The Hidden Meaning of Plants - Garden - Organic Pathways - Your Online Guide to Organics in Aotearoa New Zealand

For centuries, plants have had special meanings attached to them. These meanings have been used to show emotions and give messages in a non-verbal form, whether through the giving of a posy or through paintings, embroidery and the like.

They can declare love, hate, sorrow, joy and a myriad of other emotions. Many plants or flowers have more than one meaning. White often signifies purity, red is associated with love while yellow can often be connected with the more negative side of human nature. If an iris is included in an arrangement it signifies there is a message to be found.

flowers

azalea……………. ………..temperance

snowdrop……………. …….hope

yellow rose…………………jealousy

crocus………………………cheerfulness

red tulip …………………….ardent love

pink rose……………………grace

daffodil………………………regard

petunia……………………..don’t despair

polyanthus………………….confidence

honeysuckle………………..sweetness of disposition

cornflower…………………..celibacy

blue violet…………………..faithfulness

white daisy………………….innocence

clematis……………………..mental beauty

pansy………………………..thoughts

foxglove……………………..insincerity

red rose……………………..love

rhododendron………………danger

nasturtium…………………..victory in battle

herbs

sage…………………………esteem

fennel………………………..worthy of praise

parsley……………………….festivity

mint…………………………..virtue

coriander…………………….hidden worth

borage……………………….bluntness

rosemary…………………….remembrance

thyme…………………………courage