Most commonly associated with their sweet fragrance and pure white hues, gardenias are common choices for wedding bouquets. That makes sense, since these flowers have several meanings such as love, purity, and refinement.
However, these plants – technically a part of the coffee family – have plenty of other hidden meanings, too.
Here’s what you need to know when it comes to flowers and meanings:
What is the Etymological Meaning of a Gardenia Flower?
The gardenia flower (Gardenia jasminoides) was named after a botanist named Alexander Garden. Also a physician, Garden worked closely with John Ellis, a zoologist.
The gardenia flower was given the common and generic name of Gardenia in Garden’s honor, but the genus was classified by Carolus Linnaeus.
What is the Gardenia Flower Meaning?
Gardenia flowers hold deep symbolism. The gardenia flower meaning can vary depending on the context.
Most often, gardenia flowers are given as symbols of trust. They show love and respect for a person (usually a partner). They can also symbolize clarity. This isn’t always a positive connotation – in fact, you could use a gardenia flower to show that you know more than you need to know.
Furthermore, gardenia flowers symbolize the idea of renewal and starting something new. They can symbolize other common themes, too, including hope, dreams, and beauty.
Like many other types of flowers, the meaning of which changes depending on the flower color, the same is true of gardenia flowers.
What Does a White Gardenia Flower Symbolize?
The white flowers of a gardenia are often viewed as a representation of purity, clarity, and innocence, often used in wedding ceremonies. White gardenia blooms have a heady fragrance and other meaningful botanical characteristics that make them the perfect gift for weddings and other occasions.
When in doubt, choose a white gardenia flower!
What Do Red Gardenias Symbolize?
The color red is often associated with passion, love, and desire, and when it comes to gardenias, it’s no different.
Red gardenias represent deep, passionate love and devotion. They are often given to someone you love to show your affection and commitment, or to celebrate a special occasion.
Red gardenias are a rare sight as they are not naturally occurring and are created through a complex process of dying or genetic alterations.
What Do Pale Yellow Gardenia Plants Represent?
Pale yellow gardenias represent new beginnings, clarity, and happiness. They are often given to someone who is embarking on a new journey or starting a new chapter in their life, such as completing their studies or moving to a new house.
The Golden Magic Gardenia, which is a hybrid pale-yellow flower, is particularly special and represents good luck, fortune, and prosperity.
What is the Pink Gardenia Flower Symbolism?
Pink gardenias symbolize grace, femininity, elegance, and admiration. They are often gifted to someone who is graceful and charming, or someone you deeply admire and respect.
Pink gardenias are also associated with motherly love and are often given to mothers on special occasions such as Mother’s Day or birthdays.
What is the Cultural Significance of a Gardenia?
Gardenias originated in Asia, found in countries such as Japan, Taiwan, and China. It has been grown in this region for more than 300 years, typically harvested for its use as a yellow dye.
It was also used medically to treat anxiety, infection, and depression. There are roughly 200 species of these flowers growing in Africa and Asia.
The gardenia was brought to Europe in the mid 1700s. Here, the flower quickly became revered as a symbol of secret love, sophistication, joy, and purity. Its multiple layers of petals give it a complex appearance that only adds to its allure.
The gardenia has long been given as a traditional flower for special occasions in France. If given to a man in England in early years, it was viewed as a harbinger of good luck. Pakistan considers the gardenia its national flower, too.
What is the Symbolism of a Gardenia Flower Tattoo?
Gardenias make for tattoos that are both beautiful and delicate. Usually, they are chosen to represent love, refinement, and purity, although this can vary slightly.
A gardenia flower tattoo can be by itself, or as part of a full wedding bouquet etched on yoru skin to symbolize everlasting love. This lovely flower is often used to symbolize protection as well.
When Should You Give Someone a Gardenia?
Gardenia flowers are most often given to signify a secret or passionate love. However, they can bring a touch of elegance to any occasion with their delicate white color and bright fragrance. Therefore, they are best given at wedding ceremonies, where they can be gifted or used in decorations, like bouquets.
Alternatively, you can give a gardenia plant to your friends who love gardening. Most people will love growing these evergreen shrubs with dark green glossy foliage in front of their yard.
See more: How To Care for Gardenias
*Photo by Noppharat_th/depositphotos
