what each color traditionally says

Flower color meanings.

Before you pick a flower, pick the color: it changes what the bouquet is understood to say. These meanings come from the Victorian language of flowers, where different guides sometimes disagreed with each other, so treat them as a shared convention rather than a rule.

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Red: passion and love

Red is the loudest color in flower language. It means passionate, romantic love, the unmistakable 'I love you'. Powerful, but a lot before you know someone, so save deep red for when the feeling is clearly mutual. Best in red roses and red tulips.

Pink: sweetness and admiration

Pink is love with the volume down. It means sweetness, admiration and gentle affection, which makes it a good fit for a crush or an early 'I like you'. Warm and flattering without the intensity of red. Think pink ranunculus and peonies.

White: new beginnings and sincerity

White means new beginnings, sincerity and purity. It is traditionally associated with sincerity and humility, which is why white is the color of an apology and a fresh start as much as of pure love. Best in white tulips and white lilies.

Yellow: friendship and joy

Yellow means friendship, joy and warmth, which is why it is rarely the choice for romance. Send yellow to make a friend smile or to celebrate good news, not to confess feelings. Sunflowers are the warm exception, adoration more than friendship.

Purple: devotion and admiration

Purple means devotion, admiration and a touch of grace, a deeper, more settled feeling than pink. Lavender carries the calm, devoted version of it.

Orange: enthusiasm and energy

Orange means enthusiasm, warmth and energy, fascination with a bit of excitement behind it. Great for celebration and for a bold, cheerful gesture.

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Common questions

What do flower colors mean?

Red is passion and love, pink is sweetness and admiration, white is new beginnings and sincerity, yellow is friendship and joy, purple is devotion, orange is enthusiasm.

What color flower means love?

Red is passionate, romantic love. Pink is a softer love: sweetness and admiration.

What color flowers should you avoid for romance?

Yellow, traditionally associated more with friendship than romance.