floriography
The language
of flowers.
In the nineteenth century, a small bouquet could say what a letter could not. A yellow rose for friendship, a pink one for gratitude, a red one for exactly what you'd think. Whole feelings were tied with twine and left on a doorstep. This is a slow index of that quieter alphabet — kept here so you can borrow it when the moment calls.
Rose, red
Rosa
Love spoken aloud.
Rose, white
Rosa × alba
A silence that is a kind of promise.
Rose, pink
Rosa
Gratitude, a gentle admiration.
Rose, yellow
Rosa foetida
Friendship, a warmth kept close.
Peony
Paeonia
Bashful happiness, a summer secret.
Lily of the valley
Convallaria majalis
Return of happiness.
Forget-me-not
Myosotis
True and enduring remembrance.
Violet
Viola odorata
Faithfulness, a modest devotion.
Jasmine
Jasminum
Amiability, grace under evening skies.
Sweet pea
Lathyrus odoratus
Blissful pleasure, a tender goodbye.
Camellia
Camellia japonica
My destiny is in your hands.
Iris
Iris germanica
A message, hope carried in violet.
Lavender
Lavandula
Devotion, a quiet luck.
Magnolia
Magnolia grandiflora
Dignity, a poise inherited.
Dahlia
Dahlia pinnata
Elegance, a gathered composure.