Gentry/The Floriographer/Flower Language
From Fate's Harvest
Flower Language
The information on this page was derived from Mandy Kirkby's "A Victorian Flower Dictionary: the Language of Flowers Companion".
Traditionally, The Floriographer will sculpt his chosen beauties, male or female, toward a particular flower based on their existing temperament, new messages he intends to grow, or based on flaws he would prefer to rid them of. Arcadia being Arcadia, the Changeling's will and determination can, and does, affect just what s/he will end up being, but defy him too strongly and it's to the compost heap you go, food for beasts and far less pleasant things.
Contents
~ A ~
- Abutilon (Abutilon) - Meditation
- Acacia (Acacia) - Secret Love
- Acanthus (Acanthus) - Artifice
- Agapanthus (Agapanthus) - Love Letter
- Agrimony (Agrimonia) - Gratitude
- Allium (Allium) - Prosperity
- Almond Blossom (Amygdalus communis) - Indiscretion
- Aloe (Aloe vera) - Grief
- Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria) - Devotion
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) - Worth Beyond Beauty
- Amaranth (Amaranthus) - Immortality
- Amaryllis (Hippeastrum) - Pride
- Anemone (Anemone) - Forsaken, Abandonment, Love That is Fleeting & Will Not Last
- Angelica (Angelica pachycarpa) - Inspiration
- Apple (Malus domestica) - Temptation
- Apple Blossom (Malus domestica) - Preference
- Aster (Aster) - Patience
- Azalea (Rhododendron) - Fragile & Ephemeral Passion
~ B ~
- Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) - Everlasting Love
- Bachelor's Button (Centaurea cyanus) - Single Blessedness
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) - Hate
- Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) - I Change Only in Death
- Begonia (Begonia) - Caution
- Bellflower (Campanula) - Gratitude
- Bells of Ireland (Moluccella laevis) - Good Luck
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) - Magnificence
- Blackberry (Rubus) - Envy
- Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) - Justice
- Bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta) - Constancy
- Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) - Passion
- Bouvardia (Bouvardia) - Enthusiasm
- Broom (Cytisus) - Humility
- Buttercup (Ranunculus acris) - Ingratitude
~ C ~
- Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) - Profit
- Cactus (Opuntia) - Ardent Love
- Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica) - Modesty
- Camellia (Camellia) - My Destiny Is In Your Hands; Love, Singular & All-Embracing
- Candytuft (Iberis) - Indifference
- Canterbury Bells (Campanula medium) - Constancy; Faith (esp. religious)
- Carnation [pink] (Dianthus caryophyllus) - I Will Never Forget You
- Carnation [red] (Dianthus caryophyllus) - My Heart Breaks; Strong Avowal of Love
- Carnation [striped] (Dianthus caryophyllus) - I Cannot Be With You
- Carnation [white] (Dianthus caryophyllus) - Sweet & Lovely; Tender Affection
- Carnation [yellow] (Dianthus caryophyllus) - Disdain
- Celandine (Chelidonium majus) - Joys to Come
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - Energy in Adversity; Courage to Survive
- Cherry Blossom (Prunus cerasus/Prunus serrulata) - Impermanence; Life is Fleeting; Enjoy the "now"; Celebrate the Present Moment
- Cherry, Winter (Physalis alkekengi) - Deception
- Chervil (Anthriscus) - Sincerity
- Chestnut (Castanea sativa) - Do Me Justice
- Chicory (Cichorium intybus) - Frugality
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum) - Truth; Perfection; Honest Character (esp. if white)
- Cinquefoil (Potentilla) - Beloved Daughter
- Clematis (Clematis) - Poverty
- Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) - I Have Loved You & You Have Not Known It
- Clover [white] (Trifolium) - Think of Me
- Cockscomb (Celosia) - Affectation
- Columbine (Aquilegia) - Desertion
- Coneflower [purple] (Echinacea purpurea) - Strength & Health
- Coreopsis (Coreopsis) - Always Cheerful
- Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - Hidden Worth
- Corn (Zea mays) - Riches
- Cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus) - Joy in Love & Life
- Cowslip (Primula veris) - Pensiveness
- Crab-Apple Blossom (Malus hupehensis/Malus sylvestris) - Ill-Tempered
- Cranberry (Vaccinium) - Cure for Heartache
- Crocus (Crocus) - Youthful Gladness
- Currant (Ribes) - Thy Frown Will Kill Me
- Cyclamen (Cyclamen) - Timid Hope
- Cypress (Cupressus) - Mourning; Grief; Perpetual Loss/Grief; Mortality & End Thereof
~ D ~
- Daffodil (Narcissus) - New Beginnings; Renewal; Hope after Unlucky Things
- Dahlia (Dahlia) - Dignity
- Daisy (Bellis) - Innocence; Lack of Worldliness; Purity; Contempt for Worldly Goods
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) - Rustic Oracle
- Daphne (Daphne) - I Would Not Have You Otherwise
- Day Lily (Hemerocallis) - Coquetry
- Delphinium (Delphinium) - Levity
- Dianthus (Dianthus) - Make Haste
- Dittany (Dictamnus albus) - Childbirth
- Dogwood (Cornus) - Love Undiminished by Adversity
- Dragon Plant (Dracaena) - You Are Near a Snare
~ E ~
- Edelweiss (Leontopodium alpinum) - Noble Courage
- Eglantine (Rosa rubiginosa) - I Wound to Heal; Pleasure; Pain [a.k.a. Sweet Briar/Briar Rose]
- Elder (Sambucus) - Compassion
- Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus) - Protection
- Euphorbia (Euphorbia) - Persistence
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera) - Inconstancy
- Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius) - Lasting Pleasure
~ F ~
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - Strength
- Fern (Polypodiophyta) - Sincerity
- Fern, Maidenhair (Adiantum capillus-veneris) - Secrecy
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - Warmth
- Fig (Ficus carica) - Argument
- Flax (Linum usitatissimum) - I Feel Your Kindness
- Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis) - Forget Me Not
- Forsythia (Forsythia) - Anticipation
- Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) - Insincerity
- Freesia (Freesia) - Lasting Friendship
- Fuchsia (Fuchsia) - Humble Love
~ G ~
- Gardenia (Gardenia) - Refinement
- Gentian (Gentiana) - Intrinsic Worth
- Geranium [oak-leaf] (Pelargonium) - True Friendship
- Geranium [pencil-leaf] (Pelargonium) - Ingenuity
- Geranium [scarlet] (Pelargonium) - Stupidity
- Geranium [wild] (Geranium) - Steadfast Piety
- Gerber Daisy (Gerbera) - Cheerfulness
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Strength
- Gladiolus (Gladiolus) - You Pierce My Heart
- Goldenrod (Solidago) - Careful Encouragement
- Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) - Abundance
- Grass (Poaceae) - Submission
~ H ~
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) - Hope
- Hazel (Corylus) - Reconciliation; Language; Diplomacy
- Heath (Erica) - Solitude
- Heather (Calluna vulgaris) - Protection
- Helenium (Helenium) - Tears
- Heliotrope (Heliotropium) - Devoted Affection; Faithful & Constant Love
- Hibiscus (Hibiscus) - Delicate Beauty
- Holly (Ilex) - Foresight; Protection from Misfortune
- Hollyhock (Alcea) - Ambition
- Honesty (Lunaria annua) - Honesty
- Honeysuckle (Lonicera) - Devotion
- Hyacinth [blue] (Hyacinthus orientalis) - Constancy
- Hyacinth [purple] (Hyacinthus orientalis) - Please Forgive Me
- Hyacinth [white] (Hyacinthus orientalis) - Beauty
- Hydrangea (Hydrangea) - Dispassion
~ I ~
- Ice Plant (Carpobrotus chilensis) - Your Looks Freeze Me
- Impatiens (Impatiens) - Impatience
- Iris (Iris) - Message; Messenger; Hope
- Ivy (Hedera helix) - Fidelity; Steadfastness
~ J ~
- Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium) - Come Down
- Jasmine [Carolina] (Gelsemium sepervirens) - Separation
- Jasmine [Indian] (Jasminum multiflorum) - Attachment
- Jasmine [white] (Jasminum officinale) - Amiability
- Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) - Desire
~ L ~
- Laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides) - Pensive Beauty
- Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium) - Capricious Beauty
- Lantana (Lantana) - Rigour
- Larch (Larix decidua) - Audacity
- Larkspur (Delphinium consolida) - Lightness; Uplifting; Play; Joy
- Laurel (Laurus nobilis) - Glory & Success
- Lavender (Lavandula) - Mistrust
- Lemon (Citrus limon) - Zest
- Lemon Blossom (Citrus limon) - Discretion
- Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) - Coldheartedness
- Liatris (Liatris) - I Will Try Again
- Lichen (Parmelia) - Dejection
- Lilac (Syringa) - First Emotions of Love
- Lily (Lilium) - Majesty
- Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) - Return of Happiness
- Linden Tree (Tilia) - Conjugal Love
- Lisianthus (Eustoma) - Appreciation
- Lobelia (Lobelia) - Malevolence
- Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) - Purity
- Love-in-a-Mist (Nigela damascena) - Perplexity
- Love-Lies-Bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) - Hopeless but not Helpless
- Lungwort (Pulmonaria) - You Are My Life
- Lupin (Lupinus) - Imagination
~ M ~
- Magnolia (Magnolia) - Dignity
- Marigold (Calendula) - Grief; Sadness; Distress
- Marjoram (Origanum) - Blushes
- Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris) - Desire for Riches
- Meadow Saffron (Colchicum autumnale) - My Best Days Are Past
- Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) - Uselessness
- Michaelmas Daisy (Aster amellus) - Farewell
- Mignonette (Reseda odorata) - Your Qualities Surpass Your Charms; Inner Virtue
- Mimosa (Mimosa) - Sensitivity
- Mistletoe (Viscum) - I Surmount All Obstacles
- Mock Orange (Philadelphus) - Counterfeit
- Monkshood (Aconitum) - Chivalry
- Morning Glory (Ipomoea) - Coquetry
- Moss (Bryopsida) - Maternal Love; Presence; I'll Never Desert You
- Moss Rose (Rosa) - Confession of Love
- Mullein (Verbascum) - Take Courage
- Mustard (Brassica) - I Am Hurt
- Myrtle (Myrtus) - Love; Inspiring Love
~ N ~
- Narcissus (Narcissus) - Self-Love
- Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) - Impetuous Love; Haste; Without Fear of Tomorrow
- Nettle (Urtica) - Cruelty
~ O ~
- Oats (Avena sativa) - Witching Soul of Music
- Oleander (Nerium oleander) - Beware
- Olive (Olea europaea) - Peace
- Orange (Citrus sinensis) - Generosity
- Orange Blossom (Citrus sinensis) - Your Purity Equals Your Loveliness; Uncomplicated Loveliness
- Orchid (Orchis) - Refined Beauty
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare) - Joy
~ P ~
- Pansy (Viola) - Think of Me; Tender Attachment; Compassion; Concern
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) - Festivity
- Passionflower (Passiflora) - Faith (esp. religious)
- Peach (Prunus persica) - Your Charms Are Unequalled
- Peach Blossom (Prunus persica) - I Am Your Captive
- Pear (Pyrus) - Affection
- Pear Blossom (Pyrus) - Comfort
- Peony (Paeonia) - Anger
- Peppermint (Mentha) - Warmth of Feeling; Protection
- Periwinkle (Vinca minor) - Tender Recollections
- Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) - Bury Me Amid Nature's Beauty
- Petunia (Petunia) - Your Presence Soothes Me
- Phlox (Phlox) - Our Souls Are United
- Pineapple (Ananas comosus) - You Are Perfect
- Pink (Dianthus) - Pure Love
- Plum (Prunus domestica) - Keep Your Promises
- Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) - Be Of Good Cheer
- Polyanthus (Primula elatior) - Confidence
- Pomegranate (Punica granatum) - Foolishness
- Pomegranate Blossom (Punica granatum) - Mature Elegance
- Poplar [black] (Populus nigra) - Courage
- Poplar [white] (Populus alba) - Time
- Poppy (Papaver) - Fantastic Extravagance; Beauty
- Potato (Solanum tuberosum) - Benevolence
- Potato Vine (Solanum jasminoides) - You Are Delicious
- Primrose (Primula) - Childhood
- Protea (Protea) - Courage
~ Q ~
- Queen Anne's Lace (Ammi majus) - Fantasy
- Quince (Cydonia oblonga) - Temptation
~ R ~
- Ranunculus (Ranunculus asiaticus) - You Are Radiant With Charms
- Raspberry (Rubus) - Remorse
- Redbud (Cercis) - Betrayal
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron) - Beware
- Rhubarb (Rheum) - Advice
- Rose [burgundy] (Rosa) - Unconscious Beauty
- Rose [orange] (Rosa) - Fascination
- Rose [pale peach] (Rosa) - Modesty
- Rose [pink] (Rosa) - Grace
- Rose [purple] (Rosa) - Enchantment
- Rose [red] (Rosa) - Love
- Rose [white] (Rosa) - Heart Unacquainted With Love
- Rose [yellow] (Rosa) - Infidelity
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) - Remembrance; Remedy Against Forgetfulness; Immortality of the Soul
~ S ~
- Saffron (Crocus sativus) - Beware of Excess
- Sage (Salvia officinalis) - Good Health & Long Life
- Saxifrage (Saxifraga) - Affection
- Scabious (Scabiosa) - Unfortunate Love
- Scarlet Pimpernel (Anagallis arvensis) - Change
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) - Presumption
- Snowdrop (Galanthus) - Consolation; Hope; Calmer of Fears; Happiness Will Return
- Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) - Parental Affection
- Spiraea (Spiraea) - Victory
- Speedwell (Veronica) - Fidelity
- St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) - Superstition
- Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) - Purity
- Starwort (Stellaria) - Welcome
- Stephanotis (Stephanotis floribunda) - Happiness in Marriage
- Stock (Malcolmia maritima) - You Will Always Be Beautiful To Me
- Stonecrop (Sedum) - Tranquillity
- Strawberry (Fragaria) - Perfection
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) - False Riches
- Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus) - Delicate Pleasures
- Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) - Gallantry
~ T ~
- Tansy (Tanacetum) - I Declare War Against You
- Thistle (Cirsium) - Misanthropy; Stay Away From Me; Defiance
- Thrift (Armeria) - Sympathy
- Thyme (Thymus) - Activity
- Trachelium (Trachelium) - Neglected Beauty
- Trillium (Trillium) - Modest Beauty
- Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans) - Fame
- Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) - Dangerous Pleasures
- Tulip (Tulipa) - Declaration of Love
- Turnip (Brassica rapa) - Charity
~ V ~
- Verbena (Verbena) - Pray For Me [a.k.a. Vervain]
- Vetch (Vicia) - I Cling To Thee
- Violet (Viola odorata) - Modest Worth; Humility
~ W ~
- Wallflower (Cheiranthus) - Fidelity in Adversity (lovers & religious alike)
- Water Lily (Nymphaea) - Pure of Heart; Perfection; Goodness
- Waxflower (Hoya) - Susceptibility
- Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) - Melancholy; Mourning; Affliction; Sorrow
- Wheat (Triticum) - Prosperity
- Willowherb (Epilobium) - Pretension
- Wisteria (Wisteria) - Welcome
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) - Spell
~ Y ~
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Cure for a Broken Heart
~ Z ~
- Zinnia (Zinnia) - I Mourn Your Absence