In Victorian England, and in other places that followed their customs, there was language in flowers. A specific flower had a particular meaning; for example, ivy meant fidelity (which is why it's a popular part of any bride's bouquet). Sometimes a specific colors of a specific flower had different meanings; for example, a red rose meant love and a yellow rose friendship.

Putting together a small, hand-held bouquet (called a "tussie mussie") not only delivered flowers and their sweet scent but also a hidden meaning.

Below I've collected some flowers and herbs and their meanings. This is by no means an exhaustive list!! There were books and books and books written in the Victorian era about flowers and their meaning! If there are any that you'd like included, please e-mail me.

Basil - best wishes
Bergamot - irresistible
Borage - courage
Broom - humility
Daisy - innocence, new-born
Fennel - flattery
Forget-Me-Not - true love
French Marigold - jealousy
Gardenia - ecstasy
Gentian - loveliness
Geranium - you are childish
Heather - admiration
Ice Plant - your looks freeze me
Ivy - fidelity
Jasmine - grace
lavender - luck, devotion
Lemon Balm - sympathy
Lily - purity
Lily of the Valley - purity
Marigold - health
Marjoram - kindness, courtesy
Myrtle - fidelity
Oregano - joy
Pansy - loving thoughts
Periwinkle - happy memory
Phlox - agreement
Pinks - divine love, betrothal
Rose (red) - love
Rose (pink) - grace, beauty
Rose (yellow) - friendship
Rosemary - remembrance, constancy
Rue - contrition
Sage - gratitude
Sweet Pea - departure, tender memory
Tuberose - voluptuousness
Violet - loyalty, modesty, humility
Wallflower - fidelity
Wormwood - grief

copyright 1999, Martha Beth Lewis
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