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The etymological meaning of hydrangea stems from the Greek words for water, hydros and jar, angos. The name comes from the constant moisture required to keep the flowers happy, healthy and blooming. In Japan, they are said to be a sign of apology or gratitude because an emperor gave them as apologies to his maidens.

Contrastingly, hydrangeas have a negative sentiment in Europe where they were used to declare arrogance. They also became synonymous with frigidity in the Medieval ages because it was believed that young women who grew them would never find husbands.

Color Meanings:

Pink – love, sincere emotions

Blue – forgiveness, regret and rejection

White – purity, grace, abundance and bragging

Purple – abundance, wealth and royalty

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According to Greek mythology hyacinth got its name when a young boy named Hyacinth was killed when a discus hit him in the head during a game. A hyacinth sprang from the cut in his head as he lay in the arms of the god Apollo, who was wailing in grief. Wild hyacinths have letter-like patterns on their petals which look like the "A" in Greek which indicates the sound of wailing.

Hyacinths came to Europe from Turkey. A German doctor named Leonhardt Rauwolf, collected samples of hyacinths when he visited Turkey in 1573. By the early 1700s hyacinths were very popular with more than 2,000 cultivars available.

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The most highly coveted of ornamental plants, the delicate, exotic and graceful orchid represents love, luxury, beauty and strength. In ancient Greece, orchids were associated with virility. In fact, Greek women believed that if the father of their unborn child ate large, new orchid tubers, the baby would be a boy. If the mother ate small orchid tubers, she would give birth to a girl.

During the Victorian era, orchid symbolism shifted to luxury, and today this sense of magnificence and artful splendor continues, with orchids representing rare and delicate beauty. The 14th wedding anniversary flower, pink orchids convey pure affection, and the popular cattelya orchid represents mature charm.

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Sunflowers originated in the Americas in 1,000 B.C., and were then cultivated as a valuable food source for centuries. With the European exploration of the New World, the flower’s popularity spread, as the rest of the world began to appreciate its beauty and sustenance.

Artists throughout history loved the sunflower’s unique splendor—those of the Impressionist era were especially fixated on the flower. The use of sunflower images as religious symbols has also been documented in some native societies.

Wild sunflowers are often photographed with their tall stalks and bright petals stretched towards the sun. This interesting behavior, known as phototropism, inspired a motif that has appeared in many ancient works.

Today, sunflowers remain a highly recognized flower, admired for its sunny charm and delightful disposition. These beauties are also still sourced for their seeds, as well as oils used for cooking and skin emollients. For a flower that reflects so many of the sun’s positive characteristics, it isn’t surprising that people enjoy basking in the sunflower’s warming glow so much.

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Delphinium comes from the Greek word delphis, meaning dolphin - the flower resembles the bottle-like nose of a dolphin.

Delphiniums were used by West Coast Native Americans to make blue dye, and European settlers made ink from ground delphinium flowers.

The most ancient use of Delphinium flowers was a strong external concoction thought to drive away scorpions.

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While many believe tulips originated in Holland; they actually began as a wildflower in Turkey as early as 1000 A.D! It is believed that the name “tulip” was derived from the Turkish word for turban, due to the flower’s shape. It also played a significant role in Turkish art and culture, having appeared in many poems, paintings and music.

The flower’s popularity spread from the Middle East to Europe, particularly the Netherlands, where “tulip mania” later took place in the 17th century. During this time, tulips became so prized, prices soared and eventually markets crashed. The nutritional benefits of the bulbs helped the Dutch overcome famine during World War II, and believe it or not, these pretty flowers are still eaten today in countries such as Britain and Afghanistan.

This lovely bloom can be found just about anywhere today, though they are most often identified as “Dutch tulips.” This beloved blossom is celebrated in festivals throughout the world during spring months, and is also the national flower of Turkey.

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What is delicate, durable, and delightful all in one? The carnation , scientifically known as Dianthus caryophyllus, is a historically rich and meaningful flower choice. With its scientific name dianthus roughly translating to “flower of love” or “flower of the gods”, depending on the source, this flower is one that has been revered for centuries. One of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation is appreciated for its ruffled appearance, clove-like scent, and extended blooming period.

The carnation’s history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times, when it was used in art and d?cor. Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for Jesus as he carried his cross. Carnations in these early times were predominantly found in shades of pale pink and peach, but over the years the palette of available colors has grown to include red, yellow, white, purple, and even green. Throughout so many centuries of change, the popularity of the carnation has remained undiminished. The fact that the carnation continues to endure is a testament to its vast appeal.

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Dating as far back as 1580 B.C., when images of lilies were discovered in a villa in Crete, these majestic flowers have long held a role in ancient mythology. Derived from the Greek word "leiron," (generally assumed to refer to the white Madonna lily), the lily was so revered by the Greeks that they believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods. Lilies are known to be the May birth flower, and the 30th wedding anniversary flower.

While white lilies symbolize chastity and virtue – and were the symbol of the Virgin Mary’s purity and her role of Queen of the Angels – as other varieties became popular, they brought with them additional meanings and symbolism as well. Peruvian lilies, or alstroemeria, represent friendship and devotion, white stargazer lilies express sympathy and pink stargazer lilies represent wealth and prosperity. Symbolizing humility and devotion, lilies are the 30th anniversary flower - while lilies of the valley are the 2nd wedding anniversary flower.

As the flowers most often associated with funerals, lilies symbolize that the soul of the departed has received restored innocence after death.

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Chrysanthemums have a strong association with Eastern culture because they were first cultivated in China. Pottery dating back to the 15th century BC depicts the flower as we know it today. Respect for this flower ran so deep, a city was named after it: Chu-Hsien, or Chrysanthemum City. In ancient China, almost all parts of the chrysanthemum had medicinal use. The roots were boiled for pain relief, the petals were eaten and the leaves were brewed to create a ceremonial drink. Legend has it the flower possessed the power of life.

When the chrysanthemum made its way to Japan around the eighth century AD, its reputation flourished much like it did in China. The emperor adopted a single chrysanthemum as his crest and official seal. Family seals for prominent Japanese families still often contain a chrysanthemum varietal. National Chrysanthemum Day, celebrated in Japan since 910 AD, is one of the five sacred festivals of Japan.

It wasn’t until much later in the 17th century that the flower was introduced to the Western world where its symbolism took a more foreboding turn. Chrysanthemums were often placed on gravestones and became associated with death.

Today, the chrysanthemum is once again beloved for its late blooming season and rich colors. In America, you are likely to see chrysanthemums in homecoming corsages and adorning porches and balconies from August to November.

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ROSES a long symbol of love and passion, the ancient Greeks and Romans associated roses with Aphrodite and Venus, goddesses of love. Used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, they also represent confidentiality. In fact, the Latin expression "sub rosa"(literally, "under the rose") means something told in secret, and in ancient Rome, a wild rose was placed on the door to a room where confidential matters were being discussed.

Each color offers a distinct meaning: red, the lover's rose, signifies enduring passion; white, humility and innocence; yellow, expressing friendship and joy; pink, gratitude, appreciation and admiration; orange, enthusiasm and desire; white lilac and purple roses represent enchantment and love at first sight. The number of stems in a rose bouquet can also express specific sentiments. The June birth month flower and the 15th wedding anniversary flower, roses are also the national flower of the United States and the state flower of Georgia, Iowa, New York, North Dakota and the District of Columbia. And, not surprisingly, June – the month so often associated with weddings – is National Rose Month.