Flowers That Represent Beauty

• Calla liles represent beauty and may be used in a number of situations. Hilary Brodey/Photodisc/Getty Images

  According to the University of Illinois, floriography refers to the language of flowers, where a message can be sent through a bouquet because both parties understand the meanings behind the flowers. During the Victorian era, many books were published with lists of flowers and their meanings. While there are several flowers that represent beauty, remember that the meaning may change or differ from list to list and region to region.

Calla Lily

• According to Iowa State University, the calla lily stands for beauty. Calla lilies produce tall stalks that are topped with a single large-cupped flower. Calla lily bulbs do well in an evenly moist soil that has access to full sun, though it survives well in partial shade. They grow well in wet soils, making them an excellent choice for wetter areas or close to the edge of a pond. Calla lily cultivars come in a wide variety of colors, including yellow, white, purple, red, peach and pink.

Hibiscus

• Iowa State University states that hibiscus represents delicate beauty. Hibiscuses may be perennial or annual plants depending on the cultivar, and they produce large showy flowers in red, pink and white. According to Clemson University, many varieties are native to the Southeastern United States. They tolerate light shade very well, and they need to be watered thoroughly and deeply. Taller varieties should have some protection from the wind, as the long stems are prone to breakage.

Oleander

• Planning the Perfect Wedding Day cites oleander as a flower that represents both beauty and grace. This evergreen shrub produces white, red, yellow or pink flowers. They can survive and bloom in partial shade, but they produce profuse blooms when placed in the full sun. They do well in dry sandy soils and moist clay soils, and they tolerate soils that have high salt contents. They are highly drought tolerant. Prune the oleander back during the early fall to create profuse blooms in the spring.

Orchid

• The orchid represents beauty as well as love and refinement, according to the University of Iowa. The university also notes that the orchid represents many children in Chinese culture. Orchids include flowers from the large Orchidae family, and these plants produce blooms in a wide variety of colors. Due to their tropical nature, they are typically kept as houseplants. They require partial shade as too much light will reduce the number of blooms. Orchids should be watered once a week, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.