Late summer means peak bloom at Cornell Botanic Gardens. Blossoms of every color captivate visitors’ attention as they pass through each cultivated space, especially the Young Flower Garden. Whether it is their lustrous colors, delicate beauty, or ability to create new life in a seed, flowers have acquired symbolic meanings in many cultures throughout history. 

During the 19th century, writers in France, England, and America created an elaborate “language” of flowers, known as floriography. Public displays of affection were discouraged during the Victorian era in Europe and America, and social expectations inhibited people from approaching one another simply because of physical attraction. In floriography, people turned to flowers to express their affections. 

A flurry of published dictionaries of flowers and their sentimental meanings emerged during this era. These lavishly illustrated books often included flower poetry and folklore. Part of their appeal was the notion that they revealed some secret romantic language from the past. Although inspired by history, they were literary creations of the time. 

This Victorian language of flowers drew from a variety of sources. Tales from a Turkish harem told of rhyming games that linked objects, including flowers, with their meanings. Greek and Roman mythology figured prominently, as did Medieval Christian symbolism. Color was key: red for passion, white for purity, and purple for royalty or power. Authors frequently combined traditional meaning with new ones of their own, usually based on a specific quality of the plant. The daisy came to signify innocence due to its simple shape that is easy to draw and its association with the innocent pleasures of childhood. Due to its deep red color, the carnation denotes strong and pure love. 

In its heyday, the language of flowers was widely enjoyed as a fanciful pastime. Its advice, however contradictory, was always amusing and engaging. For example, sending a bouquet of red roses, which denote fiery passion, with white roses, which denote purity and innocence, sends the mixed message, “I love you passionately, but want you to remain pure and innocent.” These writings and illustrations still hold a nostalgic fascination for us and add to our delight of flowers. 

The design of the Young Flower Garden was inspired by the Victorian language of flowers. This colorful space showcases flowers of plants that possess deep meaning across cultures throughout history. 

Interpretive booklets, which reveal the lore and symbolism of ten plants that bloom throughout the growing season—the tulip, peony, iris, rose, carnation, poppy, daisy, lily, sunflower, and chrysanthemum—are on display when each plant is in bloom. Click here to explore an online version of these booklets and take a virtual walk among some Victorian-era favorites, blooming now in the Young Flower Garden. 
 
Sarah Fiorello is interpretation coordinator for Cornell Botanic Gardens.