In Victorian times it was very fashionable to associate “secret” meanings with certain types of flowers.

These connections weren’t very secret, as they were published in magazines and almanacs for people to use as a sort of coded language. Surprisingly many of the “meanings” were very negative and even quite nasty!

 

Here are some of these traditional associations, taken from my Sunlight Year Book 1896.

The Language of Flowers Part 1 – A-B
The Language of Flowers Part 2 – C
The Language of Flowers Part 3 – D-G
The Language of Flowers Part 4 – H-L
The Language of Flowers Part 5 – M-O
The Language of Flowers Part 6 – P-R
The Language of Flowers Part 7 – S-Z

D

Daffodil – regard
Dahlia – instabilityTin Teddy Language of Flowers Part 1
Daisy – innocence
Daisy, Michaelmas – farewell
Daisy, Wild – I will think of thee
Damask Rose – bright complexion
Dandelion – rustic oracle
Dead leaves – sadness
Dock – patience

E

Eglantine – I wound to heal
Elder – zealousness
Elm – dignity
Endive – frugality
Everlasting – never-ceasing remembrance

F

Fennel – strength
Fern – fascination
Fir – argument
Filbert – peace
Fir Tree – true
Flowering seed – trust in heaven
Fly Orchis – error
Forget-me-not – forget me not (well doh!)
Foxglove – insincerity
French Marigold – jealousyTin Teddy Language of Flowers 2
Fuchsas – taste
Famitory – spleen

G

Garden Anemone – forsaken
Garland of Roses – reward of virtue
Geranium, ivy – bridal favour
Geranium, lemon – unexpected meeting
Geranium, oakleaved – true friendship
Geranium, scarlet – stupidity
Geranium, wild – piety
Germander Speedwell – facility
Gillyflower – bonds of love
Golden Rod – precaution
Gooseberry – anticipation
Grass – submission
Guelder Rose – winter, age

The Language of Flowers Part 1 – A-B
The Language of Flowers Part 2 – C
The Language of Flowers Part 3 – D-G
The Language of Flowers Part 4 – H-L
The Language of Flowers Part 5 – M-O
The Language of Flowers Part 6 – P-R
The Language of Flowers Part 7 – S-Z

The Language of Flowers Part 3: D-G
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