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Have you ever heard a sunflower speak? A carnation chatter? A tulip talk?

There may not be such a thing as a talking flower, but they communicate all the same. In fact, they've been used for centuries by lovers who wished to send messages to their sweethearts.

In the Victorian era, lovers exchanged flowers to express risqué or raw feelings that were not considered proper to talk about in social settings.

Flowers really are the language of the love. Their sweet aromas, delicate petals and vibrant colors make them an easy way to express love and adoration.

While many flowers carry a traditional message, such as red roses conveying the message of "I love you," you don't have to follow standard customs when you present a bouquet to your beloved. Next time you're giving flowers, consider what they're saying, or be spontaneous and make up your own meaning by attaching a card or poem.

Roses
What the flowers say: Red – I love you. White – I'm worthy, eternal love. Yellow – Friendship
What we say: You really can't go wrong by giving roses. They're popular on Valentine's Day, but any woman or guy will enjoy them any day of the year. A mix of white and red roses means unity, and the classic single-stem rose without thorns signifies love at first sight.

Daisies
What the flowers say: Innocent love, loyal love
What we say: These are bright all-purpose flowers. They're always in season, inexpensive and smell great. You'll reap the benefits of presenting a surprise handful for many days.

Tulips
What the flowers say: Declaration of love, perfect lover
What we say: Coming in a variety of colors – red, yellow, orange, and everything in-between – tulips ignite feelings of intense love and passion.

Orchids
What the flowers say: Love, beautiful lady, you are beautiful
What we say: With more than 25,000 varieties and a spectrum of colors, these exotic flowers express a universal message of love, wisdom and thoughtfulness. The paphiopedilum orchid was named after Phaphos, a temple on Cyprus where legend says that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was worshipped.

Carnations
What the flowers say: Pink – I'll never forget you. Red – My heart aches for you, admiration
What we say: This is the flower for bouquets. Second to the rose as the lover's flower, a handful of these, with a mix of colors, will surely win her heart. Some historians believe these were the flowers used as Greek ceremonial crowns.


Flowers never lose their appeal because of their infinite diversity and color arrangements. And just as the type of flowers have certain meaning, the color of the buds and petals have their own language as well.

* Reds usually convey love, passion and courage.
* Pinks are more graceful and gentle. They denote inner confidence or thankfulness.
* Yellows inspire happiness, joy and friendship.
* Whites tend to signify spiritual love and purity. They also carry a heavenly silence with them.
* Peach/oranges ignite desire, enthusiasm and fascination.
* Purples show faithfulness or hope. They also can be a sign of enchantment and love at first sight.

In a recent national survey, the Society of American Florists, found that more than one-third of people said they would enjoy getting flowers for "no special occasion" and use flowers to express everyday love for their partners.

So whether you're showing how much you care – or if you're trying to make up for being late – don't wait for a special occasion. The simple act of giving flowers says "I'm thinking of you."