In Victorian times a bouquet of flowers could mean many things.  Depending on the types chosen, it  could express a range of sentiments ranging from love to hate, attraction to rejection.  Even a simple  bouquet of roses could mean many things depending on the type of rose and its color.

The Language of Love
Bouquets often included herbs to emphasize or enhance the meaning of the  flowers they accompanied .  For example, rosemary (remembrance) interwoven with red roses (love) might mean ‘remember, I love you.’ Change the red roses to white and the meaning becomes: ‘ remember to keep our secret.’   Give a pink carnation and the message is: ‘I’ll never forget you;’ change the color to yellow if you withdraw your love and reject the recipient .

A Vineyard Valentine Bouquet
Following is a short cliff notes on the language of flowers based on the blossoms likely to be found at Vineyard florists.  Choose carefully and create a gift bouquet that is both beautiful and eloquent.
Happy Valentine’s Day!

Letting  Your Love Blossom

  Iris: Faith & hope

  Daisy:  Innocence

  Daffodil: Respect and admiration

  Lavender : Devotion

  Tulip: Unrequited love (yellow); believe that I love you (red)

Lily: Purity (white); flirtation (day lily)

  Orchid: Beauty and refinement

  Roses: Love (red),  Perfect happiness (pink)

  Sunflower: Loyalty

  Baby’s Breath: Everlasting love