Flowers have long been cherished for their beauty and fragrance, but did you know that they also hold a secret language?

Floriography, the art of communicating through flowers, has been practiced for centuries, allowing people to express emotions and sentiments that words sometimes cannot convey.

By understanding the meaning of flowers, you can add a deeper layer of significance to your gifts, making them truly personal and unforgettable. Whether it's a birthday bouquet, a wedding centrepiece, or a simple gesture of appreciation, flowers can speak volumes when chosen with intention.

The Symbolic Meaning Behind Common Flowers

Each flower carries its own unique symbolism, often rooted in cultural traditions, mythology, and historical associations. For instance, frangipani is tied to certain Southeast Asian taboos, but doesn’t carry the same cultural baggage outside of the region.

By understanding these meanings, you can choose flowers that resonate with both the recipient and the occasion. Some common blooms to familiarise yourself with:

  • Roses: The quintessential symbol of love, with red roses representing passion, white roses symbolising purity, and pink roses conveying affection.
  • Lilies: Often associated with devotion and purity, lilies also symbolise beauty and rebirth.
  • Orchids: Representing elegance, luxury, and strength, orchids are a sophisticated choice for expressing admiration or love.
  • Sunflowers: Radiating warmth and positivity, sunflowers symbolise joy, admiration, and longevity.
  • Daisies: Representing innocence, purity, and cheerfulness, daisies are a cheerful choice for any occasion.
  • Tulips: Symbolising perfect love and new beginnings, tulips come in a variety of colors, each with its own unique meaning.
  • Hydrangeas: Expressing gratitude, understanding, and heartfelt emotions, hydrangeas are a thoughtful choice for showing appreciation.

Here are some flower gifting suggestions for different events:

  • Birthdays: Bright and cheerful flowers like sunflowers, daisies, and gerberas are perfect for celebrating birthdays, including kid’s birthday parties!
  • Anniversaries: Romantic blooms like roses, lilies, and orchids symbolise love and commitment.
  • Weddings: White flowers like roses, lilies, and orchids represent purity and new beginnings.
  • Graduations: Flowers symbolising achievement and success, such as orchids and irises, are appropriate for graduations.
  • Baby Showers: Delicate flowers like lilies of the valley and daisies symbolise innocence and new life.
  • Corporate Events: Sophisticated blooms like orchids and calla lilies convey professionalism and success, impressing your boss, colleagues, or partners.

Going Beyond Bouquets: Finding Meaning in Edible Flowers


If your preferred gifts tend towards the edible, good news! The language of flowers now extends beyond traditional bouquets.

Edible flowers are a delightful way to infuse culinary creations with both beauty and meaning. Imagine a wedding cake design adorned with delicate pansies, symbolising loving thoughts, or a guo da li cake embellished with orchids, representing fertility and abundance.

Some safe and tasty varieties of edible flowers include pansies, violas, roses, lavender, and calendula. These delicate blooms can be used to adorn cakes, cupcakes, and other scrumptious creations on your dessert table, adding a touch of elegance and natural beauty.

Edith Patisserie’s bakery team is talented in creating edible flower cakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. With our custom cake services, you can create a truly personalised gift that speaks volumes.

Gifting Gourmet Goodies for Special Events and Occasions

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any other special occasion, consider adding a floral touch to your gifts. And for a truly unforgettable gesture, explore the world of edible flowers and let Edith Patisserie create a stunning flower cake that speaks the language of your heart.