Q.
In poring through Victorian flower meanings, one can’t help but notice some remarkably specific and quirky attributions. Examples?

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A.

Here are some beauties from Kate Greenaway’s 1884 ‘Language of Flowers’. How and when does one go about sending these bouquets?

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Wild Tansy – I declare war against you
Eglantine (Sweetbriar) – I wound to heal
Tiger Flower – For once may pride befriend me
Citron – Ill-natured beauty
White Rose (dried) – Death preferable to loss of innocence
Wild Sorrel – Wit ill-timed
Creeping Cereus – Modest genius
Love Lies Bleeding – Hopeless, not heartless
Meadow Saffron – My best days are past
Asphodel – My regrets follow you to the grave
Currant – Thy frown will kill me
Japan Rose – Beauty is your only attraction

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Header Art: Grey Line with Black, Blue and Yellow. Georgia O’Keefe. 1923