BWF 
Posted on 07/23/2025 at 12:41 pm by Ben White Florist / Flowers
When you consider what flowers symbolize, you might think of sentiments like love, sympathy, or celebration. However, the right flowers can stand for a wider range of thoughts, feelings, and wishes for the recipient. If you’re looking for flowers that symbolize strength, you’ll find there are several to choose from.
This big, bright bloom is often considered a symbol of joy and positivity, but sunflowers are also robust. They grow strong and tall, straight toward the sun, and they’re surprisingly adaptable. Sunflowers can thrive even in poor soil and weather conditions.
Like sunflowers, daisies are considered a happy flower. They’re also quite hardy and can resist a variety of harsh conditions, making them a beautiful symbol of strength. Some cultures associate daisies with youth and innocence, but in Buddhist culture, the flower is also seen as a symbol of endurance. Bold, colorful Gerber daisies are more often linked to strength and healing.
The iris is a proud flower, statuesque and bold. It is a symbol of the Greek goddess of the same name, who served as a messenger between humans and gods. Irises are often used to convey admiration, wisdom, and hope. Although the flowers themselves are physically resilient, they are more commonly associated with mental and emotional strength.
Delicate snowdrops may not seem like the image of strength, with their slender stems and bowing blooms. However, the first flowers of spring must push through frosty soil and a layer of snow to emerge, and they then withstand cold, often freezing temperatures to survive. They lead the charge from winter to spring with the appearance of gentle grace backed by iron perseverance.
This joyful, purple bloom is best known for its medicinal properties. It has long been used to boost immunity and treat symptoms of colds, bug bites, toothaches, and more. Gifting an echinacea not only brightens a room but conveys wishes of health, healing, and strength for the recipient. The plant is hardy and robust, adapting to a range of climates, soil types, and growing conditions.
Few flowers symbolize strength more universally than the gladiolus. The name of this plant is a variation of the Latin word “gladius,” or sword, in reference to the sharp, upright posture of the stems. Flowers bloom in succession from bottom to top, reinforcing the sword-like shape. It’s not hard to see why gladiolus is viewed as a symbol of strength, even though many varieties aren’t considered particularly hardy.
It’s hard to imagine a bloom more resilient than edelweiss, which is typically found only in the higher altitudes of the Alps, often above 6,000 feet in elevation. This Alpine plant must endure a range of harsh growing conditions, from rocky soil and freezing temperatures to intense sunlight and extreme winds. Historically, this flower has been recognized as a symbol of perseverance.
Orchids can be finicky indoors, but they’re surprisingly adaptable in outdoor environments. What makes them a symbol of resilience is their enduring blooms. Although they only bloom once or twice a year, depending on the species, blooms can last as long as about 6 to 12 weeks, or even longer in some cases.
Don’t let the frilly petals of the carnation fool you — this flower is built to last. Blooms are known to remain fresh and vibrant for two to three weeks, making them among the most resilient and enduring. The delicate appearance and hardy demeanor entwine to create a symbol of strong and enduring love, especially maternal love.
Winter-blooming amaryllis is a popular choice for festive decor during the holiday season, due in part to a long blooming cycle and also to its large, trumpet-like blooms in vibrant color variations ranging from rich reds to brilliant whites. This plant symbolizes determination and resilience, particularly in the face of adversity.
Even a delicate bloom like a snowdrop can symbolize perseverance, while a bold counterpoint like a gladiolus is a visual embodiment of strength and vitality. Whether you want to endow loved ones with strength and resilience to face challenges in life or your goal is to applaud their fortitude, the right floral arrangements can help you express your sentiment in blooms.
Ben White Florist 
BWF 
