Floriography

Discover the secret language of flowers

Floriography, known as the “secret language of flowers”, rose to prominence during the Victorian era as a discreet and poetic way to communicate emotion. Each flower carried its own symbolic meaning, and when thoughtfully combined, bouquets could convey entire sentiments without a single word spoken.

Floriography Seed Packets

Through our floriography seed packets, the historical meanings of the secret language of flowers have been carefully explored and reinterpreted. Paired with inspiration drawn from Victorian hand lettering and design, the collection offers a meaningful way to express intention - allowing the beauty of nature to carry a message, just as it once did.

FLOWERS OF HAPPINESS

  • Bouquet – Celebration

  • East Coast Wildflowers – Happiness

  • Painted Daisies – New Beginnings

  • Rainbow Zinnias – Pride

  • Edible Flowers – Charm

FLOWERS OF LOVE

  • Love in Bloom – Forever

  • Forget-me-not – True Love

  • Something Blue – Devotion

  • Strawberries – Love & Luck

  • True North Poppies – Heart

FLOWERS OF FRIENDSHIP

  • Sunflowers – Friendship

  • Cat & Dog-friendly Wildflowers – Loyalty

  • Dahlia – Kindness

  • New Brunswick Native Wildflowers – Connection

FLOWERS OF SUPPORT

  • Lupins – Inner Strength

  • Butterfly Wildflowers – Hope

  • Poppies – Success

  • Nova Scotia Native Wildflowers – Resilience

  • Cosmos – Balance

  • Wild Pink Marsh Rose – Protection

  • Wild Tea – Comfort

FLOWERS OF GRATITUDE

  • Sweet Pea – Gratitude

FLOWERS OF GROWTH

  • West Coast Wildflowers – Adventure

  • Cat Grass – Curiosity

  • Ontario Native Wildflowers – Discovery

  • Mystery Pack – Courage

  • Night Garden – Renewal

  • Honey Bee Wildflowers – Creativity

History of Floriography

The meanings behind various flowers differ across many of the dictionaries that were produced throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, reflecting a time when symbolism was shaped as much by emotion and storytelling as by tradition. 

As floriography gained popularity, writers and illustrators infused their own interpretations into these guides, allowing flowers to take on multiple, evolving meanings across generations.

Here are just a few of the common flowers and their meanings as explained throughout 19th Century floriography:

  • Aster – Daintiness, patience & calm

  • Calla Lily – Magnificent beauty

  • Red Carnations – My heart breaks

  • Pink Carnations – I will never forget you

  • Chrysanthemum – Truth / You’re a wonderful friend

  • Daffodil – New beginnings

  • White Lily – Purity, sweetness

  • Daffodil – Self love

  • Peony – Happy Marriage / Prosperity / Bashfulness

  • Rhododendron – Beware

  • Pink Rose – Grace

  • Yellow Rose – Infidelity

  • Red Rose – Love

  • Snapdragon – Presumption

  • Tulip - Love and Passion

Continue Learning

A number of authentic Victorian-era floriography books with gorgeous illustrations are in the public domain and available for free, offering a chance to learn more about the beauty of floriography during its heightened era: