
05 Feb The Language of Flowers
Flowers have always been more than just beautiful decorations; they are natural poetry, a way of speaking without words. Long before text messages and emojis, people used flowers to express their emotions, love, gratitude, sorrow, or even a secret message meant for only one pair of eyes. This is the magic of floriography, the language of flowers, where every bloom holds a meaning and every bouquet tells a story.
At Penny Blooms & Beans, we believe in the power of flowers to communicate what words sometimes cannot. Whether it’s a carefully chosen stem slipped into a bouquet or a grand floral arrangement meant to make a statement, each petal carries intention.
Though flowers have held symbolic meanings for centuries from ancient Egypt to Renaissance Europe, it was during the Victorian era (1837-1901) that floriography became a true art form. In a time when etiquette and social constraints dictated behavior, emotions that could not be openly expressed found a discreet voice in flowers. Lovers, friends, and even rivals exchanged bouquets rich with coded messages, each bloom carefully selected for its meaning.
Victorians carried floriography dictionaries, where hundreds of flowers were assigned specific sentiments. A red rose signified deep love, while a yellow rose could mean jealousy or friendship, depending on the arrangement. White lilies stood for purity, lavender whispered devotion, and a sprig of thyme suggested courage.
Historical figures had their own floral preferences, and their choices spoke volumes. As the woman who ruled the Victorian era, Queen Victoria adored violets, a flower symbolising modesty and faithfulness. She also chose orange blossoms for her wedding bouquet, a tradition that continues today in royal weddings. Orange blossoms symbolise eternal love and purity; fitting choice for a queen who was deeply devoted to her husband, Prince Albert.
The Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, was known for her love of roses, particularly pink roses, which signified grace and elegance. She also loved tuberoses, a fragrant white flower associated with dangerous pleasures and passion perhaps a reflection of the excess and indulgence of Versailles.
Oscar Wilde popularised the green carnation, often worn on his lapel. While carnations typically symbolised fascination and distinction, the green-dyed version became a coded symbol of his identity.
The beloved Jane Austen had a deep affection for primroses, which symbolise young love and renewal. She also admired lilacs, a flower representing first emotions of love, themes that frequently appeared in her novels.
Napoleon was so fond of violets that they became his personal emblem. After his exile, his supporters would wear violets as a secret sign of allegiance, referencing his promise to return when the violets bloom. This made violets a symbol of loyalty and remembrance. And his eternal love, his first wife, Empress Josephine, adored roses and cultivated over 250 varieties in her famous gardens at Chateau de Malmaison. She transformed Malmaison into one of the most extraordinary gardens in France. And many of today’s modern roses can trace their lineage back to her garden. Today, Chateau de Malmaison is a museum dedicated to Napoleon and Josephine, showcasing the botanical legacy along with their art.
If you are intrigued by floriography, you will love Vanessa Diffenbaugh’s bestselling novel, The Language of Flowers or the 2022 film adaptation of the novel. The movie follows Victoria Jones, a young woman who has spent her life in the foster care system, struggling to form emotional connections. But she finds solace in the Victorian language of flowers, using her knowledge to help others communicate feelings they cannot put into words. As she builds a career as a florist, she must also confront her own past and heal the wounds she carries. This film beautifully showcases how flowers are more than just gifts, they are messengers of love, regret, hope, and second chances.
Did you know?
Floriography has long been used as a covert communication tool, including in espionage. Throughout history, spies, resistance fighters, and secret societies have used flowers as coded messages to avoid detection. During times of war and espionage, agents sometimes used flower arrangements as coded messages. Certain flowers or placements could indicate danger, orders, or safe meeting places. Daisies in the window, safe to meet. Wilted fern; ‘enemy nearby’. Wilted rose left on a windowsill; ‘the mission has failed’. Fresh carnation pinned to a lapel; ‘proceed with the plan’.
Next time you gift (or receive!) flowers, take a moment to consider their language. What are they saying? What emotions do they hold? In a world that moves fast, flowers remind us to slow down, to feel, and to connect in the most beautiful way. Think beyond color and scent;
Want to express admiration? Orchids do that beautifully.
Hoping to lift someone’s spirits? Yellow tulips bring cheerful energy.
A single hydrangea can be a quiet thank-you, while a cluster of daisies offers a reminder of innocence and joy.
We hope you enjoy our pages about floriography and somehow create a chance to stop the time and get lost in this language…
Warm regards,
Ayca Paksoy Sozen