15 Iconic Flowers and Their Meanings

Let’s face it: the orchid is a flower with sexy overtones. The ancient Chinese considered it a symbol of fertility, and the Greeks obviously got the same vibe, deriving the flower’s name from their word for “testicle.” Orchids’ intricate blossoms and relative rarity also led to an association with refinement and exclusivity. Shown is the variety Night Flame ‘Royal Ruby,’ grown by breeder Marriott Orchids. www.marriottorchids.com

Cultivated for more than 5,000 years, the rose is the granddaddy of them all when it comes to flower mythology. The red rose symbolizes love and beauty across many different cultures. A dozen may be the standard, but sending ten says “you’re perfect,” 15 is a plea for forgiveness, and 50 is a promise of unconditional love.

Tulips may make you think of wooden shoes and windmills, but these pristinely beautiful blooms actually hail from ancient Persia, not the Netherlands. Their name is a corruption of the Turkish word tulbend, meaning “turban,” which they resemble. They represent true love, as they are said to have sprung from the fallen teardrops of a brokenhearted lover in Persian legend.

These superstars of the late-summer garden have a dual flower personality. Some cultures think they represent dignity and eternal commitment, but others believe them to mean treachery and sterility. 'Mystery Day' is one of the cultivars grown by Cal Lemke at the University of Oklahoma Department of Botany and Microbiology.