Flower Types & Emotions – Which Flower Says What?

Flower Types Emotions - MO BLUMEN Vienna

Flower Types & Feelings — which flower expresses what?

From love and gratitude to comfort: the emotional meaning of the most popular flowers

MO BLUMEN Editorial Team · 8 min read · Language of 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 the feelings they express.


Love & Passion

  • Red Rose: “I love you” — the most universal message of love.
  • 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” — enchanting and tender.

Affection & Friendship

  • Pink Rose: “You matter to me” — gentle affection without the intensity of red.
  • Yellow Rose: “You are my sunshine” — friendship and cheer.
  • Chrysanthemum: “I appreciate you” — loyalty and appreciation.
  • Gerbera: “You make me happy” — easygoing and cheerful.
  • Sunflower: “You brighten my life” — joy and admiration.
  • Freesia: “Our friendship means a lot to me” — trust and sincerity.

Gratitude & Appreciation

  • Pink Roses: “Thank you” — the most beautiful flower for gratitude.
  • Hydrangea: “I’m grateful for you” — abundance and generosity.
  • Peach Rose: “I appreciate you” — appreciation and recognition.
  • Lisianthus: “I admire you” — grace and appreciation.
  • Dahlia: “I honor your strength” — dignity and inner beauty.

Comfort & Sympathy

  • White Lily: “Peace and hope” — the classic flower of mourning.
  • White Rose: “My condolences are sincere” — purity and respect.
  • Forget-me-not: “I will never forget you” — remembrance and loyalty.
  • Lavender: “Peace and comfort” — calming and comforting.
  • White chrysanthemum: “Deep sorrow and reverence” — in many European countries, the flower of the grave.

More feelings

  • Hope: Green flowers, snowdrops, daffodils (heralds of spring after winter).
  • Pride: Orange flowers, gladioli, amaryllis.
  • Innocence: Daisies, white tulips, lily of the valley.
  • Secret: Black flowers, dark roses, black calla lilies.
  • New beginning: Spring flowers (crocuses, daffodils), white flowers.
  • Apology: White roses, lilies, purple flowers.

Tip: If you're unsure, ask the florist! At MO BLUMEN Vienna, we're happy to help you put together the right bouquet for every feeling and every occasion—even spontaneously over the phone.

The world of flower varieties is endlessly diverse—there are all kinds of flowers for every expression and every feeling.

Feelings in flower form at MO BLUMEN Vienna

Say it with flowers—hand-tied and delivered throughout Vienna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pink roses are the classic flower for saying “thank you.” Hydrangeas (gratitude), peach-colored roses (appreciation), and gerberas (joy/thanks) are also excellent choices. A colorful mixed bouquet in warm tones expresses gratitude beautifully as well.

In the traditional language of flowers, yes: yellow carnations stood for rejection, yellow roses for jealousy (today more often friendship), and columbine for unfaithfulness. But these meanings are historical and hardly known today. Give the flowers that you and the recipient love—the gesture matters 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 unpleasant if someone feels nauseous. Potted plants are not allowed in some hospitals—it's best to ask first.

Every popular type of flower has its own symbolism and effect. With their delicate blooms, peonies and ranunculus enchant everyone who sees them. Flowers come in different colors, and each color conveys a different emotion—red stands for love, yellow for friendship, and white for purity.