The meanings associated with various flowers and plants.
Flowers have been irresistible to painters through the ages. These days we’ve lost much of the symbolism associated with them, but earlier painters chose flowers to convey very specific messages about their subjects. The meaning associated with a specific flower differs between cultures; the symbolism for each given here is from Western European culture unless specified otherwise.
Bamboo: A symbol for longevity (it’s always got green shoots) as well as strength and grace (it bends readily but doesn’t break easily). In Chinese philosophy the straight stem of bamboo symbolizes the path towards enlightenment, the segments of the stem being the steps along the way.
Carnation: A symbol of betrothal or engagement. In China, a carnation is a symbol of marriage.
Chrysanthemum: The national symbol of Japan, ‘mums are a symbol for long life.
Clover leaf: The three divided leaves of clover represent the Christian Holy Trinity of God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Four-leafed clovers represent luck.
Daisy: The most basic of flowers, a white daisy is a symbol of innocence.
Deadly nightshade: A highly poisonous plant (Atropa belladonna) with purple bell flowers and small black berries. A symbol of deception, danger, and death.