What’s the Meaning of Flower Colors?

From tulips to chrysanthemums, our series “The Language of Flowers” explores everything from fresh flower care tips to flower symbolism and meaning. This article examines the meaning behind flowers’ colors.

When you see a flower, what is the first thing you notice? Is it its size? Its shape? Its scent? Or perhaps, is it its color? A flower’s color is one of many factors that makes nature so beautiful, and today we’d like to pose the following question: do you know what each color means? If not, we do! Let’s take a look at flower color meaning:

Red Flowers

Although red flowers are most commonly associated with feelings of true love and passion, they can also be used to convey respect, desire, and courage. Our favorite flower species available in red are roses (of course – these are a classic, but keep in mind that they also come in other colors too!), tulips, geraniums and poppies.

Yellow Flowers

The color yellow is primarily associated with spreading happiness and joy, however, it is also the ideal color for symbolizing friendship. With their bright hue and cheery personality, yellow flowers can be used to better someone’s day and increase the positive energy in a room. Some popular yellow flowers are sunflowers, daisies, tulips, roses and lilies.

Pink Flowers

Similar to red flowers, pink flowers have also grown to be a symbol of love, though some other meanings include happiness, gentleness and femininity – this in particular may be why you see so many pink flowers in Mother’s Day bouquets. The color pink can be found in flowers such as roses, lilies, carnations and azaleas.

Orange Flowers

Orange flowers are bright and bold, and thus, they are known to symbolize feelings of excitement and enthusiasm. Some of the top flowers that are available in orange include lilies, tulips, marigolds and zinnias.

White Flowers

Traditionally used in bridal bouquets or during memorial services, white flowers range in meaning from purity and innocence to sympathy. To relay these messages, we recommend using orchids, daisies, carnations, or one of our favorites – roses.

Blue Flowers

The soothing blue hues that many flowers possess are said to symbolize tranquility and peace – ultimately, this color is known to spread feelings of relaxation in order to help people release any negative feelings or feelings of stress! Some blue flowers that you may recognize are morning glories, hydrangeas and cornflowers.

Purple Flowers

Purple flowers are commonly said to symbolize success and even royalty, though feelings of admiration and tradition may also come through in purple flowers. A few of our favorite purple flower types include clematis, iris, allium and bellflower.

Lavender Flowers

Though to the eye purple and lavender may look similar, their meanings differ – lavender flowers typically symbolize grace, elegance and youth. You can find this color in the following flowers: daisies, orchids, lilacs and petunias.

Green Flowers

The color green in nature and green flowers can be associated with rebirth and renewal. Additionally, the color green can also symbolize good health, good fortune and youthfulness. There are several green plants available that you can use to surround yourself with these positive feelings, and some green flowers you can use are bells of Ireland, button flowers, green cymbidium orchid and anthurium.

Now, although some flowers come in very specific colors, you can always paint or dye your flowers to reflect the color you want, and, some flower colors can even be changed. Take hydrangeas for example. By changing the pH level of your soil, you can turn pink flowers to blue and vice versa!