What are the best flowers that symbolize friendship?
This list of 16 flowers that symbolize friendship will look at the various friendship flower types.
Often, the flowers that mean friendship depend on color as much as the type.
So, what flowers represents friendship?
1. Roses
Roses – Rosa – is typically associated with romance and love. But you can also use it as a sign of friendship. This flower dates back 35 million years, with cultivations around 5,000 years ago in China. It has a long history with rich roots in Greek mythology and the Roman period.
Appropriate colors for friendship are in the yellow and orange families. White is also suitable and can symbolize purity or innocence. Orange is passionate and enthusiastic. Pink means grace, charm, joy, or admiration. And peach or yellow roses represent friendship and happiness. Or use lavender for trust.
2. Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria – aka the Peruvian Lily (Amaryllidaceae)– has a range of colors and meanings based on devotion, love, friendship, and strength. Another representation is to be there through tough times with mutual support.
Use this South-American flower to say “I’ve got you” or “Thanks for being there.” The six petals of the Alstroemeria have symbolisms – humor, empathy, respect, understanding, commitment, and patience.
3. Pink Tulip
Believing in the Liliaceae family, Tulips are one of spring’s favorite vibrant rainbow flowers. Hailing from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, Tulip derivers from Tulipan – turban.
Pink tulips are a way to demonstrate the affection you feel for your friend. Or to send them good wishes. A pink bouquet can be a “just because” gift, a way to celebrate Friendship Day, or for a happy occasion. Yellow tulips are also synonymous with friendship.
4. Sunflowers
Sunflowers (Helianthus) – belonging to the Asteraceae family – are among the most cheerful flowers, making it no surprise that you can use them to represent friendship. It’s hard to stay down and in a funk when you appreciate the beauty of the sunflower.
You can use a sunflower to make a friend smile or send a sentimental message about your relationship’s durability and long life.
5. Irises
If you have a tried and true ride-or-die, no matter what best friend, you have the conditions for sending an Iris to your friend. Irises are symbolic of trust and dedication, crucial elements of having a true BFF!
An Iris stem represents strength and courage, making this flower suitable for someone who champions you. The flower origins trace back in Greek mythology to the Rainbow goddess Iris.
6. Gladioli
The Gladioli flower – from the family Iridaceae – has a unique look that makes it symbolic of care and strength. You can use the South African native Gladiolus (Latin for sword) to support a friend during rough times.
It can also show your faith that the person will overcome their challenges. And it tells your friend that you’re there if needed.
7. Zinnias
Zinnias – native to Mexico where they’re called mal de Ojos – are a less popular flower with meanings typically associated with periods of sadness. The Zinnia belongs to the Asteraceae – daisy – family. Positive friendship meanings include lasting affection and endurance.
It can also be symbolic of remembrance from a separation, whether due to a move or a death. For example, you can use Zinnias to preserve a friend’s memory. Or to tell a friend that you’ll always be around and care.
8. Ivies
An Ivy – belonging to the Araliaceae (ginseng) family – isn’t a traditional flower. But it can make a thoughtful symbol of friendship. The 15 species of the Hedera genus are native to Asia and Europe.
Steadfast and supporting, the Ivy plant interweaves into a tangled structure. It represents the bond of two long-lasting friends as their lives intermingle and connect.
9. Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera Daisies – Gerbera jamesonii of the Asteraceae family – are popular gifts for every event and come in a massive range of colors, sizes, shapes, and looks.
Choose a bold, beautiful orange to symbolize your friendship with a Gerbera daisy. This color means warmth, joy, friendship, and happiness. Yellow is also symbolic of friendship, as well as happiness.
10. Orchid
Orchids (Orchidaceae) – from the Greek word orkhis – are a rarer and often more challenging exotic flower to find and care for to send to a friend.
Better as a potted plant than cut flower, you can use an orchid to radiate joy, friendship, and new beginnings. Orchids also represent fertility, elegance, and love.
11. Carnation
Carnations – aka Dianthus caryophyllus of the Caryophyllaceae family – are one of the most popular flowers, beloved for the many hues of colors.
Known as the Mother’s Day flower and the flower of high school Prom, you can use light red carnations to symbolize feelings of friendship for someone. Carnations are also called the flower of love and companionship.
12. Dahlias
Dahlia (from the family Compositae) – deriving from the Sweden word for valley – dal – is an enigmatic bloom that represents resilience, commitment, balance, inner strength, and grace under pressure.
Use yellow Dahlias to represent feelings of friendship, positivity, and a wish for good fortune and health. Dahlias also expressed a lifelong commitment or bond between two people (friends or romantic) in Victorian times.
13. Sweet Pea
The Sweet Pea (Lathyrus odoratus of the Fabaceae family) has many sweet meanings to match its charming appearance. Native to Sicily, this flower became cultivated in the 17th century.
The main association is blissful pleasure, but this April birth flower can also be a way to express gratitude, kindness, goodbye, good wishes, and friendship.
14. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums – belonging to the Asteraceae family – are a popular friendship flower from Victorian times. Symbolic of friendship and well wishes, sending a chrysanthemum announces your sincerity as a real friend.
Other meanings of chrysanths or mums include joy and prosperity. This East Asian native flower is also a popular choice for Mother’s Day.
15. Yellow Daffodil
The Daffodil belongs to the Narcissus genus of the Amaryllidaceae family, along with onions and garlic. In Greek mythology, Narcissus is a man who fell in love with his reflection.
This flower is native to Europe and Northern Africa but frequently grows as a wildflower in many countries, including the US. These flowers are symbolic of goodwill and care for a friend.
16. Pear Blossoms
Pear Blossoms are quaint flower in pink and white that represents care. These Native Asian dainty blooms are an excellent congratulations gift.
Associations with Pear Blossoms include immortality, purity, and longevity. It can also mean hope and health, and affection. The flower’s petals are symbolic of lasting friendship through struggles and moments that build support and trust.
Friendships Flowers FAQ
Want to know more? Check out these frequently asked questions!
What Is the Best Flower to Show Friendship?
Using flowers to express unspoken meanings is a practice dating back to the Victorian times of the 1800s. During this time, it was as common for flowers representing friendships and flowers as a message to friends as it was for romantic encounters.
Today, you’ll commonly see people share their appreciation and affection with flowers and friendship on the first Sunday of each August – Friendship Day. But there are plenty of other occasions when you might want flowers for friends.
How Many Roses Should Be Used for Friendship?
To symbolize your friendship using roses, the number can affect your meaning. For example, when giving a peach rose, use a single flower. For an arrangement of flowers for friendship, use a bouquet of 13 roses, which represents a best friend forever.
What Are Some Other Symbols for Friendship?
Other symbolisms representing friendship include two interlocking pieces of a heart, roses, gemstones – Topaz, Lapis Lazuli – and the infinity symbol.
What Color Flower Means Friendship?
Yellow flowers are typically symbolic of friendship and happiness. Blue and violet flowers are also representative of feelings of friendship.
What Herb Symbolizes Friendship?
Zinnias, Carnations, and Daffodils are herbaceous flowers that represent friendship.
What Are Popular Friendship Flower Tattoos?
Common flower tattoos to represent friendship include Daisies, Gladiolus, Tulips, Orchids, Lavender, Sunflower, and Cornflowers.
Final Thoughts
Flowers are a fantastic way to communicate your feelings for a friend. Whether you need to say you’re sorry after a misunderstanding, I miss you due to a long absence, or as a get well or congratulations, flowers are the perfect way to get your meaning across clearly.