charming, patience

Bells of Ireland
Although the name suggests these flowers come from Ireland , they originated in western Asia . Bells of Ireland have a spicy/peppery scent and are part of the mint family.

Meanings: good luck, whimsy

Carnations
Turn of the century dandies would not leave the house without a white or red carnation in the buttonhole of their suit. With the end of this tradition and the fact that carnations are so easily cultivated and grown, the flower has lost some of its popularity.

Meanings: fascination, devoted Love

Chrysanthemum
Imagine, chrysanthemums have been cultivated in Chinese gardens for almost 3000 years! The name chrysanthemum comes from the Greek chrysos (gold) and anthos (flower).

Meanings: cheerfulness, innocence

Dahlias
The dahlia is the national flower of Mexico and this is also its birthplace. An old Aztec document states that the Aztecs used dahlias as a treatment for epilepsy. Meanings: dignity, elegance

Iris
Did you know that there are so many different varieties of iris that they can be grown wild year round, in water and on land? Iris was most significant in history as the emblem of France -- Fleur-de-Lis -- established in the 11th century by the king of France .

Meanings: faith, hope, wisdom

Lilies
Lilies have been associated with many ancient myths. They are mentioned in the Old Testament, and in the New Testament, and symbolize chastity and virtue.

Meanings: purity, faith

Lisianthus
Lisianthus may sound like a Latin name, but it is one of several common names associated with this plant. It is also referred to as Prairie Gentian, Prairie Rose or Texas Bluebell.

Meanings: outgoing, thoughts

Orchids
During the 19th Century, orchids were widely collected. With nearly 25,000 varieties, some orchids are among the most exquisite and expensive flowers available.

Meanings: seduction, preciousness

Snapdragons
Snapdragons are an old decorative flower, widely used by the Romans. From its origin in southern Spain the cultivated form was spread throughout the whole Roman Empire .

Meanings: desire, strength

Roses
With their far-reaching popularity, roses are the queens of flowers. After buttercup, the roses are the second oldest variety of flowers on the planet. Symbolically, love can be painful and full of suffering when not treated carefully.

• Red roses: I love you, unconscious beauty

• White roses: spiritual love, purity

• Yellow roses: joy, gladness

• Orange roses: fascinated, enthusiastic

• Pink roses: grace, gentility

Tulips
Originally from Persia , tulips were introduced to Western Europe and the Netherlands in the 17th century. When growers started to hybridize the flower, they found ways of making it even more decorative. Hybrids of the flower were a scarcity at the time and a symbol of high status.

Meanings: perfect lover, fame

Sunflowers
Sunflowers turn their heads toward the sun and this how they got their common name. They originated in Central and South America . Sunflowers are not only pretty to look at but sunflower seeds are power-packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamin E - all important to the nutritional quality of your diet.

Meanings: adoration, sunshine