Walking into a florist and finding twenty flowers whose names you do not know is more common than it seems, especially if you are new to Uruguay or choosing flowers for someone here from abroad. This guide gathers the names of the flowers most often seen in bouquets and arrangements in Uruguay, from A to Z, with a line on what each is usually taken to mean. One warning: the language of flowers is a cultural convention, with variations between countries and eras, so take it as orientation, not as a rule. Some names below are given in Spanish, as you will see them at the florist.
Flower names from A to Z
- Stock (alhelí): lasting affection and beauty that endures. Very fragrant.
- Alstroemeria (astromelia): friendship and commitment. Lasts quite well in a vase.
- Poppy (amapola): rest and remembrance; also a symbol of fragility.
- Anemone (anémona): anticipation and expectation. Striking for its dark centre.
- Lily (azucena): purity and elegance, especially in white.
- Calla lily (cala): elegance, simplicity and distinction. Widely used in bridal bouquets.
- Camellia (camelia): admiration and refinement.
- Carnation (clavel): affection and admiration. The message changes with colour, and white is linked with purity.
- Chrysanthemum (crisantemo): joy and longevity in many countries, though elsewhere it is linked with remembering the dead. Worth knowing if you give it to someone from another culture.
- Dahlia (dalia): elegance and dignity.
- Freesia (fresia): friendship, trust and tenderness. Known for its scent.
- Gardenia: purity, sweetness and a very distinctive scent.
- Gerbera: joy and friendliness. A colourful flower that is easy to combine.
- Baby’s breath (gipsófila): sincere love and purity. Very often used as bouquet filler.
- Sunflower (girasol): joy, loyalty and warmth, for its big head and sunny colour.
- Hydrangea (hortensia): gratitude; adds volume to bouquets.
- Iris: message, hope and wisdom.
- Jasmine (jazmín): tenderness and sensuality, with an intense scent.
- Lavender (lavanda): serenity and devotion, plus an unmistakable aroma.
- Lilac (lila): remembrance and first feelings.
- Lily (lirio): purity, renewal and elegance.
- Daisy (margarita): simplicity, innocence and freshness.
- Daffodil (narciso): new beginnings, the arrival of spring.
- Orchid (orquídea): beauty, luxury and refinement.
- Peony (peonía): romance, abundance and good fortune.
- Ranunculus (ranúnculo): charm and attraction; with layered, very decorative petals.
- Rose (rosa): love, with shades of meaning by colour. See the meaning of rose colours.
- Tulip (tulipán): love, elegance and the arrival of spring, depending on colour. More in the tulip guide.
- Violet (violeta): modesty and loyalty.
- Zinnia: lasting friendship and remembrance of those far away.
Purple flowers: meaning and examples
Violet or purple is a less common colour in bouquets, which is why flowers in this colour catch the eye. In general it is linked with admiration, elegance, creativity and serenity.
Some purple flowers you will come across:
- Lavender: small, aromatic, lilac in tone.
- Iris: large, ruffled petals, in violet and blue.
- Lilac: scented clusters in spring.
- Violet: small, delicate and modest.
- Purple orchids: Phalaenopsis variants in lilacs and purples. See our guide to orchids: care and types.
- Statice or limonium: stems with tiny purple flowers, widely used as bouquet filler.
They are a good option when you want to give something different without falling back on red or pink, or when the person’s favourite colour is purple.
Meaning of flowers: how to use this information
You do not need to memorise anything. A practical way to think about it:
- Love and romance: red roses, peonies, red tulips.
- Friendship and joy: sunflowers, gerberas, yellow roses. To see why yellow flowers are given on 21 September in Uruguay, read our guide to yellow flowers on 21 September. For sunflowers, see the guide to sunflowers: meaning and fields in Uruguay.
- Gratitude: hydrangeas, pink roses, carnations.
- Purity and new beginnings: lilies, white roses, daffodils.
- Elegance: calla lilies, orchids, dahlias.
- Remembrance and respect: white flowers and soft tones.
If you want something that lasts far longer than a fresh flower, there are also eternal roses, kept without water.
How to choose flowers without getting it wrong
Beyond meaning, these criteria usually help:
- The person: if you know their tastes, that is the best meaning.
- The occasion: birthday, thank-you, anniversary, hospital visit or farewell call for different messages.
- The season: seasonal flowers arrive fresher and are usually cheaper. In Uruguay, spring runs from September to November.
- The place: a fragrant flower can be too much in a small or closed room.
- How long it lasts: if the person has little time for flowers, choose varieties that hold up well, such as alstroemeria or carnations.
Flowers in Montevideo with Klumba Flores
Klumba Flores opens soon in Montevideo, with delivery to your door, pick-up at the shop and a card with your message. We have no products or prices published yet, but you can leave your contact and we will tell you when we open. Meanwhile, see what our rose bouquets will be like, one of the first things you will be able to order.
All our guides
This page is the starting point for our flower guides. Each one goes deeper into a topic:
- Meaning of rose colours
- Yellow flowers on 21 September
- Orchids: care and types
- Tulips: colours and meaning
- Sunflowers: meaning and fields in Uruguay
- What eternal roses are
In short
A name and an idea are enough: rose for love, sunflower for joy, hydrangea for thanks, lily for purity, lavender for serenity. Choose by person and occasion, and always add a card. To see the options we will offer, visit our rose bouquets in Montevideo.
