The Language of Flowers: Incorporating Floriography into Contemporary Arrangements

Welcome to our first flower meanings guide! Now, you probably already know flowers have meanings—at least the basics, like roses for love or lilies for peace. But flowers have been sending deeper messages for centuries, way before emojis or texts. Even Shakespeare was into flower symbolism (remember Ophelia handing out symbolic blooms in Hamlet?). Floriography—the fancy term for giving flowers special meanings—is back in a big way, adding depth and intention to modern floral design. Now, this post isn’t going to list the symbolic meaning behind every single flower (there are literal dictionaries for that!). Instead, think of it as a practical intro to incorporating floriography in floral design, helping you create thoughtful, symbolic flower arrangements and adding those personalized little touches clients love—because a bouquet can say way more than "hey, this looks pretty." 

From personalized bouquet messages hidden in the petals to arrangements layered with subtle symbolism, flowers are speaking volumes again—and we’re here for it.

A Quick History: Floriography, the Original Floral Emoji

Back in the Victorian era, openly expressing feelings was a no-go. Enter floriography, the original way to spill tea or confess love without saying a single word. People carefully selected flowers for their hidden meanings, sending secret (and sometimes spicy) messages tucked neatly inside bouquets. It was the Victorian version of sliding into someone's DMs—just with petals instead of pixels. 

Every petal carried a message, every arrangement became a secret code, and bouquets were essentially love letters or peace offerings in disguise. Fast forward to now: we're a lot less shy about our emotions, but there's something still deeply appealing about saying it with flowers—subtle, stylish, and just a bit poetic.

Flower Symbolism 101: The Basics Every Florist Should Have Handy

Before you start layering hidden meanings into your arrangements, it helps to have a few flower meanings memorized. Here’s a quick breakdown of some go-to blooms and what they're usually trying to say:

Roses

Classic, but never boring. When it comes to roses, color is everything here: red says passion or love, pink conveys gratitude or admiration, yellow symbolizes friendship, and white expresses new beginnings or purity.

Peonies

These lush, fluffy blooms represent compassion and good luck, which means they’re appropriate for weddings, engagements, or celebrations of a new chapter.

Lilies

Timeless and fragrant, lilies usually mean purity, renewal, and grace. Whites are classic in sympathy arrangements, while bright, colorful lilies celebrate fresh starts and big wins.

Tulips

To send tulips is to send optimism in flower form. Tulips are ideal for celebrating milestones, fresh beginnings, or just sending some encouragement (think graduations, new jobs, or birthdays).e

Ranunculus

They’re sweet, charming, and just a little playful—ranunculus tells someone, "You’ve caught my eye, and I’m like what I see!”

Hydrangeas

Hydrangea's meaning tends to differ based on geography. In the US, they represent gratitude, understanding, and a sincere partnership. It’s a bloom used to show genuine emotion—gratitude, sincerity, and heartfelt appreciation. 

Knowing the stories behind these flowers—and helping your clients understand them—takes your designs from pretty bouquets to meaningful gestures. (And if you want to get to know the stories associated with these individual flowers on a deeper level, check out more of our blog posts!)

Why Floriography is Perfect for Modern Floral Designers

These days, people don’t just want flowers that look nice—they’re looking for arrangements that feel thoughtful, personal, and full of intention. Floriography helps you tap into that. Instead of just putting together a visually appealing bouquet, you’re helping your clients tell a story. And when a bouquet has a deeper meaning behind it, people notice and remember it.

This is how your designs become conversations, not just decorations. A bouquet that symbolizes friendship, love, or gratitude carries more emotional weight, leading to happier clients, better reviews, and repeat customers who trust your expertise.

Your Guide to Creating Meaningful Flower Arrangements

Ready to give your floral arrangements an extra layer of meaning? Here’s how to start incorporating floriography into your everyday designs without overthinking it:

1. Ask (and Listen) for the Meaning Behind the Flowers

Sometimes clients will tell you outright, but often you’ll need to read between the lines. Is it a romantic gift, a celebration of friendship, an apology, or a cheerful pick-me-up? Don’t be shy about asking questions to find the emotional story behind the arrangement.

2. Choose Blooms that Tell the Right Story

Pair flower symbolism thoughtfully with the occasion or relationship. For romantic moments, roses, ranunculus, or peonies speak clearly. Celebrating friendship? Sunflowers or daisies work perfectly. Match your blooms to the sentiment your client is trying to express.

3. Pick Colors with Intention

Color adds emotional depth to floral design. Warm reds and pinks communicate passion or romance, soft yellows say happiness and friendship, white expresses purity or new starts, and lavender adds notes of admiration. Select shades that amplify the intended meaning.

4. Balance Symbolism with Aesthetics

Symbolism should never overshadow good design. Floriography doesn’t mean sacrificing visual balance or beauty. Use symbolic blooms as the centerpiece or as accent flowers in your existing design style, ensuring each arrangement is as gorgeous as it is meaningful.

The Power of Personalized Bouquet Messages

Adding a quick note explaining the symbolism behind your chosen flowers makes your arrangements feel deeply thoughtful (and clients love it). A small card detailing each flower’s meaning can transform your arrangement into an unforgettable experience.

For example:

“I hope you love these flowers. The peonies stand for happiness; the ranunculus, loveliness. I added eucalyptus for protection and strength—perfect for your journey together."

Including notes like these doesn’t just make your bouquets feel extra special—it inspires clients to share the story behind their flowers, sparking word-of-mouth and building your reputation.

The Petaljet Advantage: Making Floriography Accessible & Modern

At Petaljet, great design and thoughtful symbolism go hand in hand. Our carefully curated, farm-direct flowers help designers access blooms that align beautifully with the floriography tradition, full and ready to speak volumes.

Because we work exclusively with independent florists and designers, we understand exactly what you need: the freshest blooms, clear communication, and a streamlined customer experience. You can trust that your stems are sourced thoughtfully and grown ethically. What could be more perfect for making meaningful arrangements?

Say It With Flowers—Every Single Time

Floriography isn’t some outdated concept—it’s a powerful tool for florists who want to create arrangements that resonate deeply. Knowing flower symbolism and using it intentionally helps you craft bouquets that aren’t just beautiful—they’re memorable. Whether your clients are celebrating, grieving, falling in love, or saying thank you, floriography helps your flowers tell their stories with grace and depth. And honestly, that’s what great floral design is all about.

Have you recently designed an arrangement loaded with special meaning? Share the story below—we’d love to hear about the petals you chose and why they mattered.