Etiquette

10 Flowers You Should Never Give to Anyone

In terms of gifts, flowers are generally considered to be one of the safest options.

However, did you know that there are some flowers you should just never give?

1. Aconite (Monkshood)

Not all flowers have good meanings and the Aconite is one of the exceptions. This pretty-looking flower actually means ‘hatred’ and ‘be cautious’.

image: plantpictures.net
image: plantpictures.net

2. Begonia

Begonia is often featured in floral bouquets, but it actually means ‘Deep thinking’. If you’re going to be sending Begonia, be sure you’re sending them to someone who appreciates the meaning.

Image: Shingan Photography
Image: Shingan Photography

3. Buttercups

There is a reason you don’t often see buttercups in floral bouquets. They represent childishness. No matter how sweet you think it is, never give buttercups to a loved one!

Image: wasbella102.tumblr.com
Image: wasbella102.tumblr.com

4. Butterfly weed

If you care about your relationship, under no circumstances should you send the butterfly weed? It literally means ‘Leave me’. You have been warned!

Image: John Petranka
Image: John Petranka

5. Yellow Carnations

Some carnations make excellent gifts, but yellow ones should be avoided. They symbolize rejection and disdain. Be sure to stick to white carnations with your flower delivery instead as they represent pure love and sweetness.

Image: miniaturepatisseriechef.blogspot.com
Image: miniaturepatisseriechef.blogspot.com

6. Cyclamen

Cyclamen are a good flower to send someone if you’ve just broken up. However, if you’re still together it’s recommended that you avoid this pretty flower which symbolizes separation.

Image: Bill_Cross on Flickr
Image: Bill_Cross on Flickr

7. Orange lilies

Lilies are considered a beautiful, popular flower but the orange variations actually symbolize hatred, pride, and disdain.

Image: picsvisit.blogspot.ca
Image: picsvisit.blogspot.ca

8. Petunia

The petunia symbolizes resentment and anger. It may be a striking flower, but its message is sure to get you into trouble.

Image: rpluo on Flickr
Image: rpluo on Flickr

9. Black Rose

The black rose symbolizes death and is best avoided for almost every occasion!

Image: etsy.com
Image: etsy.com

10. Petrol Station Flowers

Nothing says ‘I couldn’t be bothered’ quite like a bunch of flowers from a local petrol station. If you really want to make an impression, buy from an online florist.

So there you have it – 10 top flowers you shouldn’t give to the one you love! It always helps to understand the meanings of different flowers before you send them. While many don’t care what the meaning is, only what they look like, some people do pay attention to the message behind the flowers.


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Lily Calyx is our in-house flower whisperer, an expert on all things botanical and an enthusiastic orchids collector. She loves discussing the insights of the secret world of flowers, shares her gardening tips and hacks and moons over the latest additions to Serenata Flowers flower range. Ask Lily anything about flowers and we can guarantee she will have the answer.

8 Comments

    • Dave Coleman

      Total crap. Also we have found that the flowers bought from tesco are far superior to those bought from a florist

  1. Flowers don't "Mean" anything- perhaps you mean symbolise? A gift of flowers is appreciated for what they, colourful and fragrant

    • Lily Calyx

      We agree Peter, will choose better wording next time! =)

  2. You forgot to mention that Monkshood is highly posionious and that's perhaps a better reason not to give it to anyone or touch it even!!!!

  3. I do believe the language of flowers to come from the victorian era… Hence the meaning behind flowers…. An obvious one being the forget me not! Whether this post is acurate to the historical facts is another matter entirely!

    Yes flowers do mean something for example certain flowers are used for funerals, others for weddings, others for a first date, I'm sorry or for valentines, and I'm sure for the person receiving the flowers it means something to them.

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