In a time when, to flirt openly with someone not of one's parent's choosing could mean being ostracized, or worse, lovers devised the language of flowers to pass messages to each other. The Victorians, that most sentimental of people, took to the language of flowers with enthusiasm. Every young man and woman was aware of the implications of sending a nosegay of yellow acacia or red chrysanthemums. Making bouquets became an art as flowers were carefully chosen to compliment each other's meaning as well as their colours.

Roses in particular had meaning according to their colour and how they were arranged. Here are some of those:

So, next time you are buying flowers for the one you love, choose wisely. You may be saying more than you realise!