Flower meanings glossary

Flower Glossary A-Z

A practical guide to flower names, meanings, bouquet uses and care tips for choosing the right flowers in Singapore.

Direct answer

Use this flower glossary to match a flower with the message you want to send: roses for love, lilies for purity and sympathy, sunflowers for joy, orchids for luxury, peonies for romance and prosperity, and carnations for admiration or gratitude.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Hand-tied bouquet — flowers arranged and tied by hand, ready to drop into a vase.

Stem count — how many individual flowers are in an arrangement; a key driver of price.

Cut-off time — the latest you can order for same-day delivery.

Seasonal / imported — blooms like peonies and tulips that aren’t available year-round and are flown in.

A

Alstroemeria

Friendship, devotion and long-lasting support.

Best for: Thank-you bouquets, birthdays and friendly congratulations.
Care tip: Trim stems and refresh water every two days.

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B

Baby’s Breath

Purity, innocence and everlasting love.

Best for: Romantic bouquets, bridal flowers and soft filler arrangements.
Care tip: Keep stems dry above the waterline to prevent cloudiness.

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C

Carnation

Admiration, affection and gratitude, with meanings changing by colour.

Best for: Mother’s Day, affordable bouquets and appreciation gifts.
Care tip: Remove leaves below the waterline for cleaner vase life.

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D

Daisy

Cheerfulness, innocence and simple joy.

Best for: Get-well-soon gifts, birthdays and casual surprises.
Care tip: Place away from direct afternoon heat.

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E

Eustoma

Appreciation, elegance and sincere charm.

Best for: Premium bouquets, thank-you gifts and romantic arrangements.
Care tip: Re-cut stems at an angle before placing in fresh water.

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F

Freesia

Trust, thoughtfulness and fresh beginnings.

Best for: Friendship gifts, apology flowers and fragrant bouquets.
Care tip: Use clean water and avoid fruit bowls because ethylene shortens bloom life.

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G

Gerbera

Happiness, optimism and bright celebration.

Best for: Birthday flowers, congratulations and cheerful office gifts.
Care tip: Use shallow water and support the stems if they bend.

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H

Hydrangea

Heartfelt emotion, gratitude and abundance.

Best for: Anniversary bouquets, apology flowers and elegant table arrangements.
Care tip: Hydrate deeply and mist petals lightly in warm rooms.

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I

Iris

Hope, wisdom and faith.

Best for: Sympathy flowers, encouragement gifts and refined bouquets.
Care tip: Remove faded blooms so the remaining buds open cleanly.

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J

Jasmine

Grace, affection and sweet romance.

Best for: Romantic arrangements and fragrance-led gifts.
Care tip: Keep cool and avoid overhandling delicate petals.

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K

Kalanchoe

Persistence, endurance and warm wishes.

Best for: Long-lasting plant gifts and office desk surprises.
Care tip: Water only when the soil feels dry.

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L

Lily

Purity, renewal and refined beauty.

Best for: Sympathy flowers, congratulations and elegant premium bouquets.
Care tip: Remove pollen carefully to avoid stains and extend visual freshness.

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M

Magnolia

Dignity, nobility and perseverance.

Best for: Luxury arrangements and sophisticated home styling.
Care tip: Display in a cool spot and avoid crushing the petals.

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N

Narcissus

New beginnings, renewal and good fortune.

Best for: New year gifts, housewarming and fresh-start occasions.
Care tip: Condition separately before mixing because sap can affect other flowers.

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O

Orchid

Luxury, admiration, strength and rare beauty.

Best for: Corporate gifts, grand openings, condolences and premium romance.
Care tip: Keep away from harsh sun and water sparingly for potted orchids.

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P

Peony

Romance, prosperity, honour and good fortune.

Best for: Anniversary flowers, weddings and premium romantic gestures.
Care tip: Give buds room to open and keep them in a cool area.

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Q

Queen Anne’s Lace

Delicacy, sanctuary and intricate beauty.

Best for: Garden-style bouquets and rustic romantic arrangements.
Care tip: Change water often because fine stems can cloud quickly.

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R

Rose

Love, admiration, gratitude and respect depending on colour.

Best for: Romance, anniversaries, apologies, birthdays and classic luxury bouquets.
Care tip: Remove guard petals only when needed and re-cut stems every two days.

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S

Sunflower

Joy, loyalty, positivity and warm energy.

Best for: Congratulations, birthdays and cheerful get-well-soon flowers.
Care tip: Use a sturdy vase and refresh water frequently.

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T

Tulip

Perfect love, comfort and graceful affection.

Best for: Romantic gifts, spring bouquets and simple elegant surprises.
Care tip: Tulips keep growing in the vase, so trim as needed.

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U

Ulex

Resilience, protection and quiet strength.

Best for: Textural arrangements and symbolic encouragement gifts.
Care tip: Handle carefully because stems may be prickly.

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V

Violet

Modesty, loyalty and faithful affection.

Best for: Sentimental bouquets and gentle romantic gifts.
Care tip: Keep cool and avoid letting delicate petals dry out.

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W

Waxflower

Enduring love, patience and lasting happiness.

Best for: Wedding bouquets, romantic arrangements and long-lasting filler.
Care tip: Remove submerged foliage and use clean water.

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X

Xeranthemum

Immortality, remembrance and lasting sentiment.

Best for: Dried flower arrangements, keepsake gifts and rustic designs.
Care tip: Dry upside down in a shaded, airy place.

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Y

Yarrow

Healing, courage and protection.

Best for: Get-well-soon bouquets, sympathy accents and natural garden-style flowers.
Care tip: Works well fresh or dried; keep stems clean in water.

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Z

Zinnia

Remembrance, lasting friendship and daily affection.

Best for: Friendship bouquets, colourful birthdays and casual thank-you gifts.
Care tip: Use fresh water and remove spent blooms promptly.

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Flower glossary FAQs

What flower is best for romantic gifts?+

Roses are the classic romantic choice, while peonies, tulips and orchids are strong alternatives for premium or softer romantic arrangements.

What flower is best for thank-you gifts?+

Alstroemeria, carnations, hydrangeas and eustoma work well for thank-you flowers because they communicate appreciation, sincerity and warmth.

What flower is best for sympathy?+

Lilies, orchids, chrysanthemums and white roses are common sympathy choices because they express purity, respect, remembrance and peace.