The Language of Flowers

Frederic Shoberl's The Language of Flowers with Illustrative Poetry is a notable example of Victorian floriography. Shoberl consolidated previous sources into a reference that was both decorative and practical for social use. His book provided readers with a comprehensive understanding of the symbolic meanings attributed to various flowers, allowing individuals to convey emotions and thoughts through floral arrangements. Shoberl also introduced illustrations and “poetic” entries for many flowers, a hallmark of Victorian-style Language of Flowers books.

Bouquet of dahlias, Gretchen Boyce,  2024.

These small handbooks detailed the messages each bloom conveyed—whether love, admiration, fidelity, or farewell—and were used to compose “talking bouquets” known as tussie-mussies. Each bloom was chosen for its symbolic meaning so that a carefully arranged bouquet could express love, friendship, remembrance, or other sentiments without words. Tussie-mussies were given as gifts, carried at social events, or left as tokens, allowing people to communicate complex feelings discreetly. For example, a bouquet of snapdragons (symbolizing presumption) alongside forget-me-nots (true love or remembrance) could convey a subtle social or romantic message.

Dumont, The Language of Flowers, 1851. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/71779/pg71779-images.html

Many of these books went beyond simple definitions. To reinforce each flower’s meaning, they often included short poems, verses, or literary quotations. Poetry gave emotional weight to the entries, turning a list of symbols into something more memorable and expressive. A poem about pansies might emphasize thoughtful reflection, while a verse about snapdragons could highlight dignity or resilience. In this way, the Language of Flowers became more than a coded system—it blended botany, sentiment, and art into a form of personal expression.

Example entry for Forget-Me-Not:

The Language of Flowers: An Alphabet of Floral Emblems, 1858. https://archive.org/details/languageflowers00j/page/n5/mode/2up

"The name of this flower expresses clearly enough the meaning which is given to it. As a remembrancer it is universally received and eulogized. The name is derived from a German tradition, full of melancholy romance. It is related that a young couple, on the eve of being united, while walking along the banks of the Danube, saw a cluster of these flowers, floating on the stream, which was bearing it away. The affianced bride admired the beauty of the flower, and lamented its fatal destiny. The lover plunged into the water to secure it. No sooner had he caught it than he found himself sinking; but, making a last effort, he threw it on the bank at the feet of his betrothed, and, at the moment of disappearing forever, exclaimed, “Vergiss mein nicht!” Since that event, this flower has been made emblematic of the sentiment, Forget-me-not. Its corollas are of a soft cerulean-blue colour, and it presents an interesting appearance as it grows along the banks of the rivers. The Forget-me-not is found in great perfection on the banks of a small stream near Luxembourg, in France. The stream is called the Fairies’ Bath, and its banks are the favourite resort of festive parties.” ~Dumont, https://gutenberg.org/cache/epub/71779/pg71779-images.html#page_109 

The Language of Flowers: An Alphabet of Floral Emblems, 1858. https://archive.org/details/languageflowers00j/page/n5/mode/2up 

Poem for Pansy:

YOU OCCUPY MY THOUGHTS

I have sweet thoughts of thee!
They come around me like the voice of song;
They come like birds that to the south belong,
And wear a gayer wing, and brighter crest.
Than those that on the rooftree build the nest;
They come more tender, beautiful, and bright.
Than any thoughts that others can excite ;
They tell me gentle tales of thee and thine ;
Of gems of truth that in thy spirit shine;
Of goodness, purity, and holy zeal.
That can for others earnest pity feel;
Of all things beautiful in soul and heart,—
And such they tell me, dearest, that thou art !

https://archive.org/details/languageflowers00j/page/36/mode/2up

This collection brings the rich and romantic history of floriography to life in yarn, with four colorways inspired by flowers that carried distinct meaning in the Victorian lexicon: Forget-Me-Not, Snapdragon, Pansy, and Fuchsia.

Collection Details

The Language of Flowers Story Collection is available in two yarn bases, with colors showing slight variations on each. The collection can be ordered from the Quill & Quiver Fiber web shop here: 

• Worsted>> — Four mini skeins (approx. 25 g each) of 100% superwash wool.
• Sock>> — Four mini skeins (25 g each) of 90% superwash wool, 10% nylon.
  
  

The Colorways and Meanings (photos shown on worsted base)

FORGET-ME-NOT A tiny, modest flower with bright blue petals, the forget-me-not symbolized lasting memory and fidelity. It was often exchanged between friends or lovers as a promise not to be forgotten. The colorway reflects the flower’s recognizable soft blue, with lighter and deeper variations to mimic its natural tones. Worsted>> Sock>>
FUSCHIA Known for its striking, pendulous blossoms, the fuchsia symbolized confiding love and affection. The plant’s vivid magentas and purples lend themselves to a saturated colorway that emphasizes intensity and vibrancy. Worsted>> Sock>>
PURPLE PANSY The name comes from the French word pensée (“thought”), and the pansy was commonly associated with remembrance and reflection. With petals in shades of purple, violet, and indigo, often edged in darker hues, the colorway layers those tones to suggest depth and contemplation. Worsted>> Sock>>
SNAPDRAGON  Tall and architectural, the snapdragon was linked to grace and strength in the face of challenges. Its blossoms, which can range from pale peach to vivid coral, inspired a warm colorway that captures both the delicacy and boldness of the flower. Worsted>> Sock>>

Sources of More Information:

• Dumont, Henrietta. The language of flowers: The floral offering ; a token of affection and esteem ; comprising the language and poetry of flowers. (Philadelphia: H. C. Peck & Theo. Bliss, 1851). https://gutenberg.org/cache/epub/71779/pg71779-images.html#page_109 

• Language of Flowers: An Alphabet of Floral Emblems (London; New York: T. Nelson and Sons, 1857) https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-language-of-flowers-an-alphabet-of-floral-emblems-1857/ 

• Flint, Emma. The Secret Victorian Language That's Back in Fashion (bbc.com, 13 October 2022). https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20221012-the-flowers-that-send-a-hidden-message  

All images by Quill & Quiver Fiber except where noted. Copyright: Quill & Quiver Fiber, 2025. All Rights Reserved.