Top 10 Flowers That Symbolize Fertility

The use and display of flowers when it comes to childbearing and fertility has always been popular.

In ancient times, as well as in modern times, there are flowers used to represent childbearing and childbirth that are said to drastically increase the fertility of an individual or couple whenever they are displayed or nearby.

Flowers that symbolize fertility are: Peonies, Lotus, Hollyhock, Toad Lily, Butterfly Pea Plant, Poppy, Zygo, Gorse/Ulex, Queen of Orchids and Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium).

1. Peonies

In Ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures, the peony flower was a common sign that can indicate fertility and good luck, and fortune.

Japanese culture also believes that peonies are considered imperial flowers, and represent springtime, wealth, dignity, and fertility, especially among married couples.

In some Chinese beliefs, it is believed that keeping peonies in the home while attempting to conceive will help to improve the odds of succeeding.

As with any ancient belief, it is important to distinguish between regions and what is believed where, especially if you intend to visit a foreign country or use peonies as a sign of fertility or in hopes of boosting your fertility.

Additionally, Greek mythology tied to the peony is linked to the journey of Paeon, who was first a student of Asclepius before becoming a physician of the Gods himself.

Some beliefs also link the White Peony to Chinese cultures and beliefs, which are commonly used as a display of fertility or as an attempt to increase fertility in the home.

2. Lotus

The lotus flower has many different meanings, both spiritually as well as physically.

The lotus flower is native to both India as well as Vietnam, and can be found throughout various subtropical regions, as the flower itself requires water to bloom each day.

Lotus flowers are representative of rebirth, growth, and their transformations, which is why they are also associated with fertility and viability within individuals.

Lotus flowers, which contain vertical leaves that sit on a disc-like foundation, bloom upwards and symbolize growth and life itself.

Each night, lotus flowers close in and are often submerged under water, only to return alongside the sun the next morning.

If you are looking for a fertility symbol that is truly pleasant and inspiring, the lotus flower is vibrant, colorful, and simply magical.

3. Hollyhock

Hollyhock, also known as Alcea, is part of the Malvaceae family and has more than 60 species in its family in total.

Native to Europe and Asia in regions with temperate climates, Hollyhock flowers are vibrant and appear tropical and similar to hibiscus flowers, although they require much more moderate temperatures and climates in order to survive and thrive.

Throughout history, Hollyhock flowers have had medicinal uses, from healing chest pains to soothing constipation.

The origin name of Hollyhock, Alcae, comes from “Alkaia”, a Greek word that can be translated into “mallow”.

Hollyhock is not known to be a symbol of anything other than fertility, which is why Hollyhock makes this list.

4. Toad Lily

The tricyrtis, or the toad lily, is another stellar flower with a uniquely patterned design that stands out among thousands of flower types and species.

Spotted like a toad, the toad lily is aptly named. The toad lily is from the Liliaceae family of about 20 species in total, and can be found throughout most regions of Asia that are known for their high elevations.

Most of the toad lilies today include six petals with purple spots that cover a white or light purple belly of the petals themselves.

The genus name of the toad lily, tricyrtis, is derived from the Greek words ‘tri’, ‘kyrtos’, and ‘three’, which can be loosely translated into English as ‘humped’ and/or ‘bulging’, due to the swollen and sac-like nature of the toad lily’s design.

While the toad lily is primarily known as an ornamental flower to be displayed, it is also a symbol of fertility.

The toad lily does not represent anything other than fertility in many cultures, even today.

5. Butterfly Pea Plant

The Butterfly Pea Plant, also known as the Clitoria, is a simple flower in nature that includes one to two petals in total that are circular and vibrant in nature.

The Clitoria plant is derived from the genus of about 60 species in total, and belongs to the Leguminosae family, which can be found in both subtropical as well as tropical regions all around the world.

In some cases, the butterfly pea plant can grow as large as 33 feet tall, especially when they are attached to trees and shrubs.

In terms of symbolism, the Clitoria represents fertility, as the genus name of the Butterfly Pea Plant (Clitoria) is actually derived from the Greek word ‘kleitoris’, or ‘little hill’, which is also representative of female genitalia when referencing the clitoris.

The Butterfly Pea Plant can also represent resurrections, a new beginning, or a rebirth, depending on the culture and belief system you are in.

6. Poppy

Although the red poppy flower is often known as a symbol of remembrance, grieving, and sympathy, the poppy also has links to fertility.

The poppy flower, or the papaver flower, is from a genus of around 50 species and can be found throughout most of North America, Eurasia, as well as Africa.

Poppy flowers have simple cup-shaped petals that are solid in color and vibrant in nature.

The poppy flower is named from the Latin word ‘papaverum’, which can be translated directly into ‘poppy’, giving the flower its modern-day name.

In most cases, the poppy flower represents remembrance and sacrifice, although it can also symbolize fertility in those who are looking for positivity when attempting to conceive.

Depending on the culture and region you are in, the poppy flower may also be used to represent death or the spilling of the blood of someone who has sacrificed their life, hence the use of the red poppy in these scenarios.

7. Zygo

The zygo flower, or the zygopetalum, belongs to the family of orchids, or the Orchidaceae family, and includes around 15 species in total.

The Zygo orchid is native to South America, making it difficult to spot one in nature if you are living in Europe, Asia, or even North America.

The zygo orchid is extremely tropical and includes a unique and patterned design that is unlike standard orchid flowers.

The genus name of the zygo flower, zygopetalum, comes from the Greek words “zygon” as well as “petalon”.

Together, these Greek words, when translated into English, mean “yoked petal”, which may represent the woven nature of how the zygo orchid is put together in nature.

There is rich symbolism attached to the zygo flower, including a spiritual connection between another individual as well as fertility.

8. Gorse/Ulex

One unique shrub that stands out while symbolizing fertility is the Ulex, also known as the Gorse or the Furze shrub.

The Ulex genus includes around 15 species in total. The Gorse/Furze shrub belongs to the Fabaceae family, which can be found all throughout both Norwest Africa alongside Western Europe.

The genus name of the Furze/Gorse shrub is derived from the Celtic language, which can be loosely translated into “a prickle”, describing the nature and texture of the Gorse bush itself.

In numerous mythology legends, the Ulex shrub is linked with light and the sun and can also offer protection and hope to those in need. Additionally, Ulex symbolizes fertility and renewing cycles.

9. Queen of Orchids

The Queen of Orchids, also known as the Cattleya flower or the Corsage Orchid, is a unique orchid that is one of about 150 species from the Orchidaceae family.

The queen of orchids flower is native to various areas throughout America with tropical and subtropical climates.

The original name for the Cattleya flower was derived from a British horticulturist by the name of William Cattley.

Historically, the queen of orchids flower was worn as a corsage on women and is a symbol of beauty, love, and fertility.

While most often, an orchid represents loyalty and royalty, the queen of orchids can represent respecting one’s self and attempting to manifest a boost in one’s overall fertility.

10. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium)

Epimedium, also commonly referred to as Horny Goat Weed, is another flower that is closely linked with fertility and has deep roots that are related to sexual health and sexual activity in itself.

Epimedium is a flower from a genus of around 60 species.

Horny Goat Weed belongs to the Berberidaceae family, which is native to both Asia as well as in parts of Europe.

This wildly unique plant includes arrowhead and heart-shaped leaves that flow similar to an elephant’s trunk, drooping downwards and toward the Earth.

In the Victorian language of flowers, Epimedium means strength and fertility.

The actual origin of the name Epimedium is currently unknown, although some believe it is a simplified and Latinized version of a Greek name for the epimedium plant.

Summary

Whether you are trying to have a child or if you are experiencing troubles and difficulties with your own fertility, using various floral arrangements and displaying specific flowers may help to bring you the good luck you need in order to succeed, according to ancient beliefs, religions, and cultures from all corners of the world.