Anniversary Flowers: A Guide to Meanings & How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet
- Catherine O'Sullivan
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Why Flowers Carry Meaning in Anniversaries
Flowers have always been more than decoration. They carry messages, stories, and emotions that words can sometimes struggle to hold. The tradition of linking flowers with meaning began in ancient Rome and became particularly popular in the Victorian era, when the “language of flowers” was a way to share hidden sentiments. According to the Royal Horticultural Society and the Smithsonian Libraries, floriography was a discreet way to communicate feelings, especially in a time when open declarations of love were rare. This is why flowers are so closely tied to anniversaries: they’re a way of saying 'I love you', 'I remember', 'I still choose you'.
Traditional Anniversary Flowers for Each Milestone
Different flowers have been linked to anniversary years, each symbolising a stage of love and commitment. Here’s a quick guide:
Anniversary Year | Traditional Flower | Meaning |
1st | Carnation | Young love, passion, admiration |
2nd | Cosmos | Peace, harmony, growth |
3rd | Sunflower | Loyalty, strength, adoration |
4th | Geranium | Friendship, comfort, stability |
5th | Daisy | Fidelity, forever love, new beginnings |
10th | Daffodil | Renewal, hope, joy |
15th | Rose | Deep love, passion, perfection |
20th | Aster | Wisdom, patience, good fortune |
25th | Iris | Faith, courage, promise |
50th | Yellow Rose & Violet | Joy, friendship, lifelong commitment |
What Do Different Romantic Flowers Symbolise?
Beyond tradition, popular romantic flowers have meanings of their own:
Roses: Love and passion. Red for romance, pink for grace and appreciation.
Lilies: Purity, devotion, marital bliss.
Tulips: A declaration of perfect love. Red tulips are especially romantic.
Orchids: Beauty, strength, admiration.
Peonies: Prosperity, happiness, a strong marriage.
Australian natives (like Geraldton wax, eucalyptus, or banksia): Resilience, abundance, and a deep connection to the Australian landscape.
For more flower meanings and the meaning of flower colours, see Flower Meanings: The Language of Flowers by Almanac.
Australian Adaptations: Flowers in Season
You might notice the traditional list doesn’t always match what’s blooming in Australia. For example, daffodils are linked to March anniversaries, but they bloom in late winter here. A more meaningful gift can come from embracing what’s in season locally.
Seasonally Adjusted Options in Australia:
This list often overlaps with birth month flowers, which makes sense because anniversaries and birthdays share the rhythm of the calendar, and many of the same blooms carry similar symbolism. Here are the adapted options with their meanings:
January: Carnations – Admiration, young love
February: Iris or Violet – Faith, modesty, and loyalty
March: Dahlias – Strength, dignity; Jonquils – Desire for affection
April: Daisies – Innocence, fidelity; Sweet Peas – Gratitude, bliss
May: Lilies – Purity, hope, renewal
June: Roses – Love, passion, appreciation
July: Larkspur – Positivity, joy; Delphinium – Fun, levity
August: Gladiolus – Strength, integrity; Poppies – Imagination, peace
September: Asters – Wisdom, love; Morning Glory – Affection, resilience
October: Marigolds – Creativity, warmth
November: Chrysanthemums – Loyalty, friendship, joy
December: Holly – Protection, happiness; Narcissus – Hope, respect.
Australian Native Flowers by Month:
January: Hibbertia (Guinea Flower) – Happiness, positivity
February: Brachyscome (Native Daisy) – Beauty, patience
March: Grevillea – Love, faith
April: Eremophila (Emu Bush) – Adaptation, endurance
May: Crowea – Healing, good health
June: Hardenbergia (Happy Wanderer) – Strength, endurance
July: Adenanthos (Woolly Bush) – Uniqueness, fascination
August: Correa (Native Fuchsia) – Elegance, modesty
September: Eucalyptus (Gum Blossom) – Protection, abundance
October: Callistemon (Bottlebrush) – Laughter, joy
November: Leptospermum (Tea Tree) – Renewal, regeneration
December: Banksia – New beginnings, discovery.
How to Choose Anniversary Flowers for Your Partner
Here are three steps to help you choose the perfect bouquet:
1. Consider the Milestone
Use the traditional flower for your anniversary year as a starting point. For example, carnations for a first anniversary, roses for the fifteenth.
2. Think About Their Personality
What flowers or colours does your partner love most? A personalised bouquet that reflects their taste will always feel more meaningful.
3. Add a Personal Touch
Blend the traditional flower with something unique, or include a heartfelt card message explaining why you chose those blooms. Pairing flowers with champagne, a candle, or a custom hamper makes the gift even more special.
Catherine often shares how she chooses the freshest, most fragrant flowers at the Sydney Flower Market. For example, she recalls selecting a mix of roses and Australian natives for a couple’s fifteenth anniversary, creating a bouquet that was both traditional and deeply personal. It’s these thoughtful touches that make anniversary flowers truly memorable.
Local Delivery Across Balmain & Sydney’s Inner West
We deliver anniversary flowers and hampers throughout Balmain (2041), including Balmain East and Birchgrove, as well as Rozelle, Annandale, Lilyfield, Leichhardt and the wider Inner West. Orders can also be placed securely online from interstate or overseas, making it easy to send your love from afar. Each arrangement is hand-delivered with care, ensuring it arrives fresh and beautiful.
Anniversary Card Message Ideas
Finding the right words to go with your flowers can be just as meaningful as the bouquet itself. Here are a few ideas:
Happy Anniversary. Every day with you is a gift.
Still falling in love with you, year after year.
To many more years of love, laughter, and shared memories.
With all my love on our special day.
Adding a personal note about a shared memory or inside joke makes the message even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anniversary Flowers
What are the best flowers for an anniversary?
Roses, lilies, or the traditional flower for your anniversary year are always meaningful choices. You can also explore personalised anniversary flower gifts or choose the best anniversary bouquet for your wife or husband based on their favourites.
What colour roses are best for an anniversary?
Red roses are the classic choice for passionate love, while pink roses symbolise gratitude. You can also choose your partner’s favourite colour. Understanding the meaning of red roses can help you decide which colour to choose.
Can I send something other than the traditional flower?
Absolutely. The most thoughtful gift is one that feels personal to your relationship. You might combine traditional flowers with seasonal or native Australian blooms for a unique touch.
Celebrate Your Anniversary with Flowers that Speak from the Heart
Whether you follow tradition or personalise your choice, anniversary flowers remain a timeless way to celebrate love. Catherine’s hand-crafted bouquets and hampers are delivered with care across Balmain and the Inner West. For more inspiration and to see our full range, visit our Anniversary Flowers collection to explore beautiful options.
Comments