The language of flowers

Also called Floriography, the language of flowers is, simply put, communication through the use of flowers or arrangements of flowers. Floriography has a long history, with roots found in many cultures around the world. This communication technique gained popularity in the Victorian Era, when certain romantic gestures couldn't be said aloud. Bouquets of flowers were used instead to send these messages of interest. These flowers were also used as fashion accessories; nosegays (also called tussie-mussies, talking bouquets and posys) were carried around by both men and women, a sign that they were giving or had received a romantic message. There were subtleties in the language, including which flowers were used, how many there were, how they were bound, and even whether they were given or received with the right or left hand.

Floral Poetry and the Language of Flowers (1877), penned by many authors and poets of the time, contains writings and poetry about flowers as well as a translation section at the end, where flowers are listed with their assigned sentiments. This book is a guidebook for talking bouquets, and is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to learn more about this covert means of communication. Below are some of my favorite flowers, along with their sentiment.

​Azalea
Temperance

Camellia japonica (red)
Unpretending excellence
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China Aster (double)
I partake your sentiments

Coreopsis
Always cheerful

Dianthus
Make haste
​

Hibiscus
Delicate beauty.

Justicia
Perfection of female loveliness

Lilac
Forsaken

Magnolia
Love of nature

Narcissus
Egotism; self-esteem

Calliopsis
Beautiful eyes
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Periwinkle (blue)
Early friendship

Rose
Love; pretty

Salvia (blue)
Wisdom
​

Wisteria
Welcome, fair stranger

The full list is included in the publication linked below, available through the Biodiversity Heritage Library. Much of the book is comprised of writings about flowers; the flowers and their corresponding sentiments are listed starting on page 265 (or page 245, if you're going by the book's page numbers) Have fun reading poetry and perusing; I know I did!
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Floral Poetry and the Language of Flowers

Until next time!

​- Kristi