The romantic language of plants, 15 plants that symbolize love

Over the course of history, plants have developed their own language and symbolism. This was especially prevalent in Greek methodology and the early 1800s during the Victorian era. With that in mind, let’s explore 15 plants that symbolize the language of love. How appropriate to learn about plants that symbolize love ahead of the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day.

While bouquets of flowers are a traditional way of showing love and affection for someone, plants can provide equally powerful symbolism. In addition, plants will be around for a longer period to remind the receiver of that love. Below you will read about the more traditional flowers that symbolize love like roses and carnations. However, you will also find some surprise plants and their connection to love.

Achillea millefolium (Yarrow)

Yarrow is a native herbaceous (non-woody) perennial that can grow to a height of 3-feet. Frequently, yarrow is a component of butterfly gardens because of its ability to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects. In addition, yarrow is great in a cut flower garden as it makes a love addition to a vase of flowers. Here are a few of the beliefs about Yarrow and love:

• Hang yarrow in the home to bring 7 years of love.
• According to folklore, use yarrow to find one’s true sweetheart

Amaranthus hypochondriacus (Amaranth)

What a beautiful, exotic, and showy plant with its draping rope-like flowers. Amaranth is an herbaceous plant that can either be annual or perennial depending upon the variety. This variety (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) has stunning flowers and can grow up to 6 feet tall. Amaranth has a long history of use for medicinal purposes. Therefore, it’s not surprising that one belief is that Amaranth can be used to cure a broken heart.

Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly weed)

The charming orange flowers of butterfly weed make this plant attractive to butterflies, especially Monarch butterflies. Asclepias tuberosa is a species of milkweed that is native to eastern and southwestern North America. In addition to its color, butterfly weed produces nectar. This nectar naturally attracts Monarch butterflies. Growing up to 2 feet tall, Butterfly weed is a perennial. The botanical name, Asclepias, is named after the Greek God of healing, Asklepios, and was believed to be a cure for heartache.

Beta vulgaris (Beets)

Who would have connected the beetroot vegetable to plants that symbolize love? However, when you think about the deep red color and shape, the understanding begins to emerge. Beets are a vegetable grown for their edible taproot. Sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek Goddess of Love.

• Considered an aphrodisiac
• If a man and woman eat the same fruit, they will fall in love
• Use the juice of the beetroot to write letters of love

Callistephus chinensis (Aster)

Aster is one of the most widely bred and grown flowers in the world. Furthermore, aster is a popular cutting flower for bouquets. With 3–5-inch blooms, aster is an annual that can grow to a height of 3 feet. In addition to their beauty, asters also attract bees and other pollinators. In a garden, aster will bloom from late summer to the first frost. The flower became a symbol of love in Greek methodology.

• To wish for love, grow aster
• To win love, carry aster

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum is a plant that we all know, frequently called mums. There are countless varieties and cultivars of this popular plant. While chrysanthemum is a perennial, the plants sold in garden centers should be treated as annuals. They are not bred to be hardy perennials.  A red mum means “I love you” while a rose-colored mum symbolizes being “in love”.

Crocus vernus (Crocus)

It’s so delightful to see crocus emerge from the soil in Spring. Crocuses are an early-blooming spring bulb-like structure called a corm. They grow up to 6-inches in height and popular colors include white, purple, and yellow.

• The fragrance of crocuses are thought to inspire love
• Attract love by growing crocus

Dianthus caryophyllus (Carnation)

Carnations feature lovely flowers, in numerous colors, on stiff 30-inch stems making them ideal for flower bouquets. Therefore, these are some of the more traditional flowers we associate with love. While Dianthus caryophyllus is a perennial, we generally grow them as annuals or short-lived perennials in the garden.

• Pink carnations symbolize a mother’s love
• Red symbolizes a deeply romantic love or pure love

Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry)

While popular to give chocolate-covered strawberries on Valentine’s Day, I never thought about the connection to love. Sweetness, fragrance, and flavor are its most important characteristics of strawberries. According to Greek legend, due to their color and heart shape, strawberries are a symbol of love for Venus, the Goddess of Love.

Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender)

Without a doubt, lavender is the most beautiful herb in my herb garden. So dainty, fragrant, and long-lasting in the garden. Lavender is an evergreen perennial shrub. It has wonderful aromatic leaves and flowers. Furthermore, the plant is a source of lavender oil and the dried flowers are used for potpourri. In the language of flowers, lavender brings to mind purity and devotion. Clothes scented with lavender will attract love as will a note written on scented lavender paper. Maybe that’s why drawer liner paper is frequently scented with lavender.

Lamprocapos spectabilis (Bleeding Heart)

The bleeding heart plant is truly a show stopper in the garden. Upon seeing the pink and white flowers for the first time, I was awestruck. Such perfectly shaped heart flowers dangling from arching branches. Wow, these flowers continue to amaze me each season. The bleeding heart blooms late spring to early summer. Finally, the bleeding heart plant is a symbol of true love.

Orchidaceae (Orchid)

Orchids are exotic and fragrant plants that are the centerpiece flower in many bouquets. With over 28,000 different species, orchids are part of one of the largest families of flowering plants. Recently, I observed a large orchid tree growing on a local golf course. Indeed, it was well over 25 feet tall and covered in beautiful pink flowers. One of the most common varieties of orchids is the Phalaenopsis orchid or moth orchid. By the way, this variety is typically found in supermarkets and garden centers.

• According to the FTD blog, the pink orchid is the traditional flower of a couple’s 14th and 25th wedding anniversary.
• In addition, Orchids are associated with love, fertility, and pure affection.

Rosa

Because of their connection to love, red roses are the most popular flower given on Valentine’s Day Two byproducts from roses include rose oil and rose water. Giving a single stem, of any color rose, signifies “I love you”.

• Red roses mean “I love you”
• Pink and white roses mean “I love you and always will

Syringa (Lilac)

Lilac is part of the olive family of plants. A classic spring-flowering shrub with wonderfully fragrant purple, blue or white flowers. Certainly, there is nothing I like better than cutting a few stems of lilac flowers and putting in a vase, so beautiful.

• The purple flower of lilacs symbolizes “first love”.
• Lilacs are also associated with emotions of love.

Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)

Thyme is a woody perennial herb grown for the culinary use of its leaves. Thymus is a Greek word meaning ‘courage’. Love, purification, strength, and joy are also associated with thyme. How nice to include a few springs of thyme in a bouquet or give a plant to demonstrate love.

In conclusion, I hope you have enjoyed learning about plants that symbolize love. Who knows, you could be the center of attention and talk about plants that convey love. You might also be interested in the following blog posts:

• The secret to impeccably dried hydrangeas
• Profusion zinnias – an awesome flower to grow
• How to create a Monarch Butterfly Garden

References

• Flowers and their meanings
• The Complete Language of Flowers by S. Theresa Dietz