Giving flowers is a simple, wonderful gesture. Everyone loves how flowers can brighten a home and bring natural beauty. If you’re the kind of person who loves to give flowers you can have even more fun with it by using them to communicate how you feel.

In Victorian times certain flowers had meanings and giving them could be a way to communicate how they felt. You can still continue this tradition with the flowers you give. Here are some common flowers and what they symbolize:

Amaryllis: dramatic

Aster: contentment

Azalea: abundance

Baby’s Breath: festivity

Begonia: deep thoughts

Black-Eyed Susan: encouragement

Pink Carnation: Gratitude

Yellow Carnation: Cheerful

Cosmos: Peaceful

Daffodil: Chivalry

Daisy: Innocence

Gardenia: Joy

Holly: Domestic Happiness

Iris: Inspiration

Magnolia: Dignity

Pansy: Loving Thoughts

Peony: Healing

Ranunculus: Radiant

Pink Rose: Friendship

Red Rose; Passionate Love

Sunflower: Adoration

Pink Tulip: Caring

Zinnia: Thoughts of Friends.

If a certain flower reminds you of a special time with someone you can also use that when sending a bouquet. Florists are also really helpful when you need ideas on arranging different flowers.

You can send some wonderful messages with symbolic flowers. For example, if someone is expecting a baby send them a bouquet of Baby’s Breath, Azaleas and Gardenias. If someone you know is sick send them some Begonias, Black-Eyed Susans, Pansies and Peonies. Add a card to your bouquet that explains what each flower means.

Have fun speaking the language of flowers!