During the Regency era of British history (c.1795 - 1837), flowers were not just a pretty emblem with lack of value. Instead, flowers were at the cusp of something bigger. This is the time in which the use of flowers to convey thoughts and messages, also known as floriography, began to find its way into society.
A flower’s numerous connotations and variations of sentiments were used to portray a range of feelings, set social stances, convey an agreement, and disagreements too. Not only was floriography prevalent during the Regency era, but it undoubtedly paved the way for the later and well-known Victorian era 'language of flowers' phenomenon.
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And we could not talk of Regency era flowers without the mention of the highly popular television series, Bridgerton. The show, set in the Regency-era, displays a brilliant and grand mix of historical floral trends coupled with an accurate use of flowers to convey messages, and especially to highlight a character’s unique disposition or current situation.
For example, in the show’s last season, yellow roses were used in Penelope Featherington’s bridal bouquet for her wedding to Colin Bridgerton. This was a fun and interesting nod to floriography since the yellow rose represents the sentiment 'friendship,' which was the basis of her and Colin’s relationship. Additionally, Colin wore a silver tussie-mussie of delphinium pinned to his lapel on his wedding day, which was a perfect statement, as delphinium represents 'sweetness.'
Flowers feature heavily in Bridgerton, with the wisteria covering the front of the Bridgerton family home drawing huge attention in the first season. The show is so closely connected to florals, that Netflix even sponsored a Bridgerton Garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2024.
One of the first formal floral dictionaries written to translate flowers into a secret language was Le Langage des Fleurs, written by the French writer Charlotte de la Tour, a pseudonym for Louise Cortambert, in 1819. De le Tour’s work made floriography widely accessible throughout Europe, and some of the Regency era’s most popular flowers such as roses, lilacs, daisies, pansies, violets, forget-me-nots, and hollyhocks commenced their venture into floriography - conveying a secret language.
In addition to the standard and primary meanings of flowers, the distinct color of a flower would convey further messages such as a yellow carnation for rejection, an English daisy for innocence, and a red rose for passionate love, or a yellow rose, which meant jealousy and infidelity, as well as friendship.
A deeper dive into floriography reveals that cultivars of certain flowers held deeper symbolism. This was significant when a person needed to get more specific in their communication. During this time cultivars were limited, but if one could obtain particular roses, it would have boosted their messaging. Such as dog roses symbolising 'pleasure mixed with pain' and China roses showing 'lasting beauty.'
Whatever the era, flowers are more than beauty and have been throughout history an instrumental diversion to small-talk, and without words, can convey our inner thoughts and feelings to others. Today’s interest in the language of flowers continues to rise and most importantly, we are learning to use this secret language in many ways, including in our gardens and specific layouts and designs to include floral symbolism.
Classic Regency-era flowers and their meanings
Daffodils
Daffodils could be used to convey the sentiment 'I regard you.'
Gloxinia
This was used to show 'a proud spirit.'
Primrose
The primrose was symbolic of 'consistency.'
Ivy
Ivy was used to demonstrate 'fidelity.'
Columbine
Columbine was used to tell someone 'I cannot give thee up.'
Sweet William
Sweet Williams were used to convey the message 'grant me one more smile.'
Morning Glory
The traditional message behind Morning Glory was 'affection.
Musk rose
Musk rose was used to convey the sentiment 'you are charming.'
Delphinium
Delphinium was used to represent 'sweetness.'
Rugosa, dog rose
This plant was used to convey the idea of 'pleasure mixed with pain.'
Words: Teresa Sabankaya
USEFUL INFORMATION
Teresa Sabankaya is the author of two books on floriography, The Posy Book (2019), and the upcoming (March 10, 2026) Modern Floriography: Flowers, Gardens, and Gifts Inspired by the Language of Flowers.
Both books can be ordered anywhere books are sold or on Teresa’s website at teresasabankaya.com
The first part of Bridgerton Season 4 is released on 29 January 2026.
