What every flower really says - an honest guide to the language of flowers
In Victorian England, people carried on entire conversations through flowers. Today, hardly anyone knows what they mean - but on some level, people still feel it.
The language of flowers (florists also call it floriography) has a history stretching back centuries. In the Ottoman Empire, in France, and especially in Victorian England, it was a refined form of communication. Every flower, every color, even the way it was presented, carried meaning.
Today, much of this has been forgotten. But some rules still apply - and those who know them give more thoughtfully and avoid awkward mistakes.
Roses - the language of color
No flower has as many meanings as the rose. The color makes all the difference:
- Red roses - passionate love. The most classic message in the world of flowers. A single red rose says more than a whole bouquet of mixed flowers.
- Pink roses - affection, gratitude, admiration. Perfect for friendships and for your mother.
- White roses - purity, loyalty, innocence. The first choice for weddings, but also common at funerals.
- Yellow roses - friendship and joy. They used to symbolize jealousy, but that meaning has almost disappeared in German-speaking countries.
- Orange roses - enthusiasm, energy, fascination. A fresh, modern choice.
Tulips
In the Netherlands, tulips are more than just flowers - they are a source of national pride. What they symbolize: fleeting beauty and the happiness of spring. Red tulips stand for deep love (less dramatic than roses), yellow ones for cheerfulness. Also recommended in this context: Mini gerbera flower (Various Colors).
In Austria, tulips are the most popular spring flowers. They say: "I'm glad you exist" - without heavy romantic undertones.
Lilies
White lilies stand for purity and transience. They are a firm part of funeral flower arrangements in Austria. But be careful: at a birthday celebration, white lilies can feel out of place because many people automatically associate them with mourning.
Pink and orange lilies have a more cheerful meaning: admiration, prosperity, creativity.
More flowers and their meanings
Sunflowers - Cheerfulness, loyalty, admiration. Always a safe choice.
Carnations - Fascination, love for one's mother (a Mother's Day tradition), loyalty.
Forget-me-nots - Faithful love, remembrance. The name says it all.
Peonies - Happiness, prosperity, romantic love. In China, the "queen of flowers."
Chrysanthemums - In Austria, a flower of mourning; in Japan, a symbol of longevity and joy.
Lavender - Devotion, silence, purity. In Provence, it is a symbol of summer.
Orchids - Elegance, luxury, beauty. A sophisticated gift.
Gerberas - Cheerfulness, lightheartedness. Perfect when you want to lift someone's spirits.
Flowers that are better not given as gifts
There are a few pitfalls you should know about:
Yellow chrysanthemums - In Austria and many European countries, they are strictly cemetery flowers. Definitely not something to bring as a cheerful gift.
White lilies - Beautiful, but for many people they are a symbol of mourning. For a birthday, pink or orange is usually the better choice.
Odd numbers - In Austria, flowers are given in odd numbers (3, 5, 7 ...). An even number is traditionally associated with mourning.
Flowers with Meaning at MoBlumen Vienna
Hand-tied bouquets for every occasion – same-day delivery.
The Language of flowers in Austria
In Austria, the language of flowers has a few special features. Edelweiss stands for bravery and love of one’s homeland – but you cannot get it as a cut flower because it is protected by law. Alpine roses (rhododendron) are a symbol of the mountains and Austrian nature.
When moving into a new home, it is traditional to bring a colorful bouquet – sunflowers, gerberas, or a mixed wildflower bouquet. For birthdays, roses, tulips, or peonies (when in season) are the most popular choice. A fitting bouquet for this is Mother’s Day Bouquet Farbenfest. Also recommended in this context: Color Explosion.
Frequently asked questions about flower meanings
Red roses stand for passionate, romantic love. A single red rose makes a strong statement. Three red roses say "I love you." Twelve red roses are the classic declaration of love.
In Austria, white lilies, white roses, chrysanthemums, and carnations are the classic funeral flowers. White and muted tones dominate. Bright or cheerful flowers such as sunflowers or gerberas are generally avoided at funerals.
Yes, in Austria yellow flowers no longer have a negative meaning (though that used to be different). Yellow roses, sunflowers, or yellow tulips stand for friendship and cheerfulness. Only yellow chrysanthemums are best avoided – they are traditionally funeral flowers.
Single flowers at MoBlumen Vienna
Roses, tulips, lilies and more – from EUR 1.50 per stem.
