Floriography

Flowers can talk. For thousands of years, humans have used flowers as a language, a short-hand for emotions and meanings. Red roses say 'I love you', white lilies offer condolence and poppies invite us to remember.

She delves into the meanings of flowers and where they came from, whether it's ancient mythology or hedgerow folklore. In her new book, Sally Coulthard, takes a fascinating look at floriography and shows how we still use this secret language across the world. Covering 50 well-loved flowers and plants, from peonies to sweetpeas, ivy to irises, Floriography is a beautifully illustrated guide that will take the reader on an intriguing journey through the history, legend, anthropology and literature of flowers, showing how modern-day society still relies on the meaning of flowers.

From the Chinese lotus flower to the Celtic bluebell, the myth, magic and language of flowers is