Back in Victorian times, symbolic meaning was given to flowers so suitors could send undetectable messages to young ladies. It was a sort of code all young ladies were well versed in. Some of these meanings may still hold true. Today we choose flowers as we like and write the intended message on the card!
flower meaning
acacia a love so chaste, concealed love
aloe grief, sorrow
amaryllis pride
anemone love abandoned, forsaken
aster daintiness
azalea take care of yourself for me
bachelor's button a singular joy
begonia dark thoughts, beware
bells of Ireland good luck
calla lily beauty
candy tuft the chill of indifference
carnation, red poor suffering heart, my heart aches for you
carnation, pink I'll never forget you
carnation, white sweet and lovely
daffodil unrequited love, you're the only one
daisy innocence
dandelion faithfulness
forget me not true love, memories
forsythia anticipation
gardenia you're lovely; secret love
gladiolus I'm really sincere
holly domestic happiness
hydrangea thank you for understanding
iris emblem of France, my compliments
ivy wedded love, fidelity
lily, tiger wealth; pride
lily, white it's heavenly to be with you
lily of the valley tears of the Blessed Virgin, you've made my life complete
magnolia nobility
mistletoe kiss me!
Narcissus egotism
nasturtium victory in battle
peony happy marriage
petunia your presence soothes me
pine hope
poppy eternal sleep
primrose I can't live with out you
rose, coral desire
rose, lavender enchantment
rose, orange fascination
rose, peach modesty
rose, pale pink grace
rose, red romantic love, respect
rose, white innocence and secrecy
rose, yellow joy, friendship
snapdragon gracious lady
stephanotis happiness in marriage
stock you'll always be beautiful to me
sweet pea thank you for a wonderful time
tulip perfect lover
violet modesty
zinnias thinking of an absent friend