Wallflower Symbolism in Nature, Myth, and the Garden
“He’s a total wallflower,” or so goes the expression. Everyone knows that means the guy who hangs back at the dance or the gal who doesn’t want to come out for ladies’ night. But it’s an odd word to have come from nowhere, right? Well, it turns out it didn’t come from nowhere. Wallflower, or Erysimum, symbolizes fidelity, given from one lover to another. They make for meaningful additions to bouquets, as they have since the Middle Ages. Because it is known for clinging to vertical surfaces and staying out of the garden “fray,” it has also become synonymous with the shy and retiring.
Etymological Meaning
The etymology of the wallflower is pretty simple. Its name derives from the fact that the plant grows on walls, clinging to them as it climbs.
The Latin name for this species, Erysimum cheiri, stems from the Greek word “cheir,” which means hand. This name refers to the custom of carrying the flower in small bouquets to festivals or events. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this tradition predates the wallflower’s use in bouquets today as a refreshingly dainty specimen.
The Victorian Language of Flowers
The ever-sentimental Victorians used wallflowers to represent faithfulness, especially between lovers in the language of flowers.
Wallflower, or Erysimum, traditionally carries the symbolic meaning of fidelity, given from one lover to another. Wallflowers make for meaningful additions to bouquets, as they have since the Middle Ages. Because it is known for clinging to vertical surfaces and staying out of the garden “fray,” it has also become synonymous with the shy and retiring.
Wallflowers typically represent warm tones. Red for love, orange for passion, yellow for happiness and friendship, purple for tradition and success, and pink for innocent love and friendship. You can wrap any of these colors into a bouquet to clarify your meaning!
Medieval Literature and Mythology
According to Myths and Legends of Flowers, Trees, Fruits, and Plants, In All Ages and In All Climes by Charles M. Skinner, troubadours and knights often carried the wallflower in their caps to remind them of the feminine ideal.
One legend has it that a fair young daughter of a castle lord fell in love with a lad her father didn’t approve of. The suitor managed to sneak into the castle and sing a song beneath her window, convincing her to run away with him. When she tried to climb down from the battlements, however, she fell to her death … and wallflowers sprang up where she lay.
Art and Literature
Wallflowers are sometimes used in poetry and prose to symbolize characters or situations that are overlooked or underestimated. Their name has become a metaphor for someone who is shy or reticent yet possesses an understated beauty or value.
One literary reference I love is from the poem “To A Wallflower” by American poet James Russell Lowell, where the wallflower is addressed directly, highlighting its unnoticed beauty.
Suitable Gifting Occasions
As wallflowers represent faithfulness, they are best given to a lover. However, friends and family members can always stand a good show of faith as well!
Fun Facts About Wallflowers
Wallflowers are best known for their vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance, but they also have a host of interesting facts:
- Wide Range of Colors: Wallflowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, pink, and purple. This diversity makes them a popular choice for adding splashes of color to gardens and landscapes.
- Fragrance: Many wallflower species are highly fragrant, especially in the evening, making them a delightful addition to gardens and patio spaces.
- Historical Use: Wallflowers have been cultivated for centuries, with their use in gardens dating back to the 1500s. They were especially popular in English cottage gardens.
- Biennial Plants: While some species are perennial, many common garden wallflowers are technically biennials, meaning they complete their life cycle over two years, growing foliage in the first year and flowering in the second.
- Attracts Pollinators: Wallflowers are known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden, playing a role in supporting local ecosystems.
- Royal Affection: The wallflower is said to have been a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, adding a touch of historical royalty to its appeal.
Wrapping Up
Wallflowers, with their unassuming presence and resilient beauty, have a rich tapestry of meanings and symbolism through various cultures and eras. Beyond their vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms lies a legacy steeped in folklore and tradition, from representing everlasting love and fidelity to embodying the strength to remain grounded in adversity.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.