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Narcissus – (normality – sweetness – vanity – self-esteem) from the Greek Narkissos meaning (numbness – sleep)

The name narcissus is derived from Greek mythology, and the recounts the tale of a young man named Narcissus, who knelt by the river bank and gazed into a pool of water. Narcissus  became so obsessed with his own reflection, he fell into the water and drowned. From the spot where Narcissus died, the narcissus grew.

Nasturtium – (victory – battle – conquest), nasturtium (“nose-twister”) or (“nose-tweaker”)

In some countries the nasturtium leaves are used as food, the name Tropaeolum majus, is Latin for trophy, a reference to war. Nasturtium have showy, often intensely bright flowers and rounded, shield-shaped leaves.

Orange Blossom – (innocence, fruitfulness – marriage – innocence – good fortune)

Orange blossom is the state flower of Florida, and a favourite of brides either to carry or wear in their hair and is used for headresses. Citrus-scented rosewater is made from the petals of orange blossom. Orange blossom water is used as a common additive to food in various cultures.

Orchid – (charm – maturity – love – beauty – children – thoughtfulness)

The English name comes from the flower name, from Greek orkhis, meaning “testicle,” from Proto-Indo-European orghi, given its name because of the shape of its root. The orchid’s popularity remains constant.

Pansy – called the “heartsease” or “Johnny Jump Up – (merriment – thoughtfulness)

The name pansy is from the French word pensée meaning “thought,” named so because the flower resembles a human face. Each year in August, as though it is in deep thought, the pansy nods.

Peony Flower Symbolism

Peony flower symbolism the flower symbolism associated with the peony is happy marriage, compassion and bashfulness. Peonies are extensively grown as ornamental plants for their very large, often scented flowers. The English name is derived from the flower name, peony, which was named after the physician god Paeon because the flower was formerly used in medicine. Peonies tend to attract ants to the flower buds due to the nectar that forms. Peonies are herbaceous plants or woody shrubs with red, white or yellow flowers.

Petunia – (soothing)

The petunia Capital of the world, is Dixon, Illinois, where the Petunia Festival is held. All the streets are lined with petunias. Petunia’s are related to chillis, tobacco and tomatoes

Poinsettia – (purity – celebration – Christmas)

Poinsettias are also known as the “Christmas flower” and “Mexican flame leaf.” Poinsettias originally came from Mexico and Central America. A Christmas legend tells the tale of a poverty stricken child, too poor to buy a present for the Christ child, who plucked a weed from the side of the road. The plant magically blossomed into red and green flowers just as he entered the church.

Poppy – (beauty – magic – consolation – fertility – eternal life)

Poppies were used by the Egyptians to decorate burial tombs, and for funerals. Poppies are synonymous with sleep and rest. Poppies were used by the Greeks in the shrines of the goddess of fertility, Demeter, and the goddess of the hunt, Diana. Poppies are an emblem of those who died in World War I.

Pussy Willow (motherhood)

Pussy willows sprout during the first signs of spring, and if picked just as the buds expend in spring it can last indefinitely when dried. They are a popular flower to be used in the home for decoration.

Rhododendron – (caution – beware – be alert) (rhododendron means “rose tree”

The rhododendron’s symbolism is caution, beware, be alert, this is due to its properties which are toxic to animals, it is also a hallucogen and affects humans as a laxative. There are over a thousand species of rhododendrons, and It is the state flower of West Virginia, Washington USA, and the national flower of Nepal.

Rose – (love – remembrance – beauty)

The rose is always associated with love and romance, the meaning of roses red/passion, white/purity, pink/happiness, be careful who you give a yellow rose to yellow/infidelity. Roses were introduced to Europe during the Roman Empire and predominantly used for decoration.  Roses were first cultivated 5,000 years ago in Asian gardens, and Confucius declared that the emperor of China owned more than 600 books on the cultivation of roses. It is thought that the name Rose is a short form of a Germanic name which contained the word. Roses are emblems of England and New York City, it is thought the name rose has Germanic origins.

Shamrock (good luck – the luck of the Irish – lightheartedness – good fortune)

The shamrock is a symbol of the Republic of Ireland, and symbolic of St. Patrick’s Day, with its traditional celebration on 17th March. In Victorian times it was used for its medicinal properties, it was also displayed in homes for luck.

Snapdragon Flower Symbolism

The flower symbolism associated with snapdragons is graciousness and strength. The snapdragon is important as a model organism in botanical research, its genome has been studied in detail. The name literally means “like a nose” in Ancient Greek. Snapdragons are perennials that do best in full or partial sun.

Sunflower – (adoration – haughtiness)

Sunflowers belong to the genus helianthus (a reference to the sun god, Helios) they turn their heads to the sun, the origin of their name. Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are the state flower of Kansas, when cultivated they can reach a height of twenty feet, and is known as one of the fastest growing plants in the world.

Sweet Pea – (bliss – pleasure – farewell – adieu – leaving – thank you)

Sweet peas were the emblem for Edwardian England, and were an extremely popular flower in the late 1800s. As sweet peas are associated with the month of April they are a lovely gift for someone who’s birthday falls in this month.

Tulip – (fame – perfect love) – (the national symbol of Holland) – (in Latin “tulipa”)

Red tulips mean “believe me,” and they are a declaration of love, variegated tulips mean “you have beautiful eyes.” Cream tulips mean “I will love you forever.”

Verbena – (sensibility – prayer) )(native to the American continent and Europe

Healers have been using Verbena in potions and tonics for centuries, it is most often  used as a tea. It is grown as a honey plant, supplying bees with nectar. Verbena has been used by apothecaries and healers, verbena is also used as a protection against vampires.

Violet – (faithfulness – happiness – love – virtue – modesty – loving watchfulness) – derived from the Latin word “viola” meaning (“violet colour”) of (“violet flower”).

The beautiful violet is often used in cooking and works especially well as a chocolate filling, or for toppings, and delectable desserts are made using essence of violet flowers. The violet flower is often used for decorating the dinner table because of its vivid colouring.

Wisteria – (named after the eighteenth century Philadelphia physician, Caspar Wistar), meaning – (spontaneity – welcoming – playfulness)

Wisteria is named  the “Purple Vine” in China, the petals shade from the strong dark purple tip, to the light pink at the open base. Any support is suitable for the steadily climbing Wisteria vines that wind themselves either clockwise or counter clockwise.

Zinnia – (Named after the German botanist Johann Zinn), meaning – affection -constancy – goodness – remembrance – friendship.

Zinnias were discovered in the early 1500s in the Mexican wilderness, because of their unattractive appearance, their Aztec name meant “eyesore.” They are the state flower of Indiana. After the zinnia went through a metamorphosis, the name Cinderella was often used.