Roses
The most given flowers in the world — and every colour says something different.
Red roses
Love · Passion · Respect · Adoration
Pink roses
Gratitude · Perfect happiness · "Please believe me"
White roses
Purity · Peace · Innocence · Reverence · Silence
Yellow roses
Joy · Friendship · Freedom
Champagne roses
Admiration · Sympathy
Light-coloured mixed roses
Friendship · Solidarity
Mixed roses, mostly red
Love · Happiness
Red and yellow roses
Happiness
Red and white roses
Harmony · Unity
Carnations
A very Portuguese flower, tied to fascination and love.
Carnation (general)
Fascination · A woman's love
White carnation
Pure love · Innocence · Talent · Sweetness
Red carnation
Deep love · Admiration
Pink carnation
Preference · "I will never forget you"
Purple carnation
Capriciousness · Spontaneity
Yellow carnation
Disappointment · Rejection
Tulips
Elegant and direct: a symbol of perfect love and of the Netherlands.
Tulip (general)
Perfect lover · Emblem of the Netherlands
Red tulip
Declaration of love · "Believe in me"
Orchids
Exotic and refined — beauty with sophistication.
Orchid (general)
Love · Beauty · Elegance
Cattleya orchid
Mature charm
Chrysanthemums
Joy and friendship in the West — but in southern Europe they are tied to honouring the departed. For a romantic gift, pick another flower.
Chrysanthemum (general)
Joy · Rest · "You are a wonderful friend"
Red chrysanthemum
"I love you"
Yellow chrysanthemum
Light love
Other flowers
Lesser-known meanings, just as precise.
Sunflower
Splendour · Adoration · "You are splendid"
Iris
Friendship · Faith · Hope · Wisdom · Emblem of France
Peony
Modesty · Happy life · Happy marriage
Blue violet
Fidelity · Loyalty · Vigilance
White violet
Modesty · Hope · "Let's give it a chance"
Frequently asked questions
What do yellow roses mean?
Joy, friendship and freedom — the right choice for friends. Don't use them as a romantic declaration: tradition also links them to jealousy.
Which flowers say "I love you"?
Red roses (love and passion), red tulips (a declaration of love) and the red chrysanthemum — which in the language of flowers literally means "I love you".
Which flowers to give when it's just friendship?
Yellow roses, light-coloured mixed roses or irises — all carry meanings of friendship, joy and solidarity, with no second readings.
Know what you want to say?
Say it with flowers — fresh bouquets and arrangements, delivered across Portugal.
