Floriography, or the language of flower, is a way of sending coded messages, especially with emotionally laden content, using different flowers and combinations of flowers.
Its practice was widespread during the Victorian era when expressing emotions publicly was just not done. Today, the custom has fallen out of use. However, with Valentine's Day literally just a day or two away, take a moment to make sure you are sending the right message with a bouquet to your loved one.
Red roses, the most popular and safest choice of season, refer to true love; light pink, coral and orange signify desire and passion; white is for innocence, virtue and purity; and lavender and any colour of thornless varities represent love at first sight.
Carnations run a respectable second to roses' popularity at Valentine's. Besides being much cheaper by the dozen, they can last up to three weeks without much effort. Red and white carnations have the same meanings as roses but beware of yellow (disdain, rejection) and striped (no, refusal). Pink carnations denote a mother's love and so are appropriately exchanged between a mother and her children.
The bulb-world also has much to say. Tulip's love messages include: red = undying love; purple = forever love; white = one-side love; and yellow = hopeless love. Daffodils are similar to yellow tulips and represent unrequited love. Crocuses speak of youthful joy and love. Lilies send mixed messages: white is all about purity as usual while orange can mean desire and passion, but also hatred.
Asters and daisies are alike in looks and meaning: loyal love, trust, purity and faith. Similar meanings are found in forget-me-nots (true love), primroses (eternal love), jasmine (unconditional, eternal love) and violets (faithfulness).
Don't be surprised if you receive gardenias anonymously as they represent secret love. And for those who have just fallen in love, purple lilacs make the perfect bouquet.
If the warm handshake of friendship is what you want to convey, then yellow roses (friendship) and sunflowers (pure and lofty thoughts) are for you. But if your emotions run darker, then hydrangeas, for frigidness and heartlessness, and columbines, for faithlessness and a symbol of deceived lovers, are your choices as are yellow and striped carnations and orange lilies (see above).
Baby's breath is ubiquitous year-round greenery in most bouquets. But it's not just there for its airy complementary texture. Its message of innocence and purity of heart is a nice counterpoint to more emotional themes.
Taking Care of Your Bouquet
Use a clean vase with ample space to hold the flowers and enough water.
Mix floral preservative with warm water and fill vase. If no preservative, mix two tablespoons. lemon juice or vinegar and one teaspoon of sugar with one quart of water.
Cut new ends on all stems and remove all leaves that will be below the water level.
Replace water solution daily and re-cut stems every three days.
Keep cut flowers away from ripening fruit.
Remove faded flowers.
Put daffodils in a separate vase for 24 hours before combining with other flowers.
Keep flowers as cool as possible: out of direct sun, away from heat registers.
Keep flowers away from blasts of cold air: leaky windows, exterior doors.
Enjoy! And have some fun deciphering the message your paramour is trying to send you with their gift of flowers.
- This column is provided courtesy of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society (www.saskperennial.ca; [email protected]).
