Mother’s Day and flowers. What better way for a mother to be recognized on her day? Flowers say it best.
Flowers may not vocalize, but they do have a language all their own. Now, understand that the interpretation of the language depends on the source and in many cases the sources do not harmonize in the meanings of the various colors. This lets the flower giver have considerable leeway in the message sent along with the flowers. The language of flowers in today’s column has been gleaned from several sources: flowermag.com, The Old Farmer’s Almanac, flowerslib.com.
Below are some flowers that can be found in the garden, grocers’ floral departments, florist’s shops, and even box stores. The common name of the flower is listed in alphabetical order and the meanings assigned to the flower and color to the right of the flower.
Azalea
White Love, romance Pink Love, romance Baby’s breath Everlasting Love Carnation
Pink I’ll never forget you Red My heart aches for you White Sweet, lovely Chrysanthemum Joy, optimism, long life Daylily Chinese emblem for mother Hibiscus Delicate beauty Hydrangea Gratitude for being understood Peony Bashful, Happy life Roses
Pink Sweetheart Grace, beauty, love Hot pink Reward of virtue Red I love you Yellow Friendship, love White Unity, love Snapdragon Graciousness Tulip
Yellow Sunshine in your smile Red Passion, Declaration of love Violet Faithfulness, love, modesty Yarrow Everlasting love Zinnia Thoughts of absent friends, Lasting affection To complete your gift of flowers for Mother’s Day, include a message explaining the meaning of the flowers they have been given.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our readers!
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
