The Dictionary of flowers

Carnation:
Carnations may vary in shades ranging from deep crimson to light pink and even white. The range includes yellows and two-tones such as Scarlet King (bright red petals with a white edge) and peppermint (white petals with red stripes). Carnations belong to the botanical genus ‘Dianthus (Dianth’us) which includes Sweet Williams and Pinks.

The word ‘Dianthus’ actually means divine love. Most florists will insist that its full botanical name ‘Dianthus Caryophylhus’ means fascination and even devoted love, especially a woman’s yearning for her man. Sending a red carnation therefore would mean “my heart aches for you”. It also suggests deeps admiration. Pink carnations are way of saying “I’ll never forget you”. Striped carnation is for refusal. A bunch of white carnations is considered a woman’s good luck gift. If you want to tell a woman that she “is lovely but sometimes she can be moody and unpredictable”, include a few purple carnations (representing capriciousness) in a bouquet of white carnations.

Chrysanthemum:
Also known as mums, chrysanthemums are nearly as popular as roses in many countries, whether as cut flowers or as potted plants. Gifting a red chrysanthemum says “you are a wonderful friend”. It represents wealth and abundance. If your boyfriend or lover has been nasty, send him a yellow chrysanthemum. If he doesn’t make up with you, drop him; he doesn’t deserve you. Gifting a red chrysanthemum is a token of love.

Clover:
The Greeks used clover in their garlands and other decorations. Roman druids always considered it a blessed flower. The flower usually has five petals but sometimes has four petals; finding a four-leaf clover is believed to bring good luck. Offering a four-leaf clover to someone is a subtle way of saying “be mine”. Likewise, white clovers are also sometimes offered to express the yearning: ‘think of me’. 19th century poets from the UK and the US have often mentioned the clover in their works. Legend has it that dreaming of clover is considered auspicious as it indicates health, wealth and happiness in the future.

Dahlia:
This is another favourite of gardeners as it is available in an assorted range of colours. People of diverse sensibilities have associated notions like elegance, dignity, good taste, etc. with this flower. They are large brightly coloured flowers and have tuberous roots.

Daisy:
The common name is actually a distortion of its old English name ‘day’s eye’. You must have read many a poem inspired by the daisy. Offering the wild variety of daisies is a special way of asking, “Do you love me?” Daisies represent loyal love, romance, innocence, purity and gentleness. Painters are known to use daisies in their work: a single daisy to mean innocence and two to mean affection. A bloom of daisies announces the arrival of summer.

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