Types of flowers & feelings — which flower expresses what?
From love and gratitude to comfort: The emotional meaning of the most popular flowers
Every flower carries a message—some loud, some quiet. In the language of flowers, a bouquet can say more than a thousand words. Here are the most important flowers and their meanings.
Love & Passion
- Red rose : "I love you" — the most universal love message .
- Red Tulip: "I confess my love to you" — passionate and direct.
- Peony: “My love is deep and sincere” — lush and romantic.
- Gardenia: "You are beautiful" — admiration and longing.
- Jasmine: “My love is sweet and sensual” — captivating and tender.
Affection & Friendship
- Rosa Rose : "You are important to me" — tender affection without the heaviness of red.
- Yellow Rose : "You are my sunshine" — friendship, joy.
- Chrysanthemum: "I appreciate you" — loyalty and appreciation .
- Gerbera: "You make me happy" — uncomplicated and cheerful.
- Sunflower: "You brighten my life" — joy of life and admiration.
- Freesie: “Our friendship is important to me” — trust and sincerity.
Gratitude & Appreciation
- Pink roses : "Thank you" — the most beautiful flower for gratitude.
- Hydrangea : "I am grateful for you" — abundance and generosity.
- Peach-colored rose : "I appreciate you" — appreciation and recognition.
- Lisianthus: “I admire you” — grace and appreciation.
- Dahlia : “I acknowledge your strength” — dignity and inner beauty.
Comfort & Compassion
- White lily : "Peace and hope" — the classic funeral flower .
- White Rose: “My condolences are sincere” — purity and respect.
- Forget-me-not: "I will never forget you" — remembrance and loyalty.
- Lavender : "Peace and security" — calming and comforting.
- White chrysanthemum: “Deep mourning and respect” — the funeral flower in many European countries.
Other feelings
- Hope: Green flowers , snowdrops, daffodils (harbingers of spring after winter).
- Pride: Orange flowers , gladiolus, amaryllis.
- Innocence: daisies, white tulips , lilies of the valley.
- Secret: Black flowers , dark roses, black calla lilies.
- New beginning: Spring flowers (crocuses, daffodils), white flowers .
- Excuse me : White roses, lilies, purple flowers.
Tip: When in doubt, ask the florist! At MO BLUMEN Vienna, we are happy to help you put together the perfect bouquet for every feeling and occasion — even spontaneously over the phone.
Feelings in flower form at MO FLOWERS Vienna
Say it with flowers — hand-tied and delivered throughout Vienna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pink roses are the classic "thank you" flower. Hydrangeas (gratitude), peach-colored roses (appreciation), and gerberas (joy/thanks) are also excellent choices. A colorful mixed bouquet in warm colors also expresses gratitude.
In traditional flower lore, yes: yellow carnations symbolized rejection, yellow roses jealousy (nowadays more likely friendship), and columbines infidelity. However, these meanings are historical and hardly known today. Give flowers that you and the recipient like—the gesture counts more than any symbolism.
Cheerful, bright colors: yellow gerberas, sunflowers, colorful tulips, or a mixed spring bouquet. Avoid: strongly scented flowers (lilies) in the hospital—the fragrance can be bothersome if you're feeling nauseous. Potted plants are not allowed in some hospitals—ask beforehand.
