Flowers of Contrition or Apology

Dark colored geraniums symbolize your regret and melancholy.

When we've hurt someone we love, no email, phone call or delivered gift has quite the same effect as an in-person, heartfelt apology. But to help pave the way toward reconciliation, it may help to present the person wronged with a single flower or a bouquet. Not so long ago, this was as common as sending a greeting card. Today, it's unusual enough to truly catch someone's attention--especially if they understand the language of flowers.

The Language of Flowers

"Floriography," or the language of flowers, was once understood by nearly everyone. In this unique method of communication, each flower (and many plants) had their own specific meanings. This special language was at its height during the Victorian era, but was used to a more limited degree all the way back to antiquity. Although most people today don't have a full knowledge of the language of flowers, many still recognize some of the language. For example, almost everyone realizes red roses symbolize romantic love, while yellow roses represent friendship. So next time you're feeling regretful, try a carefully chosen bouquet, as well as a sincere, in-person apology.

Remorse

In the language of flowers, feelings of regret are expressed by several different plants. Brambles (Rosaceae) indicate you feel remorse. (Brambles are part of the rose family and include blackberries and raspberries.)

The bold, red Adonis flower (also called pheasant's eye, birdseye or Adonis autumnali) symbolizes sorrowful remembrance, after a Greek myth that states Ares loved Aphrodite, but Aphrodite loved Adonis. In a fit of jealousy, Ares turned Adonis into a boar. Aphrodite was regretful, but couldn't change him back to what he was. However, she was able to turn him into a handsome flower.

Reconciliation

Dark geraniums (Pelargonium) symbolize that you're feeling melancholy, while helenium (sometimes inappropriately called "sneezeweed") represents your tears. To symbolize peace and reconciliation, add hazel (Corylus) to the flower arrangement.

Steadfastness

To represent your desire to remain devoted, add honeysuckle (Lonicera Caprifolium) to the bouquet. Traditionally, it symbolizes the bonds of love or devoted affection. canterbury bells (Campanula Medium) symbolize constancy and arborvitae (Thuja) symbolize unchanging friendship. To tell someone you feel unchangeable toward them, include globe amaranth (Gomphrena globosa). To symbolize sincerity, a few fern branches are necessary.

Hope and Love

To tell someone he or she is your true love, include forget-me-nots (Myosotis). Clover (Trifolium) indicates you want the person to "be mine." A bit of flowering almond (Prunus glandulosa) shows you retain hope, and bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) show your constancy.

References

• Language of Flowers; Love Flowers
• Victorian Bazaar; The Language of Flowers
• Pioneer Thinking; The Language of Flowers