Flower Studio · Field guide
Flower meanings
45 stems a florist actually stocks — what each one has traditionally meant, how to keep it fresh, and whether it is safe to leave where a cat can reach it.
Birth-month flowers
The US list, month by month. Pick “Birthday” in the studio and the right one leads the bouquet.
Focal flowers
The faces of a bouquet — the big blooms the eye lands on first.
- Garden rose Rosa spp. Traditionally the flower of love, with each color carrying its own shade of meaning.
- Peony Paeonia lactiflora Lush, many-petaled blooms traditionally tied to prosperity, romance, and a happy marriage. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Tulip Tulipa spp. A spring favorite traditionally linked to perfect love and cheerful new beginnings. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Ranunculus Ranunculus asiaticus Tissue-thin, tightly layered petals traditionally read as charm and radiant attraction. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla Big, cloud-like heads traditionally read as heartfelt gratitude, with mixed older meanings. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Sunflower Helianthus annuus A sunny, oversized bloom traditionally associated with loyalty, adoration, and warmth.
- Oriental lily Lilium Oriental hybrids Large, heavily scented blooms traditionally associated with purity, renewal, and sympathy. Toxic to cats
- Dahlia Dahlia spp. Sculptural, many-petaled blooms associated in modern florist lore with dignity and commitment. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Anemone Anemone coronaria Dark-eyed spring blooms traditionally associated with anticipation and fleeting love.
- Calla lily Zantedeschia spp. Sleek, sculptural blooms associated with elegance and rebirth; not a true lily. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus Long-lasting ruffled blooms traditionally linked to a mother's love and deep admiration. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Gerbera daisy Gerbera jamesonii hybrids Bright, graphic daisies associated in modern use with cheer and innocence.
- Iris Iris × hollandica Named for the Greek messenger goddess and traditionally tied to wisdom, hope, and faith. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Daffodil Narcissus spp. The emblem of early spring, traditionally associated with rebirth and new beginnings. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Lisianthus Eustoma grandiflorum Rose-like ruffled blooms associated in modern florist use with gratitude and appreciation.
- King protea Protea cynaroides A bold, ancient-looking bloom from South Africa associated with courage and transformation.
- Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemum × morifolium Long-lasting autumn blooms associated with joy and longevity, and in some countries, mourning. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Freesia Freesia hybrids Sweetly scented, arching sprays associated in modern use with friendship and trust.
- Poppy Papaver nudicaule Silky, crinkled petals associated with remembrance, dreams, and peace.
- Cosmos Cosmos bipinnatus Airy, open-faced blooms traditionally associated with order, harmony, and peace.
Fillers
Sprays and spikes that fill the gaps and give an arrangement movement.
- Baby's breath Gypsophila paniculata Clouds of tiny blooms traditionally associated with everlasting love and innocence.
- Lavender Lavandula angustifolia Fragrant purple spikes traditionally associated with devotion, calm, and cleanliness. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Waxflower Chamelaucium uncinatum Tiny waxy blooms on needle-leaved sprays, associated in modern use with lasting love.
- Queen Anne's lace Daucus carota Flat, lacy flower heads traditionally associated with sanctuary and delicate grace.
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus Ruffled, intensely fragrant blooms traditionally associated with thanks and fond farewells.
- Lily of the valley Convallaria majalis Tiny, bell-shaped blooms traditionally associated with the return of happiness. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Statice Limonium sinuatum Papery, long-lasting clusters traditionally associated with remembrance and sympathy.
- Stock Matthiola incana Dense, clove-scented spikes traditionally associated with lasting beauty and contentment.
- Snapdragon Antirrhinum majus Tall spikes of dragon-mouthed blooms traditionally associated with graciousness, and sometimes deception.
- Larkspur Consolida ajacis Airy spikes of spurred flowers traditionally associated with an open heart and lightness. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Aster Callistephus chinensis Star-shaped blooms traditionally associated with patience, love, and remembrance.
- Scabiosa Scabiosa spp. Pincushion-like blooms whose old folk meanings range from mourning to unfortunate love.
- Sea holly Eryngium spp. Spiky, steel-blue blooms associated in modern use with independence and resilience.
- Craspedia Craspedia globosa Bright yellow globes on bare stems, associated in modern use with good health and cheer.
- Hypericum berry Hypericum androsaemum hybrids Glossy berry clusters from the St. John's wort family, long tied to protection in folklore. Toxic to cats and dogs
Greens
Foliage that frames everything else and makes the colours sing.
- Silver dollar eucalyptus Eucalyptus cinerea Round, silvery-blue leaves associated in modern florist lore with protection and healing. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Seeded eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. Sprays of sage-green seed clusters associated in modern florist lore with protection and abundance. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Italian ruscus Ruscus hypoglossum Long, glossy sprays prized for their graceful lines and a vase life that can reach weeks.
- Olive branch Olea europaea Silvery gray-green sprigs traditionally associated with peace, victory, and friendship.
- Salal Gaultheria shallon Leathery, rounded leaves long used as a sturdy, glossy base for bouquets.
- Leatherleaf fern Rumohra adiantiformis Sturdy, glossy fronds that have framed florist arrangements for generations.
- Dusty miller Jacobaea maritima Soft, felted silver leaves that add a frosty, velvety texture to bouquets.
- Monstera Monstera deliciosa A single dramatic split leaf that brings a tropical, modern feel to arrangements. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Trailing ivy Hedera helix Trailing vines traditionally associated with fidelity, friendship, and marriage. Toxic to cats and dogs
- Holly Ilex aquifolium Glossy evergreen leaves and red berries, traditionally tied to protection and winter festivity. Toxic to cats and dogs
Send someone flowers that never wilt
Arrange any of these in a vase, write a card, and share the link — or have us email it on the day.
Open Flower StudioMeanings come mostly from Victorian floriography and vary between traditions. Pet safety is the ASPCA's verdict; if a pet eats any plant, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.