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30 flowers and their surprising meanings

The power of petals.

Which is more romantic: a bunch of roses or a bouquet of ranunculus? 

Make sure you say what you really mean with flowers. 

Here, we unveil 30 popular blooms and their meanings. 

1. Amaryllis

Amaryllis
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Say “congratulations” with this bright bloom.

2. Anemone

Anemone
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Signifies “I can’t wait to see you”.

3. Bird of Paradise

Bird of paradise
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Symbolises magnificence, royalty and excellence.

4. Calla Lilly

Calla lily
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Denotes “magnificent beauty”.

5. Camellia

Camellia
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Choose white if you want to tell someone they are “adorable” whereas red means “you are the flame in my heart”. Pink camellias symbolise “longing for you”.

6. Carnation

Carnation
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

White denotes “good luck” while pink means “unforgettable”. Yellow carnations signify “disappointment” and “rejection”.

7. Chrysanthemum

Chyrsanthemum
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

White means honesty and truth while red says “I love you”. Tell it how it is with yellow, which signifies refusal and means “no”.

8. Daffodil

Daffodil
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Signifies “the sun shines when I’m with you”.

9. Dahlia

Dahlia
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Encouragement, inner strength and creativity.

10. Daisy

Daisy
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Denotes happiness and playfulness.

11. Forget-Me-Not

Forget-me-not
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

The name says it all: “I will not forget you”.

12. Freesia

Freesia
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Says “I trust you” and denotes friendship.

13. Gardenia

Gardenia
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Symbolic of “secret love”.

14. Gerbera

Gerbera
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Red means “strength” while pink is symbolic of “protected heart”.

15. Hyacinth

Hyacinth
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

The purple flower means “please forgive me”.

16. Hydrangea

Hydrangea
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Various meanings ranging from “you are unfeeling” to “perseverance and understanding”.

17. Iris

Iris
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Denotes royalty, wisdom and respect.

18. Lavender

Lavender
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Stands for protection, cleansing and trust. Says “I admire you”.

19. Lilac

Lilac
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

The purple bloom stands for moving on. 

20. Tiger lily

Tiger lily
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Says “I am proud of you”.

21. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Carries the message of sweetness.

22. Orchid

Orchid
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Stands for sexy.

23. Pansy

Pansies
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Denotes “I am thinking of our love”.

24. Peony

Peony
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Symbolises a happy marriage, anniversary and romance.

25. Ranunculus

Ranunculus
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Means everlasting love and romance.

26. Rose

Red rose
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Say “I love you” with the iconic red rose, or “I’m falling in love” with a yellow rose. White means honesty while pale pink says “I am sorry”.

27. Snapdragon

Snapdragon
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Expresses “I’m sorry for what I did”.

28. Sunflower

Sunflower
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Says “get well” and symbolises “strength”.

29. Sweet pea

Sweet peas
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Says “you are beautiful”.

30. Tulip

Tulip
(Credit: Getty) (Credit: Getty)

Make declarations of love with red tulips, and beg for forgiveness with white.

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The ultimate guide to Australian native flowers

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