Ever thought about what stories each color of flowers tell? Well, pink flowers are like sweet messengers carrying tales of beauty and feelings.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets of these blushing blooms with their symbolism and significance in different cultures.
The Meaning of the Color Pink
Pink is a beautiful blend of red’s passion and white’s purity—a color that’s all about love, care, kindness, charm, friendship, harmony, and peace. This gentle hue brings feelings of comfort, warmth, and hope.
There’s even a phrase that goes “in the pink,” which means good health and a state of happiness and contentment.
Pink is also associated with femininity, which can be traced back to early childhood, where societal norms often link it to traditional girls’ toys and qualities of softness, kindness, nurturing, and compassion.
Additionally, pink is a powerful symbol of advocacy. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the iconic pink ribbon is worn with pride to honor survivors and remember those who have lost their lives to this illness.
Pink, in this context, becomes a beacon of hope, strength, and solidarity.
Pink Flowers and Their Meanings
Pink Roses
Botanical Name: Rosa
Origin: Asia, Europe, North America, and Northwestern Africa
Size: Up to 7 feet tall
Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Every 2 to 3 days
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Pink roses are like soft whispers of love. They’re not as bold as red roses but still express admiration, happiness, and love.
They’re great for showing friends or family how much you care, whether it’s a birthday or just to show someone you’re thinking of them. They are also associated with femininity, conveying grace, sweetness, gentleness, appreciation, joy, thankfulness, and elegance.
Pink Carnations
Botanical Name: Dianthus caryophyllus
Origin: Mediterranean region
Size: Up to 30 inches tall
Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Once a week
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Pink carnations symbolize love and gratitude. Some believe that they first bloomed when Mother Mary cried as Jesus carried the cross.
These flowers are very special for Mother’s Day, and in the U.S., they’re the official flower for it. But they’re also great for saying thanks, whether to a teacher, nurse, friend, or anyone you appreciate.
Soft pink ones say “thank you” and show a mother’s love. On a first date, dark pink ones are a great way to show someone that you’re into them.
Pink Camellias
Botanical Name: Camellia
Origin: Eastern and Southern Asia
Size: Up to 14 feet tall
Light: Thrives in partial shade but can tolerate some direct sunlight
Water: Twice a week
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Pink camellias are more than just pretty flowers; they symbolize a deep sense of longing and affection, which makes them a great gift choice, especially in situations where you want to show how you truly miss someone.
Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship or simply want to show emotions across the miles, the delicate pink camellias can become messengers of your feelings.
Pink Chrysanthemums
Origin: East Asia and Northeastern Europe
Size: Up to 6 inches tall
Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Twice a week
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets
Pink chrysanthemums symbolize friendship, lasting love, and attraction, which makes them the perfect gift for first dates or new romances. They are also associated with longevity and honor.
Pink chrysanthemums have a special place in Japanese culture, symbolizing the emperor and the Imperial family.
Pink Peonies
Botanical Name: Paeonia
Origin: Asia, Europe, and Western North America
Size: Up to 4 feet tall
Light: Thrives in full sunlight with at least 5 to 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Every 5 to 7 days
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Pink peonies symbolize romantic and platonic love, friendship, and happiness. They are often used in weddings as bridal bouquets and decorations since they also symbolize good luck, prosperity, and a happy marriage in feng shui.
Aside from that, these flowers are also ideal gifts for other celebrations like birthdays and Mother’s Day.
Peony is also the official 12th wedding anniversary flower and the pink ones are most commonly given to spouses on this special day.
Pink Cosmos
Origin: Mexico
Size: Up to 6 feet tall
Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Once or twice a week
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Light pink cosmos symbolize feminine energy and love, which makes them perfect gifts for young nieces and daughters. Darker ones symbolize romance and are ideal gifts for someone you’re in love with.
Overall, the pink cosmos is associated with femininity which makes this flower a meaningful gift for women in your life.
Pink Dahlias
Origin: Mexico and Central America
Size: Up to 6 feet tall
Light: Thrives in full sun with at least 6 hours of exposure
Water: Once or twice a week
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Pink dahlias bring joy and symbolize kindness, feminine beauty, and grace. They are perfect gifts for mothers, sisters, friends, or co-workers on occasions like Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and birthdays.
They also represent love, elegance, appreciation, and fresh beginnings.
Pink Begonias
Origin: Africa, Southern Asia, and South and Central America
Size: Up to 1 inches tall
Light: Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight
Water: Every 2 to 3 days
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Pink begonias symbolize love and romance in a more subtle way than the red ones. They are ideal for expressing affection or interest without overwhelming intensity.
These flowers are great additions to bouquets, especially around Valentine’s Day or first dates. Pink begonias are also often associated with femininity which makes them great gifts to special women in your life.
Pink Tulips
Botanical Name: Tulipa
Origin: Central Asia and Turkey
Size: Up to 30 inches tall
Light: Thrives in bright, direct light with at least 6 hours of exposure per day
Water: Once a wee
Toxicity: Toxic to pets
Pink tulips symbolize affection, care, good wishes, and love in a lighter, more cheerful way. These blooms are perfect for friends and family when celebrating achievements like a new job or promotion.
The playful pink color adds a touch of playfulness and sweetness which also makes them ideal for occasions like Mother’s Day, Sweet Sixteen, or welcoming a baby girl.
Pink tulips are also perfect for cheering up someone going through a tough time and congratulating them on a job well done.
Pink Flowers in Various Historical Periods
Pink Flowers in Different Cultures
Pink Flowers in Art and Literature
The famous Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh illustrated the beauty of pink flowers in his paintings called Still Life: Vase with Pink Roses in 1890 and Pink Roses in 1890.
