Forget Me Not
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but sometimes something fresher says it better. Flowers and floral arrangements have long been a way to deliver heartfelt messages of sympathy, friendship, and gratitude — as well as discreet messages of passion and revenge! They were the emojis of the Victorian Era. Thanks to their prim and proper repressed refinement, each unique bloom, branch, and hue was given a specific secret message from sympathetic to scandalous. Send blue salvia or pink camelia if they’re missed a lot, or yellow carnations and basil if you’d rather see them rot! (There was even a certain foliage that meant you thought someone was gold-digging!) As the warmer weather brings more outdoor celebrations of love and life, a card can only get you so far. Consider saying it with flowers.
Keep in mind that while this list is interesting and definitely a great conversation starter, many of the messages may be antiquated. Don’t let a sour sentiment deter you from gifting or displaying your favorite blooms!
Apple Blossoms – “You’re my BAE.” (Before anyone else)
Acacia – “I cherish our friendship.”
Bella Donna - “The secret must not be spoken.”
Yellow Carnations – “Let’s just be friends.”
Chamomile – “Calm resilience.”
Milkweed – “Let me go; I need space.”
Buttercups – “You’re being immature.”
Basil –“I hate it.”
Lavender – “I don’t trust you.”
Lilac – “Youthful innocence.”
Cabbage leaves – “Someone’s after a lot of cash!”
Coriander – “There’s more than meets the eye. You have hidden worth.”
Fennel – “I want to flatter you; you deserve all the praise.”
Fig tree – “This is a prolific accomplishment.”
Honeysuckle – “I will never run out of affection for you.”
Dahlias – ”This isn’t the most stable situation.”
Cherry tree – “Celebrating good education.”
Violets – “Got your back. I’ll never leave your side.”
Wild grape – “We stand for charity.”
Hydrangea – “How could you be so heartless?”
Gladiolas – “Victory is ours!”
White Jasmine - “I’d love to be closer friends.”
Magnolia – “Your inner nature shines through.”
Marigold – “I’m sorry for your loss; I honor your grieving process.”
Ivy – “You have my loyalty and affection.”
Orange blossoms – “You’re pure and lovely.”
Orange tree – “Your generosity is appreciated and returned.”
Peach blossoms – “You’ve captivated me.”
Pansies – “I’m thinking of you.” OR “I have a lot of thoughts!”
Poppies – “It’s not that bad, look on the bright side.”
Rosemary – “We honor the memory.”
Oregano – “You’re a person of substance.”
Sage – “Thanks for your wisdom and virtue.”
Sunflowers – “You go, girl! Be all you can be!”
White roses – “This is a new beginning, a fresh start.”
Zinnias – “We haven’t seen each other in years but I still value our friendship.”
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