20 Meaningful Flowers to Express Sympathy and Show Support

Discover 20 flowers that symbolize sympathy and love during times of sorrow

Floral expressions often serve as a tribute to the life lived and provide comfort to those who are grieving. Understanding which flowers to choose and their associated meanings can help convey your sentiments appropriately during these difficult times.
Flowers have been used for centuries as a form of communication, with each bloom carrying a distinct significance. In the context of sympathy and condolences, certain flowers stand out for their symbolic meanings tied to remembrance, love, and eternal life. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision when choosing the most suitable flowers to express your sympathy.

Selecting the right flowers requires understanding their symbolism, color significance, and how they fit into the cultural context of the bereaved. Whether you're looking for a sympathy bouquet to send to a funeral service or to the home of the bereaved, this comprehensive guide will take you through 20 flowers that eloquently express sympathy and offer comfort.
Remember, it's not just about the type of flower, but also about the thought, care, and love that go into selecting and sending them. Your gesture of sending sympathy flowers can bring light into a difficult time, providing tangible evidence of love and support.

1. Lilies: Lilies are a classic choice for sympathy flowers, often associated with funerals due to their symbolic meaning of the restored innocence of the soul of the deceased. Their large, star-shaped blooms and sweet, comforting scent make them a standout in any arrangement. In addition, different types of lilies carry specific meanings - white lilies symbolize purity and majesty, while stargazer lilies represent sympathy.
2. Roses: As a universal symbol of love, roses can convey a multitude of sentiments based on their color. Red roses often denote deep respect and love, making them suitable for someone who had a close relationship with the departed. White roses symbolize purity and innocence, often associated with youth or untimely loss. The classic beauty and rich symbolism of roses make them a fitting addition to any sympathy bouquet.
3. Carnations: Carnations are another popular choice for sympathy arrangements due to their long-lasting and fragrant nature. The ruffled, soft blooms of carnations present a soothing visual effect. Pink carnations stand for remembrance, making them a poignant reminder of the memories shared with the departed, while white carnations symbolize pure love and innocence, expressing a deep sense of loss.
4. Orchids: Orchids are exotic flowers associated with beauty, strength, and love. They are typically given as a potted plant, providing a lasting tribute that will continue to bring comfort with its recurring blooms. The Phalaenopsis and dendrobium orchids, usually in shades of pink and white, are the varieties most often chosen for sympathy arrangements due to their elegant appearance and symbolic connection to love and strength.
5. Chrysanthemums: Chrysanthemums, or mums, have different meanings across various cultures, but they are generally seen as a symbol of death and are often used in funeral bouquets, particularly in Europe and Asia. Their round blooms symbolize the circle of life, and they are believed to represent the sun, adding an element of positivity. The white chrysanthemum is a symbol of lamentation and grief in some cultures, making it a fitting choice for expressing sorrow.
6. Gladioli: Gladioli, with their tall, stem of multiple flowers, represent strength of character, sincerity, and moral integrity – traits often admired in the departed. A bouquet of gladioli conveys a message of respect and admiration. They come in a variety of vibrant colors, each carrying a different meaning, but all delivering a strong message of moral integrity and sincerity.
7. Hydrangeas: Hydrangeas are large, bushy flowers that symbolize heartfelt emotions. Their full, heavy heads can be seen to symbolize the collective emotion of a group, making them suitable for expressing shared sorrow and grief. As a plant, hydrangeas have a long lifespan which makes them a lasting reminder of your support.
8. Tulips: Tulips are elegant flowers that represent grace. They come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning. White tulips symbolize heaven and purity, while red tulips express perfect love. A bouquet of tulips can bring some beauty and comfort in a time of sorrow, their springtime associations offering a note of renewal and hope.
9. Daffodils: Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, representing renewal and new beginnings. This makes them suitable to symbolize hope for the future during a time of loss. Their bright yellow color can serve as a light during dark times, symbolizing the sun shining down and providing comfort.
10. Sunflowers: Sunflowers are known for their large, bright blooms that symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. Their vibrant yellow color can bring a touch of warmth and light to somber occasions. As they are known to follow the sun, they can also symbolize deep admiration and dedicated love.

11. Irises: Irises come in many colors, but the most commonly seen color is purple, symbolizing hope and faith. The three petals of the iris are often seen to represent faith, wisdom, and valor. Their striking presence in a bouquet can provide comfort to those who are grieving, offering a visual representation of collective support and faith.
12. Gerbera Daisies: Gerbera Daisies are known for their bright and cheerful colors, which can bring a note of optimism during sorrowful times. They symbolize innocence, purity, and cheerfulness. A bouquet of Gerbera Daisies can serve as a reminder of happier times and bring a touch of brightness to a grief-stricken environment.
13. Calla Lilies: Calla Lilies are elegant and regal, making them a popular choice for sympathy arrangements. Their trumpet-shaped blooms symbolize rebirth and resurrection. In the language of flowers, they convey magnificence and beauty. The serene beauty and symbolism of calla lilies make them a meaningful addition to any condolence flower arrangement.
14. Peace Lily Plant: The Peace Lily is an indoor plant often given during times of bereavement for its symbolism of peace and hope. Its white flowers represent rebirth and renewal, providing a message of hope in times of sorrow. This plant also cleans the air, literally bringing a breath of fresh air to the recipient's home.
15. Statice: Statice is often used in dried flower arrangements due to its ability to retain its color and form when dried. It represents remembrance, making it a fitting tribute to a life well-lived. The small, delicate blooms of statice can add texture and depth to a sympathy bouquet, making a visually impressive statement of remembrance and sympathy.
16. Aster: Asters are daisy-like flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, representing patience and elegance. They are often used in arrangements to express sentiments of love. Their star-shaped flowers can bring a hint of wild beauty to a sympathy bouquet, reminding us of the beauty of nature even in times of sorrow.
17. Zinnias: Zinnias bloom in a variety of bright colors, symbolizing thoughts of friends who are absent. They are a perfect choice for remembering someone who lived a vibrant and colorful life. The sight of these cheerful flowers can bring back happy memories and offer comfort during difficult times.
18. Magnolias: Magnolias are large, fragrant flowers that represent dignity and nobility. They are often associated with the beauty and perseverance of the South in the United States. A magnolia tree is a symbol of strength, making it a fitting tribute to someone who showed strength and dignity in life.
19. Poppies: Poppies are delicate, vibrant flowers that symbolize eternal sleep and peace. They are often used on Remembrance Day to honor those who have died in war. Their bright red color can serve as a poignant reminder of the vibrancy of the life lived.
20. Violets: Violets are small, delicate flowers that symbolize faithfulness. They are often included in sympathy arrangements to show ongoing support and love. Their deep purple color adds richness to a bouquet, conveying a depth of feeling and a promise of ongoing support.

Common Questions about Sympathy Flowers

Choosing sympathy flowers involves more than just selecting beautiful blooms; it's also about understanding the etiquette and answering common questions such as:

• What is the appropriate flower for sympathy? While there are many flowers you can choose from, lilies, roses, and carnations are among the most traditional choices for sympathy flowers due to their symbolic meanings.
• What color of flowers are for sympathy? Generally, flowers in light colors such as white, cream, and pastels are chosen for their softness and calming effect. However, bright colors can also be chosen if they reflect the personality or preferences of the deceased.
• What is a sympathy bouquet? A sympathy bouquet is a carefully arranged selection of flowers intended to express condolences and offer comfort during times of sorrow.
• How do you send sympathy flowers? You can order sympathy flowers from a reputable online florist like BloomsyBox, who will ensure your bouquet is thoughtfully arranged and delivered at the right time.

BloomsyBox's Bouquets

When it comes to expressing your condolences, BloomsyBox offers a range of tastefully arranged sympathy bouquets. Their selection includes many of the flowers mentioned in this guide, allowing you to choose an arrangement that best expresses your sentiments.
BloomsyBox's bouquets are handpicked and arranged by expert florists, ensuring each bouquet is of the highest quality. They are then shipped directly from sustainable farms, guaranteeing fresh, vibrant blooms.
One of the benefits of choosing BloomsyBox is the ease and convenience of their delivery service. You can send a sympathy bouquet directly to a funeral service, the bereaved's home, or wherever it's needed most, with just a few clicks.
Furthermore, each BloomsyBox bouquet is more than just a collection of beautiful flowers. It's a carefully crafted message of love, support, and respect, offering comfort during a difficult time.

In conclusion, while nothing can take away the pain of losing a loved one, a thoughtful sympathy bouquet can provide a measure of comfort and remind the bereaved that they are not alone. By understanding the meanings behind different flowers, you can choose a bouquet that best expresses your heartfelt condolences and shows your support.