Ever find it challenging to put into words a wish, a desire or particularly a feeling? If so, perhaps color and flowers are the solution to help articulate the emotions we occasionally struggle to verbalize.

Color, of course, is not the only way to communicate with flowers. The “silent language” made popular and finessed by women during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901) included color as well as quantity; the type of flower; placement and arrangement. This language was quite sophisticated and nuanced. So much so a slew of books were published to help guide and explain Floriography: the language of flowers.

While flowers have historically been used to express feelings of amore; the meaning of flowers – like any language – is living and ever-evolving. Flowers can communicate the wonderful kaleidoscope of emotions. If accuracy matters or rather, the fear of a blunder, remember: even experts disagree on the one true meaning of flowers.

Most important of all, loose interpretation is highly encouraged. Have fun, experiment and fear not the flower; the sentiment is what truly counts.

from top left to bottom right: Lida Rose, tanakawho, gailf548, Pétur Gauti.

Red

The traditional color of love, Red excites. Red flowers are classic and can be a potent stimulant for a romantic liaison.
Symbolism: Passion, deep love, desire, beauty, respect, confidence, longing, courage, aristocratic, constancy.
Romantic message: I love you; I desire you, always.
Flower options: Long-stem Roses for the classic message. Anemones, Orchids, Zinnia, Dahlias, Amaryllis.

from top left to bottom right: Tim Parkin, Essjay NZ, Muffet, Eric in SF.

Pink

Feeling frisky? Cotton candy or pale blush, pink is feminine fun, fun, fun. Pink flowers are a sweet reminder of childhood days.
Symbolism: Sweetness, playfulness, grace, admiration, gratitude.
Romantic message: Life with you is fun. I admire you and I’m thankful for you in my life.
Flower options: Peonies, hydrangeas, Stargazer lilies, Ranunculus, Roses, Tulips, Freesia, Zinnia, Camellias.

from top left to bottom right: Eric in SF, Aqua-Marina, siebe, jeevez759.

Yellow

Known for its warm, energetic and sunny appearance, Yellow brightens any space or experience. In a romantic context a yellow flower often signals a change.
Symbolism: Nobility, richness, friendship, joy, happiness, new beginnings, jealousy, pride.
Romantic message: Things are moving too fast, let’s slow things down.
Flower suggestions: Tulips, Daffodils, Sunflowers, Lilies, Alstromeria, Freesia.
The exception: A bouquet of yellow roses is the perfect way to tell your friend you want more. And, if that’s too subtle, mix it up with red roses to express friendship peppered with longings of love.

from top left to bottom right: ~Panache, Phillipbouchard, kerryank, kazandrew.

Orange or Coral

Autumn leaves, hot summer sands, or citrus fruits, Orange or Coral is bold, warm and commands attention. Orange flowers can stir feelings ranging from simply enjoying life to pure, dizzying attraction.
Symbolism: Warmth, happiness, vivacity, intrigue, desire, enlightenment, health.
Romantic message: I desire you or life is simply extraordinary with you.
Flower options: Roses, Poppies, Orchids, Birds of Paradise, Ranunculus, Gerbera Daisies, Tulips.

from top left to bottom right: Rockies, van swearingen, bfraz, rvsv.

Green

Surrounding us in nature, Green in the botanical form is a neutral color. Typically a background color, Green when combined together in varying shades tends to awaken feelings of balance and positive energy.
Symbolism: Happiness, youth, sincerity, fortune, renewal, fertility, faith, neutrality, eternal life, optimism.
Romantic message: My life is rich and harmonious with you.
Flower suggestions: Hellebores, Roses, Bells of Ireland, Green Cymbidium.

from top left to bottom right: HiggySTFC, Gertrud K., MShades, buttersweet.

Blue

Deep blue oceans; Calm, cool lakes; Open-road skies, Blue is the color of tranquility, trust, and infinite possibilities. Flowers in shades of blue release the spirit and often induce feelings comfort.
Symbolism: Peace, serenity, freedom, integrity, devotion, hope, infinity, stability.
Romantic message: I can be myself with you and I only have eyes for you.
Flower suggestions: Iris, Delphinium, Hydrangea, Larkspur, Forget-me-nots, Freesia.

from top left to bottom right: creativity+, Jeff Epp, Natman, ecstaticist.

Purple or Violet

Often associated with royalty, violet or purple is also the color synonymous with creativity and meditation. Purple or Violet flowers can relax as well as awaken feelings of intense euphoria.
Symbolism: Nobility, luxury, integrity, enchantment, individuality, fantasy, sophistication, passion.
Romantic message: I admire your uniqueness and have profound feelings for you.
Flower suggestions: Tulips, Hyacinth, Lavendar, Snapdragons, Sweet pea, Gladiolas, Lilacs, Orchids.

from top left to bottom right: cobalt123, Himanshu_Sarpotdar, tropicaLiving, jmtimages.

White

Milk, pearls, clouds or sugar, White is the combination of all colors. White flowers are classy, unique and often celebrate a successful beginning.
Symbolism: Purity, innocence, respect, commitment, reverence, unity, humility, cleanliness.
Romantic message: You are perfection. Our relationship is full of hope, promise and I have the deepest respect for you.
Flower suggestions: Tulips, Gardenias, Daisies, Dahlias, Lilies, Cosmos, Magnolias, Calla Lily, Narcissus, Peonies, Roses.

from top left to bottom right: mrccos, Bluecherry1408, ^neste^, Beedle Um Bum.

Black

Other than the dried or dyed, natural black flowers are probably slim to none. But, there are some flowers that come close – deep, red-black or deep, purple-black – giving black flowers a less negative connotation in exchange for a more seductively elusive one.
Symbolism: Sophistication, mystery.
Romantic message: Things between us are deliciously still mysterious. I want to keep diving into our full potential.
Flower suggestions: Black Beauty roses, Queen of Night tulips or Black Calla Lilies, Chocolate Cosmos, Bat Orchids, Black Hollyhock.
 

Sources:
http://www.teleflora.com/flowercolors.asp
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/pubs/oh24colr.htm
http://www.mtycounty.com/pgs-magik/flower_color.html
http://www.temarikai.com/meaningofsymbolismsandcolors.html
http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Language-and-Meaning-of-Flowers&id=10289
http://www.flowersgrowing.com/colors-symbolism/
http://www.angelstouch.com/vancouver-meaning-colors-of-flowers.php
http://www.flowercreativity.com/
http://www.flowerstories.net/
http://www.romancestuck.com/ideas/flower-colors.htm