In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it's the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Your florist can help you send the right message. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or color that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives. For those interested in the historic meanings of flowers, the Society of American Florists has compiled this list from a variety of different sources:
| Alstroemeria | aspiring |
| Amaryllis | dramatic |
| Anemone | fragile |
| Apple Blossom | promis |
| Aster | contentment |
| Azalea | abundance |
| Baby's Breath | festivity |
| Bachelor Button | anticipation |
| Begonia | deep thoughts |
| Black-Eyed Susan | encouragement |
| Camellia | graciousness |
| Carnation | |
| pink | gratitude |
| red | flashy |
| striped | refusal |
| white | remembrance |
| yellow | cheerful |
| Chrysanthemum | |
| bronze | excitement |
| white | truth |
| red | sharing |
| yellow | secret admirer |
| Cosmos | peaceful |
| Crocus | foresight |
| Daffodil | chivalry |
| Delphinium | boldness |
| Daisy | innocence |
| Freesia | spirited |
| Forget-Me-Not | remember me forever |
| Gardenia | joy |
| Geranium | comfort |
| Ginger | proud |
| Gladiolus | strength of character |
| Heather | solitude |
| Hibiscus | delicate beauty |
| Holly | domestic happiness |
| Hyacinth | sincerity |
| Hydrangea | perseverance |
| Iris | inspiration |
| Ivy | fidelity |
| Jasmine | grace and elegance |
| Larkspur | beautiful spirit |
| Lavender | distrust |
| Lilac | first love |
| Lily | |
| Calla | regal |
| Casablanca | celebration |
| Day | enthusiasm |
| Stargazer | ambition |
| Lisianthus | calming |
| Magnolia | dignity |
| Marigold | desire for riches |
| Nasturtium | patriotism |
| Orange Blossom | fertility |
| Orchid | delicate beauty |
| Pansy | loving thoughts |
| Passion flower | passion |
| Peony | healing |
| Poppy | consolation |
| Queen Anne's Lace | delicate femininity |
| Ranunculus | radiant |
| Rhododendron | beware |
| Rose | |
| pink | friendship |
| red | passionate love |
| red & white | unity |
| white | purity |
| yellow | zealous |
| Snapdragon | presumptuous |
| Star of Bethlehem | hope |
| Stephanotis | good luck |
| Statice | success |
| Sunflower | adoration |
| Sweetpea | shyness |
| Tuberose | pleasure |
| Tulip | |
| pink | caring |
| purple | royalty |
| red | declaration of love |
| white | forgiveness |
| yellow | hopelessly in love |
| Violet | faithfulness |
| Wisteria | steadfast |
| Yarrow | good health |
| Zinnia | thoughts of friends |
