Saying It with Flowers

When my mom was in high school, her boyfriend brought her a thoughtful faux pas of a gift: gladioluses, a common funeral flower at the time.  In telling the story, she always mentions how sweet he was, but ends with, "Uggggh.  He pulled gladioluses out of his hot trunk.  I could have sworn he stole them from a grave."  The sentiment was appreciated, but a little more research (or a question or two to the florist) would have gotten the poor guy more mileage with the gift.

Though fewer people out there are as versed in flowers and etiquette as my mom is (and was as a teenager), it's always better to be on the safe side when sending flowers. Here are some of the meanings for the most popular types of flowers to send:

• Amaryllis - Pride, Pastoral Poetry
• Aster - Symbol of Love, Daintiness
• Begonia - Beware
• Cactus - Endurance
• Camellia - Longing for you, You're a Flame in My Heart, You're Adorable
• Carnation - Fascination, Woman Love
• Chrysanthemum - You're a Wonderful Friend, Cheerfulness and Rest
• Crocus - Cheerfulness
• Daffodil - Regard, Unrequited Love, You're the Only One, The Sun is Always Shining when I'm with You
• Daisy - Innocence, Loyal Love, I'll Never Tell, Purity
• Forget-Me-Not - True Love, Memories
• Forsythia - Anticipation
• Gardenia - You're Lovely, Secret Love
• Gladiolus - Give Me a Break, I'm Really Sincere, Flower of the Gladiators
• Heather - Admiration, Solitude, Protection, Wishes Will Come True
• Hydrangea - Thank You for Understanding, Frigidity, Heartlessness
• Iris - Fleur-de-lis, Emblem of France, Your Friendship Means so Much to Me, Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor, My Compliments
• Lily - Virginity, Purity, Majesty, It's Heavenly to be with You
• Lily (Calla) - Beauty
• Lily (Day) - Coquetry, Chinese Emblem for Mother
• Lily (Tiger) - Wealth, Pride
• Lily of the Valley - Sweetness, Tears of the Virgin Mary, Return to Happiness, Humility, You've Made My Life Complete
• Narcissus - Egotism, Formality, Stay as Sweet as You Are
• Orchid - Love, Beauty, Refinement, Beautiful Lady, Chinese Symbol for Many Children
• Peony - Shame, Happy Life, Happy Marriage
• Poppy - Eternal Sleep, Oblivion, Imagination
• Primrose - I Can't Live Without You
• Rose (Bouquet of Mature Blooms) - Gratitude
• Rose (Single Full Bloom) - I Love You, I Still Love You
• Snapdragon - Deception, Gracious Lady
• Sweetpea - Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time
• Tulip - Perfect Lover, Frame, Flower Emblem of Holland
• Violet - Modesty

For more detail, this website has a nice table of the flowers, meanings, and a photo of the flower.

Though traditionally pertaining to roses, these meaning behind flower color choices can be applied to other flowers:
    •    Red - romantic love
    •    Purple - the giver has fallen in love with the recipient at first sight
    •    Coral and orange - desire
    •    Yellow - joy and friendship
    •    Pink - gratitude and appreciation
    •    Light pink - feelings of admiration and sympathy
    •    Peach - either sympathy or gratitude
    •    White - reverence and humility

If you're really savvy, you can send a friend or loved one her birth month's signature flower.  You can even go wild and crazy and send her flowers according to her astrological sign.

If you're planning to shower Mom with flowers this Mother's Day, check out RetaiMeNot for coupon codes before buying.  I would suggest a springy bouquet of varied flowers, but you can never go wrong with Mrs. Vandersluis' favorite, yellow roses.

(Image Credit)