Skip to Content

Top 10 Flowers That Symbolize Luck

Top 10 Flowers That Symbolize Luck

Giving the gift of flowers can be a sign of good luck.

However, how do you go about giving the gift of flowers that already have a meaning of good luck?

Learning about which flowers represent luck and good luck can help you to find the flowers or the floral bouquet you need for any occasion or event.

Flowers that symbolize luck are: Chrysanthemum, Torch Lily/Red Hot Pokers, Ice Plant, Dietes, Guernsey Lily, Spiraea, Wildflower, Peony, Bagflower/Glorybower and the Peruvian Lily.

1. Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemum flower in autumn.
Chrysanthemum

Throughout the world today, the Chrysanthemum takes on many different roles and meanings, especially for those who are naturally more inclined to be superstitious.

From a genus of 40 species and belonging to the Asteraceae family (the largest floral family in the world), the Chrysanthemum is an extremely popular and trendy flower for many different reasons.

While the Chrysanthemum, or mum flower is known for its friendly appearance, it can also have deeper meanings including sympathy and loss, depending on the color of the Chrysanthemum that is given or put on display.

In China, the Chrysanthemum represents good luck and good fortune, especially for those who place Chrysanthemum flowers on display throughout their own homes.

For many, mums also signify prosperity as well as wealth, which is why they are often closely associated as a symbol of luck.

2. Torch Lily/Red Hot Pokers

Torch Lily/Red Hot Pokers.
Torch Lily/Red Hot Pokers
Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever seen a flower bursting with vibrant colors that also resembles a…duster from afar? Yes, a dusting tool.

The torch lily, also known as red hot pokers, tritoma, and scientifically, Kniphofia.

These flowers truly stand out against everything that nature has to offer. The torch lily belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which can be found scattered throughout the Middle East and Africa.

Red hot pokers are from a genus of around 70 species, although spotting these flowers in the wild is a rare occurrence unless you are living in Africa or the Middle East yourself.

A German botanist, Johannes Hieronymus Kniphof, is responsible for the torch lily’s official name.

Throughout history, Kniphofia has been known as a symbol of both luck and good fortune.

3. Ice Plant (Delosperma)

Ice Plant (Delosperma).
Ice Plant (Delosperma)
Alexander Klink., CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Delosperma plant, also known as the Ice Plant, is a flower that blooms later in the springtime and all the way into early Autumn.

From a genus of 150 species and belonging to the Aizoaceae family, the Delosperma flower creates beautiful tiny petals that create a large sunshine-like disc as the flower blooms.

The ice plant flower is extremely colorful and comes in many different colors, such as violet and pink, yellow and red, and even white and yellow.

Originally, the genus name of the ice plant, Delosperma, was derived from the words “delos” (evident/visible) and “sperma”, which can be translated into “seed”.

Because the Delosperma plant is extremely easy to plant and nurture, it is considered similar to a succulent and represents both good luck and good fortune.

4. Dietes

Dietes Flower.
Dietes
Rojer Wisner, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another extremely unique flower that belongs to the family of Iridaceae and comes from a genus of only 6 species is the Dietes flower.

The Dietes flower, a whimsical white, lavender, and golden flower, can be found throughout central Africa, making it a bit rarer than flowers that can be found on more than one continent.

It is important to note that there is another subtype of the species, which is referred to as Dietes robinsoniana, which can, in fact, be found in certain pockets of Australia.

Dietes is derived from the Greek words “di” (two) and “etes”, which can mean a close confidant, relative, or associate.

Throughout history, the Dietes flower has been referred to as the “Fairy Iris”, as the flower can appear and disappear much faster than others.

Some believe that a sighting of the dietes flower can usher in good luck and fortune for the future.

5. Guernsey Lily (Nerine)

Guernsey Lily (Nerine).
Guernsey Lily (Nerine)
CillasCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you enjoy flowers with extended, curled, and vibrant petals, the Guernsey Lily, also known as Nerine to the scientific community, is one flower that stands out.

Blooming from the beginning of summer to the fall, Guernsey Lilies are extremely long-lasting flowers that come from the Amaryllidaceae family, which is native to regions found in South Africa.

In total, there are 25 species in the Nerine genus.

In Greek mythology, Nerine flowers were named after Nereids, also known as the nymph daughters who were conceived by Nereus, the Greek sea God.

The name ‘Guernsey Lily’, was aptly given to the Nerine flower as the flower can be found in abundance in the English Channel, just off of the Island of Guernsey.

6. Spiraea (Spirea)

Spiraea (Spirea).
Spiraea (Spirea)
Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The spiraea flower, more commonly referred to as the Spirea flower today, is an expansive-blooming shrub that includes an array of beautiful, tightly woven flowers that are bushy and lush in appearance.

The Spirea flower belongs to the Rosaceae family and includes a genus of more than 100 species in total.

The Spirea bush flower attracts both butterflies and birds, which is why it has been heavily popularized for those who have colorful and full gardens.

The Spirea flower bush comes in an array of colors, from elegant white to violet, purple, and bright pink.

The scientific name, Spiraea, is derived from the Greek words “speira”, which can be translated into “coil” as well as “wreath”, as the flower is arranged in fluffy and lush clusters, giving the flower a full look.

In ancient beliefs, the Spirea flower is a sign of creative endeavors and expansion, along with good fortune, wealth, and future prosperity.

7. Wildflower (Anemone)

Wildflower (Anemone).
Wildflower (Anemone)
Zeynel Cebeci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The classical wildflower, also known as the anemone flower, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family, which includes more than 120 species in the genus alone.

The traditional anemone, or wildflower, can be found throughout most of North America, Europe, and Japan, making this a flower that is home to the Northern Hemisphere.

In Greek, the actual word for the wildflower, anemone, can be translated literally into the “daughter of the wind“.

Not only is the Anemone, or wildflower, a great gift for women who are experiencing motherhood for the first time, but it is also said that the anemone flower is also representative of happiness, pure joy, as well as the anticipation of good luck and good fortune.

8. Peony (Paeonia)

Pink Peony Flower.
Pink Peony Flower
Retro LensesCC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Paeonia, or Peony flower, is another popular flower that can be found in many regions around the world, from North America and Asia to pockets of Southern Europe.

With a genus of around 30 species, the Paeonia belongs to the Paeoniaceae family.

Peonies typically bloom in late spring, but, once planted, can actually bloom for up to 100 years in total with good soil and proper care.

Peonies come in a range of beautiful colors, from hot pink and vivid red to cotton white and soft pink.

In Greek mythology, the Peony comes from a physician named Paeon, who actually spent time studying under the Greek God of medicine, also known as Asclepius.

Today, the peony is still used as a symbol of wealth, fortune, and good luck in many cultures around the world.

9. Bagflower/Glorybower

The bagflower, glorybower, or the Clerodendrum flower, is a large shrub-like flower that produces an array of smaller petals that make up clusters of flowers to create the appearance of one giant bulb.

From the Lamiaceae family and home to more than 300 subspecies, the Clerodendrum flower will stand out in just about any garden you find it in.

The Clerodendrum flower can grow and thrive in just about any subtropical and tropical climate, meaning the bagflower can, in fact, be found in various regions all around the world.

In Greek, the Clerodendrum genus name can be derived from “kleros”, which is another word for “fate” as well as “potential chance”, whereas the word “dendrum”, is derived from “dendron”, meaning, specifically, “tree”, in Greek.

The Clerodendrum, or bagflower has always been closely associated with good luck as well as a sign of future success.

10. Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)

Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria).
Peruvian Lily (Alstroemeria)
Magnus ManskeCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Alstroemeria flower, also known as the Peruvian Lily, is a part of the Alstroemeriaceae family of approximately 60 species.

The Peruvian Lily can commonly be found in tropical climates throughout different regions in South America.

The flower itself is composed of three petals on top of an additional 3 sepals, which include similar colors as the base.

However, the Peruvian Lily does come in a range of colors, from orange and yellow, red and yellow, to pink and yellow or violet.

The origin of the Peruvian Lily comes from Claus von Alstromer, who was a Swedish inventor and baron who originally discovered and named the Alstroemeria flower.

Throughout history and since its discovery and naming, the Peruvian Lily has symbolized luck, good fortune, and wealth for anyone who encounters it, especially when doing so serendipitously in nature.

Summary

Flowers that symbolize luck are not always rare, expensive, or difficult to find.

In fact, some flowers that represent luck can even be found in your own backyard.

When you are familiar with what flowers represent luck and a positive future, you can seek out the flowers or floral arrangement you need without the hassle.

Header image courtesy: pxhere.com