Beautiful flowers are a classic gift for nearly every holiday and special occasion. Whether you’re sending a ceremonious birthday bouquet or thanking your dinner party host, flowers are a great way to say, well, anything! Many flowers get their name from the way they look, where they grow, or how they’re categorized in the scientific nomenclature, but sometimes their name has nothing to do with their meaning. The world of flowers and symbolism can be a minefield. The only difference between a bloom that means romance and a bloom that means rejection might be the color of the petals. The last thing you want is to accidentally profess your love to your coworker or send funeral flowers to a housewarming.

The meaning of flowers is as much about societal context as it is historical origin. Birth month flowers and zodiac flowers have their own unique symbolism, whereas a flower’s true meaning may be different. Flower symbolism and meanings can change over time too. For instance, the calla lily is a staple in wedding bouquets today, but it used to be the most popular flower for adorning caskets.

No matter why you need to buy flowers—even if it’s just to display them on your coffee table—it’s good to know what they stand for. Learn about 20 of the most popular flowers and their meanings, symbolism, and historical significance.

Source: housebeautiful.com