If you’re looking for a tattoo with a special message to it, flowers are usually a good choice. Each flower represents something different, from a birth month to perseverance. This list could go on for pages and pages, but we’ve cut it down to the most popular flower tattoo designs and their meanings! Be sure to also check out our blog about tattoo styles so after you find a flower you like, you can find a style that fits your needs.
Rose
Tattoo by Jesse (Elk Grove)
The rose tattoo is believed to mean balance, symbolize an undying love, hope, and new beginnings. Adding the stem with thorns can provide additional, contrasting meaning such as defense, loss, and thoughtlessness. Each color rose also gives a different meaning, such as a red rose could mean love, a yellow rose means friendship, and a black rose means death.
Lotus
The main significant meaning of the lotus flower is that since it grows in the mud, it represents the rise of hardship and struggle. It also represents the transformation to beauty and strength. Like the rose, different colored lotus flowers can mean something different. There is so much cultural significance to this simple yet beautiful flower tattoo, so make sure to do your research!
Tattoo by Richard (Lodi)
Peony
Tattoo by Aaron (Elk Grove)
The peony flower tattoo is another common staple of the Japanese style of tattooing. In Japan, they are referred to as the “King of Flowers”. This flower tattoo symbolizes elegance and wealth. Though often colored red in tattoo art, the peony tattoo can be a wide range of colors.
Cherry Blossom
The cherry blossom symbolizes empathy and an appreciation for the ephemeral. The blossoms are blown from the trees with the slightest wind. This means that their beauty fades rapidly, serving as a reminder of one’s mortality.
Tattoo by Richard (Lodi)
Sunflower
Tattoo by Richard (Lodi)
Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. Much of the meaning of sunflowers stems from its namesake, the sun itself. These flowers are unique in that they have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy, attributes which mirror the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light.
Iris & Daffodil
Tattoo by Aaron (Elk Grove)
Iris – Through its intricate history, the meanings of the iris has come to include faith, hope, and wisdom. Depending on factors such as color and region, irises may bear additional meanings as well. In some parts of the world, the dark blue or purple iris can denote royalty, whereas the yellow iris can be a symbol of passion. Irises may also express courage and admiration.
Daffodil – This flower symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings. It became associated with new beginnings (and the coming of spring) because it is one of the first perennials to bloom after the winter frost. Though daffodils do grow in shades of white and orange, they are best known for brightening up the garden with their cheery yellow hues.
Orchid
The orchid holds a broad range of meaning in numerous cultures. To the Japanese, the orchid was said to represent bravery to warriors. It’s associated with power and strength in ancient Aztec culture. In China, the meaning of the orchid flower is tied to prosperity, fertility, and refinement. There are also thousands of types of orchids! So when you’re looking for an orchid tattoo design, chances of finding one that fits your specifics needs are high!
Tattoo by Guy (Elk Grove)
Lily
Tattoo by Mike (Modesto)
Unlike most other flowers, the perennial Lily never truly goes dormant. The strength and beauty of this international flower has cemented its place in the cultures of the world. With such an elegant look, it’s no wonder the flower means royalty, rebirth, and purity.
Hibiscus
In Hawaiian culture the hibiscus flower symbolizes royalty, power, and respect. In Japanese culture the hibiscus flower has one of the simplest meanings of all flowers in Japan – gentle. The hibiscus flower tattoo can simultaneously hold all of these meanings, but interpretations can be influenced by the context of the tattoo.
Tattoo by Anthony (Lodi)
Chrysanthemum
Tattoo by Richard (Lodi)
In Japan, the chrysanthemum is associated with royalty–namely the emperor, who sits on what the Japanese have titled the Chrysanthemum Throne. It represents perfection and, in some interpretations, deity. The chrysanthemum is also symbolic of happiness or joy, as well as longevity.
Magnolia
The magnolia flower meaning is attached with the symbols of nobility, perseverance, and love of nature. Soft and subtle in color yet strong in appearance, the flower is representative of the beauty encompassing femininity and gentleness. This flower tattoo can empower anyone!
Tattoo by Scotty (Lodi)
Carnation
Tattoo by Anthony (Lodi)
Carnations have enjoyed a varied and rich history filled with symbolism and legend. They are thought to be one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. What a carnation means depends on the circumstances and the color symbolism of the bloom, but there are some common meanings that apply to all carnations, which are love and admiration. When looking into getting a carnation flower tattoo, be sure to research which color first!
Don't Forget the Colors!!
A rose by any other name
While this list only contained 13 flower tattoo designs, there are literally thousands more out there! So if you’re looking to convey a certain message with your next tattoo, you can bet there’s a flower out there that can do just that!
