La floriografía (o lenguaje de las flores) es un método de comunicación codificado que utiliza el significado simbólico de las flores y arreglos florales para transmitir mensajes, sentimientos o secretos, popularizándose enormemente en la época victoriana para expresar lo que no se podía decir abiertamente debido a las estrictas normas sociales, y aunque hoy se usa menos, el simbolismo de flores como las rosas rojas para el amor sigue vigente.
El regalo de las flores existe en la mayoría de las civilizaciones, ya sea un regalo o un acto religioso. En algunas culturas, el lenguaje de las flores recibe un simbolismo especial, que le da a cada uno un significado.
Por lo tanto, la composición de un ramo puede guiarse por preguntas de colores y aromas, o por el significado que se le da a cada flor. Los significados de las flores han evolucionado con el tiempo y no son los mismos en las diferentes culturas.
A continuación se muestra algunos significados asociados durante la sociedad victoriana:
AMARYLLIS
Meaning:
Pride
Origin:
The Victorians associated amaryllis with pride by virtue of its grand, tall stalks topped with bright blooms that towered over other flowers. Amaryllis, with its often leafless stems, is also known for withstanding drought. It is a strong and hearty plant, too prideful to perish under harsh conditions.
Pair with …
Hydrangea to indicate boastful pride
Clematis to show the recipient should be proud of their cleverness
ANEMONE
Meaning:
Forsaken love
Origin:
The anemone’s association with forsaken love can be traced back to Greek mythology. The flower is said to have sprung from Aphrodite’s tears as she mourned the loss of her beloved Adonis. He was killed by the jealous gods over his relationship with the goddess of love.
Pair with …
Camellia to show longing for what could have been
Yarrow to help heal a broken heart
APPLE BLOSSOM - Malus
Meaning:
Preference
Origin:
The apple’s connection to preference comes from the fable of the Golden Apple of Discord. Eris, the goddess of discord, threw a golden apple into a wedding ceremony that she was not invited to attend. The apple was inscribed with “For the most beautiful,” and Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite all laid claim to it. Zeus tasked Paris of Troy with deciding between the three goddesses. He eventually chose Aphrodite after she promised him the love of the world’s most beautiful woman, Helen of Sparta. Because Helen was already married to King Menelaus, Paris’s preference ultimately caused the Trojan War.
Pair with …
Pansy to show the recipient you’re thinking of them Zinnia for a gift for a best friend
ASPHODEL - Asphodelus
Meaning:
My regrets follow you to the grave
Origin:
In Greek mythology, asphodels grew in the underworld and were consumed by the dead. Homer’s Odyssey shaped the idea of asphodel as a flower of regret, referring to the Asphodel Meadows as a section of the underworld where neither good nor evil souls resided—a type of ghostly purgatory.
Pair with …
Cypress or marigold to indicate mourning and despair Rosemary to indicate eternal remembrance
ASTER - Symphyotrichum
Meaning:
Daintiness
Origin:
The aster’s association with daintiness most likely comes from its appearance. The many long and slender petals delicately surround a bright, yellow center: a tiny masterpiece in a field of blooms.
Pair with …
Daisy for a gift for a young girl Buttercup to compliment someone’s charming demeanor
AZALEA - Rhododendron
Meanings:
Fragility Temperance
Origin:
The azalea is notoriously fragile and difficult to grow. The beautiful, tender blossoms only last for a short time before tumbling to the ground. Along with this, its shallow roots do not tolerate overwatering, hence its association with temperance.
Pair with …
Mint or snowdrop to console a fragile state of mind Heather to show the recipient will be taken care of in their time of need
BABY’S BREATH - Gypsophila
Meanings:
Purity Innocence
Origin:
In the late nineteenth century, the Gysophila plant was dubbed “baby’s breath,” due to its lovely scent and small, delicate blooms. Similar in appearance to the intricate lace of a bridal veil, this flower is frequently used in wedding bouquets as well as in arrangements for new mothers.
Pair with …
Lily as a gift for new parents Queen Anne’s lace as a gift for a godparent, to thank them for protecting and caring for the child
BASIL - Ocimum
Meaning:
Hate
Origin:
Basil’s association with hate comes from the Greeks, who believed the plant’s unfolding leaves to resemble the basilisk’s opening jaws. The Greeks also associated hatred with the basilisk’s glare, because this legendary serpent could kill with just one glance.
Pair with …
Lavender for betrayal Oleander as a warning to someone you distrust
BEGONIA - Begonia
Meanings:
To repay a favor A warning
Origin:
To repay a favor, Charles Plumier, a seventeenth-century French botanist, named the begonia flower after Michel Bégon, a French politician and plant collector. The flower’s name, which contains the phrase “be gone,” may explain its use as a symbol of warning.
Pair with …
Sweet pea as a gift for the host of a party Oleander to emphasize caution in a new prospect
BELLADONNA - Atropa belladonna
Meaning:
Silence
Origin:
Belladonna, also called deadly nightshade, is one of the most toxic plants on earth. It was commonly used by the Romans as a poison, causing death and thus silencing the victim forever. Additionally, the genus Atropa is named for the Greek goddess Atropos, the oldest of the three Fates, who was known for cutting the thread of life, ending the lives of mortals.
Pair with …
Columbine and begonia to urge someone to keep a secret Rue to warn the recipient to keep quiet lest they regret it
BLUEBELL - Hyacinthoides
Meanings:
Humility Faithfulness
Origin:
The bluebell’s appearance inspired its associations with humility and faithfulness. The tranquil, bell-shaped flowers bow down on the stem, shying away from the sunshine as though showing contrition.
Pair with …
Peony for forgiveness for violating societal norms Passionflower as a gift for someone preparing for a religious sacrament
BUTTERCUP - Ranunculus
Meaning:
You are radiant with charm
Origin:
Buttercup’s meaning may originate with a Victorian-era childhood game. Children would hold a buttercup under their chin and check to see if a yellow reflection appeared on the skin. If the radiant glow appeared, then the bearer loved butter!
Pair with …
Cowslip to show a newfound affection Datura to show that you will not be fooled by charm
CAMELLIA - Camellia
Meaning:
Longing for you
Origin:
The camellia’s meaning originates with the 1848 Alexandre Dumas novel, La dame aux camélias, which tells the tragic love story of Armand Duval—a young bourgeois—and Marguerite Gautier, a courtesan. The two fall in love, but their relationship is undermined by Armand’s father. Fearing scandal, he convinces Marguerite to leave Armand. Armand mourns his beloved, but he doesn’t pursue her, believing she has left him for another man. Meanwhile, Marguerite falls ill with consumption. She dies alone, pining for Armand and what could have been.
Pair with …
Daffodil to show longing for an unrequited love Zinnia as a gift for a friend who is moving away
CARNATION - Dianthus caryophyllus
Meaning:
Mother’s eternal love Heartache
Origin:
The meaning behind carnations can be traced back to the Crucifixion of Christ; carnations are said to have appeared where the Virgin Mary’s tears fell, leading to their association with heartache and a mother’s eternal love for her son. Additionally, the common name “carnation” may refer to Christ as the incarnation of God as man.
Pair with …
Mint or snowdrop to console the loss of a child Heather for a child going off to college
CATTAIL - Typha latifolia
Meaning:
Peace and prosperity
Origin:
The cattail’s association with peace and prosperity is largely unexplained, but it may derive from the plant’s many domestic uses. Traditionally, the plant is used to weave baskets, to insulate clothing or bedding, as fuel for a hearth fire, and as food.
Pair with …
Wheat for a promotion at work Laurel for success in a new venture
CHAMOMILE - Matricaria
Meaning:
Energy in adversity
Origin:
Chamomile’s meaning may come from its many healing properties, which were first recognized in ancient Egypt. Brewed in tea, chamomile calms the nerves and promotes sleep, allowing the body and mind to rest and renew during times of stress. Chamomile is said to produce the healing energy and prolonged vigor needed to overcome adversity.
Pair with …
Dogwood to show that your love will overcome all obstacles Rose to indicate the strength of your love during a difficult time Nettle to show sympathy for unfair circumstances
CHRYSANTHEMUM - Chrysanthemum
Meaning:
Condolences
Origin:
Autumn-blooming chrysanthemums are frequently used in funerals and placed on graves in many countries in Europe, including France, Belgium, Italy, and Spain. This ritual may derive from the practice of decorating graves on All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday occurring in early November, when many blooms are difficult to find. The chrysanthemum is thought to be a token of comfort during a time of grieving.
Pair with …
Willow for a friend in grief Gladiolus for a broken heart
CLEMATIS - Clematis
Meaning:
Ingenuity Cleverness
Origin:
Clematis, named for its cunning ability to climb up walls and trellises, is easily associated with cleverness and ingenuity. This vining bloom never fails to find its way up difficult terrain, often engulfing its surroundings once it has taken hold.
Pair with …
Rosemary and clover as a good luck gift before an exam Mistletoe to show your clever problem-solving will overcome challenge
CLOVER - Trifolium
Meaning:
Good luck
Origin:
Clovers, in particular four-leaf clovers, have been associated with luck for centuries. The ancient Druids in Ireland believed that carrying a clover allowed one to detect evil spirits approaching. Similarly, in the Middle Ages, many Irish believed that carrying a four-leaf clover allowed one to see fairies. In 1620, in the earliest recorded mention of clover’s association with luck, Sir John Melton wrote, “If any man walking in the fields, find any foure-leaved grasse, he shall in a small while after find some good thing.”
Pair with …
Heather and wheat for good luck with a new business venture Apple blossom and dandelion to show hope that the recipient’s wishes will come true
COLUMBINE - Aquilegia
Meaning:
Foolishness
Origin:
Columbina was the name of a recurring character in the commedia dell’arte of early modern Italy. A mistress of the jester or “fool,” Harlequin, Columbina was known for her loud and gossipy nature. The columbine’s association with foolishness may stem from Columbina’s love of the fool, or her own readiness to make a fool of herself and others. The unusually shaped bloom of the columbine also resembles a court jester’s hat.
Pair with …
Asphodel to ask for forgiveness for an imprudent mistake Protea to show you’re working to make a big change and correct past mistakes
CORNFLOWER - Centaurea cyanus
Meaning:
Hope in love
Origin:
Folklore surrounding the cornflower, also called a “bachelor’s button,” states that a young man is to wear the flower when he is in love. If the flower dies quickly, it means his adoration is unrequited. However, if the flower maintains its bloom, there is hope that the young man’s love will be returned.
Pair with …
Lilac as a gift for a first love Sweet William to show you will always be true
COWSLIP - Primula veris
Meaning:
Winning grace
Origin:
Cowslip gets its meaning from a story told about Saint Peter, the gatekeeper of Heaven. He accidentally dropped his keys, and when they fell to Earth, they turned to cowslip. Cowslip is also known as the “key flower,” because its flowers resemble a ring of golden keys. The legend suggests that those who find the flower can “win grace” and enter into Heaven.
Pair with …
Hawthorn for hope in a new prospect Honeysuckle as a gift when meeting your significant other’s parents
CROCUS - Crocus
Meanings:
Cheerfulness Youthful glee
Origin:
Crocuses are some of the first flowers to bloom in the frost and snow; their cheerful petals and sunshine yellow filaments emerge to welcome spring. Perennial flowers that pop up each year, crocuses are also associated with youthful glee.
Pair with …
Daisy for the start of a new school year Buttercup as a gift for a charming young friend
CYPRESS - Cupressus
Meanings:
Death Mourning
Origin:
The cypress tree has been a symbol of mourning and death since classical antiquity, and it remains the tree most commonly planted in cemeteries in both Europe and the Middle East. In the Greek myth from which the tree gets its name, Cyparissus accidentally killed his beloved companion, a tame stag. He was so overcome by grief that he was transformed into a cypress tree.
Pair with …
Marigold and ivy for a grieving friend Orange blossom to indicate your eternal devotion to a recently deceased loved one
DAFFODIL - Narcissus
Meaning:
Unrequited love
Origin:
The Greek legend of Narcissus, from which the scientific name of this plant derives, tells of a handsome and proud hunter who, upon seeing his reflection in the waters of a spring, falls in love with himself. Unable to part from his own image, he eventually perishes. A daffodil then blooms to mark his grave.
Pair with …
Clover for hope for change Sweet pea to indicate giving up on an ill-suited romance
DAHLIA - Dahlia
Meanings:
Eternal love Commitment
Origin:
The dahlia flower is often called the “Queen of the Autumn Garden” because it blooms for an extended period of time, living well into the fall months. Frequently used in wedding bouquets during the Victorian era, the flower symbolized longevity and commitment.
Pair with …
Tulip for a newly engaged couple Myrtle to show love and devotion
DAISY - Bellis
Meaning:
Innocence Childhood Purity
Origin:
The daisy is associated with innocence, childhood, and purity in a number of folklore traditions. In Norse mythology, the daisy is tied to Freya, the goddess of fertility, motherhood, and childbirth. In Celtic tradition, daisies grew for the spirits of children who died in birth. And in ancient Roman mythology, the nymph Belides turns herself into a daisy to preserve her innocence while she’s pursued by Vertumnus, the god of the seasons.
Pair with …
Baby’s breath as a gift for a newborn baby Peony and violet for an expression of childhood bliss
DANDELION - Taraxacum
Meaning:
Divination Fortune-telling
Origin:
Dandelions are associated with wishes and fortune-telling; it’s customary in many Western cultures to make a wish while blowing on the dandelion’s “puff,” dispersing its seeds. More practically, dandelions have been used to predict the weather, as their puffs will stay closed in inclement weather and open when sunny, clear skies are on the way.
Pair with …
Ferns for a magical solstice celebration Foxglove and holly to indicate the ability to solve future problems
DATURA - Datura
Meaning:
Deceitful charms
Origin:
Datura, while it may charm you with its beautiful appearance, is extremely poisonous if ingested. The flowers, also known as “devil’s trumpets,” are said to have been used in early European witchcraft as an ingredient in the ointment that allowed witches to fly on their broomsticks.
Pair with …
Wormwood for a spurned lover Thistle for a friend going through a breakup
DOGWOOD - Cornus
Meaning:
Our love will overcome adversity
Origin:
The gentle and whimsical blooms of the dogwood tree look delicate, but the wood of its trunk is strong and durable. Victorian lovers used this flower to indicate that their love could endure any trial.
Pair with …
Hellebore for strength to overcome scandal Monkshood for chivalry in the face of an obstacle
EDELWEISS - Leontopodium
Meanings:
Courage Daring
Origin:
Because the star-shaped, white edelweiss flower blooms high in the Alps, collecting the blossoms is a dangerous task. For this reason, procuring edelweiss for your lover was thought to be a feat of great courage and devotion.
Pair with …
Lily and laurel for a friend embarking on a new career Sweet William to show the recipient your gallant courage
EUCALYPTUS - Eucalyptus
Meaning:
Protection
Origin:
Aboriginal peoples used eucalyptus oil to disinfect, soothe, and treat many common ailments, thus providing protection from illness. Named by Charles Louis L’Héritier de Brutelle in 1788, eucalpytus’s name comes from the Greek roots eu and kalyptós, translating to “well” and “covered,” again suggesting protection.
Pair with …
Heather for good luck to a friend embarking on a journey Queen Anne’s lace to wish the recipient safe travels
FERN - Adiantum
Meaning:
Magic Secrecy
Origin:
Ferns grow in wet areas, yet their leaves repel water. This curious quality led ferns to be associated with magic and secrecy. The genus Adiantum, which comes from the Greek for “unwetted,” honors ferns’ fascinating duality. Additionally, Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, was said to have tresses of maidenhair ferns, which remained dry after she rose from the sea.
Pair with …
Foxglove for a secret love Poppy to show the recipient you think of them in your dreams
FORGET-ME-NOT - Myosotis
Meaning:
Forget me not
Origin:
The forget-me-not’s name and meaning originate with a German folktale about a young couple in love. While walking along a river, the bride-to-be stops to admire a cluster of beautiful blue flowers. Her lover attempts to pick the flowers for her, but he falls into the swiftly flowing river. He throws the flowers to her as the river carries him away, calling out to her, “Forget me not!”
Pair with …
Zinnia for a friend who is moving away Larkspur to say “remember the good times” Oak for a long-distance relationship
FOXGLOVE - Digitalis
Meaning:
Riddles Secrets
Origin:
Foxglove has long been associated with fairy folklore in the British Isles. Its name may have been “folkglove” originally, as fae folk—or fairies—were said to hide within its blooms. Children who wished to see the fairies and hear their riddles would peer inside these flowers. Picking a foxglove, however, was thought to be bad luck, as it robbed the fairies of their homes; this rumor may have begun to keep children from touching these blooms, which could be deadly if consumed.
Pair with …
Lavender to warn a friend of an unfaithful love Hyacinth to ask for forgiveness for divulging a secret
GLADIOLUS - Gladiolus
Meaning:
You pierce my heart
Origin:
In Latin, gladius translates to “sword,” hence the common nickname “sword lily” for this flower. Both the name and meaning of this large and imposing plant derive from the swordlike shape of its leaves.
Pair with …
Yarrow to heal a broken heart Anemone and daffodil for an unrequited love Hemlock and marigold for a friend in grief
HAWTHORN - Crataegus
Meaning:
Hope
Origin:
In Greek mythology, Hymenaios, god of the wedding ceremony, carried a hawthorn—thought to be sacred—in a flaming torch. Ancient Greek brides used the blossoms in their bouquets and hair on their wedding days, leading to hawthorn’s association with hope in love.
Pair with …
Camellia to indicate hope that a lost love will return Orange blossom to show hope that the recipient will return your affections
HEATHER - Calluna
Meanings:
Luck Protection
Origin:
Heather’s meaning originates with Scottish folklore. In the third century, Malvina, a legendary beauty, was betrothed to a brave warrior called Oscar. As Oscar lay dying in battle, he instructed a messenger to deliver a sprig of purple heather to his bride-to-be as a token of his eternal love. When Malvina’s tears fell upon the flower, it changed from purple to white. From then on, heather was said to turn sorrow to good fortune and protection. Historically, many Scottish warriors have worn white heather in battle for this reason.
Pair with …
Rose as you begin a new relationship Cattail for good health for a friend awaiting a diagnosis
HELLEBORE - Helleborus
Meaning:
We shall overcome scandal and slander
Origin:
Despite its reputation as a poisonous plant, hellebore has been used for medicinal purposes. In Greek myth, the healer Melampus is said to have cured madness by administering hellebore, and herbalists throughout ancient times and into the Middle Ages used hellebore to treat various ailments. The curious plant, which bloomed at the very end of winter, just before spring, was thought to have magical powers, and was at times associated with witchcraft.
Pair with …
Begonia to warn of future challenges Edelweiss for courage in the face of what’s to come Clover for hope and good luck
HEMLOCK - Conium maculatum
Meaning:
Death
Origin:
Hemlock is a poisonous plant that causes paralysis and death. Perhaps the most infamous poisoning by hemlock was that of Socrates, who drank a tea made from the plant after being sentenced to death for his moral philosophy.
Pair with …
Chrysanthemum for condolences upon the loss of a loved one Nettle for a loved one who has been taken away too soon
HOLLY - Ilex
Meaning:
Foresight
Origin:
In many European pagan traditions, holly branches were hung in homes to protect against misfortune. This custom was later adopted for the Christmas holidays by the Victorians, who loved to indulge in superstition. Holly often figured in fortune-telling games as well; in Wales, it was said that if a girl ran seven laps around a holly tree one way, then seven times around the other way, her future husband would appear to her.
Pair with …
Eucalyptus to indicate looking out for a friend Lily of the valley to show that better times are on the horizon
HONEYSUCKLE - Lonicera
Meanings:
Devotion Affection
Origin:
Victorians claimed that sleeping with honeysuckle flowers under your pillow would cause you to dream of your true love. This belief may have originated with Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which Titania compares her slumbering with Bottom to the way a sweet honeysuckle encircles a barky elm: “Sleep thou, and I will wind thee in my arms … So doth the woodbine the sweet honeysuckle / Gently entwist; the female ivy so / Enrings the barky fingers of the elm. / O, how I love thee! How I dote on thee!”
Pair with …
Orchid to show gratitude for a gift you treasure Cornflower to show your true devotion to a loved one
HYACINTH - Hyacinthus
Meaning:
Please forgive me
Origin:
The hyacinth takes its name and meaning from Greek mythology. Hyacinthus, a beautiful young man, was beloved by Apollo. During a game of discus throwing, Apollo’s discus was knocked from its course by a jealous Zephyrus, striking Hyacinthus and killing him. Hyacinth flowers were said to have grown from the blood that fell from his head wound as Apollo begged his forgiveness.
Pair with …
Olive to ask for peace and forgiveness Pansy to indicate your betrayal haunts you
HYDRANGEA - Hydrangea
Meaning:
Boastfulness Heartlessness
Origin:
The hydrangea’s negative association with boastfulness and heartlessness comes from its bountiful and round blooms. Large and abundant, the magnificent flowers only produce a few seeds, supporting the notion that they are all show and little substance.
Pair with …
Tansy and petunia to indicate your displeasure at a recent turn of events Fern to reassure a friend that you will keep their secret indiscretion to yourself
HYSSOP - Hyssopus
Meaning:
Cleanliness
Origin:
The meaning behind hyssop can be traced to ancient Greece, where the flower was used to clean and purify temples. In biblical times, the plant was even used to treat leprosy. Its cleansing aroma is a welcome addition in bouquets representing a new beginning.
Pair with …
Lily and Queen Anne’s lace when housesitting to show you’ll keep things clean and tidy Jasmine to honor a friend for their cheerful and virtuous heart
IRIS - Iris
Meanings:
Valor Wisdom Faith
Origin:
The iris has long been associated with power and victory; the ancient Egyptians used the iris to crown the brow of the Sphinx. Years later, Clovis I, the fifth-century king of the Franks, won a significant battle after seeing irises blooming in a river. His soldiers adorned themselves with the flowers afterward, and the iris’s three upper petals were then said to represent the valor, wisdom, and faith that led to their success in battle.
Pair with …
Bluebells to show humility in victory Clematis to indicate admiration for ingenuity
IVY - Hedera
Meanings:
Fidelity Attachment
Origin:
This clinging, leafy vine winds itself around ancient trees. Even after a tree dies, ivy remains attached, unable to be separated from its eternal embrace.
Pair with …
Dahlia to honor a long-lasting relationship Hellebore to say that nothing will ever come between you and your partner
ASMINE - Jasminum
Meanings:
Amiability Cheerfulness
Origin:
Jasmine’s light and lovely scent, along with its elegantly shaped blooms, perfectly convey amiability and cheerfulness. It is often used in weddings and celebrations, especially in the Philippines, Pakistan, and Indonesia, where it is a native plant.
Pair with …
Iris to show admiration for a friend’s strength of character Crocus for a kind and generous loved one, or one with a particular zest for life
LADY SLIPPER - Cypripedium
Meanings:
Capriciousness
Origin:
These orchids are famously fickle and difficult to cultivate. Some can take over a decade to bloom, and few survive transplantation. Others, however—if left undisturbed—can live for up to fifty years.
Pair with …
Hawthorn for hope for a good outcome Snapdragon to encourage a friend in an unpredictable situation
LARKSPUR - Delphinium
Meaning:
Levity
Origin:
The distinctive seedpod of the larkspur is said to resemble the foot of a lark, hence its name. The lovely and light song of these birds lifts the spirit, just as the beautiful purple petals of the plant reach up toward the heavens.
Pair with …
Protea to indicate better days are ahead Begonia to assure someone that all past problems have been reconciled
LAUREL - Laurus
Meanings:
Glory Victory Success
Origin:
Ancient Olympic victors were crowned in wreaths of laurel—a tradition that was said to have originated with the Greek god Apollo. Pursued by Apollo, the nymph Daphne begged her father to protect her from his advances. Her father, Peneus, answered Daphne’s plea by turning her into a laurel tree. After seeing Apollo’s sadness at her transformation, Daphne is said to have crowned him with her leaves.
Pair with …
Oak and edelweiss to encourage bravery in new territory Chamomile for energy to overcome hardship
LAVENDER - Lavandula
Meaning:
Distrust
Origin:
Historically, lavender grew in hot climates, where asps—venomous snakes—frequently made their homes. Thus, the beautiful and fragrant flower could lure a curious person to their death. Some say the asp that killed Cleopatra was hidden in a bundle of lavender.
Pair with …
Foxglove to encourage a friend to reconsider their choices Datura to tell someone that you see through their facade
LILAC - Syringa
Meaning:
First love Reminiscence
Origin:
In Greek mythology, Pan, the god of the forests, was in love with Syringa, a nymph who feared his advances. To disguise herself, Syringa turned into a lilac bush. Pan, upon finding the shrub, cut its hollow reeds to form the pan flute, memorializing his first love. Victorian widows often wore lilac while in mourning over their late husbands.
Pair with …
Monkshood to honor your first true love Tulip to declare being in love for the first time Daisy and aster for the purity and innocence of one’s first love
LILY - Lilium
Meaning:
Purity
Origin:
In the Middle Ages, the lily became associated with the Virgin Mary. Paintings of the Annunciation—the announcement by the archangel Gabriel to Mary that she would conceive and be the mother of Jesus— often depict Gabriel giving the Blessed Virgin a lily, in honor of her purity.
Pair with …
Orange blossom for a wedding anniversary Sweet William to honor an act of pure generosity
LILY OF THE VALLEY - Convallaria
Meaning:
Return of happiness
Origin:
Saint Leonard, a hermit who lived in the forests of West Sussex, was said to have slain the last dragon in England. According to legend, the places where Saint Leonard battled the dragon are marked by lilies of the valley, which blossomed in clusters wherever the saint’s blood was spilled. Once he defeated the dragon, Saint Leonard was able to resume his life of happy seclusion.
Pair with …
Protea to transform a bad situation into a good one Yarrow to help soothe a broken heart
MAGNOLIA - Magnolia
Meaning:
Dignity
Origin:
The magnolia tree exudes dignity with its tall and hearty structure, its rich, waxy leaves, and its large, white blooms. Its flowers are often associated with the American South, where the tree grows to magnificent heights and endures scorching summers.
Pair with …
Belladonna to ask a friend to keep your secret Olive as a reminder to maintain your dignity in difficult situations
MARIGOLD - Tagetes
Meaning:
Grief
Origin:
When clouds roll in or night falls, the marigold curls inward and lets its head droop. When it opens again in the sunlight, its petals, wet with dew, appear to be crying. Traditionally, marigolds are used to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, when the spirits of the departed are believed to visit the living. This celebration is rooted in the Aztec festival honoring Mictecacihuatl, the goddess of the underworld.
Pair with …
Willow to indicate sorrow at the loss of a loved one Rue to apologize for the pain you’ve caused
MINT - Mentha
Meaning:
Consolation
Origin:
In Greek mythology, the naiad Minthe became enamored of Hades, the god of the underworld. Persephone, Hades’s jealous queen, turned Minthe into the common garden herb. Mint has been associated with consolation and mourning and was often used in funerary rites to mask the smell of the decomposing body. And so, while Minthe could not be with the god of the underworld, her consolation was to become a plant associated with death.
Pair with …
Passionflower for faith that circumstances will improve Cornflower to tell a friend they are thought of and loved during a difficult time
Meaning: - Surmounting all difficulties
Origin:
In Norse mythology, the beloved god Balder was haunted by dreams of his impending death, so his devoted mother, Frigga, made everything in nature promise not to hurt him. Sadly, she overlooked the mistletoe plant. Loki, god of mischief, created an arrow from the plant and tricked Balder’s brother into killing him with it. In her grief, Frigga begged the other gods to bring Balder back, which they did, proving he could surmount all difficulties, even death itself. The now common use of mistletoe as decoration during Christmastime is a holdover from Druidic winter solstice celebrations. The bright winter berry, cut from the oak tree, was seen as a symbol of hope during the darkest, most difficult time of year.
Pair with …
Amaryllis for the confidence to overcome a challenge Lady slipper to indicate your faith that the tides will turn in the recipient’s favor
MONKSHOOD - Aconitum
Meaning:
Chivalry
Origin:
Monkshood is linked to chivalry thanks to the shape of its purple petals: they resemble a medieval knight’s helmet.
Pair with …
Honeysuckle to show a friend you’ll do anything for them Dogwood or mistletoe to encourage a loved one during a tough time Cowslip to indicate you admire someone’s courage
MYRTLE - Myrtus
Meaning:
Love
Origin:
Perhaps due to their association with both Hathor and Aphrodite— Egyptian and Greek goddesses of love—the beautiful, sweet-smelling blooms of this evergreen are frequently used in wedding celebrations.
Pair with …
Dahlia for your one true love Carnation for a Mother’s Day gift
NETTLE - Urtica
Meaning:
Cruelty
Origin:
The stinging hairs of the nettle plant can cause painful rashes to develop on the skin. In Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, “The Wild Swans,” a young princess named Elise must save her eleven brothers after they are turned into swans by their spiteful stepmother. In order to break the curse, Elise is instructed by a fairy to gather stinging nettles and weave them into shirts for each of her brothers. As she works in silence, the nettles cruelly sting and burn her hands. Accused of sorcery for her strange behavior, Elise is sentenced to burn at the stake. Just before she is put to death, she throws the nettle shirts over her brothers, transforming them back into men. One shirt, however, is left unfinished, leaving her youngest brother with a wing instead of an arm.
Pair with …
Oleander to warn someone that their betrayal has been discovered Petunia to tell someone their apology has been deemed insincere
OAK - Quercus
Meaning:
Bravery
Origin:
The oak tree was perhaps the most venerated of all plants throughout much of early history. It has long been associated with brave and triumphant figures in many different cultures. In Greek mythology, the oak is the sacred tree of Zeus. In Norse mythology, it is the tree of life, revered by Thor. And in Celtic Druidic culture, the oak tree was important in many rituals and ceremonies, as it was the sacred tree of the pagan god Dagda.
Pair with …
Sweet William and monkshood for someone you admire Clematis to indicate appreciation for a leader in your life
OLEANDER - Nerium oleander
Meaning:
Caution
Origin:
The Victorians assigned the meaning of “caution” to the oleander, perhaps because the plant is poisonous, but also because of its association with the Greek cautionary myth of Hero and Leander. The two were in love, and although they lived on opposite sides of the Hellespont Sea, Leander swam across it every night to visit Hero. One night, during a violent storm, Leander died while trying to swim to his love in the rough waters. When Hero saw Leander’s body washed ashore, she called out, “O, Leander! O, Leander!” and drowned herself to be with him in death.
Pair with …
Azalea to warn someone they’re about to make a poor choice Sunflower to caution a friend against a bad investment
OLIVE - Olea
Meaning:
Peace
Origin:
To “extend an olive branch” is to offer reconciliation and peace. This phrase comes from the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark, in which Noah assembles an ark and fills it with pairs of animals before a great flood. After many days at sea, he sends a dove to search for land, and the dove returns with an olive branch in its beak, indicating land— and peace—are near.
Pair with …
Hawthorn and rue to ask for forgiveness Queen Anne’s lace as a housewarming gift
ORANGE BLOSSOM - Citrus sinensis
Meaning:
Eternal love
Origin:
The orange blossom was one of the most popular wedding flowers during the Victorian era; from simple ceremonies to extravagant galas, almost every wedding included the orange blossom. When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, she wore a headdress of orange blossoms. This flower’s association with eternal love can be traced to ancient Greece: when Hera married Zeus, she was given orange blossoms by Gaea, the ancient goddess of the earth and fertility.
Pair with …
Dogwood for an anniversary gift after a difficult year Ivy for a long-lasting relationship
ORCHID - Orchis
Meaning:
Elegance Beauty
Origin:
The orchid’s colorful, delicate, and shapely petals easily evoke elegance and beauty. The flower became an exotic luxury during the Victorian era, when only the wealthy could afford the expensive bloom.
Pair with …
Camellia for a friend you miss Magnolia as a gift for someone you admire
PANSY - Viola tricolor var. hortensis
Meaning:
You occupy my thoughts
Origin:
The name “pansy” comes from the French pensée, meaning “thought.” In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Ophelia remarks, “There’s pansies, that’s for thoughts,” while distributing flowers after the death of her father.
Pair with …
Chrysanthemum for a loved one going through a rough time Forget-me-not as a gift for a friend whose kindness and generosity you’ll never forget
PASSIONFLOWER - Passiflora
Meaning:
Faith
Origin:
In the sixteenth century, Jesuit missionaries came across the passionflower in South America. They believed the flower to be a symbol of the Passion of Christ. The ten petals represent the ten faithful apostles, the filaments the crown of thorns, the stamens the five wounds, the ovum the hammer, and the styles the three nails that pierced the hands and feet of Christ.
Pair with …
Edelweiss to indicate faith that someone will make the right choice, even if it is difficult Iris as a gift for a religious leader
PEONY - Paeonia
Meaning:
Bashfulness
Origin:
In ancient Greece, it was said that nymphs could turn themselves into peony flowers to avoid being seen by humans. Bashful creatures by nature, they wished to hide from mortal eyes. Likewise, even in full bloom, peonies’ petals curl inward, protecting their delicate centers.
Pair with …
Hyacinth and violet to apologize and ask for forgiveness Foxglove as a gift for a secret admirer
PETUNIA - Petunia
Meanings:
Anger Resentment
Origin:
Little is recorded about the origin of this meaning. The petunia is sensitive and easily damaged—perhaps like a person who is filled with anger or resentment.
Pair with …
Wormwood to indicate displeasure at an outcome Rosemary to show you will not forget someone’s wrongdoing
POPPY - Papaver somniferum
Meaning:
Eternal sleep
Origin:
The poppy is known for its narcotic effects; it is used to make the sedative opium. According to Greek myth, poppies grew in the land of the dead. They were associated with Demeter, whose daughter, Persephone, was the queen of the underworld.
Pair with …
Snowdrop for the loss of a loved one Dahlia to mark the grave of a cherished companion
PROTEA - Protea
Meaning:
Transformation
Origin:
The protea flower was named for Proteus, the son of the Greek god Poseidon. Like Proteus, who could change shape whenever he wanted, Protea is an extraordinarily diverse plant genus, able to take many different forms.
Pair with …
Laurel to congratulate a friend on their life-altering achievement Lily of the valley as a gift for someone recovering from an illness
QUEEN ANNE’S LACE - Daucus
Meaning:
Sanctuary
Origin:
The lacy fronds of Queen Anne’s lace fold together in a shield or nest-like shape, providing sanctuary and protection for their inhabitants. It is often called “bird’s nest” for this reason.
Pair with …
Cattail for a housewarming gift Apple blossom for a friend purchasing a new home
ROSE - Rosa
Meaning:
Love
Origin:
The rose flower has been closely linked to love in many cultures throughout history. Its lushly layered petals and sweet aroma may explain why. For the Victorians, the color of the rose indicated the level of affection: a white rose was for innocent love; a blush pink rose was for a blossoming romance; and a deep red rose for passion. In Greek myth, Chloris, the goddess of flowers, is said to have turned a beautiful, dead nymph into a rose. She invited Apollo to warm the bloom, Aphrodite to lend it her beauty, Dionysus to add sweet nectar, and the three Graces to supply charm, joy, and magnificence. Chloris called the rose the “Queen of Flowers.”
Pair with …
Baby’s breath for a wedding celebration Cornflower for hope in a new romantic pursuit
ROSEMARY - Salvia rosmarinus
Meanings:
Remembrance Wisdom
Origin:
Rosemary has been associated with memory since ancient Greece; to help them recall their studies, Greek scholars wore crowns of rosemary during their examinations. This symbolism was cemented with the help of Shakespeare. In Hamlet, during her famous “flower speech,” Ophelia mentions the fragrant herb: “There’s rosemary, that’s for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember.”
Pair with …
Crocus to reminisce about the past Clematis for confidence in scholarly pursuits
RUE - Ruta
Meaning:
Regret
Origin:
While the English word “rue,” meaning regre, and this plant’s common name are etymologically unrelated, the Victorians still used the bitter-smelling Ruta graveolens to indicate regret. Most often, rue was sent, not to express regret on the part of the sender, but as a warning or threat, as in, “You’ll regret what you’ve done.”
Pair with …
Hyacinth to ask for forgiveness Willow and chrysanthemum as a gift for a friend experiencing loss
SNAPDRAGON - Antirrhinum
Meaning:
Presumption
Origin:
Snapdragon’s link to presumption may derive from a medieval fashion practice: maidens would wear snapdragons in their hair to show they were not interested in unsolicited attention from men. The flower warned young men against presumption in a subtle and elegant way.
Pair with …
Asphodel to apologize for a lack of discretion Holly to indicate your oversight will not happen again
SNOWDROP - Galanthus
Meaning:
Consolation Hope
Origin:
One of the first flowers to bloom in the depths of winter, the bright white snowdrop is a sign that spring—and a turn toward better, easier days—is coming. Victorians loved this unique flower but warned against bringing it into the home. If brought indoors, it was considered a bad omen, perhaps even a harbinger of death.
Pair with …
Carnation for a broken heart Mistletoe to indicate endurance through difficult times
SUNFLOWER - Helianthus
Meaning:
False riches
Origin:
The ancient Inca believed this large, yellow flower to symbolize the sun god, Inti, and they decorated their bodies and temples in sunflower-shaped jewelry made of gold. As Spanish conquistadores arrived, they were impressed by this abundance of treasure, and when they saw a field of sunflowers, they believed, at first, they’d come upon a literal trove of gold. Their mistake led to the bloom’s association with “false riches.”
Pair with …
Bluebell and columbine to show humility for foolish past behavior Lavender to indicate distrust in a business partner
SWEET PEA - Lathyrus odoratus
Meaning:
Thank you for a lovely time
Origin:
Victorians gave sweet peas to thank their hosts for an enjoyable time. The flower’s light and sweet smell was believed to brighten the home and serve as a symbol of hospitality.
Pair with …
Hyssop and orchid to thank a friend for inviting you to their home Zinnia as a token of appreciation
SWEET WILLIAM - Dianthus barbatus
Meaning:
Gallantry
Origin:
The origin of this flower’s common name is uncertain; many have speculated that the bloom was named for various historical Williams —including William Shakespeare and William the Conqueror, among others—but no namesake has been confirmed. “Sweet William” was a common moniker for the gallant young men who featured in English folkloric stories and ballads.
Pair with …
Eucalyptus to show you will protect a loved one in the face of adversity Honeysuckle to indicate commitment to a relationship
TANSY - Tanacetum vulgare
Meaning:
Hostility
Origin:
The tansy’s folk medicinal uses may have given rise to its meaning. In the Middle Ages, the plant was used in high doses to induce abortion and treat intestinal worms. Because the plant made people ill, in Victorian times, sending a bouquet of tansy flowers was a way of declaring that the recipient had made the sender sick to their stomach.
Pair with …
Anemone for a spurned lover Snapdragon for someone giving you a difficult time
THISTLE - Cirsium
Meaning:
Misanthropy
Origin:
It’s no surprise that the spindly, prickly thistle is associated with misanthropy. Its meaning also has biblical roots: in Genesis, when God cast Adam and Eve out of Eden, God told them that thorns and thistles would grow from the land as part of their punishment.
Pair with …
Rosemary to indicate you see through someone’s facade Pansy to show you’re thinking of a friend going through a bitter separation
TULIP - Tulipa
Meaning:
I declare my love for you
Origin:
A Turkish legend tells of two lovers, Ferhad and Shirin, who long to be together, but whose love is forbidden. When Ferhad hears a rumor that Shirin has taken her own life, he kills himself in order to be with her for eternity. Tulips—symbols of his devotion—spring up where his blood is spilled.
Pair with …
Buttercup to indicate affection for a charming new love Ivy as a gift for a newly engaged couple
VIOLET - Viola odorata
Meaning:
Modesty
Origin:
The violet grows low to the ground with its head bowed: a picture of modesty. Originally the flower of Valentine’s Day, it is said that Saint Valentine, while jailed for attempting to spread Christianity, crushed violets growing near his cell in order to make ink. One legend claims he used this ink to write a letter to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had healed from blindness, signing it, “Your Valentine,” thus inspiring centuries of romantic notes.
Pair with …
Bluebell for a humble friend who means the world to you Laurel to show a friend you’re proud of their accomplishments
WHEAT - Triticum
Meaning:
Riches Abundance
Origin:
Thick stalks of golden wheat have long been associated with riches and abundance. In ancient times, large stores of wheat signified wealth, and a bountiful wheat harvest was synonymous with prosperity in the coming year.
Pair with …
Clover for good luck in a new venture Begonia to repay a favor
WILLOW - Salix
Meaning:
Mourning
Origin:
The weeping willow appears to be a tree in mourning; its branches are downturned and sorrowful. In Greek mythology, willows are said to mark the entrance to the underworld. This may further explain why these melancholic trees are often pictured on gravestones and Victorian mourning jewelry.
Pair with …
Forget-me-not and cypress for a funeral Gladiolus for a broken heart
WORMWOOD - Artemisia absinthium
Meaning:
Bitterness
Origin:
Wormwood has a long history of association with bitterness. The Greeks called the herb absinthium, which translates to “bitter.” Throughout the Bible, wormwood is mentioned several times, always in connection to bitterness. In the book of Revelation, it is written that a great star called Wormwood will fall from the sky and turn a third of all water bitter, causing widespread death.
Pair with …
Larkspur and hyacinth to tell someone that things aren’t as bad as they think Belladonna to tell a friend you’ll give them space
YARROW - Achillea
Meaning:
Cure for a broken heart
Origin:
Yarrow takes its botanical name and meaning from the Greek hero Achilles, who is said to have used a poultice of yarrow to heal the wounds of his men on the battlefield. Yarrow is an ancient healing plant with many medicinal properties; it is used even today to stop bleeding, treat fevers, and promote digestion.
Pair with …
Hawthorn for hope that things will get better Protea to indicate the tide will turn in the recipient’s favor
ZINNIA - Zinnia
Meaning:
Everlasting friendship
Origin:
Because zinnias are easy to grow and reseed with abundance, the Victorians associated them with everlasting friendship. A bouquet of zinnias was a common gift for a friend leaving on a trip. It was meant to convey that the friend would be missed and thought of frequently while they were away.
Pair with …
Jasmine to tell a friend they bring you joy Chamomile to show appreciation for a friendship that has survived adversity
A BOUQUET FOR FRIENDSHIP
Assemble this bouquet for a best friend, as a celebration of your friendship, to brighten their day, or to let them know they’re on your mind.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a teal chiffon ribbon:
Zinnia for everlasting friendship
Apple blossom for preference
Pansy for a friend you think of often
Eucalyptus for protection and to strengthen the bond of friendship, so that it may last throughout the years
A BOUQUET FOR COURTING
This is the perfect bouquet to share with a new love, to thrill them or to solidify your exclusivity.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a silky red ribbon:
Blush roses for a blossoming romance
Cornflower for hope in love
Sweet William for gallantry
Honeysuckle for devoted affection
A BOUQUET FOR MARRIAGE
This arrangement may be used by a bride walking down the aisle, as a gift for newlyweds, or as décor at an engagement celebration.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a white lace bow:
Red roses for true love
Ivy for fidelity
Myrtle for hope and love in marriage
Dahlia for commitment and eternal love
A BOUQUET FOR SYMPATHY
Assemble this arrangement for a loved one in grief, to commemorate a loss, or as a gift of tender affection during a difficult time.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a black velvet ribbon:
Chrysanthemum for condolences
Marigold for grief
Lily of the valley to show that better days are ahead
Cypress for mourning
Mint for consolation
A BOUQUET FOR REGRET AND SORROW
This bouquet is suitable for a loved one enduring heartache or separation, to comfort and console, or to remind someone that they are loved.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a thin black bow:
Asphodel to indicate your regret will follow you to the grave
Azalea for fragility in a difficult time
Snowdrop for consolation and hope of better days ahead
Rue for regret
Willow for mourning
A BOUQUET FOR APOLOGY
Use this arrangement to apologize for a wrongdoing or mistake, to ask for forgiveness, or to make amends.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a blue cloth braid:
Hyacinth to ask for forgiveness
Bluebell for humility
Peony for bashfulness
Olive branch to ask for peace
A BOUQUET FOR FORGOTTEN OBLIGATIONS
Assemble this arrangement to apologize for missing an important celebration or for forgetting a social engagement.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with green garland:
Columbine for foolishness
Rue for regret
Anemone for forsaken love
Forget-me-not to indicate you won’t forget again
Rosemary for remembrance
A BOUQUET FOR WARNINGS
This bouquet is useful for warning someone you distrust or indicating that trouble is on the horizon.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a bright red band:
Begonia for warning
Oleander for caution
Lavender for distrust
Foxglove for secrecy
A BOUQUET FOR BITTER ENDS
This arrangement is a final, lasting reminder of your departure from a friendship or relationship that ended poorly.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with twine:
Petunias for anger and resentment
Datura for deceitful charms
Tansy for hostility
Thistle for misanthropy
Wormwood for bitterness
A BOUQUET FOR NEW BEGINNINGS
This is the perfect bouquet to celebrate a new addition to the family or a new venture in someone’s life. It also makes a beautiful housewarming gift.
Combine the following in a bouquet fastened with a yellow tassel: Crocus for youthful glee Daisy for innocence and childhood purity Lilac for first love Baby’s breath for purity and innocence Wheat for riches
A
Abedul (Betula) – Mansedumbre, gracia Abelia (Abelia) – Devoción Abeto (Abies) – Elevación Abutilon (Abutilon) – Meditación Acacia (Acacia) – Amor oculto Acacia, Rosa (Acacia) – Elegancia, amistad Acacia de tres espinas, o gleditsia de tres espinas (Gleditsia triacanthos) – Elegancia Acanto (Acanthus) – Artes Acebos (Ilex) – Previsión, encantamiento Acedera (Rumex) – Paciencia, resistencia Acederón (Rumex patientia) – Paciencia Acer (Acer) – La sabiduría del equilibrio Achillea Erba-Rotta (Achillea) – Elegancia, amistad Achimenes (Achimenes) – Valor raro Aciano; también azulejo, aldiza, flor celeste, scabiosa, pincel (Centaurea cyanus) – Delicadeza, refinamiento Acónito, o anapelo azul, matalobos de flor azul (Aconitum napellus) – Caballerosidad Adam & Eve Raíz (Aplectrum hyemale) – Amor, felicidad Adelfa (Nerium oleander) – Tener cuidado Adenandra, o flor de china (Adenandra) – Refresco Adonis (Adonis) – El recuerdo del placer de la vida Agárico (Agaricus) – Fertilidad Agave (Agave) – La abundancia Agrimonia (Agrimonia) – Gratitud Aguacate (Persea) – Amor y belleza Aguacate, el árbol (Persea) – Alimento espiritual Ajedrea (Satureja) – Interés Ajedrezada (Fritillaria) – Majestad Ajo (Allium) – Coraje, fuerza, ponte bien, alejar el mal y la enfermedad Álamo (Populus tremula) – Superando el miedo Álamo negro (Populus nigra) – Coraje Álamo, blanco (Populus alba) – Tiempo Albahaca (Basilicum) – Los mejores deseos Albahaca dulce (Basilicum) – Buenos deseos Albaricoque (Prunus armeniaca) – Amor Albejana (Lathyrus latifolius) – ¿Irás conmigo? Albizia Julibrissin; también árbol de la seda, acacia de flores sedosas, acacia de Constantinopla (Albizia) – Calmar el espíritu, equilibrio espiritual Alcanforero (Cinnamomum camphora) – Salud, adivinación Alcaravea (Carum carvi) – Protección Alcea; también alcea rosea, malva real (Alcea) – Fecundidad, fertilidad, productividad Alchemilla (Alchemilla) – Mágico Alegrías, o alegría de la casa (Impatiens) – Amor ardiente, impaciencia Aletris Farinosa (Aletris Farinosa) – Protección Alfalfa (Medicago) – Vida Alfombra de Nemophila; también ojos azules de bebé (Nemophila) – El éxito Alforfón (Fagopyrum) – Dinero Alhelí de invierno (Matthiola incana) – Prontitud Aliso de mar (Lobularia maritima) – Valor más allá de la belleza Allamanda (Allamanda) – Celestial Allium, flor de cebolla (Allium) – Prosperidad, fuerza, unión Almendro, flor (Amygdalus communis) – Despertar, esperanza Aloe candelabro (Aloe arborescens) – Evanescente Aloe Vera (Aloe) – Sabiduría Alpiste (Phalaris Canariensis) – Perseverancia Alstremèria (Alstroemeria) – Devoción, amistad Altamisa, o matricaria (Tanacetum parthenium) – Calor, buena salud Altareina, o altarcina (Filipendula ulmaria) – Inutilidad Altea (Althaea) – Imbuido en el amor Altea de Siria; también rosa de Siria, suspiro, granado blanco, malva real de Sevilla, malvavisco arbóreo, avispa (Hibiscus syriacus) – Persuasión Amapola (Papaver) – Consolación Amapola, escarlata (Papaver) – Extravagancia fantástica Amapola, roja (Papaver) – Placer Amapola, blanca (Papaver) – Descanso, sueño del corazón Amapola, amarilla (Papaver) – Riqueza, Éxito Amapola de California; también campanilla, dedal de oro, escholtzia, rasete, raso, fernandos (Eschscholzia) – Libera el karma del pasado que todavía se mantiene dentro del corazón Amapola oriental (Papaver) – Tranquilo Amaranto (Amaranthus) – La inmortalidad, amor inmarcesible Amaranto, o moco de pavo (Amaranthus caudatus) – Sin esperanza pero no sin corazón Amaranto redondo (Gomphrena) – Amor inmarcesible Amarilis, o lilium belladonna, azucena rosa (Amaryllis belladonna) – Belleza espléndida Amarilis, o lirio de Santa Paula (Hippeastrum) – Belleza espléndida Ambrosía (Ambrosia) – Amor mutuo, amor devuelto Anemone (Anemone) – Expectativa, calmante, calma Angélica; también hierba del Espíritu Santo (Angelica) – Inspiración Anturio (Anthurium) – Hospitalidad Apocino (Apocynum) – Inspiración Apio (Apium) – Poderes mentales, lujuria Asafétida (Ferula) – Purificación Arándano (Vaccinium) – Cura del dolor de corazón Árbol balsámico (Impatiens) – Curación y celebración Arbol de Judas, árbol del amor (Cercis siliquastrum) – Amor Abrótano (Artemisia abrotanum) – Bromas Arce japonés (Acer palmatum) – Bendiciones Aro, o yaro (Amorphophallus) – Ardor Arroyuela, o salicaria (Lythrum) – Pretensión Artemisa; también artemega, ceñidor, yuyo crisantemo, hierba de San Juan y madra (Artemisia) – Dignidad, felicidad Asclepia; también algodoncillo, bandera española, platanillo, hierba María (Asclepias) – Dejame ir, renacimiento Asclepia, o flor de sangre (Asclepias tuberosa) – Cura de angustia Asfódelos, o gamones (Asphodelus) – Mis arrepentimientos te siguen hasta la tumba, lamenta más allá de la tumba Asperilla (Galium odoratum) – Humildad Asphodelin amarillo; también palo de Jacob, flor la lanza del rey (Asphodeline) – El pesar Áster (Aster) – El talismán del amor, la paciencia Aster (Aster grandiflorus) – Reflexión Aster de china (Callistephus) – Pensaré en ti Astilbe; también falsa barba de la cabra, Spirea falso (Astilbe) – Amor a primera vista, aún te estare esperando Astrancia (Astrantia) – Fuerza, Coraje Atropa belladonna (Atropa) – Silencio Aurícula (Primula auricula) – La pintura Ave del paraíso, o flor del pájaro (Strelitzia) – Libertad, Fidelidad Avellano (Corylus) – Reconciliación Avena (Avena sativa) – Musica del alma Azafrán (Crocus sativus) – Cuidado con el exceso, risa Azahar, naranja (Citrus sinensis) – Generosidad Azahar, flor (Citrus sinensis) – Amor eterno, amor puro Azalea (Rhododendron) – Cuidado, feminidad, romance
B
Babiana (Babiana) – Placer Bálsamo de Galaad (Cedronella triphylla) – Curación Bambú (Bambuseae) – Longevidad, riqueza, felicidad Banana, plátano (Musa) – Fertilidad, Potencia Baniano, o higueras de Bengala (Ficus) – Suerte, longevidad Baobab (Adansonia) – El arbol de la Vida Barba de Dios (Clematis) – Descanso, seguridad Bardana, o arctium (Arctium) – No me toques Bauhinia, o árbol orquídeo (Bauhinia) – Armonía, sincronización Begonia (Begonia) – Cuidado, pensamiento profundo Beleño negro, o hierba loca (Hyoscyamus niger) – Para que los hombres atraigan el amor de las mujeres Belide portuguesa (Leucanthemum vulgare) – Se paciente Bellota, Roble – Símbolo nórdico de la vida y la inmortalidad Bérbero (Berberis) – Nitidez, sátira Bignonia (Bignonia) – Belleza mandarina Blitum; también espárrago de los pobres, espinaca de Lincolnshire (Blitum) – Bondad Boca de dragón (Antirrhinum majus) – Fascinación, dama graciosa Bola de nieve, o Mundillo, Sauquillo (Viburnum opulus) – Invierno Bolsa de pastor (Capsella bursa-pastoris) – Todo lo que tengo es tuyo, te ofrezco mi todo Bonsai, árbol – Equilibrio, simplicidad, armonía Borbonia (Persea borbonia) – La memoria del amor Borraja (Borago) – Talento, valentía Botanera de Caracas (Browallia) – Admiración Brecina, lavanda (Calluna vulgaris) – Admiración Brecina, blanca (Calluna vulgaris) – Protección, los deseos se harán realidad Bretónica; también salima fina, savia (Stachys) – Sorpresa Brezal (Erica) – Soledad Brezo (Erica regia) – Tentación Bromelia (Bromeliaceae) – Riqueza, Éxito Brújula flor (Silphium laciniatum) – Fe Bryonia (Bryonia) – Prosperidad Bryonia negra, o nueza, nabo del diablo (Bryonia dioica) – Sea mi apoyo Buchu (Agathosma) – Poderes psíquicos Buganvilla (Bougainvillea spectabilis) – Pasión Buglosa; también viborera, chupamieles, hierba azul, lengua de vaca (Echium vulgare) – Falsedad Búgula (Ajuga) – Anima el corazon, salud Buvardia (Bouvardia) – Entusiasmo
C
Cactus (Opuntia) – Resistencia, afecto Cala; también cala de Etiopía, alcatraz, aro de Etiopía, lirio de agua, cartucho, flor de pato, flor del jarro (Zantedeschia aethiopica) – Belleza magnífica, Belleza femenina Calabaza (Cucurbita) – Tosquedad Caladium (Caladium) – Alegría, deleite Caladium, hojas (Caladium) – Alegría Cálamo aromático (Acorus) – Amor Calathea crocata (Calathea) – Llama eterna Calicanto (Calycanthus) – Benevolencia Calliopsis (Coreopsis) – Siempre alegre Calta, o caléndula acuática (Caltha) – Riqueza Camelia (Camellia) – Gracia, simpatía Camelia, azul (Camellia) – Tu eres la llama en mi corazón Camelia, Japonica (Camellia) – Excelencia Camelia, rosada (Camellia) – Anhelo Camelia, roja (Camellia) – Calidez innata, fidelidad Camelia, blanca (Camellia) – Amistad, gratitud, eres adorable Campanas de Irlanda (Moluccella laevis) – Buena suerte Campanula, o campanillas (Campanula) – Gratitud Campanillas de cantil (Campanula rotundifolia) – Delicada como esta flor Caña (Poales) – Música Caña roja, o archibebe, chamizo colorado (Adenostoma sparsifolium) – Paciencia Candelabra (Brunsvigia Orientalis) – Quedar asombrado Canela (Cinnamon) – Amor, belleza Canna indica; también achira, achera, sagú, capacho, biri, cucuyús, juquián, risgua, caña de India, caña de cuentas, cañacoro, flor del cangrejo, yerba del rosario, papantla (Canna) – Confianza en los cielos Capiquí, o pamplina, hierba gallinera (Stellaria media) – Me aferro a ti Capuchina (Tropaeolum majus) – Patriotismo, heroísmo Caqui (Diospyros kaki) – Hermoso lugar de descanso Cardamine, o berro amargo (Cardamine) – Error paternal Cardamomo (Elettaria) – Amor Cardencha (Dipsacus fullonum) – Austeridad Cardo (Cirsium) – Independencia Carpe (Carpinus) – Ornamento Castaño (Castanea sativa) – Hazme justicia Castaño de Indias, o falso castaño (Aesculus) – Lujo Catalpa árbol, o árbol Indio (Catalpa) – Cuidado con la coqueta Cattleya (Cattleya) – Encantos maduros Cebada (Hordeum) – Curación, Protección Cebollino (Allium) – Utilidad Cedro (Cedrus) – Yo vivo para ti Cedro, hoja (Cedrus) – Piensa en mi Cedro de Lebanon (Cedrus) – Incorruptible Celidonia, o golondrina (Chelidonium) – Alegrias por venir Celosia (Celosia) – Afecto jubiloso, creatividad Cenizo, o quinoas (Chnopodium) – Bondad Cerastio (Cerastium) – Simpleza Cereus, o aguacollas, gigantones (Cereus) – Genio modesto Cerezo, flor (Prunus cerasus) – Belleza de la vida, belleza espiritual Cerezo, árbol (Prunus cerasus) – Buena educación Cerezo ácido, flor (Prunus cerasus) – Belleza espiritual y femenina Cerezo de racimos, o cerezo aliso (Prunus padus) – Esperanza Cesto de oro (Aurinia saxatilis) – Tranquilidad Cetraria islandica, o liquen de Islandia (Cetraria) – Salud Chimaphila (Chimaphila) – Armonía Ciclamen, o artánita, pan de puerco (Cyclamen) – Modestia, la esperanza tímida Cidro, o citrón (Citrus) – Belleza natural Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) – Valor oculto Cineraria (Cineraria) – Siempre encantado Cinia (Zinnia) – Amigos ausentes, bondad Ciprés (Cupressus) – Muerte del ego, duelo Circaea (Circaea) – Fascinación Ciruela, flor (Prunus domestica) – Fidelidad, longevidad Ciruela árbol (Prunus domestica) – Mantener la promesa Ciruela árbol, salvaje (Prunus domestica) – Independencia Clarkia (Clarkia) – La variedad de tu conversación me deleita Clavel (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Fascinación, amor devoto Clavel, rosado (Dianthus caryophyllus) – El amor de la mujer, el amor eterno de la madre Clavel, rojo (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Admiración, amor divino Clavel, púrpura (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Capricho Clavel, color sólido (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Sí Clavel, blanco (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Dulce y encantadora, amor puro. Clavel, amarillo (Dianthus caryophyllus) – Rechazo Clavel coronado (Dianthus plumarius) – Afecto puro Clavel coronado, clavo (Dianthus plumarius) – Dignidad Clavel coronado, doble rojo (Dianthus plumarius) – Amor puro Clavel coronado, Indio (Dianthus plumarius) – Aversión Clavel coronado, Indio, doble (Dianthus plumarius) – Encantadora Clavel coronado, montaña (Dianthus plumarius) – Estas aspirando Clavel coronado, rojo (Dianthus plumarius) – Amor puro Clavel coronado, jaspeado (Dianthus plumarius) – Rechazo Clavel coronado, blanco (Dianthus plumarius) – Eres justo Clavel coronado, amarillo (Dianthus plumarius) – Desdén Clavel del poeta (Dianthus barbatus) – Galantería Clavelina de mar (Armeria) – Simpatía Clavero (Syzygium aromaticum) – Dignidad Clemátide (Clematis) – Intelectual, ingenio Clemátide vírgenes (Clematis virginiana) – Amor filial Clianthus, o flor de gloria (Clianthus) – Auto-búsqueda Clivia (Clivia miniata) – Buena fortuna Coco, árbol (Cocos nucifera) – Encontrando el tesoro interior Cola de león (Leonurus) – Amor secreto Cola de zorro (Eremurus) – Soportante Colombinas (Aquilegia) – Inocencia de María, Espíritu Santo, sabiduría Cólquico, o narciso de otoño (Colchicum autumnale) – Mis mejores días han pasado Comino (Cuminum) – Fidelidad Confeti blanco, arbusto (Coleonema album) – Purificación Consuelda, o consolida (Consolida) – Ligereza, corazón abierto Copaiba, árbol (Copaifera) – Vitalidad Corazón sangrante (Lamprocapnos) – Amor eterno Corchorus; también yute (Corchorus) – Impaciencia de la felicidad Cornejo (Cornus) – Amor no disminuido Cornejo macho (Cornus mas) – Durabilidad Coronilla (Coronilla) – Éxito para ti Correhuela, o cahiruela (Convolvulus arvensis) – Humildad Cosmos; también mirasol, coreopsis, girasol púrpura (Cosmos bipinnatus) – Alegría en el amor y la vida Cresta de Gallo (Celosia cristata) – Amor inmarcesible Crisantemo (Chrysanthemum) – Alegría, eres un amigo maravilloso Crisantemo, rosa (Chrysanthemum) – Enamorado Crisantemo, blanco (Chrysanthemum) – Verdad, amor devoto Crisantemo, amarillo (Chrysanthemum) – Amor despreciado Crocus, o la flor del azafrán (Crocus) – Alegría Cuscuta; también pelillo, tiña (Cascuta) – Bajeza
D
Dalia (Dahlia) – Por siempre tuyo, dignidad y elegancia. Daphne (Daphne) – Gloria Daphne odora (Daphne odora) – Dulces al dulce Datura, o chamico, floripondio (Datura) – Soñé contigo Dedalera; también guante de Nuestra Señora, estaxón, viluria (Digitalis purpurea) – Insinceridad, juventud Diente de león, o panaderos, ásteres (Taraxacum) – Oráculo de amor Digitales, o dedaleras (Digitalis) – Estaré contigo tan pronto como pueda Diosma (Diosma) – Elegancia simple, utilidad Disa (Disa uniflora) – Seducción Doca de Chile (Carpobrotus chilensis) – Elocuencia, tus miradas me congelan Dodecatheon (Dodecatheon) – Belleza devina Dracaena; también árbol dragón (Dracaena) – Poder interior Dragón verde (Arisaema dracontium) – Ardor Drosera, o rocío del sol (Drosera) – Rocío del sol Dulcamara (Solanum dulcamara) – La verdad, el amor platónico Durillo (Viburnum tinus) – Jovialidad
E
Ebúrnea (Gaultheria) – Ánimo Edelweiss, o flor de las nieves (Leontopodium alpinum) – Coraje noble, devoción Eléboro, o Rosa de Navidad, Rosa de Cuaresma (Helleborus) – Renacimiento Elecampana, o énula, helenio (Inula helenium) – Lágrimas Endine (Endine) – Frugalidad Endrino (Prunus spinosa) – Dificultad Eneldo (Anethum) – Buenos espíritus Epilobio de flor pequeña (Epilobium) – Pretensión, duelo Equinácea morada (Echinacea purpurea) – Fuerza y salud Eryngium; también cardo azul (Eryngium) – Independencia Escarlata fuchsia (Graptophyllum excelsum) – Gusto Escarola, o achicoria común (Cichorium intybus) – Frugalidad Escoba rubia, o retama negra (Cytisus scoparius) – Humildad, pulcritud Escobilla morisca (Scabiosa) – Adjunto desafortunado Espadaña; también gladio, anea, enea, totora (Typha) – Paz, prosperidad Espadaña, florecimiento (Typha) – Confianza en los cielos Espárragos, helecho (Asparagus) – Fascinación Espatifilo, o flor de la paz (Spathiphyllum) – Paz, pureza, armonía Espejo de Venus (Triodanis perfoliata) – Adulación, halago Espinca (Spinacia) – Fuerza interior Espino cerval, o cervispino (Rhamnus) – Deseos Espuela de caballero (Delphinium) – Trascendencia celestial Espuma del mar (Ammi majus) – Feminidad delicada Espumilla; también lila de las Indias, lila del sur, crespón, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) – Elocuencia Estepa, o Jara (Cistus) – Favor Estrella de Belén, o Leche de pájaro (Ornithogalum umbellatum) – Pureza, reconciliación Estrellada (Aster amellus) – Despedida Estrelitzia; también ave del Paraíso, flor del Paraíso, estrelicia, flor de pájaro, pájaros de fuego, flor de la grúa, flor de pajarito, flor de vergamota (Strelitzia reginae) – Regal, fabuloso Eucalipto (Eucalyptus) – Protección Eupatoria (Eupatorium) – Regeneración, Fortalecimiento Euphorbia (Euphorbia) – Persistencia Evónimo, o Bonetero (Euonymus) – Tu imagen está grabada en mi corazón
F
Flor de cera (Hoya) – Escultura Flor de cuclillo (Lychnis flos-cuculi) – Ingenio Flor de guisante (Pisum) – Reunión designada Flor de lis (Lilium) – Mensaje, llama Flor de luna, o amole (Ipomoea alba) – Sueños de amor Flor del Minero (Centaurea moschata) – Felicidad Flor de naranja de malezas, o halcones masticaría (Hieracium) – Visión rápida Flor de una hora (Hibiscus trionum) – Belleza delicada Flor del viento, u olor de zorro (Anemone nemorosa) – Sinceridad, simbolo de amor Flox (Phlox) – Nuestros corazones están unidos, almas unidas Forsitia (Forsythia) – Anticipación Frambuesa (Rubus) – Remordimiento Fresa (Fragaria) – Perfecta elegancia, perfecta excelencia Fresa, árbol (Arbutus) – Amor estimado Fresia (Freesia) – Amistad duradera, inocencia Fresno (Fraxinus) – Prudencia, Protección Fucsias; también aretillos, pendientes, zarcillos de la Reina (Fuchsia) – Amor humilde, frugal
G
Galax (Galax) – Ánimo Galanto, o campanilla de invierno (Galanthus) – Consolación y esperanza Galega, o ruda cabruna (Galega officinalis) – Razón Galio perfumado (Galium Triflorum) – Amor Garbancillo (Astragalus) – Confort, tu presencia suaviza mi dolor Gardenia (Gardenia) – Refinamiento, pureza Gelatina de estrella (Tremella nostoc) – Resuelve el enigma Genciana; también Hierba de San Ladislao (Gentianopsis) – Mira al cielo Genciana, flecos (Gentiana) – Valor intrínseco, miro al cielo Genciana, cerrada (Gentiana) – Dulce sean tus sueños Genciana Fritillaria (Fritillaria) – Orgullo virgen Geranio (Pelargonium) – Verdadero amigo, gentileza, mente tranquila Geranio, manzana (Pelargonium) – Preferencia actual Geranio, negro (Pelargonium) – Melancolía Geranio, hiedra (Pelargonium) – Tu mano para el siguiente baile Geranio, limón (Pelargonium) – Reunión inesperada Geranio, nuez moscada (Pelargonium) – Espero una reunion Geranio, hoja de roble (Pelargonium) – Amistad verdadera Geranio, hoja de lapiz (Pelargonium) – Ingenio Geranio, rosa (Pelargonium) – Preferencia Geranio, escarlata (Pelargonium) – Consolador, Consolación Geranio, hoja plata (Pelargonium) – Recordar Geranio, salvaje (Pelargonium) – Piedad firme Geum, o hierba de San Benito (Geum) – Purificación Girasol (Helianthus annuus) – Devoción, amor dedicado Gisófila, o nube de novia (Gypsophila paniculata) – Amor eterno, puro de corazón Gitam, o herba gitanera (Dictamnus albus) – Nacimiento Gladiolo (Gladiolus) – Fuerza de carácter, Generosidad. Glicina, o glicinia (Wisteria) – Bienvenido, poesía, amor duradero Gloria de la mañana (Ipomoea) – Amor, afecto Gloxinia (Gloxinia) – Amor a primera vista, espíritu orgulloso Godesia (Clarkia Amoena) – Sinceridad, fascinación Gordolobo, o maleza de algodón (Gnaphalium) – Recuerdo constante Granada, flor (Punica granatum) – Elegancia madura Grandiflora (Rosa) – Alma elevada Grosella (Ribes) – Anticipación Grosellero ornamental, o grosellero de flor (Ribes sanguineum) – Me satisfaces Guisante de olor, o arvejilla (Lathyrus odoratus) – Salida Guayacana (Diospyros lotus) – Resistencia
H
Hamamelis (Hamamelis) – Un hechizo Haya (Fagus) – Prosperidad Helecho, general – Fascinación, confianza, refugio, “Mi casa su casa” Helecho (Polypodiophyta) – Sinceridad Helecho (Pteridium) – Encantamiento, Magia Helecho, culantrillo (Adiantum capillus-veneris) – Lazo secreto de amor Helecho, regio (Osmunda regalis) – Ensueño Helenio (Helenium) – Lágrimas Helicriso, o flor de papel (Helichrysum odoratissimum) – Compasión Heliotropos (Heliotropium) – Devoción,Yo amo Hepatica (Hepatica) – Confianza Hibisco (Hibiscus) – Belleza delicada Hiedra (Hedera) – Fidelidad, amor casado Hiedra, hoja(Hedera) – Amistad Hiedra, ramita de zarcillos blancos (Hedera) – Afecto Hiedra, vid (Hedera) – Matrimonio Hierba (Poaceae) – Utilidad Hierba de Santa María, o balsamita, menta coca (Tanacetum balsamita) – Dulzura Hierbas de temblor (Briza) – Agitación Higo (Ficus carica) – Secreto, Longevidad Higuera de las pagodas, o higuera sagrada, el árbol Bodhi (Ficus Religiosa) – Despertamiento, Iluminación, Sabiduría Hinojo (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fuerza Hinojo silvestre (Foeniculum) – Refrescante Hipérico, o hierba de San Juan (Hypericum perforatum) – Inspiración Hisopo (Hyssopus) – Purificación Hop (Hops) – Injusticia Hortensia (Hydrangea) – Gracia Hosta; también planta de Lidia (Hosta) – Devoción Hustonia; también señoras cuáqueras (Houstonia) – Contentamiento
I
Iberis, o carraspique (Iberis) – Indiferencia Iris (Iris) – Sabiduría, fe, valor Iris, alemán (Iris) – Llama Iris, amarillo (Iris) – Pasión Ixia (Ixia) – Felicidad
J
Jacinto, azul (Hyacinthus orientalis) – Constancia Jacinto, púrpura (Hyacinthus orientalis) – Por favor perdoname Jacinto, roja (Hyacinthus orientalis) – Alegría Jacinto, blanca (Hyacinthus orientalis) – Encanto, rezaré por ti Jacinto de los bosques (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) – Gratitud, humildad Jacobina (Justicia carnea) – La perfección de la belleza femenina Jazmín, capa (Jasminum) – Alegría transitoria Jazmín, español (Jasminum) – Sensualidad Jazmín, blanco (Jasminum) – Amabilidad Jazmín, amarillo (Jasminum) – Gracia, elegancia Jazmín de Madagascar (Stephanotis floribunda) – La felicidad en el matrimonio Jengibre (Zingiber) – Fuerza Juniper (Juniperus) – Perfecta belleza
K
Kalmia, o Laurel de montaña (Kalmia latifolia) – Traición Karité, árbol (Vitellaria paradoxa) – Sanación de mente, cuerpo y espíritu Kennedia (Kennedia) – Belleza intelectual Kiwi, árbol (Actinidia) – Bendiciones de un futuro próspero Koekemakranka (Genthyllis afra) – Virilidad
L
Laburno, o lluvia de oro (Laburnum anagyroides) – Belleza pensativa Lantana (Lantana) – Rigor Lárice (Larix decidua) – Audacia Laurel, hoja (Laurus Nobilis) – Perseverancia, gloria Lavanda (Lavandula) – Devoción, amor Lavanda rosa (Lavandula) – Amor puro Lavatera (Lavatera) – Dulce disposición Lechuga (Lactuca sativa) – Corazón frío Lengua de serpiente (Ophioglossum) – Curación Lepidio; también mastuerzo, berro hortelano (Lepidium) – Potencia, Estabilidad, Confiable Liatris, o liátride (Liatris) – Lo intentaré otra vez Ligustro, o alheña (Ligustrum) – Suavidad Limón (Citrus limon) – Fervor Limón, flor (Citrus limon) – Amor fiel, discreción Líquen (Parmelia) – Soledad Lila (Syringa) – Belleza Lila, púrpura (Syringa) – Primer amor, humildad Lila, blanca (Syringa) – Pureza, Virtud, Símbolo de la Virgen María Lila, general (Lilium) – Pureza de corazón, modestia Lila, casablanca (Lilium) – Celebración Lila, día (Lilium) – Entusiasmo, emblema chino para la madre Lila, eucharis (Lilium) – Encantos de soltera Lila, imperial (Lilium) – Majestad Lila, escarlata (Lilium) – De alma elevada Lila, stargazer (Lilium) – Ambición Lila, tigre (Lilium) – Riqueza, Prosperidad Lila, agua (Lilium) – Elocuencia Lila, amarilla (Lilium) – Gratitud Lila Syringa (Syringa) – Seras feliz Lindera (Lindera) – Purificación, Prosperidad Lino, o linaza (Linum usitatissimum) – Siento tu amabilidad Linterna china (Physalis alkekengi) – Engaño Lirio (Iris Versicolor) – Dinero Lirio del Nilo (Agapanthus) – La carta de amor Lirio de día (Hemerocallis) – Madre Lirio de fuego (Cyrtanthus guthrieae) – Apasionado Lirio de lluvia, o cefirante (Zephyranthes) – Sinceridad, amor Lirio de los valle (Convallaria majalis) – Regreso de la felicidad, pureza de corazón, lágrimas de la Virgen María, humildad Lisianto (Eustoma) – Apreciación Lobelia (Lobelia) – Distinción, esplendor Loto sagrado, o loto indio, rosa del Nilo (Nelumbo nucifera) – Pureza Lunaria (Lunaria biennis) – Olvido Lupino (Lupinus) – Imaginación, siempre feliz Lychnis flos-cuculi, o flor del cuclillo (Lychnis) – Entusiasmo espiritual
M
Madreselvas (Lonicera) – Vínculo de amor, devoción Madreselvas, Coral (Lonicera) – El color de mi destino. Madreselvas, Francés (Hedysarum coronarium) – Belleza rustica Madreselvas, Mensual (Lonicera) – No responderé apresuradamente Madroño (Arbutus) – Te amo solo a ti Magnolia (Magnolia) – Dignidad, nobleza Magnolia, chino (Magnolia) – Amor a la naturaleza Magnolia grandiflora (Magnolia) – Sin igual y orgulloso Mahonesa, o alhelí de Mahón (Malcolmia maritima) – Amor eterno, belleza duradera Maíz (Zea mays) – Riqueza Majuelo (Crataegus monogyna) – Esperanza Malva (Malva) – Dulzura, gentileza Malva, pantano (Malva) – Beneficencia Malva, sirio (Malva) – Persuasión Malva, veneciano (Malva) – Belleza delicada Malva real, blanca (Alcea) – Ambición femenina Mandrágora (Mandragora) – Calmante, Rareza Mango (Mangifera) – Símbolo del amor, la fertilidad y la inmortalidad Mango, árbol (Mangifera) – Amor eterno Manzana, flor (Malus domestica) – Buena fortuna, preferencia Manzanilla (Matricaria recutita) – Paciencia Manzanilla del cabo (Eriocephalus punctulatus) – Transición Manzanilla de la muerte (Hippomane mancinella) – Traición Manzano silvestre de Siberia (Malus baccata) – Profundamente interesante Margarita; también chiribita, pascueta, vellorita (Bellis) – Pureza, amor leal Margarita, jardín (Bellis) – Comparto tus sentimientos Margarita, gerber (Gerbera) – Alegría Margarita, michaelmas (Aster amellus) – Despedida Margarita, roja (Bellis) – Belleza desconocida para el poseedor Margarita, blanca (Bellis) – Inocencia Margarita, salvaje (Bellis) – Lo pensaré Maravilla del Perú, o dondiego de noche (Mirabilis jalapa) – Timidez Marrubio, o hierba del sapo (Marrubium vulgare) – Bondad congelada Mejorana (Origanum) – Alegría, felicidad Melera, o flor de miel, acanto glauco (Melianthus) – Amor dulce y secreto Melia; también cinamomo, agriaz, agrión, amelia, árbol Santo (Melia) – Disensión Melisa (Melissa) – Diversión, simpatía Melocotón (Prunus persica) – Encanto inigualable Melocotón, flor (Prunus persica) – Mi corazón es tuyo, esperanza nupcial Membrillero japonés (Chaenomeles) – Símbolo del amor, sinceridad Membrillo (Cydonia oblonga) – Tentación Menta (Mentha) – Virtud, sentimiento cálido Menta salvaje (Menta longifolia) – Virtud Mercurial (Mercurialis) – Bondad Mesem, o Escarchada (Mesembryanthemum) – Ociosidad Mezereón, o matacabras (Daphne) – Amor en una corona de nieve, deseo de complacer Milenrama, o flor de la pluma (Achillea millefolium) – Cura para el corazón Mimbrera (Salix) – Franqueza Mimosa (Mimosa) – Sensibilidad. La flor de la amistad Mimosa sensitiva (Mimosa pudica) – Humildad Miñoneta (Reseda odorata) – Salud, tus cualidades superan tus encantos Mirra (Commiphora) – Alegría Mirto, o murta (Myrtus) – Amor Moco de pavo (Amaranthus) – Amor inmarcesible Mollo, o falso pimentero (Schinus) – Entusiasmo espiritual Monarda (Monarda) – Simpatía, virtud Monte Casino blanco (Aster) – Paciencia Mora (Rubus) – Curación, Protección Morera (Morus) – Sabiduría Moscatelina, o hierba del almizcle (Adoxa) – Débil pero victorioso Mosqueta, o rosa mosqueta (Rosa eglanteria) – Poesía, talento Mostaza (Brassica) – Inteligencia Muérdago (Viscum) – Supero todas las dificultades, bésame Muguete (Epigaea repens) – Bienvenido, hospitalidad Musgo (Bryopsida) – Amor maternal Musgo saxifrage (Saxifraga bryoides) – Afecto Myrica (Myrica) – Instrucción
N
Nabo de campo (Brassica rapa) – Caridad Nandina, o Bambú sagrado (Nandina) – Amor cálido Narciso (Narcissus) – Caballerosidad, respeto. También amor propio Narciso junquillo (Narcissus jonquilla) – Devuélveme mi afecto, ámame Neguilla, o arañuela (Nigella damascena) – Delicadeza Nepeta; también hierba de los gatos, menta gatuna, albahaca de gatos, hierba gatera, gataria, nébeda (Nepeta) – El afecto, la belleza Nerine, o lirio de Guernsey (Nerine sarniensis) – Alusión Nicotiana (Nicotiana) – Curación, Purificación Nigela, o arañuela (Nigella) – Delicadeza Ninfeácea, o nenúfar (Nymphaea) – Corazón puro No-me-olvides (Myosotis) – Amor verdadero Nopal (Opuntia) – Sátira Nuez (Juglans) – Intelecto Nuez de la India; también árbol candil, kukui (Aleurites Moluccanus) – Iluminación Nueza negra (Dioscorea) – Sea mi apoyo
O
Oca, o vinagrera (Oxalis) – Gozo Ojo brillante (Euphrasia) – Alegrarse Olíbano (Boswellia sacra árbol) – El incienso de un corazón fiel Oliva (Olea europaea) – Paz Olmo (Ulmus) – Dignidad Olmo americano, u olmo blanco (Ulmus americana) – Patriotismo Onagra (Oenothera biennis) – Recuerdos dulces Ononis, o gatuña, hierba toro, asnillo (Ononis) – Obstáculo Orégano (Origanum vulgare) – Gozo Oreja de conejo (Stachys byzantina) – Apoyo Oreja de león (Leonotis leonurus) – Euforia Orgullo de Londres (Saxifraga urbium) – Frivolidad Oropeles (Xerochrysum bracteatum) – Acuerdo, union Orquídea (Orchidaceae) – Belleza refinada Orquídea abeja (Ophrys apifera) – Trabajo duro, industria Orquídea abejera, orquídea de la araña (Ophrys sphegodes) – Destreza Orquídea de Darwin, Orquídea de Navidad, o Estrella de Belén (Angraecum sesquipedale) – La realeza Orquídea piramidal (Anacamptis) – Belleza refinada Orquídea salvaje (Orchidaceae) – Tu eres belle Ortiga (Urtica) – Unidad Osmunda (Osmunda) – Sueños
P
Palma, hojas (Arecaceae) – Victoria, éxito Palomilla de tintes (Alkanna tinctoria) – Purificación Passiflora, o flor de la pasión (Passiflora) – Fe Pata de vaca, o flor araña (Cleome hassleriana) – Fugarme conmigo Patata (Solanum tuberosum) – Beneficencia Patata, vid (Solanum jasminoides) – Tu eres deliciosa Pensamientos (Viola) – Risas, lealtad Peonía (Paeonia) – Compasión, matrimonio feliz, vida feliz Pequeño sello de salomón (Polygonatum biflorum) – Protección, sé mi apoyo Pera (Pyrus) – Afecto Pera, flor (Pyrus) – Ternura Perejil (Petroselinum crispum) – Festividad, gratitud Perifollo (Anthriscus) – Sinceridad Persicaria, o Nudosilla (Persicaria) – Restauración Pervinca, o vinca (Vinca minor) – Recuerdos tiernos, dulces recuerdos Petunia (Petunia) – Tu presencia me tranquiliza Pícea (Picea) – Esperanza en la adversidad Pieris japonica, o andromeda japonesa (Pieris japonica) – Fuego de las hadas Pimienta (Pimenta) – Compasión Pimpinela (Sanguisorba minor) – Disposición alegre Pimpinela escarlata (Anagallis arvensis) – Cambio Piña (Ananas comosus) – Eres perfecto Pincushion (Leucospermum cordifolium) – Aguante Pino (Pinus) – Esperanza, energía espiritual Pino silvestre, o pino serrano (Pinus sylvestris) – Elevación Pittosporum dulce (Pittosporum undulatum) – Afectos fraternales Planta de la plata, o monedas del papa (Lunaria annua) – Sinceridad Plátano de sombra (Platanus) – Genio Plumbago; también jazmín azul, jazmín del cabo, jazmín del cielo, celestinas (Plumbago) – Deseos espirituales Plumeria (Plumeria) – Protección Poinsetia; también flor de nochebuena, flor de Navidad, flor de pascua (Euphorbia pulcherrima) – Nacimiento de cristo Polemonio (Polemonium) – Baja a mi Poleo, o menta poleo (Mentha pulegium) – Vete, huye Polígala, o hierba de la cría (Polygala vulgaris) – Ermita Polipodio helecho (Polypodium) – Fascinación Potentilla (Potentilla) – Niño amado Primaveras, o primula (Primula veris) – Gracia, tú eres mi divinidad Prímula (Primula) – Infancia, amor joven, no puedo vivir sin ti Prímula, japonés (Primula japonica) – Amor eterno Primula Polyanthus (Polyanthus) – Misterio del corazón Protea (Protea) – Coraje Pulmonaria (Pulmonaria) – Eres mi vida Pulsatilla, o flor de Pasqua (Pulsatilla) – Estas sin pretensiones Pyxie (Pyxidanthera) – La vida es dulce
Q
Quina, o quinaquina (Cinchona) – Suerte
R
Ranúnculo (Ranunculus) – Resplandor, encantador, riquezas Regaliz, o regalicia, paloduz, palolú (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Yo declaro contra ti Remolacha (Beta Vulgaris) – Amor Repollo (Brassica oleracea) – Ganancia Roble (Quercus) – Libertad, hospitalidad Roble, hoja (Quercus ) – Valentía Roble de Jerusalem (Dysphania botrys) – Tu amor es reciproco Rocío, o escarcha (Aptenia) – Serenata Rododendro (Rhododendron) – Agitación Romanesco (Brassica oleracea) – Infinidad Romero (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Recuerdo, Devoción Romero, salvaje (Eriocephalus paniculatus) – Emociones cálidas Rubia (Rubia) – Calumnia Ruda (Ruta) – Gracia Rudbeckia bicolor (Rudbeckia) – Justicia Ruibarbo (Rheum) – Consejo Rus, o Zumaque (Rhus) – Adoración Rosa, (Rosa) – Amor, belleza, pasión Rosa austriaca – Eres todo lo que es encantador Rosa única – No me llames hermosa Rosas blancas y rojas juntas – Unidad Rosa, blanca – Soy digno de ti, amor eterno, pureza, amor espiritual Rosa, blanca, seca – La muerte es preferible a la pérdida de la virtud Rosa, blanca, marchita – Impresión transitoria Rosa rosada – Felicidad perfecta, dulzura Rosa rosada oscuro – Gratitud Rosa provenzal – Mi corazón esta en llamas Rosa amarilla – Amistad y alegría. Una rosa amarilla con 11 rojas significa amor y pasión Rosa púrpura – Encantamiento Rosa roja – Te amo, respeto Rosa descolorida – La belleza es efímera Rosa rayada – Calidez de corazón Rosa, hoja – Tu puedes esperar Rosas, ramo de plena floración – Gratitud Rosa negra – Muerte del ego Rosa bola de nieve – Solo para ti Rosa nupcial – Amor feliz Rosa burdeos – Belleza interior Rosa de repollo – Embajador del amor Rosa campion – Te mereces mi amor Rosa carolina – El amor puede ser peligroso Rosa china – Gracia Rosa canela – Sin pretensiones Rosa coral – Deseo Rosa diaria – Aspiro a tu sonrisa Rosa del damasco – Frescura Rosa carmesí oscuro – Luto Rosa perro – Placer y dolor Guirnalda de rosas – Recompensa de la virtud y la belleza Rosa Gloire de Dijon – Mensajero de amor Rosa de hibisco – Belleza delicada Rosa de cien hojas – Orgullo Rosa Inermis – Ingratitud Rosa japonesa – La belleza es tu único atractivo Rosa John Hopper – Ánimo Rosa La France – Encuéntrame a la luz de la luna Rosa lavanda – Amor a primera vista Rosa Maiden Blush – Si me amas, me encontrarás. Rosa Marechal niel – Tuyo, corazón y alma Rosa de mayo – Precocidad Rosa musgo – Virtud superior Capullo de rosa musgo – Amor confesado Rosa multiflora – Gracia Rosa Mundi – Variedad Rosa almizcle – Belleza caprichosa Rosa almizcle (racimo) – Encantador Rosa Nephitos – Infatuación Rosa naranja – Fascinación Rosa melocotón pálido – Modestia, la inmortalidad Rosa pompon – Gentilidad Rosa perpetua – Amor inmarcesible Capullo de rosa, rojo – Pura y encantadora Capullo de rosa, musgo – Confesiones de amor Capullo de rosa, blanco – Belleza y juventud, un corazón inocente de amor Rosa Sweetbriar – Simpatía Rosa de té – Siempre encantador, siempre recordaré Rosa sin espinas – Apego temprano, amor a primera vista Rosa salvaje – Simplicidad, Poesía Rosa salvaje geranio (Pelargonium capitum) – Equilibrio Rosa de navidad (Helleborus) – Hermoso año por delante
S
Salvia (Salvia officinalis) – Sabiduría, buena salud y larga vida Salvia azul de la montaña (Salvia Stenophylla) – Claridad Sandía (Citrullus) – Volumen Sanguinaria (Sanguinaria) – Amor protector Sarracenia (Sarracenia purpurea) – ¿Me comprometerás? Satirión verde (Platanthera) – Alegría Sauce llorón (Salix babylonica) – Desamparado, melancolía Sauce pussy (Salix) – Maternidad Sauco (Sambucus) – Compasión Sauzgatillo; también agnus-castus, el árbol casto, saucegatillo (Vitex) – Coldness Saxifraga (Saxifraga) – Afecto, admiración Scabiosa, o escapeosa (Scabiosa) – Amor desafortunado Sempiterno (Gnaphalium californicum) – Nunca cesar el recuerdo Secoya, árbol (Sequoioideae) – Eternidad, sabiduría antigua Sedum (Sedum) – Tranquilidad Serbal (Sorbus) – Prudencia Serruria florida (Serruria florida) – Vislumbre del amor Sevenbark (Hydrangea arborescens) – Pensamientos del cielo, pensamientos espirituales Siempreviva (Sempervivum) – Vivacidad, economía doméstica Silene (Silene) – Amor juvenil Silene viscaria (Silene viscaria) – ¿Bailarias conmigo? Smilax (Smilax) – Hermosura Solanácea (Solanaceae) – Verdad Spirea (Spiraea) – Victoria Staphylea, arbol (Staphylea) – Diversiones frívolas Statice, o estátice (Limonium) – Recuerdo Struthiola (Struthiola argentea) – Atractivo Suelda consuelda (Symphytum officinale) – Dinero Sumac, o zumaque (Rhus) – Esplendor
T
Tagete, o clavel moro (Calendula) – Pasión, creatividad Tanaceto, o tansi, hierba lombriguera (Tanacetum) – Resistencia Tarragón, o estragón, dragoncillo (Artemisia) – Altruismo, generosidad Tigridia, o flor de tigre, flor de un día (Tigridia) – Que el orgullo tehaga amigo Tejo negro (Taxus baccata) – Tristeza Tilo, árbol (Tilia) – Amor conyugal, la intimidad y atracción de los enamorados Tilo americano (Tilia americana) – Matrimonio Tojos (Ulex europaeus) – Amor para todas las ocasiones Tomillo (Thymus) – Actividad, Coraje Trachelium (Trachelium) – Belleza desatendida Tradescantia virginiana (Tradescantia virginiana) - Felicidad momentánea Trébol de cuatro hojas (Trifolium) – ¿Serás mía? Además, se cree que cada hoja representa algo: la primera es para la fe, la segunda es para la esperanza, la tercera es para el amor y la cuarta es para la suerte. Trébol amarillo (Trifolium dubium) – Despreocupación Trébol, púrpura (Trifolium) – Providente Trébol, roja (Trifolium) – Industria Trébol, blanca (Trifolium) – Piensa en mi, fe Trébol de agua, o el trébol de río (Menyanthes) – Reposo tranquilo Trigo (Triticum) – Prosperidad Trilio (Trillium) – Belleza modesta Trompeta trepadora (Campsis radicans) – Fama Tubérculo (Tuber) – Sorpresa Tuberosa (Polianthes tuberosa) – Sensualidad Tulbagia, o ajo silvestre (Tulbaghia violacea) – Saludable, sano Tulipán (Tulipa) – Amor verdadero Tulipán, rojo (Tulipa) – Declaración de amor Tulipán, jaspeado (Tulipa) – Ojos bonitos Tulipán, árbol (Liriodendron) – Felicidad rural Tulipán estrellado amarillo (Calochortus monophyllus) – Intuición Tusilago; también fárfara, pie de caballo, uña de caballo (Tussilago) – El amor maternal, cuidando Tuya (Thuja) – Inmortalidad, árbol de la vida Tuya occidental, o tuya del Canadá (Thuja occidentalis) – Amistad inmutable
U
Uva (Vitis) – Caridad
V
Valeriana (Valeriana) – Considerado, disposición complaciente Vara de oro (Solidago) – Ánimo Venus, o dionea (Dionaea muscipula) – Atrapado al fin Verbasco (Verbascum) – Buena naturaleza Verbena (Verbena) – Sensibilidad, ora por mi Verbena, rosada (Verbena) – Unión familiar Veronica (Veronica) – Fidelidad femenina Veronica, claveteado (Veronica spicata) – Semejanza Vezo (Vicia) – Me aferro a ti Vid (Vitis vinifera) – Abundancia, risa Vinagrera (Rumex acetosa) – Afecto, afecto parental Viola tricolor, o Pensamientos (Viola) – Piensa en mi Viola tricolor, púrpura (Viola) – Ocupas mis pensamientos Violeta africana (Saintpaulia) – Protección, fidelidad Violeta (Viola) – Fiel, virtud Violeta, azul (Viola) – Amor Violeta, blanco (Viola) – Modestia Violeta, amarilla (Viola) – Valor modesto Violeta citrina (Cheiranthus) – Fidelidad, amistad Violeta de Agua, o Flor de Bach (Justicia americana) – Libertad
W
Watsonia (Watsonia zeyheri) – Castidad, pureza
X
Xeranthemum, o flor inmortal (Xeranthemum) – Eternidad, la inmortalidad
Y
Yohimbe (Yohimbe) – Amor Yuca (Yucca) – Transmutación, Purificación
Z
Zanahoria, flor (Daucus) – No me rechaces Zapatito de Dama (Cypripedium) – Belleza caprichosa
INDEX - FLORIOGRAPHY - By Meaning
APOLOGY AND FORGIVENESS
Asphodel . . . My regrets follow you to the grave Bluebell . . . Humility; Faithfulness Columbine . . . Foolishness Foxglove . . . Riddles; Secrets Hyacinth . . . Please forgive me Ivy . . . Fidelity; Attachment Larkspur . . . Levity Marigold . . . Grief Olive . . . Peace Peony . . . Bashfulness Protea . . . Transformation Rue . . . Regret Snapdragon . . . Presumption Sunflower . . . False riches
ENCOURAGEMENT
Amaryllis . . . Pride Chamomile . . . Energy in adversity Clematis . . . Ingenuity; Cleverness Clover . . . Good luck Crocus . . . Cheerfulness; Youthful glee Dogwood . . . Our love will overcome adversity Edelweiss . . . Courage; Daring Hawthorn . . . Hope Heather . . . Luck; Protection Hellebore . . . We shall overcome scandal and slander Holly . . . Foresight Iris . . . Valor; Wisdom; Faith Larkspur . . . Levity Laurel . . . Glory; Victory; Success Lily of the Valley . . . Return to happiness Magnolia . . . Dignity Mint . . . Consolation Mistletoe . . . Surmounting all difficulties Monkshood . . . Chivalry Oak . . . Bravery Pansy . . . You occupy my thoughts Passionflower . . . Faith Protea . . . Transformation Queen Anne’s Lace . . . Sanctuary Rosemary . . . Remembrance; Wisdom Snowdrop . . . Consolation; Hope Yarrow . . . Cure for a broken heartFAITH AND SPIRITUALITY
Baby’s Breath . . . Purity; Innocence Bluebell . . . Humility; Faithfulness Carnation . . . Mother’s eternal love; Heartache Chamomile . . . Energy in adversity Cowslip . . . Winning grace Dandelion . . . Divination; Fortune-telling Fern . . . Magic; Secrecy Iris . . . Valor; Wisdom; Faith Passionflower . . . Faith
FRIENDSHIP
Apple Blossom . . . Preference Aster . . . Daintiness Bluebell . . . Humility; Faithfulness Buttercup . . . You are radiant with charm Camellia . . . Longing for you Cattail . . . Peace and prosperity Clematis . . . Ingenuity; Cleverness Cowslip . . . Winning grace Crocus . . . Cheerfulness; Youthful glee Edelweiss . . . Courage; Daring Eucalyptus . . . Protection Forget-me-not . . . Forget me not Hawthorn . . . Hope Heather . . . Luck; Protection Hellebore . . . We shall overcome scandal and slander Honeysuckle . . . Devotion; Affection Hyssop . . . Cleanliness Iris . . . Valor; Wisdom; Faith Ivy . . . Fidelity; Attachment Jasmine . . . Amiability; Cheerfulness Larkspur . . . Levity Laurel . . . Glory; Victory; Success Lily . . . Purity Lily of the Valley . . . Return to happiness Magnolia . . . Dignity Mint . . . Consolation Mistletoe . . . Surmounting all difficulties Monkshood . . . Chivalry Oak . . . Bravery Olive . . . Peace Orchid . . . Elegance; Beauty Pansy . . . You occupy my thoughts Rosemary . . . Remembrance; Wisdom Sweet Pea . . . Thank you for a lovely time Sweet William . . . Gallantry Violet . . . Modesty Zinnia . . . Everlasting friendship
GRATITUDE
Begonia . . . To repay a favor; A warning Honeysuckle . . . Devotion; Affection Iris . . . Valor; Wisdom; Faith Lily . . . Purity Oak . . . Bravery Sweet Pea . . . Thank you for a lovely time Violet . . . Modesty Wheat . . . Riches; Abundance Zinnia . . . Everlasting friendship
GRIEF AND SYMPATHY
Asphodel . . . My regrets follow you to the grave Azalea . . . Fragility; Temperance Carnation . . . Mother’s eternal love; Heartache Chamomile . . . Energy in adversity Chrysanthemum . . . Condolences Cypress . . . Death; Mourning Forget-me-not . . . Forget me not Gladiolus . . . You pierce my heart Hawthorn . . . Hope Hemlock . . . Death Lily of the Valley . . . Return to happiness Marigold . . . Grief Mint . . . Consolation Pansy . . . You occupy my thoughts Poppy . . . Eternal sleep Snowdrop . . . Consolation; Hope Willow . . . Mourning Yarrow . . . Cure for a broken heart
HEARTBREAK
Anemone . . . Forsaken love Azalea . . . Fragility; Temperance Basil . . . Hate Camellia . . . Longing for you Carnation . . . Mother’s eternal love; Heartache Chamomile . . . Energy in adversity Chrysanthemum . . . Condolences Cypress . . . Death; Mourning Daffodil . . . Unrequited love Datura . . . Deceitful charms Gladiolus . . . You pierce my heart Hyacinth . . . Please forgive me Hydrangea . . . Boastfulness; Heartlessness Lady Slipper . . . Capriciousness Lily of the Valley . . . Return to happiness Marigold . . . Grief Rue . . . Regret Snowdrop . . . Consolation; Hope Tansy . . . Hostility Thistle . . . Misanthropy Willow . . . Mourning Wormwood . . . Bitterness Yarrow . . . Cure for a broken heart
LOVE AND ROMANCE
Apple Blossom . . . Preference Buttercup . . . You are radiant with charm Camellia . . . Longing for you Chamomile . . . Energy in adversity Cornflower . . . Hope in love Dahlia . . . Eternal love; Commitment Dogwood . . . Our love will overcome adversity Edelweiss . . . Courage; Daring Eucalyptus . . . Protection Forget-me-not . . . Forget me not Hawthorn . . . Hope Heather . . . Luck; Protection Hellebore . . . We shall overcome scandal and slander Honeysuckle . . . Devotion; Affection Ivy . . . Fidelity; Attachment Lilac . . . First love; Reminiscence Lily . . . Purity Monkshood . . . Chivalry Myrtle . . . Love Orange Blossom . . . Eternal love Orchid . . . Elegance; Beauty Pansy . . . You occupy my thoughts Peony . . . Bashfulness Rose . . . Love Sweet William . . . Gallantry Tulip . . . I declare my love for you
PARENTS AND CHILDREN
Amaryllis . . . Pride Aster . . . Daintiness Baby’s Breath . . . Purity; Innocence Bluebell . . . Humility; Faithfulness Carnation . . . Mother’s eternal love; Heartache Crocus . . . Cheerfulness; Youthful glee Daisy . . . Innocence; Childhood; Purity Eucalyptus . . . Protection Heather . . . Luck; Protection Lily . . . Purity Myrtle . . . Love Queen Anne’s Lace . . . Sanctuary
WARNING AND DISPLEASURE
Basil . . . Hate Begonia . . . To repay a favor; A warning Belladonna . . . Silence Buttercup . . . You are radiant with charm Columbine . . . Foolishness Datura . . . Deceitful charms Fern . . . Magic; Secrecy Foxglove . . . Riddles; Secrets Hellebore . . . We shall overcome scandal and slander Hemlock . . . Death Hydrangea . . . Boastfulness; Heartlessness Lavender . . . Distrust Magnolia . . . Dignity Nettle . . . Cruelty Oleander . . . Caution Petunia . . . Anger; Resentment Poppy . . . Eternal sleep Rue . . . Regret Snapdragon . . . Presumption Sunflower . . . False riches Tansy . . . Hostility Thistle . . . Misanthropy Wormwood . . . Bitterness
WELL-WISHES AND CONGRATULATIONS
Amaryllis . . . Pride Apple Blossom . . . Preference Carnation . . . Mother’s eternal love; Heartache Cattail . . . Peace and prosperity Clematis . . . Ingenuity; Cleverness Clover . . . Good luck Cowslip . . . Winning grace Crocus . . . Cheerfulness; Youthful glee Dahlia . . . Eternal love; Commitment Daisy . . . Innocence; Childhood; Purity Edelweiss . . . Courage; Daring Eucalyptus . . . Protection Forget-me-not . . . Forget me not Hawthorn . . . Hope Heather . . . Luck; Protection Hellebore . . . We shall overcome scandal and slander Lady Slipper . . . Capriciousness Laurel . . . Glory; Victory; Success Lily . . . Purity Olive . . . Peace Passionflower . . . Faith Protea . . . Transformation Queen Anne’s Lace . . . Sanctuary Rose . . . Love Rosemary . . . Remembrance; Wisdom Tulip . . . I declare my love for you
INTRODUCCIÓN - ORIGEN SIGNIFICADOS.
Chrysanthemums are for condolences, rue is for regret, and rosemary is for remembrance.
The Victorian language of flowers—also called floriography— emerged as a clandestine method of communication at a time when proper etiquette discouraged open and flagrant displays of emotion. First emerging in 1819 with Charlotte de la Tour’s Le langage des fleurs, this coded “language” was used widely throughout the nineteenth century in both England and America and today is synonymous with Victorian tradition and culture. Flower meanings were taken from literature, mythology, religion, medieval legend, and even the shapes of the blooms themselves. Often, florists would invent symbolism to accompany new additions to their inventory, and occasionally, flowers had different meanings depending on the location and time. Young women of high society in this era embraced the practice, sending bouquets as tokens of love or warning, wearing flowers in their hair or tucked into their gowns, and celebrating all things floral. Many of them created small arrangements of flowers, called tussie-mussies or nosegays, by combining a few blooms in a small bouquet. Worn or carried as accessories, these coded messages of affection, desire, or sorrow allowed Victorians to show their true feelings in an enigmatic and alluring display.
As the era came to an end and the First World War began, the language of flowers faded in popularity. Traces of the tradition remain, however. We still use roses to convey love at weddings and on Valentine’s Day, lilies for peace, and mums for condolences. The elegance and beauty of flowers have not dwindled—only our knowledge of their coded meanings. I hope this book, apart from offering a view into the history of floriography, will encourage readers to look at flowers and herbs in a new way, perhaps assigning their own meanings to the blooms that inspire them most.
A respirar el aire embalsamado Antes que naica el alba pura, ven: El beso de las flores ha cambiado Nuestras auras en auras del Edén. Lamartine.
Las flores tienen un lenguaje elocuente que revela la creación, eleva el alma y está al alcance de todo el mundo; ellas tienen también otro lenguaje más misterioso y que no es comprendido sino por algunos iniciados. Los primeros hombres conocieron que la palabra no era siempre un medio de comunicarse; buscaron el modo de pintar a la vista sus pensamientos e inventaron jeroglíficos, imágenes de plantas, de animales, etc. Con una espiga de trigo significaban la cosecha, y por consiguiente la riqueza, la abundancia. La cizaña, planta que sofoca las mieses, simbolizaba el vicio; la más bella de las flores hasta entonces conocida significaba belleza. La Escritura Santa está llena de estas alegorías.
La civilización, perfeccionándose, creó nuevas necesidades: fue necesario desde entonces aumentar el vocabulario escrito, hacerlo más claro, más preciso: inventáronse los tipos. Los progresos de la civilización produjeron algunos vicios: el hombre abusó de sus fuerzas y sometió a su dominio los seres más débiles; las mujeres del Oriente fueron encerradas en serrallos, y para comunicar sus pensamientos sin que sus carceleros lo supiesen, imaginaron el lenguaje de las flores. Así, un lirio blanco significaba no me olvides; una margarita sencilla expresaba lo pensaré; una corona de rosas, recompensa a la virtud; una rosa marchita era un emblema de la desgracia.
También los paladines y las damas de la Edad Media adoptaron este idioma.
La naturaleza creó las flores, así como las mujeres, para brillar en este mundo, para encantar nuestra vista con su hermosura, nuestros sentidos con sus perfumes; a la vista de una flor, como al solo aspecto de una mujer, nuestros ojos se animan, nuestro corazón palpita, y parécenos tomar un nuevo ser; si hay en las palabras mujeres y flores un no sé qué delicado, tierno, armonioso, que halaga y seduce nuestros oídos, ¿por qué extrañar entonces las frecuentes comparaciones que los poetas y los amantes han hecho entre estas dos privilegiadas maravillas?
La brillantez, la suavidad, el colorido, las sensaciones, los amores de las flores han servido de emblema a la hermosura, a la gracia, al contento, a la virtud y a las pasiones de las mujeres. Las unas han llegado a ser el espejo fiel de las otras. Leemos en el seno de las flores todos los misterios que oculta el corazón de las mujeres. Las flores tienen su lenguaje, su elocuencia, su moral y su filosofía; filosofía dulce, amable, atractiva como la de las mujeres.
Hay dos maneras de emplear el lenguaje de las flores: pueden formarse ramilletes, ya dibujados o ya de flores naturales; pero en este caso el sentido es, algunas veces, difícil de comprender, y con mucha frecuencia se cometen equivocaciones leyendo una flor antes que otra cuya lectura debió preceder. Cuando se quiere dibujar un ramillete, es mejor colocar las flores separadamente o seguidas unas de otras, como en el ejemplo siguiente:
Clavel rosado. Jazmín. Rosa. Yedra. Mirto. PREFERENCIA. AMABILIDAD. BELLEZA. AMISTAD. AMOR. Preferid la amabilidad a la belleza, la amistad al amor.
La política se ha servido muchas veces de este lenguaje misterioso: usáronse el cardo en Escocia, la rosa encarnada y la rosa blanca en Inglaterra, en Francia la azucena y después la violeta para designar diversos partidos y principios. El autor del Poema de los meses, el desgraciado Foucher, encarcelado en tiempo del terrorismo, mitigaba con las flores los fastidios de su prisión. Antes de subir al cadalso, envió a su hija dos azucenas disecadas, emblemas de la inocencia de su alma y de la triste suerte que le esperaba.
Una flor tomada en su posición natural conserva su significación propia; invertida tiene un sentido contrario. El heliotropio, por ejemplo, quiere decir yo os amo; si se voltea hacia abajo, dirá yo os odio; una rama de alfalfa significa vida, invertida significará muerte; un botón de rosa encarnada con sus espinas y sus hojas dice temo, pero espero; vuelto dirá no hay que esperar ni que temer; si le despojamos de sus espinas significará es muy de esperarse; si de sus hojas, es muy de temer. Se puede cambiar el significado de casi todas las flores variando su posición.
La caléndula, por ejemplo, colocada en la cabeza, indica melancolía; en el corazón, celos; en el seno, fastidio. En fin, el pronombre yo se expresa tomando la flor con la mano derecha, y el pronombre tú con la izquierda.
Lo que es difícil de retener en la memoria es el sentido simbólico apropiado a cada flor. Se podría componer un diccionario muy extenso, pero no daremos aquí sino la lista de aquellas que son ya conocidas en el país, y cuyo uso es más frecuente entre nuestras amables sudamericanas.