The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Flower Types and Symbolism

Genus ~

Genus (plural Genera) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nomenclature, the genus name forms the first part of the binomial species name for each species within the genus.

Gerbera ~

Symbolises ~ Purity, happiness, cheerfulness, courage, and strength.

Gerbera flowers, also known as the African daisy, are a popular choice for honouring and remembering loved ones who have passed away. These vibrant and colourful flowers are known for their large and showy petals, which are typically found in shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, and white. Gerbera flowers have a long history of being used in various cultural and ceremonial settings, including at cemeteries and grave sites.

Gerbera flowers are native to South Africa and were first discovered in the early 19th century by naturalist Jan Frederik Gronovius. These flowers were later named after German botanist Traugott Gerber, who was one of the first people to study and classify the plant. Gerbera flowers quickly gained popularity around the world and are now widely cultivated in many countries.

In European culture, gerbera flowers are often used to adorn the graves of loved ones who have passed away. The vibrant and colourful petals of these flowers are thought to represent the idea of happiness and positivity, and are often used to bring comfort and solace to those who are grieving. Additionally, the flowers’ delicate and fragrant nature is seen as a symbol of the person’s beauty and grace.

In Greek culture, gerbera flowers are also commonly used at cemeteries. These flowers are believed to symbolise the idea of rebirth and the continuous cycle of life and death. The vibrant and colourful petals of the flowers are thought to represent the different stages of life, from birth to death and beyond.

In Roman culture, gerbera flowers were also often used as a way to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The vibrant and colourful petals of these flowers were thought to represent the person’s happiness and positivity, as well as their beauty and grace.

In Chinese culture, gerbera flowers are also frequently used at cemeteries. These flowers are believed to symbolise the idea of happiness and joy, and are often used to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The large and showy petals of the flowers are thought to represent the person’s happiness and positivity.

In English culture, gerbera flowers are also used as a way to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The delicate and fragrant nature of these flowers is thought to represent the person’s beauty and grace, as well as the idea of the passing of time.

Overall, the use of gerbera flowers at a cemetery is a deeply meaningful and symbolic gesture in many cultures around the world. These vibrant and colourful flowers are often used to honour and remember the deceased, as well as to bring a sense of happiness, positivity, and joy to those who are grieving.

Gladiolus ~

Symbolises ~ Strengths of Character, integrity, sincerity, Respect, adoration and admiration.

Gladiolus flowers, also known as the sword lily, are a popular choice for honouring and remembering loved ones who have passed away. These tall and elegant flowers are known for their long, spiky petals, which are typically found in shades of pink, orange, red, purple, yellow, and white. Gladiolus flowers have a long history of being used in various cultural and ceremonial settings, including at cemeteries and grave sites.

Gladiolus flowers are native to South Africa and were first cultivated in ancient Rome and Greece. These flowers were later introduced to Europe in the 18th century and quickly gained popularity as a decorative plant. Gladiolus flowers are now widely cultivated in many countries around the world.

In European culture, gladiolus flowers are often used to adorn the graves of loved ones who have passed away. The tall and elegant nature of these flowers is thought to represent the idea of strength and resilience, and are often used to bring comfort and solace to those who are grieving. Additionally, the flowers’ delicate and fragrant petals are seen as a symbol of the person’s beauty and grace.

In Greek culture, gladiolus flowers are also commonly used at cemeteries. These flowers are believed to symbolise the idea of rebirth and the continuous cycle of life and death. The tall and spiky petals of the flowers are thought to represent the person’s strength and resilience, as well as the idea of overcoming obstacles.

In Roman culture, gladiolus flowers were also often used as a way to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The tall and elegant nature of these flowers was thought to represent the person’s strength and resilience, as well as their beauty and grace.

In Chinese culture, gladiolus flowers are also frequently used at cemeteries. These flowers are believed to symbolise the idea of perseverance and overcoming adversity, and are often used to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The tall and spiky petals of the flowers are thought to represent the person’s strength and resilience.

In English culture, gladiolus flowers are also used as a way to honour and remember the deceased person’s memory. The delicate and fragrant nature of these flowers is thought to represent the person’s beauty and grace, as well as the idea of the passing of time.

In summary, the use of gladiolus flowers at a cemetery is a deeply meaningful and symbolic gesture in many cultures around the world. These tall and elegant flowers are often used to honour and remember the deceased, as well as to bring a sense of strength and resilience to those who are grieving.

Gypsophila ~ Baby’s Breath

Symbolises ~ Innocence, Purity of Heart.

The Gypsophila flower, also known as Baby’s Breath, is a small, delicate flower that is native to parts of Europe and Asia. It has been cultivated and used in various cultural settings for centuries, with different meanings and symbolism attributed to it depending on the culture and context in which it is used.

One of the most common cultural meanings of the Gypsophila flower is innocence and purity. In many parts of the world, it is associated with new life, innocence, and the beginning of a new chapter. This symbolism is often seen in wedding bouquets, where the white or pale pink colour of the Baby’s Breath is meant to represent the bride’s purity and the beginning of her new life with her spouse.

In some cultures, the Gypsophila flower is also seen as a symbol of love and devotion. It is often used in arrangements to express feelings of affection or to show appreciation for someone special. In this context, the delicate nature of the flower is often seen as a metaphor for the vulnerability and fragility of love.

The main flower colors of the Gypsophila flower are white and pale pink. These colors are often chosen to represent innocence and purity, as mentioned above. However, the Gypsophila flower can also be found in other shades, such as red, yellow, and purple. These colors may carry different symbolic meanings depending on the context in which they are used.

The Gypsophila flower has a long history of use in various cultural settings. It is believed to have been cultivated and used in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was seen as a symbol of love and affection. In the Middle Ages, it was also widely used in religious ceremonies and rituals as a symbol of purity and devotion.

When purchased and placed at a cemetery or grave site, the Gypsophila flower can carry a variety of symbolic meanings. In some cultures, it is seen as a way to honour and remember the deceased, and to express love and respect for their memory. In other cultures, it is seen as a symbol of hope and renewal, and a reminder that life goes on even after death.

In summary, the Gypsophila flower is a versatile and widely-recognized symbol of innocence, purity, love, and devotion. Its delicate nature and pale colour make it a popular choice for a variety of cultural and symbolic purposes, and it continues to be widely used and appreciated around the world today.

The main 2 Gypsophila species that are commonly used, in floristry, for flower arrangements such as bouquets, providing an effective backdrop or filler for larger or more structured bouquets is the Gypsophila Paniculata as well as the Gypsophila Elegans.

Gypsophila Elegans, also known as the Annual Baby’s Breath or the Showy Baby’s Breath.

Flower Colours ~

White | Pale Pink double flowers.