There is an estimated £260 million spent on flowers in the run up to Valentine’s Day, with roses being one of the most popular gifts to give your loved one. Did you know that in the Victorian era flowers were more than just pretty presents; they actually conveyed very specific messages through their arrangement and the flowers used. This was called floriography or the ‘language of flowers’.

Back then it was less socially acceptable for men and women to be out and about together on their own. Public displays of affection were a massive no-no. This made courtship difficult and gave romance an exciting, illicit edge. Flowers and poetry became a way of expressing a sentiment in a secret, creative way that would not attract attention.

And the meanings could often be very specific. For example, if you received a Primrose it meant ‘I can’t live without you’. Whereas Yellow Carnations meant ‘I would rather live without you’! It would be pretty bad if you got those mixed up! Not to mention Rhododendrons, which meant Danger! And with the influx of different flowers available, Victorians used to carry around flower dictionaries just so they could understand what was going on!

To make things even more interesting, ladies would sometimes carry around small bouquets of flowers. Anyone who could understand the language of flowers would be able to tell what kind of message they were sending, but to the untrained eye it was completely innocent!

Nowadays people choose flowers predominantly based on colour and smell (or price!) rather than by their association. But as with a lot of vintage fashions, the art of floriography has come back in style.

As Roses are so popular here are just a few of the different messages you could be sending or receive this Valentine’s Day:

  • Rose (peach) – immortality, modesty
  • Rose (red) – love, I love you, respect, beauty
  • Rose (deep red) – bashful, shame
  • Rose (yellow) – joy, jealousy, friendship (one yellow rose with 11 red ones means love & passion)
  • Roses (bouquet of full bloom) – gratitude
  • Roses (single full bloom) – I truly love you, simplicity

Will you get the message you were expecting?