The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. This language was most commonly communicated through Tussie-Mussies, an art which has a following today. A nosegay, posey (or posy), flower bouquet or tussie-mussie is a small bunch of flowers, typically given as a gift. They have existed in some form since at least medieval times, when they were worn around the head or on the lapel to mask the unpleasant smells of the time literally, to keep the nose gay (to keep the nose happy).

The Rose is the flower whose meaning we are most familiar with, some of those listed below will be obvious, some however will surprise you in the fact that they are different to what you would expect.

Not many people know that the number of roses that you spend has a special message of their own, The single red rose is a traditional valentines symbol, and as such this is probably one of the meanings you would recognise, along with 12 roses and 24 roses . Some of the other meanings in this list may be a surprise to you !!

Tulips have long held the meaning of perfect and reclaimed love. Of course over the years this has evolved and now it seems that all of the colours have a significant meaning of their own. Red tulips are now seen to mean perfect true love, whilst purple tulips signify deep loyalty, White tulips are sent seeking forgiveness. The meaning of yellow tulips has changed from signifying hopeless love to being a token of sunshine and happiness most usually sent when the long winter months give way to spring. Variegated tulips still hold the meaning given to them during victorian times and should be sent to those who have 'beautiful eyes'.