
"Life is the flower for which love is the honey." The following flowers do by no means cover every type and breed. More so,
they are a simple selection that I have chosen and will add to over time.
This selection covers a wide range of emotions, meanings and suggestions for
gift giving. I hope you get as much out of it as I've put into it.
Note that Eira Alarches
and SnowStones.com can take no responsibility for outcomes or events
Victor Hugo
Alyssum
Latin Name: Lobularia maritima
Key Words: Home Protection, Simple Attraction, Faerie MagicksWhite, Pink, Purple
Found in the beds of many a rural flower garden,
these tiny groups of flowers are often used to edge flower beds.
They grow quickly in almost any climate and can be collected in small
bunches to be given as gifts, or placed around the home for added
protection. Remember that the stems on these small flowers are
tiny, they may not be suitable for large bouquets. Alyssum is also
a plant that aids in glamour magicks. Use it in workings involving
the Fae, as well as any appearance altering spells.
Amaranth
Latin Name: Amaranthus
hypochondriacus
Key Words: Passing through the Veils, Invisibility, True SeeingPink, Red, Purple
Long connected with death and burial, these flowers
were sacred to the Aztecs and eventually banned from Mexico by the
Spanish during their colonization of the area. Magickally, it is
said the amaranth can grant it's wearer powers of invisibility. A
gift of these flowers could convey condolences over the loss of a loved
one, or the gift of magickal powers involving sight and invisibility.
Amaryllis
Latin Name: Hippeastrum
Key Words:
Pride, Splendid Beauty, BashfulnessWhite, Orange, Coral, Red, Pink, Rust
Not only a beautiful flower, but also one of the more
common flower names for a female. Women who bear the name Amaryllis will
be forever linked to the flower, as any one is to the subject of their
name. Very much a part of the lily family, the Amaryllis is a symbol of
pride, beauty, as well as timid or shy emotions.
Aster
Latin Name: Callistephus Chinensis
Key Words:
Daintiness, Elegance, LoveRed, White, Pink, Violet
The traditional flower of Michaelmas, the aster is a
large flower with vibrant colours. The aster is a popular flower in
floral arrangements, and there are several wild varieties that can be
found growing long side roads and in open fields. To give someone and
aster would show of deep affection, or a respect for the receiver's
daintiness.
The Aster is the flower linked with the month of September.
Azalea
Latin Name: Rhododendron
Key Words:
Temperance, Fragile Passion, WomanhoodCoral, Pink, White, Red, Mauve
The Azalea flower is grown on small shrubs
popularly found in well tended gardens. It is a historical plant, and
stands as a symbol of Womanhood in Chinese culture. To give someone and
Azalea bloom conveys a fragile passion and could possibly stand as a
parting gift between lovers or friends who share an uncommonly close
bond. It conveys the message Take care of yourself when I cannot be
present to care for you.
Bachelor's Button
Latin Name: Centaurea Cyanus
Key Words:
Celibacy, Practicality, VirtueBlue, White, Pink
Another name for Bachelor's Button is Corn Flower, or
Milkwort when referring to the yellow variety. This flower stands for
maidenly virtue, and a lack of lust or desire. It's meaning concentrates
more on the practical aspects of love than the romantic.
Bleeding Heart
Latin Name: Dicentra Spectabilis or
Dicentra Formosa
Key Words: Love, Loyalty, DivinationPink, Purple, White
The blood, or sap of the Bleeding Heart can tell
you the truth of your desired mate. If White, the love is not true,
if red your affections are equal and a powerful match is to be made.
Bleeding Hearts are used in floral arrangements, their small
heart-shaped buds with drops of spilling blood signify the opening of
hearts and the expression of intense emotion. Such a gift conveys
intense love, loyalty and devotion to the receiver.
It is said that growing this plant indoors can cause negative energies,
to gainsay this omen, plant a coin under it's roots and then watch it
grow.
Blue Bells
Latin Name: Campanula Rotundifolia
Key Words: Truth, Honesty, LuckBlue
Bluebells can be grown in gardens, but it's lucky
to find them wild as they encourage freedom of though and creativity in
their finder. To be given bluebells is a call for honest and trust
between two people. It is an excellent gift for those just
starting relationships or giving things a second chance, especially if
dishonesty was a previous issue between the couple.
Buttercup
Latin Name: Ranunculus Acris
Key Words:
Innocents, Worthy of Trust, Young BeautyYellow
There are probably a hundred different types of
this flower, but here I'll concentrate on the North American breed.
Buttercups are a most common wild flower here, no natural bouquet of
wild flowers is complete without them. An old wives tale used to claim
that if you placed a buttercup under your chin and the refracted light
turned yellow, you were in love. Most often when done out doors with the
sun in the sky, this effect came out positive and therefore this game is
common among children. The buttercup is a child's flower, given
from a child to an adult as a sign of affection, but most of all, it
demonstrates trust.
Camellia
Latin Name: Camellia Japonica
Key Words: Femininity, Prosperity, TraditionRed, White, Pink, Yellow
Often used as a hedging shrub, these delicate
rose-like flowers can be snipped from any hedge and tucked behind a
lady's ear or into her hair. These are flowers from warm climates,
originally from China, and were often planted around plantation houses
during the American Antebellum era. They represent wealth and
material accumulation, as well as feminine influence on the home and
household.
Carnation
Latin Name: Dianthus Carophyllus
Key Words:
Curiosity, Feminine Love, FascinationRed, White, Pink, Mauve, Yellow
Carnations can mean a variety of things because
they come in so many different colours and varieties. A solid coloured
carnation simply conveys the answer "Yes" where as a stripped,
or split colour carnation can convey refusal, or an apologetic excuse.
Generally carnations express a fascination with the receiver, the colour
could convey a special message of it's own.
The Carnation is the flower linked with the month of January.
Chrysanthemum
Latin Name: Chrysanthemum
Key Words:
Peace, Cheerfulness, FriendshipWhite, Red, Yellow, Orange, Pink
The flowers of friendship. Their cheerful
disposition is excellent for brightening a friend's kitchen table, and
their life. These flowers encourage peaceful rest and healthy living.
The Chrysanthemum is the flower linked with the month of November.
Crocus
Latin Name: Crocus Vernus
Key Words:
Purity, Cheerfulness, Inner StrengthWhite, Yellow, Violet
Known as the first flower of Spring, the crocus is
both fragile and beautiful. It stands for the cheerful reminder that
Spring will be here soon, as well as a delicate reminder that nature
although a brute force, is also as fragile as these tender blooms. The
crocus is the flower of rebirth, possibly the flower of a second chance
after an abusive situation.
Cyclamen
Latin Name: Cyclamen
Key Words:
Resignation, Loss, Parting in such Sweet SorrowPink, Mauve, Red, White
As a potted plant, these make lovely gifts to a
host or a hostess. Greenhouse grown, they are a beautiful reminder in
the bleak winter months of what nature will bring in the seasons to
come. Between lovers, cyclamen stands as a parting gift. And undying
sign of the relationship and emotional ties that simply cannot continue.
Daffodil
Latin Name: Narcissus
Key Words:
Love, Loyalty, DevotionYellow or Yellow & White
The daffodil symbolizes unrequited love. Give them
to your lover in the spring time freshly picked from your own garden. Of
recent times, the yellow daffodil has become a symbol of the world wide
fight against cancer. Do not let this stop you from giving them was a
gift, showing your support against such a courageous battle only brings
more meaning to such a beautiful gift. Another name for the daffodil is
Narcissus.
The Narcissus is the flower linked with the month of December.
Dahlia
Latin Name: Dahlia hortensis
Key Words: Elegance, Dignity, GracePink, Yellow, Red, White, Rust
These flowers are a symbol of both dignity and
grace. Their elegance is part of their appeal, and although they support
rather large heads with many petals, they add to any kitchen table
bouquet. Note that Dahlias do shed their petals once they begin to
wilt, so perhaps giving them as a potted gift is best for those who
dislike cleaning up after their plants.
Daisy
Latin Name: Chrysanthemum
leucanthemum
Key Words:
Youth, Innocents, Simple PleasuresYellow, White
Although there are a variety of different types of
daisies, the most common and traditional is that of simple white petals
and sunny yellow center. Often in paintings of innocent times where
pleasure and enjoyment are key, the figures support chains of daisies.
The Daisy's sunny disposition represents innocents and loyalty in
love, it is a wonderful gift to receive from a child.
Dandelion
Latin Name: Taraxacum Officinale
Key Words:
Faithfulness, Happiness, InnocentsYellow
The Dandelion is a sunny flower, although at times,
when growing over lawns in suburb communities it has often been called a
weed. Dandelions are the flowers of children, the denote innocent
happiness and faithfulness to what is known to them. Often you see young
children binding these flowers into bouquets or links of chains. It is
an honour to be on the receiving end of such a gift.
Fern
Latin Name:
Dryopteris cristata or Dryopterus filix-mas
Key Words:
Magick, Fascination, ConfidenceGreen
Ferns have been used as 'filler' in flower
arrangements for centuries. Placed within your bouquet to make it appear
full, and to accent the beauty of the blooms within it. The fern
symbolizes life with its green colour. It acts as a shield from evil
with it's leafy boughs, it is also a sign of life magick, and the never
ending Cycle.
Forget-Me-Not
Latin Name:
Myosotis alpestris
Key Words:
Memory, True Love, PerseveranceBlue, White, Pink
The meaning of this flower was simply incorporated
into it's name. Never forgotten, this flower stands for true love and
memories. They are a sentimental gift when separation between lovers
must occur, and if the potted plant cannot be carried, pressing a sprig
of the small blossoms into a favorite book and drying them is a sure way
to keep them with you. The forget-me-not is the state flower of Alaska.
Fuchsia
Latin Name: Fuchsia Magellanica
Key Words:
Distinguished, Tropical, LivelyRed, Mauve, Pink, White
A flower with a very tropical appearance, they grow
on cascading plants in small bunches. As a house gift, the fuchsia adds
a tropical atmosphere with it's vibrant colour, it is meant to
compliment the fashionable taste of the host or hostess.
Gardenia
Latin Name: Gardenia
Key Words:
Secrecy, Love, PatienceWhite
The scent of these blooms is unmistakable, it's
essence has been captured and added to the finest of perfumes for
centuries. A gift of gardenia's can mean two things, the first, that the
sender is an admirer who keeps you in the highest of esteem. The second,
a symbol of secret love that has been professed, if not yet accepted.
Geranium
Latin Name: Pelargonium
Key Words:
Folly, Error, EnduranceRed, White, Pink
This is not the kindest flower one could receive,
although it is very popular as a garden plant because of it's diversity
and resistance to the elements. The meaning behind the geranium is folly,
or stupidity leading up to a mistake or fatal error. However,
Geraniums also stand for endurance. The sender could also be
professing that a mistake has been made, but they respect the person who
errored for sticking it out and trying to correct their mistakes.
Gladiolus
Latin Name: Gladiolus Cruentus
Key Words:
Love, Beauty, GraceRed, Pink, Coral, Yellow, White, Mauve
These long stalk like flowers make lovely floral
arrangements, and in recent times have been every popular in
centerpieces that are large in nature. The single meaning behind the
giving of the Gladiolus is love at first sight.
The Gladiolus is the flower linked with the month of August.
Heather
Latin Name: Calluna or Erica
Key Words:
Spirit, Uniqueness, ProtectionPink, Lavender, White
A very symbolic Scottish plant, heather has long
been a symbol of the highlands in Scotland. White heather is
increasingly rare, and to receive it is a special gift, meaning that
your wishes will come true, and you will be protected from any harming
forces. Traditional lavender and pink heather signifies solitude and a
lover's admiration. Heather has been used for centuries in such fashions
as material for thatching a roof, or bristles for a broom.
Hibiscus
Latin Name: Hibiscus
Key Words:
Exotic, Beauty, AllureRed, Pink, Orange, Yellow
A beautiful and exotic flower, the hibiscus with
it's flowing and elegant petals has been the admiration of women for
centuries. These flowers can be made into lei, rings of flowers and
their leaves which can be worn around the head or made into rings to be
worn around the neck. They are wonderful for ritual work
celebrating Summer and the Sun. The hibiscus is the state flower
of Hawaii.
Honeysuckle
Latin Name: Lonicera Caprifolium
Key Words:
Charm, Affection, RespectViolet, Pink, White, Red, Yellow
There are a variety of different types of
honeysuckle. The giving of the flower corresponds with the type of plant
given. Traditionally, the violet honeysuckle stands for devotion,
affection, and respect. If honeysuckle grows near your home, or if
you plant it in a hedge, it will protect your property and keep your
children safe from illness.
Hyacinth
Latin Name: Hyacinthus Orientalis
Key Words:
Energy, Action, Physical LoveBlue, Violet, Yellow, Pink, White
The Hyacinth is Apollo's dedicated flower. In it's
many colours it can symbolize a variety of things, most of which are
related to sports, playfulness and physical power. To give someone
hyacinth is a sign that they are in your thoughts and prayers.
Hydrangea
Latin Name: Hydrangea Arborescens
Key Words:
Compassion, Friendship, FrigidityWhite, Pink, Blue
A woman receiving hydrangea should know the sender
well before attempting to analyze the meaning behind her gift. On one
front, hydrangeas are a gift of thanks, a symbol of gratefulness for
understanding and compassion. On the other front, hydrangea symbolize
frigidity, cold heartedness, and a general lack of any compassionate
emotion. If given by someone you don't know well, maybe a note or
conversation could explain the meaning behind the gift.
Iris
Latin Name: Iris
Key Words:
Wisdom, Valor, HeroicsWhite, Violet, Yellow, Pink
The Iris is a flower of diversity. It is the
fleur-de-lis, the national flower of France, and symbolizes wisdom and
valour. Also the iris was the subject of several paintings by the Dutch
master Vincent Van Gogh, bringing another meaning of possible hesitancy
or fragile beauty. The iris conveys hope, meaningful friendship and when
given as a gift it means only to compliment.
Ivy
Latin Name: Hedera
Key Words:
Happiness, Marriage, PeaceGreen, White
Ivy is traditionally used in bouquets for weddings,
a symbol of wedded love and deep friendship. Ivy with white in the
leaves stands for a deep affection, in general this plant is a symbol of
good times and celebration. Ivy also makes an excellent house plant, as
a gift to a host or hostess it stands as a reminder of powerful
emotional ties. Ivy in the homes encourages happiness and positive
communication.
Jasmine
Latin Name: Jasminum Officinale or
Jasminum Odoratissimum
Key Words:
Seduction, Feminine Mystique, InnocentsWhite
A flower of innocent purity, with a scent of pure
seduction. The scent of jasmine has been used in perfumes as far back as
Egyptian times. Women with the name Jasmine hold a special affliction
with their scared plant. Giving this flower as a gift signifies a plan
for seduction.
Lady's Slipper
Latin Name: Cypripedium Pubescens
Key Words:
Magick, Distinction, DignityYellow, Rust
Becoming more rare in the wild with each passing year,
these are a type of orchid that grow in the wild. Known to grow in
shaded groves and places where Faeries might dwell, they are a mystical
flower that has a shape much like a woman's slipper, hence their name.
The message in the giving of a Lady's Slipper is that if won, the woman
will be worn. It is a challenge to a suitor to court a lady's heart.
Please keep in mind that the sap from the stem of this flower is indeed
a poisonous acid and will cause a horrible rash if it comes in contact
with one's skin.
Larkspur
Latin Name: Delphinium
Key Words:
Inconstancy, Indecision, ConfusionBlue, Pink, Lavender, White
Larkspur is a very pretty flowering stalk like
plant that can be found growing wild in most fields during midsummer.
Although very nice to look at, farmers often will cut it out of their
fields because of its poisonous nature and harmful effect on livestock.
To give Larkspur denotes fickleness between a woman and her lovers.
Larkspur is the flower linked with the month of July.
Lilac
Latin Name:
Syringa Vulgaris
Key Words:
New Love, Enchantment, PeaceViolet, Lavender, White
The sweet scent of lilacs are simply enchanting.
Given as a gift, lilacs signify the first tender emotions of love.
Lilacs grow in various types, shades and colours. To give a Lilac
shrub to someone could signify the connection between two people and the
hopes for a long and healthy relationship.
Lily
Latin Name: Lilium
Key Words:
Innocents, Intuition, WomanWhite, Yellow, Orange, Red, Violet
The lily has been a sacred flower of the Goddess since
before time. It signifies the Virgin Mary in the Christian faith, and
special Easter lilies are a common gift among Christian families during
the Spring/Easter season. It is a decidedly feminine flower that tends
to fall towards innocents, purity, womanly thoughts and feelings of care
giving, as well as majesty. The Day lily is the Chinese Emblem for
Mother.
Lily of the Valley
Latin Name: Convallaria Magalis
Key Words:
Sweetness, Virtuous, Tears of the Virgin MaryWhite
With it's delicate fragrance and simplistic beauty,
the Lily of the Valley has become noted as a flower of virtue over the
years. Among it's other titles and nick names, Tears of the Virgin Mary
is one of it's most popular. When given as a token, this flower
symbolized completeness in life and love.
The Lily of the Valley is the
flower linked with the month of May.
Lobelia
Latin Name: Lobelia Inflata
Key Words: Summer, Decoration, FringeWhite, Blue, Pink
A plant common in hanging baskets, Lobelia is
infamous for it's bright colours and hundreds of small blossoms.
It's small vine like stems make it nearly impossible to place in
bouquets or arrangements, so it's best if these are given in planters if
desired as gifts. Magickally these flowers are said to control the
weather, specifically storms. They will protect a home from wind
and rain's harmful effects.
Lotus Blossom
Latin Name: Nymphaea Lotus
Key Words:
Exotic, Unique, IndependentPink
The Lotus Flower is a symbol of great wisdom in Easter
philosophy. As a gift, it captures that same tranquil beauty. It is a
symbol of respect, admiration, and exotic appreciation. In western
meanings, it can also be a symbol of estranged love.
based upon the use of the above listed information.
Please use Common Sense, Reason and above all, Love.
Copyright Eira Alarches© 2006