We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But we may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
When an apology is in order, giving a gift of flowers can be a kind, sincere gesture that shows the other person you’ve put some thought and effort into making things right.
Flowers have been time-tested as a way to effectively convey a message or feeling that may be difficult to fully express with words. When you’ve hurt someone, giving them flowers can help tell them how much they truly mean to you. Flowers also tend to be uplifting and cheery, especially if you choose flowers they love.
How do I choose flowers for an apology?
Flower type
The most common apology flowers are roses, carnations, hyacinths, orchids and tulips.
Roses are well-known as a symbol of love. If you’ve hurt someone and made them upset, roses are perfect to let them know that they are loved and appreciated.
Carnations symbolize remembrance, so this flower is perfect for apologizing if you forgot a special occasion or an important date.
Hyacinths are said to resemble peace and truth, so if you want to ask for forgiveness after a fight or you have said something wrong, hyacinths will do the trick.
Orchids are very resilient and they last longer than some other types of flowers. When you give someone orchids, it lets them know that your regret also endures. Orchids, especially white ones, also symbolize sincerity.
Tulips symbolize new beginnings, peace and forgiveness.
Flower color
Flower colors also bear important meanings. You don’t have to use the exact flowers listed above. Just knowing the different flower colors and what they symbolize can be helpful.
Red symbolizes love, confidence and action.
Pink also conveys love and is a symbol of beauty.
Blue represents truth and peace.
Indigo means deep contemplation.
White is a symbol of sincerity, purity and cleanliness.
You can find these flowers online beautifully arranged in a bouquet using a single or a combination of two or three varieties. Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to choose from the heart for the recipient to feel the sincerity of your apology.
Where to shop for Valentine’s Day flowers
Bottom line
Flowers can put a smile on a loved one’s face after you’ve hurt or wronged them in some way. Of course, pair your flower gift with sincere words for the most effective and heartfelt apology.
Frequently asked questions
Red roses signify love, making them a good choice for an apology. White roses symbolize purity and reverence, and red and white roses together signify unity.
If you’re giving roses to say sorry to a friend, yellow roses are ideal.
Flowers can be a nice gesture for guys or girls, but if your boyfriend isn’t the flower type, consider writing him a heartfelt note or put together a box of his favorite goodies, like beef jerky, candy or other small trinkets.
If flowers aren’t your cup of tea, consider gifting:
Gabrielle Pastorek is a staff writer at finder.com, helping readers round up the best deals, coupons, retailers, products and services to save money and make decisions. She holds an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh, and her essays and short stories can be found in The Collagist, Blue Monday Review, Blotterature and others. When she’s not writing, Gabrielle can be found out in the barn with her horse, Lucy.
How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
Advertiser Disclosure
finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which finder.com receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. finder.com compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.