There are several flowers that are named after colors, either because their petals are that color or reference it in some other way. Some of the most popular examples include bluebells, pinks, and marigolds. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some flowers named after colors and learn more about their origins and meaning. Understanding the stories behind these colorful blooms can give us a greater appreciation for their beauty.
Bluebell
One of the most well-known flowers named for a color is the bluebell. As its name implies, this flower has bell-shaped blooms that are a signature blue-purple shade. There are different species of bluebells found around the world, but the most common is the English bluebell or Hyacinthoides non-scripta. These spring-blooming plants are found across the UK and parts of Europe.
The bluebell’s association with the color blue comes from its distinctively colored flowers. Each bell-shaped bloom contains inner petals that are a mix of violet-blue and purple. This cool tone provides a beautiful pop of color on the forest floor when bluebells carpet wooded areas with their flowers.
Beyond being known for its blue blossoms, the bluebell also has some interesting folklore and legend associated with it. In Celtic mythology, it was said that bluebells would ring to call fairies together. The supernatural associations don’t end there, as Victorians believed it was unlucky to bring bluebells indoors. This was because they thought it would allow witches and mischievous fairies to sneak into their homes as well!
Pink
Another flower named for a color is the pink. When we think of the color pink, most of us picture a light rosy tone. That’s exactly the soft hue found on pink flowers, which belong to the Dianthus genus. There are over 300 species of Dianthus, and most go by the common name pinks.
The pink’s attractive and fragrant flowers come in different colors, though pink is the most iconic. Ranging from pale to fuscia, the pink’s frilly blooms have petals with scalloped edges. Beyond being pretty, pinks are also associated with positive meanings. In the Victorian era, these cottage garden favorites represented happiness, love, and affection.
So why name this flower after the color? It comes from the frilled edges of the bloom, which look like they were “pinked” using pinking shears. This technique uses blades to cut fabric or paper into a zig-zag pattern to prevent fraying. The pink’s delicate petals have that same look of being decorative cut or “pinked”.
Marigold
Marigolds are another extremely popular flower that references a color in its name. With their sunny yellow, orange, and gold blossoms, it’s easy to see why they became associated with the color. Marigolds belong to the Tagetes genus and are native to Mexico and Central America. But they have spread worldwide and are commonly grown in gardens for their cheery color and ease of care.
The marigold’s link to color also appears historically in Aztec religious rituals and mythology. The Aztecs used marigold flowers to decorate temples and make offerings to their gods. They also used marigold petals to create a bright yellow-orange dye. Today, marigolds are oftentimes planted alongside vegetables as a companion plant thanks to their pest-deterring properties. Their colorful blossoms can still be used to create vivid dyes as well.
With over 50 species, marigolds display a stunning range of sunset-like shades. From bright yellow to deep orange, their big, bold blooms earned them a fitting name representing their brilliant color.
Lilac
Lilacs are a signature spring-blooming shrub known for their abundant clusters of flowers ranging in hue from pale lavender to rich purple. Unsurprisingly, they take their name from the light purple shade of lilac that is characteristic of many varieties.
There are over 100 types of lilacs, which belong to the Syringa genus. They are popular not just for their color but also for their delightful scent, which perfumes the air around them when in bloom. Lilacs have long symbolized love, admiration, and innocence. In fact, in the Victorian era, giving someone white lilacs was meant to convey the first emotions of love.
Beyond the color lilac, different varieties display blooms in magenta, deep purple, and white. Still, the light purple that bears the flower’s name remains one of the most iconic. Long beloved in cottage gardens, lilacs continue to be prized for their romantic associations and wonderfully aromatic flowers.
Violet
The little violet flower shares its name with the light purple color. These dainty blooms in shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white have a sweet violet-like scent. There are over 500 species of violets found around the world. But the name feels especially fitting for those with purple flowers, like the common blue violet.
With heart-shaped leaves and five-petaled blooms, violets grow low to the ground. They are associated with modesty and faithfulness. Violets are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and often surprise us with their cheery flowers on the forest floor. The purple violet is traditionally one of the earliest flowers used in perfumes as well. Their sweet, delicate scent helped give the flower its name and tie it to the light purple color known as violet.
Lavender
Famed for its soothing scent, the lavender plant features flowers in a light purple known as lavender. There are over 40 species of lavender. This aromatic herb grows in sunny spots and produces blossoms ranging from pale pink to violet on long floral spikes.
But the signature color that bears its name is the soft lavender purple. Lavender likely gets this association from the calming properties of its oil, which evokes relaxation and tranquility. In aromatherapy, the scent of lavender essential oil is known to ease anxiety and promote peaceful feelings.
Beyond its color, lavender has been prized for millennia for its medicinal qualities and pleasing aroma. The ancient Romans scented their bathwater with lavender. And still today, lavender scents and products like lotions or soaps help create a sense of calm.
Other Notable Examples
In addition to the flowers above, there are several other blooms named for colors that are worth mentioning:
Red Hot Poker: This fiery orange and red torch lily lives up to its name with its bold, poker-like flower heads.
Black-Eyed Susan: A cheery daisy with a dark brown center, reminiscent of a “black eye”.
Snowdrop: These small white bulbs are one of the first flowers to push up through winter snow with the arrival of spring.
Pink Lady’s Slipper: A rare, orchid-like bloom with a vibrant pink pouch-shaped petal.
Bleeding Heart: Named for its rows of pink or white heart-shaped flowers.
| Flower Name | Color Reference |
|---|---|
| Bluebell | Blue |
| Pink | Pink |
| Marigold | Gold/Orange |
| Lilac | Lilac |
| Violet | Violet |
| Lavender | Lavender |
| Red Hot Poker | Red |
| Black-Eyed Susan | Black |
| Snowdrop | White/Snow |
| Pink Lady’s Slipper | Pink |
| Bleeding Heart | Red |
Conclusion
Flowers that reference colors in their names provide a beautiful glimpse into nature’s palette. Many acquire their common names from the vibrant hues displayed across their petals, from the light blue of bluebells to the sunset orange of marigolds. Beyond coloring our gardens, these plants often have rich cultural histories, folklore, and meanings attached to them as well. The next time you admire a lilac, pink, or bluebell, take a moment to appreciate both the aesthetic appeal of its color and the origins behind its fitting name. Our world is a more vibrant place thanks to these naturally colorful blooms.
