The meaning of flowers
Learn the language of flowers and their hidden meanings. Use this knowledge in garden design and to make flower posies.
Learning objectives:
- Learn the meanings behind different types of flowers
- Explain what flowers represent in other cultures and traditions
- Understand which flowers can be used to create a story
Curriculum links:
- English: Explore the symbolism and stories behind different flowers to enhance reading and comprehension skills
- Art and Design: Create floral art or designs inspired by the meanings of various flowers
- History: Investigate historical uses and traditions associated with flowers
- PSHE: Understand the significance of flowers in different cultures and their importance in conveying emotions
- Science: Study the biology of flowers and how they play a role in the ecosystem
Key vocabulary
Flowers with meanings
- Bluebell: consistency, forgive and forget
- Campanula: white - gratitude
- Carnation: red - ‘alas for my poor heart’, striped - refusal, yellow - distain, pink - woman’s love
- Chrysanthemum: red - ‘I love you’, yellow - slighted love, white - truth
- Daffodil: regard, chivalry
- Daisy: innocence
- Forget-me-not (Myosotis): true love, ‘the key to my heart’
- Freesia: friendship
- Garden pink (Dianthus): pure love
- Gladiolus: strength of character
- Hyacinth: blue - consistency, white - unobtrustive loveliness
- Iris: yellow - flame of love
- Lavender: devotion
- Lilac (Syringa): purple - first emotions of love, white - youthful innocence
- Lily: pure and modest
- Lily of the valley (Convallaria): return of happiness
- Love lies bleeding (Amaranthus): hopeless not heartless
- Mimosa (Acacia): sensitivity, secret love
- Narcissus: self-esteem, female ambition
- Orange blossom: bridal festivities, ‘your purity equals your loveliness’
- Orchid: longevity, elegance
- Pansy: thoughtful
- Peony: bashfulness
- Ranunculus: ‘you are rich in attractions’
- Rudbeckia: justice
- Snowdrop: hope
- Solidago: encouragement
- Star of Bethlehem (Ornathologum): purity
- Stocks (Matthiola): lasting beauty
- Sunflower: pure thoughts, adoration, dedication
- Sweet pea: departure, delicate pleasures
- Tulip: red - declaration of love; striped - beautiful eyes
- Veronica: fidelity
- Violet: faithfulness
Spotlight on roses
Roses symbolise love and good fortune and the colours have different meanings too:
- White - truth, innocence
- Pink - admiration, joy and gratitude
- Red and white - unity
- Red - eternal love
- Yellow - friendship, caring
- Orange - energy
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