Trailing ivy

What the trailing ivy means

Because ivy clings so tightly to whatever it climbs, it has long been read as fidelity and lasting attachment, and in the Victorian language of flowers it meant fidelity, friendship, and marriage. Greek priests are said to have given newlyweds a wreath of ivy, and ivy was sacred to Dionysus. It is also a traditional Christmas green, remembered in the carol "The Holly and the Ivy." In bouquets, trailing ivy softens the edges of an arrangement and is often worked into wedding flowers for its old associations.

Flower meanings come mostly from Victorian floriography, and they vary between books, eras, and cultures.

Often sent for

• Anniversary
• Sympathy
• Just because
• Thank you

By colour

• Green Traditionally, fidelity and friendship.
• Variegated Often chosen to lighten wedding and winter arrangements.