The Florist : Anniversary and flower meanings

With today’s high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress.
Nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed

How flowers make us feel

With today's high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress.
Nature provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed

Research Findings

A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants’ behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.

Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.

"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."

In Victorian times, certain flowers had specific meanings because the flower selection was limited and people used more symbols and gestures to communicate than words. But today, with so many flower choices, there are no rules - it’s the sentiment that gives the gift its meaning. Many people assign their own personal meanings - a flower or colour that might remind them of a special event or moment in their lives.

Alstromeria	aspiring
Amaryllis	dramatic
Anemone	fragile
Apple Blossom	promise
Aster	contentment
Azalea	abundance
Baby's Breath	festivity
Bachelor Button	anticipation
Begonia	deep thoughts
Black-Eyed Susan	encouragement
Camellia	graciousness
Carnation>
Pink	gratitude
Red	flashy
striped	refusal
White	remembrance
Yellow	cheerful
Chrysanthemum
bronze	excitement
White	truth
Red	sharing
Yellow	secret admirer
Cosmos	peaceful
Crocus	foresight
Daffodil	chivalry
Delphinium	boldness
Daisy	innocence
Freesia	spirited
Forget-Me-Not	remember me forever
Gardenia	joy
Geranium	comfort
Ginger	proud
Gladiolus	strength of character
Heather	solitude
Hibiscus	delicate beauty
Holly	domestic happiness
Hyacinth	sincerity
Hydrangea	perseverance
Iris	inspiration
Ivy	fidelity
Jasmine	grace and elegance
Larkspur	beautiful spirit
Lavender	distrust
Lilac	first love
Lily
Calla	regal
Casablanca	celebration
Day	enthusiasm
Stargazer	ambition
Lisianthus	calming
Magnolia	dignity
Marigold	desire for riches
Nasturtium	patriotism
Orange Blossom	fertility
Orchid	delicate beauty
Pansy	loving thoughts
Passion flower	passion
Peony	healing
Poppy	consolation
Queen Anne's Lace	delicate femininity
Ranunculus	radiant
Rhododendron	beware
Rose
Pink	friendship
Red	passionate love
red & white	unity
white	purity
yellow	zealous
Snapdragon	presumptuous
Star of Bethlehem	hope
Stephanotis	good luck
Statice	success
Sunflower	adoration
Sweetpea	shyness
Tuberose	pleasure
Tulip
Pink	caring
purple	royalty
Red	declaration of love
white	forgiveness
yellow	hopelessly in love
Violet	faithfulness
Wisteria	steadfast
Yarrow	good health
Zinnia	thoughts of friends

Every wedding anniversary is special. Know the meaning and your gift will reflect the fact.

1 Year Paper
2 Years Cotton
3 Years Leather
4 Years Fruit and Flowers
5 Years Wood
6 Years Sugar
7 Years Wool
8 Years Bronze
9 Years Copper or Pottery
10 Years Tin
11 Years Steel
12 Years Silk
13 Years Lace
14 Years Ivory
15 Years Crystal
20 Years China
25 Years Silver
30 Years Pearl
35 Years Coral
40 Years Ruby
45 Years Sapphire
50 Years Gold
60 Years Diamond
70 Years Platinum

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Aconitum	Monkshood	Tall spiky flowers, long lasting but poisonous.
Agapanthus	African Lily	Long lasting, large striking flowers
Allium	Flowering Onion	Several types, some have large globe shaped flower, others much smaller bullet shaped flowers.
Anemone	Windflower	Delicate, papery flowers, available in vibrant and pale colours
Campanula	Canterbury Bells	Quite large bell shaped flowers, several to a stem
Cornflower	Centaurea	Usually available as the well known blue cornflower, other colours are sometimes available
Delphinium		Tall flower spikes. Also, Larkspur which is a type of delphinium.
Echinops	Globe thistle	Prickly blue globe shaped flowers
Eryngium	Sea Holly	Blue thistle like flowers, sometimes the blue is so intense it is hard to believe they are not dyed.
Forget-me-not	Myosotis	Tiny very fragile pastel blue flowers on short stems.
Gentiana		Long lasting trumpet shaped flowers up straight stems.
Hyacinth		Popular as a pot plant hyacinth and increasingly popular as a cut flower
Hydrangea		A popular garden shrub with enormous flowerheads. Cultivated hydrangea come in interesting colours.
Iris		Very popular but short lived flowers.
Lavender	Lavandula	Like the lavender grown in so many gardens. Has a fantastic scent
Muscari	Grape hyacinth	Very small with short stems and clusters of tiny blue flowers
Nigella	Love-in-the-Mist	Delicate papery flowers common in the garden. Also attractive as seed heads.
Platycodon		A member of the campanula family with star shaped flowers
Scabious		Papery flowers which also have attractive seed heads
Scilla		Masses of blue flowers on short stems, a bit like bluebells
Trachelium		Masses of tiny flowers create a large flat flowerhead.
Triteleia	Brodiaea	Loose clusters of delicate blue flowers on erect leafless stems.
Veronica	Speedwell	Delicate flower spikes add contrast to arrangements.
Vanda		Usually 6 - 8 blooms per flower stem, The petals often have a marbled appearance.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Anigozanthus	Kangaroo Paw	Unusual furry buds with insignificant flowers. Ideal for modern arrangements.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Aranthera	Scorpion Orchid	Long lasting orchid with small flowers on upright stems.
Asclepias	Milkweed	Clusters of tiny flowers, ideal as a filler
Arachnis	Spider Orchid	Long stems with slender petalled and spotted flowers
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Hypericum	St John's Wort	Attractive berries rather than flowers make this a very popular filler.
Leucadendron	Safari Sunset	It is the leaves rather than the flowers which make this popular.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Rudbeckia		Daisy like flower, usually sold without any petals, just the pincushion like centre.
Sunflower	Helianthus	Striking, large daisy like flowers, usually yellow but more unusual rusty colours are becoming available.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Banksia	Bottlebrush	Exotic Protea from Australia, large flower heads made up of masses of tiny flowers.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Waxflower	Chamaelaucium	Small scented flowers ideal as fillers, sold in bud and in flower.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting .
Eremurus	Foxtail Lily	Large dramatic flowers, usually yellow or orange, with other colours less commonly available.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Narcissus	Daffodil	Needs no description and evokes spring more than any other cut flower.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alchemilla	Lady’s Mantle	Common as a garden flower, masses of tiny yellow-green flowers, ideal as a filler.
Amaranthus	Love lies bleeding	One type (love lies bleeding) has trailing flowers while the other has upright flower heads.
Anthurium	Painter’s Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Bupleurum		Insignificant yellow green flowers. Used more as a foliage and as a filler.
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia, Arum Lily	Striking single flowers. The coloured varieties are smaller than the white ones, and not all colours are available all year round.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cymbidium Orchid		Striking flowers, which flower profusely with up to 12 flowers on each stem.
Helleborus	Christmas Rose	Short lived very delicate and subtle flowers.
Hydrangea		A popular garden shrub with enormous flowerheads. Cultivated hydrangea come in interesting colours.
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Moluccella	Bells of Ireland	Tall stems with a mass of bell shaped flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Sedum	Stonecrop	Common succulent garden flower and ideal as a long lasting filler.
Skimmia		Popular shrub, sold as a cut flower when in bud.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Viburnum		Short lived but increasingly popular. Each flowerhead is made up of a mass of tiny flowers.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Anigozanthus	Kangaroo Paw	Unusual furry buds with insignificant flowers. Ideal for modern arrangements.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Aranthera	Scorpion Orchid	Long lasting orchid with small flowers on upright stems.
Asclepias	Milkweed	Clusters of tiny flowers, ideal as a filler.
Banksia	Bottlebrush	Exotic Protea from Australia, large flower heads made up of masses of tiny flowers.
Marigold	Calendula	Popular daisy-like flower with a country garden feel.
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia, Arum Lily	Striking single flowers.The coloured varieties are smaller than the white ones, and not all colours are available all year round.
Callistephus		Dense headed flowers with contrasting coloured centres.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Carthamus	Safflower	Unusual slightly thistle like flowers.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Cattleya orchid		Large brightly coloured orchids, usually 1 or 2 per stem.
Cestrum		Dense clusters of flowers at the top of straight stems.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Crocosmia		Tall spiky flowers generally known as Montbretia when grown as a garden flower.
Dahlia		Dramatic round pompom shaped flowers, becoming very popular as a cut flower.
Eremurus	Foxtail Lily	Large dramatic flowers, usually yellow or orange, with other colours less commonly available.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Fritillaria		Exotic looking flowers which hang downwards in a cluster on top of tall straight stems.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Godetia		Several brightly coloured trumpet shaped flowers open up each stem.
Gomphrena	Globe amaranth	Small globe shaped flowers which can be easily dried.
Helenium		Small daisy like flower, with slightly backward facing petals and autumnal colours.
Hypericum	St John's Wort	Attractive berries rather than flowers make this a very popular filler.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Kniphofia	Red hot poker	Large dramatic upright flowerspikes.
Leucospermum	Pincushion Protea	Large flowerheads which resemble a pin cushion. Long lasting.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Ranunculus		Small delicate, papery flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Strelitzia	Bird of Paradise	Unmistakable large and exotic flowers with blue and orange flowers.
Trollius		From the same family as ranunculus. Similar in appearance.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Vanda		Usually 6 - 8 blooms per flower stem, The petals often have a marbled appearance.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Amaryllis	Hippeastrum	Large very striking trumpet shaped flowers, often grown indoors from bulbs.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Bouvardia		Clusters of small tubular flowers, use with special flower food. Not all colours are available throughout the year.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Celosia	Cockscomb	Different varieties, some with crinkled 'brain-like' flowers others with feathery upright plumes.
Delphinium		Tall flower spikes. Also, Larkspur which is a type of delphinium.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Achillea	Yarrow	Very popular as a dried flower.
Allium	Flowering Onion	Several types, some have large globe shaped flower, others much smaller bullet shaped flowers.
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Amaranthus	Love lies bleeding	One type (love lies bleeding) has trailing flowers while the other has upright flower heads.
Amaryllis	Hippeastrum	Large very striking trumpet shaped flowers, often grown indoors from bulbs.
Anemone	Windflower	Delicate, papery flowers, available in vibrant and pale colours.
Anthurium	Painter’s Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Aster	Michaelmas Daisy, September	Popular filler with daisy like flowers on upright stems.
Astilbe	False Goat's Beard	Common as a garden flower, insignificant flowers used mainly as a filler.
Astrantia	Stinkwort	Grown as a garden flower. Small, round, delicate flowers, ideal as a filler.
Bouvardia		Clusters of small tubular flowers, use with special flower food. Not all colours are available throughout the year.
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia, Arum Lily	Striking single flowers.The coloured varieties are smaller than the white ones, and not all colours are available all year round.
Callistephus		Dense headed flowers with contrasting coloured centres.
Campanula	Canterbury Bells	Quite large bell shaped flowers, several to a stem.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Cattleya orchid		Large brightly coloured orchids, usually 1 or 2 per stem.
Celosia	Cockscomb	Different varieties, some with crinkled 'brain-like' flowers others with feathery upright plumes.
Cornflower	Centaurea	Usually available as the well known blue cornflower, other colours are sometimes available.
Cestrum		Dense clusters of flowers at the top of straight stems.
Ginger	Alpinia	Large striking tropical flowers.
Waxflower	Chamaelaucium	Small scented flowers ideal as fillers, sold in bud and in flower.
Chelone		Rather insignificant Antirrhinum like flowers.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cirsium		Look a bit like pink thistles, which open out into pompom shaped flowers.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Curcuma		Tropical looking flower on tall straight stems.
Cymbidium Orchid		Striking flowers, which flower profusely with up to 12 flowers on each stem.
Cynara	Artichoke	The flower of the artichoke.
Dahlia		Dramatic round pompom shaped flowers, becoming very popular as a cut flower.
Delphinium		Tall flower spikes. Also, Larkspur which is a type of delphinium.
Dendrobium orchid	Singapore orchid	Long lasting orchids with several blooms on each erect stem.
Echinacea		Daisy like flowers with backward sloping petals.
Eremurus	Foxtail Lily	Large dramatic flowers, usually yellow or orange, with other colours less commonly available.
Eupatorium		Insignificant small flowers, used as a filler.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Genista		Masses of tiny flowers all along the straight leafless stems. Popular filler flower.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Gloriosa	Glory Lily	A very dramatic flower with yellow edged cerise petals. The National Flower of Zimbabwe.
Godetia		Several brightly coloured trumpet shaped flowers open up each stem.
Gomphrena	Globe amaranth	Small globe shaped flowers which can be easily dried.
Heliconia		Tropical flower with large very dramatic flowerheads. Several different types available.
Hyacinth		Popular as a pot plant hyacinth and increasingly popular as a cut flower.
Hydrangea		A popular garden shrub with enormous flowerheads. Cultivated hydrangea come in interesting. colours.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Leucospermum	Pincushion Protea	Large flowerheads which resemble a pin cushion. Long lasting.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Limonium	Sea Lavender, Statice	Popular as a dried flower, all varieties make good fillers, but it can have an unpleasant smell!
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Mint		Small feathery flower spikes, the fantastic mint scent makes it great as a filler.
Nerine		Leafless stems topped with clusters of delicate flowers.
Nigella	Love-in-the-Mist	Delicate papery flowers common in the garden. Also attractive as seed heads.
Paphiopedilum orchid	Slipper orchid	Very large dramatic orchid flowers.
Peony		Enormous and extravagant flowers only available for a short season.
Phalaenopsis orchid	Moth Orchid	Large showy flowers, popular as a pot plant as well as a cut flower especially for weddings.
Phlox		English country garden flower. Very popular.
Physostegia	Obedient plant	Flowers look similar to antirrhinums.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Prunus	Flowering cherry	Cherry blossom, beautiful delicate flowers on tall straight branches.
Ranunculus		Small delicate, papery flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Saponaria		A good filler flower, a bit like gypsophila but the flowers are bigger.
Scabious		Papery flowers which also have attractive seed heads.
Sedum	Stonecrop	Common succulent garden flower and ideal as a long lasting filler.
Spiraea		Quite large feathery flower plumes.
Sweet pea	Lathyrus	Wonderful colours and scents, short lived but stunning en masse and well worth it.
Sweetwilliam		A country garden flower, with dense clusters of flowers on each stem.
Symphoricarpos		Shrub with attractive round berries in pink or white.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Veronica	Speedwell	Delicate flower spikes add contrast to arrangements.
Vuylstekeara		A hybrid orchid, with highly patterned petals.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Amaryllis	Hippeastrum	Large very striking trumpet shaped flowers, often grown indoors from bulbs.
Anemone	Windflower	Delicate, papery flowers, available in vibrant and pale colours.
Anigozanthus	Kangaroo Paw	Unusual furry buds with insignificant flowers. Ideal for modern arrangements.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Aranthera	Scorpion Orchid	Long lasting orchid with small flowers on upright stems.
Arachnis	Spider Orchid	Long stems with slender petalled and spotted flowers.
Astrantia	Stinkwort	Grown as a garden flower. Small, round, delicate flowers, ideal as a filler.
Banksia	Bottlebrush	Exotic Protea from Australia, large flower heads made up of masses of tiny flowers.
Bouvardia		Clusters of small tubular flowers, use with special flower food. Not all colours are available throughout the year.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Celosia	Cockscomb	Different varieties, some with crinkled 'brain-like' flowers others with feathery upright plumes.
Waxflower	Chamaelaucium	Small scented flowers ideal as fillers, sold in bud and in flower.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cirsium		Look a bit like pink thistles, which open out into pompom shaped flowers.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Crocosmia		Tall spiky flowers generally known as Montbretia when grown as a garden flower.
Dahlia		Dramatic round pompom shaped flowers, becoming very popular as a cut flower.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Godetia		Several brightly coloured trumpet shaped flowers open up each stem.
Gomphrena	Globe amaranth	Small globe shaped flowers which can be easily dried.
Heliconia		Tropical flower with large very dramatic flowerheads. Several different types available.
Helenium		Small daisy like flower, with slightly backward facing petals and autumnal colours.
Hypericum	St John's Wort	Attractive berries rather than flowers make this a very popular filler.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Kniphofia	Red hot poker	Large dramatic upright flowerspikes.
Leucadendron	Safari Sunset	It is the leaves rather than the flowers which make this popular.
Leucospermum	Pincushion Protea	Large flowerheads which resemble a pin cushion. Long lasting.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Nerine		Leafless stems topped with clusters of delicate flowers.
Paphiopedilum orchid	Slipper orchid	Very large dramatic orchid flowers.
Peony		Enormous and extravagant flowers only available for a short season.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Ranunculus		Small delicate, papery flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Scabious		Papery flowers which also have attractive seed heads.
Skimmia		Popular shrub, sold as a cut flower when in bud.
Sweetwilliam		A country garden flower, with dense clusters of flowers on each stem.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Aconitum	Monkshood	Tall spiky flowers, long lasting but poisonous.
Allium	Flowering Onion	Several types, some have large globe shaped flower, others much smaller bullet shaped flowers.
Anemone	Windflower	Delicate, papery flowers, available in vibrant and pale colours.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Aster	Michaelmas Daisy, September	Popular filler with daisy like flowers on upright stems.
Callistephus		Dense headed flowers with contrasting coloured centres.
Campanula	Canterbury Bells	Quite large bell shaped flowers, several to a stem.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Cattleya orchid		Large brightly coloured orchids, usually 1 or 2 per stem.
Cirsium		Look a bit like pink thistles, which open out into pompom shaped flowers.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Delphinium		Tall flower spikes. Also, Larkspur which is a type of delphinium.
Dendrobium orchid	Singapore orchid	Long lasting orchids with several blooms on each erect stem.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Fritillaria		Exotic looking flowers which hang downwards in a cluster on top of tall straight stems.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Godetia		Several brightly coloured trumpet shaped flowers open up each stem.
Gomphrena	Globe amaranth	Small globe shaped flowers which can be easily dried.
Iris		Very popular but short lived flowers.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Lavender	Lavandula	Like the lavender grown in so many gardens. Has a fantastic scent.
Leycesteria	Hijmalayan honeysuckle	Long leaves and drooping flower bracts.
Liatris		Tall poker shaped purple flowers.
Lilac		A common shrub and highly popular, strongly scented cut flower.
Limonium	Sea Lavender, Statice	Popular as a dried flower, all varieties make good fillers, but it can have an unpleasant smell!
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Mint		Small feathery flower spikes, the fantastic mint scent makes it great as a filler.
Phlox		English country garden flower. Very popular.
Physostegia	Obedient plant	Flowers look similar to antirrhinums.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Scabious		Papery flowers which also have attractive seed heads.
Sweet pea	Lathyrus	Wonderful colours and scents, short lived but stunning en masse and well worth it.
Trachelium		Masses of tiny flowers create a large flat flowerhead.
Triteleia	Brodiaea	Loose clusters of delicate blue flowers on erect leafless stems.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Vanda		Usually 6 - 8 blooms per flower stem, The petals often have a marbled appearance.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Achillea	Yarrow	Very popular as a dried flower.
Agapanthus	African Lily	Long lasting, large striking flowers.
Allium	Flowering Onion	Several types, some have large globe shaped flower, others much smaller bullet shaped flowers.
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Amaryllis	Hippeastrum	Large very striking trumpet shaped flowers, often grown indoors from bulbs.
Ammi	Queen Anne's Lace	Masses of delicate white flowers, ideal as a filler.
Anemone	Windflower	Delicate, papery flowers, available in vibrant and pale colours.
Anthurium	Painter's Palette	Exotic waxy looking flowers.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Aster	Michaelmas Daisy, September	Popular filler with daisy like flowers on upright stems.
Astilbe	False Goat's Beard	Common as a garden flower, insignificant flowers used mainly as a filler.
Astrantia	Stinkwort	Grown as a garden flower. Small, round, delicate flowers, ideal as a filler.
Bouvardia		Clusters of small tubular flowers, use with special flower food. Not all colours are available throughout the year.
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia, Arum Lily	Striking single flowers.The coloured varieties are smaller than the white ones, and not all colours are available all year round.
Callistephus		Dense headed flowers with contrasting coloured centres.
Campanula	Canterbury Bells	Quite large bell shaped flowers, several to a stem.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Cattleya orchid		Large brightly coloured orchids, usually 1 or 2 per stem.
Cornflower	Centaurea	Usually available as the well known blue cornflower, other colours are sometimes available.
Waxflower	Chamaelaucium	Small scented flowers ideal as fillers, sold in bud and in flower.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Cymbidium Orchid		Striking flowers, which flower profusely with up to 12 flowers on each stem.
Dahlia		Dramatic round pompom shaped flowers, becoming very popular as a cut flower.
Delphinium		Tall flower spikes. Also, Larkspur which is a type of delphinium.
Dendrobium orchid	Singapore orchid	Long lasting orchids with several blooms on each erect stem.
Eremurus	Foxtail Lily	Large dramatic flowers, usually yellow or orange, with other colours less commonly available.
Eucharis	Amazon Lily	Beautiful slightly downward facing delicate flowerheads on tall straight stems.
Eupatorium		Insignificant small flowers, used as a filler.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Genista		Masses of tiny flowers all along the straight leafless stems. Popular filler flower.
Gentiana		Long lasting trumpet shaped flowers up straight stems.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Gomphrena	Globe amaranth	Small globe shaped flowers which can be easily dried.
Gypsophila		Very popular filler flower. New smaller-flowered varieties are now available.
Helleborus	Christmas Rose	Short lived very delicate and subtle flowers.
Hyacinth		Popular as a pot plant hyacinth and increasingly popular as a cut flower.
Hydrangea		A popular garden shrub with enormous flowerheads. Cultivated hydrangea come in interesting colours.
Iris		Very popular but short lived flowers.
Ixia	African Corn Lily	Delicate flowers which belong to the same family as gladioli.
Leucanthemum		Large daisy like flower.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Lilac		A common shrub and highly popular, strongly scented cut flower.
Lily-of the Valley	Convallaria	Tiny bell shaped flowers on short stems. Very popular in wedding flowers.
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Lysimachia	Loose Strife	Arching flowerheads on the end of the stems, each made up of a mass of tiny flowers.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Nerine		Leafless stems topped with clusters of delicate flowers.
Nigella	Love-in-the-Mist	Delicate papery flowers common in the garden. Also attractive as seed heads.
Ornithogalum	Chincherinchee	Fantastically long lasting flower, usually white and less commonly available in yellow.
Paphiopedilum orchid	Slipper orchid	Very large dramatic orchid flowers.
Peony		Enormous and extravagant flowers only available for a short season.
Phalaenopsis orchid	Moth Orchid	Large showy flowers, popular as a pot plant as well as a cut flower especially for weddings.
Phlox		English country garden flower. Very popular.
Physostegia	Obedient plant	Flowers look similar to antirrhinums.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Prunus	Flowering cherry	Cherry blossom, beautiful delicate flowers on tall straight branches.
Ranunculus		Small delicate, papery flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Saponaria		A good filler flower, a bit like gypsophila but the flowers are bigger.
Scabious		Papery flowers which also have attractive seed heads.
Spiraea		Quite large feathery flower plumes.
Stephanotis	Wax flower	Not generally available as a cut flower, but the individual small, waxy, white flowers are often used in bridal work.
Sweet pea	Lathyrus	Wonderful colours and scents, short lived but stunning en masse and well worth it.
Symphoricarpos		Shrub with attractive round berries in pink or white.
Tanecetum		A type of chrysanthemum with small button shaped flowers.
Trachelium		Masses of tiny flowers create a large flat flowerhead.
Tuberose	Polianthes	Higly scented flowers on tall stems.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Veronica	Speedwell	Delicate flower spikes add contrast to arrangements.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

Flower name	Alternative names	Comments
Acacia	Mimosa	Tiny petal-less yellow flowers cover the stems.
Achillea	Yarrow	Very popular as a dried flower.
Alstroemeria	Peruvian Lily	Very popular and long lasting flowers, often bi-coloured.
Anethum	Dill	Masses of tiny yellow flowers and a strong scent, used as a filler.
Anigozanthus	Kangaroo Paw	Unusual furry buds with insignificant flowers. Ideal for modern arrangements.
Antirrhinum	Snapdragon	More common as a garden flower.
Arachnis	Spider Orchid	Long stems with slender petalled and spotted flowers.
Banksia	Bottlebrush	Exotic Protea from Australia, large flower heads made up of masses of tiny flowers.
Bupleurum		Insignificant yellow green flowers. Used more as a foliage and as a filler.
Marigold	Calendula	Popular daisy-like flower with a country garden feel.
Calla Lily	Zantedeschia, Arum Lily	Striking single flowers.The coloured varieties are smaller than the white ones, and not all colours are available all year round.
Callistephus		Dense headed flowers with contrasting coloured centres.
Carnation		Very long lasting. Some new more interesting colours are now available.
Carthamus	Safflower	Unusual slightly thistle like flowers.
Spray Carnation		Long lasting flowers. Some more interesting colours becoming available.
Cattleya orchid		Large brightly coloured orchids, usually 1 or 2 per stem.
Celosia	Cockscomb	Different varieties, some with crinkled 'brain-like' flowers others with feathery upright plumes.
Cornflower	Centaurea	Usually available as the well known blue cornflower, other colours are sometimes available.
Cestrum		Dense clusters of flowers at the top of straight stems.
Chrysanthemum		Available as large individual showy blooms, or the spray variety. Very long lasting.
Cosmos		Delicate daisy like flower. The brown chocolate cosmos is great.
Craspedia		Small completely round flower head made up of lots of tiny yellow flowers.
Cymbidium Orchid		Striking flowers, which flower profusely with up to 12 flowers on each stem.
Dahlia		Dramatic round pompom shaped flowers, becoming very popular as a cut flower.
Dendrobium orchid	Singapore orchid	Long lasting orchids with several blooms on each erect stem.
Eremurus	Foxtail Lily	Large dramatic flowers, usually yellow or orange, with other colours less commonly available.
Euphorbia	Spurge	Graceful curving stems with loads of tiny flowers. Note not all colours are available at the same time, check with your florist.
Forsythia		The shrub commonly grown in our gardens for their springtime flowers.
Freesia		Highly popular, highly scented flowers.
Genista		Masses of tiny flowers all along the straight leafless stems. Popular filler flower.
Gerbera		Large daisy like flowers, a smaller 'Germini' variety is also available.
Gladiolus		Fairly traditional flower used in large arrangements. Miniature varieties are becoming increasingly popular.
Helenium		Small daisy like flower, with slightly backward facing petals and autumnal colours.
Hyacinth		Popular as a pot plant hyacinth and increasingly popular as a cut flower.
Hypericum	St John's Wort	Attractive berries rather than flowers make this a very popular filler.
Iris		Very popular but short lived flowers.
Kniphofia	Red hot poker	Large dramatic upright flowerspikes.
Leucadendron	Safari Sunset	It is the leaves rather than the flowers which make this popular.
Leucospermum	Pincushion Protea	Large flowerheads which resemble a pin cushion. Long lasting.
Lily		Available throughout the year, but if you are looking for a particular colour check availability with your florist.
Limonium	Sea Lavender, Statice	Popular as a dried flower, all varieties make good fillers, but it can have an unpleasant smell!
Lisianthus	Eustoma	Popular flowers which open from tightly swirled buds, bi-coloured varieties also available.
Matthiola	Stock	Fantastic vibrant colours and an incredible scent.
Narcissus	Daffodil	Needs no description and evokes spring more than any other cut flower.
Oenothera		Large buttercup like flowers in a cluster at the top of the stem.
Oncidium orchid	Golden Shower Orchid	Lots of small yellow flowers along the stem. Miniature hybrids are available in colours other than yellow.
Ornithogalum	Chincherinchee	Fantastically long lasting flower, usually white and less commonly available in yellow.
Paphiopedilum orchid	Slipper orchid	Very large dramatic orchid flowers.
Papaver	Poppy	Fantastic papery flowers in great colours. Short lived but worth it. The seed heads are also popular.
Protea		Large exotic flowers with many different varieties.
Ranunculus		Small delicate, papery flowers.
Rose		Needs no description! Almost every colour available except true black or blue.
Solidago		A popular yellow filler flower.
Solidaster		A cross between Solidago and the Aster. Used as a filler.
Sunflower	Helianthus	Striking, large daisy like flowers, usually yellow but more unusual rusty colours are becoming available.
Tanecetum		A type of chrysanthemum with small button shaped flowers.
Trollius		From the same family as ranunculus. Similar in appearance.
Tulip		One of the most popular cut flowers in the UK with many different varieties.
Vanda		Usually 6 - 8 blooms per flower stem, The petals often have a marbled appearance.
Zinnia		Very similar to dahlias.

How flowers make us feel.

Victorian Flower Meanings – The language of flowers.

Wedding Anniversary Meanings

Flower Colours and Meanings : Blue

Flower Colours and Meanings : Brown

Flower Colours and Meanings : Cream

Flower Colours and Meanings : Green

Flower Colours and Meanings : Orange

Flower Colours and Meanings : Peach

Flower Colours and Meanings : Pink

Flower Colours and Meanings : Red

Flower Colours and Meanings : Purple

Flower Colours and Meanings : White

Flower Colours and Meanings : Yellow