For those of you wondering “which flower represents strength?”, here are 18 flowers that represent strength, hope and courage:
Allium
Potentilla
Valeriana
Gladiolus
Phacelia
Cistus
Echinacea
Astrantia
Antirrhinum
Aquilegia
Cactus Flower
Amsonia
Epimedium
Snapdradon
Nasturium
Carnation
Protea
Sweetpea
No matter the reason that you seek strength or want to send hope-through-flowers to a loved one, you can’t go wrong with this list of flowers meaning strength.
Start with a tour of your options for a flower meaning strength. Blossoms that mean strength include:
1. Allium
The Allium is an edible but ornamental flower from the onion family. The word Allium means garlic in Latin. However, it is also known as the gladiator, goliath, and the Globemaster.
The flower is native to the northern hemisphere and comes in various colors, such as white, yellow, blue, pink, and purple.
Historically, the flower was a symbol of the universe in ancient Egypt because of its spherical bulb shape. In other parts, Allium was used to ward off bad luck.
The generic meaning of the Allium is strength, prosperity, patience, and unity.
Alliums are a great gift for someone who needs positive reinforcement during a difficult process. Because the flowers grow from one bulb, it is a great show of strength in unity; thus, they are a great option for family events, couples, and friendships.
2. Potentilla
Potentilla is a hardy plant that grows mainly in countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
The flower gets its name from the Latin word potens, which translates to powerful. Potentillas can withstand tough weather conditions like drought, heat, salty air, and dry weather. Such sturdiness makes this flower a survivor because it requires minimal care.
Potentilla comes in various colors: white, yellow, pink, and red.
Because of its name and use in medicine, Potentilla is associated with inner character strength, endurance, health, well-being, and power. In addition, the flower symbolizes loyalty, womanhood, and maternal love in other colors.
3. Valeriana
If you’re looking for a flower representing strength, the Valeriana or valerian flower is a medicinal plant native to North and south America, Asia, and Europe.
There are 200 species of the Valeriana, mainly cultivated for use in medicine to minimize the effects of anxiety, stress, insomnia, headaches, epilepsy, and muscle pain.
Valeriana stems from the Latin word valere, meaning strong and healthy. This is why the flower is associated with strength and good health. The valerian flower represents physical strength and mental strength in overcoming health issues.
Valeriana’s are a great addition to your garden as they come in various colors like lavender, pink, and white. These flowers are a great choice for someone who needs encouragement to push past a difficult health issue in their life.
4. Gladiolus
The gladiolus flower is native to Sub-Saharan Africa. The flower has about 300 species, and only ten are found in parts of Europe.
The word gladiolus comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning sword. The flower got this name because of its sword-shaped petals. The Gladiolus also sports spikes of flowers, and it lends a name to the Roman Gladiators who fought fiercely for their freedom.
Gladiators would wear the gladiolus around their necks to give them strength for battle. Because of its Latin meaning and uses in ancient times, the gladiolus flower represents the strength of character, endurance, courage, moral integrity, and dignity.
In some cultures, however, gladiolus symbolizes remembrance, loyalty, honor, and faithfulness.
Because it symbolizes strong personal character, it is a great gift for someone who seems to be doubting themselves.
Gladiolus also made our list of flowers that symbolize death, so it can also make a great sympathy bouquet. These beautiful arrangements help to reassure the bereaved that they are strong enough to get over the loss of a loved one.
This flower is the perfect gift for anyone fighting through something difficult, from divorce to illness. You’ll send the signal to keep up the good fight.
5. Phacelia
Phacelia is a versatile flower native to North and South America. It is also known as scorpionweed or lacy phacelia.
This flower got the name scorpionweed because the flower clusters have a curly shape similar to a scorpion’s tail. The name lacy phacelia is simply because of its beauty.
Phacelia can grow in tough soil conditions as long as it is well-drained. It can also tolerate tough weather conditions like drought and hot weather conditions. Despite the tough growing conditions, phacelias blossom into beautiful purple and blue blooms. Because of this, the Phacelia flower is associated with strength, determination, and endurance.
Phacelia flowers grow in clusters or little groups, making them great for your garden if you want to add volume and a pop of color to it.
6. Cistus
Cistus flowers mainly grow in Mediterranean regions, making them resistant to heat and other dry weather conditions.
The flower is also known as the rock rose because it can bloom on dry, rocky ground. These properties make cistus a low-maintenance flower as it can thrive without being watered consistently.
The Cistus flower symbolizes strength, endurance, and the ability to grow into your best self regardless of your environment. You can plant cistus in your garden or gift someone as a wonderful message of inspiration and strength.
7. Echinacea
Did you know that echinacea is among the most consumed plants?
Native Americans and Indians have used the flower throughout history for its medicinal properties. This is still the case in Europe as echinacea has become a popular herbal medicine.
Echinacea comes from the Greek word echinos which means sea urchin or hedgehog. The flower was given this name because it has a prickly center.
Another popular name for echinacea is coneflower. You might mistake it for a daisy because of the striking resemblance between the two plants.
Because of its use in medicine, the coneflower represents health and strength. It is a remedy for colds, toothaches, insect bites, sore throats, wounds, stomach cramps, and much more.
Purple coneflower varieties (also known as Echinacea), and yellow Black-eyed Susans look great when mixed together into one supportive bouquet.
8. Astrantia
Astrantia stems from the Latin word Aster which means star, so the flower got its name because it is shaped like a star.
Astrantia is native to Europe and Asia and goes by the names star herb or masterwort. In the past, people thought Astrantia flowers were flowers that had fallen on earth.
Generally, astrantia flowers represent strength, protection, and endurance. These flowers thrive in shady, humid mountain pastures and forests. They come in several colors, including pink, red, white, and purple.
These flowers are a great choice for your garden or a gift for someone who needs to recognize their inner strength, courage, and passion. Astrantia flowers also represent womanhood, innocence, youth, grace, and elegance.
9. Antirrhinum
Antirrhinum is a flower native to North America, Europe, and Africa.
In Greek, the word Antirrhinum translates to nose-like, but the flower is commonly known as the snapdragon. It was named snapdragon because the petals resemble a dragon opening and closing its mouth. Another narrative says that it is because the petals look like a squeezed dragon’s head.
Antirrhinum is a hardy plant that grows on rocky, dry grounds. Antirrhinum is a flower that represents strength because it symbolizes one’s ability to push through difficult situations to become their best self. Antirrhinum is a great gift for someone who needs a little motivation to get through tough times.
Antirrhinum is a tall and vibrant flower that stands out despite difficult growing conditions. This unique quality makes it a great symbol of respect and admiration. If there is someone you admire and respect, like a mentor or parent, a bouquet of snapdragons will make a great gift.
10. Aquilegia
Aquilegia, or the columbine, is a flower native to the regions of the Northern Hemisphere. The name aquilegia comes from the Latin word meaning eagle, Aquila. This name was derived from the flower having five spurs resembling an eagle’s claw.
The columbine is unique because the flower has rounded leaves and petals that grow directly from the base.
Generally, aquilegia represents strength, wisdom, and happiness. However, this meaning might differ depending on the culture. For example, the Greeks associated aquilegia with Aphrodite, the goddess of love making it a representation of deep romance and love.
Because the aquilegia flower grows mainly in high mountains, meadows, woodlands, and grasslands, it is associated with inner strength and intrinsic motivation to reach our best selves. Therefore, columbines are a great gift for someone who needs inspiration and motivation to tap into their inner power.
11. Cactus Flower
Have you ever seen a cactus flower in the wild?
They are stunning! Some flowers thrive in tough weather conditions, but cacti bloom in uninhabitable areas. Cacti succulents are common indoor plants because they are low maintenance and can go days without water.
Most people use them as décor because the beautiful cactus flower blooms are a reminder to be strong and resilient.
This might come as a surprise, but cacti have different colors, and they, too, have different meanings. For example, white and yellow cacti symbolize endurance and strength, while pink and orange represent youth.
12. Amsonia
The Amsonia or blue star flower is native to North America. It is called the blue star flower because it has pointy petals and resembles stars. Although blue star flowers come in various colors, the most common types are blue and white.
You can plant Amsonia as a single flower or in plenty in your home garden. With the right conditions, this flower will thrive as they are naturally pest and disease-resistant. Because of these qualities, blue star flowers are associated with mental and physical strength.
13. Epimedium
Epimedium is a unique heart-shaped flower that thrives in dry environments. It is also known as the Bishop’s Hat or Horny Goat Weed.
Epimedium contains the body-building ingredient called icariin, also used as an aphrodisiac.
Because of its properties, epimedium is associated with strength and fertility. Therefore, these flowers are a great gift for someone who has managed to get through a tough situation.
When the pressure in life so that you can not stand up to crumbling, this is a lifetime challenge. Turning to the beauty of nature and the wealth of painting symbolizes the surrounding plants and flowers is sure to improve their confidence and strength.
Whether you are a person experiencing difficult times or you want to inspire strength in the person you love, these flowers, trees, herbs and other plants are ready to lend their help.
14. Snapdragon
A dense spike of blossoms rises up in a bold color. The upright growth and clustered blooms of the Snapdragon means it represents strength.
The flower can also mean deception or concealment.
15. Nasturtium
This creeping plant spreads quickly and reveals small red or orange flowers everywhere it goes.
Linked to battles and long journeys, the Nasturtium can symbolize victory of any kind. It’s also tied to patriotism and makes a nice floral arrangement for soldiers and veterans.
16. Carnation
Be careful with color!
Only white carnations mean strength, and it’s primarily the strength of a caring mother. It’s also a recognition of purity when a person is steadfast and unwilling to back down from their goal.
17. Protea
Need to encourage courage and energy in someone who has been fighting for too long?
The Protea flower is unusual and very inspiring. It’s one of the world’s oldest flowers, so the Protea’s skill at surviving can help anyone battling cancer or another major disease.
18. Sweetpea
The simple Sweetpea smells as beautiful as it looks.
Tuck a few fresh Sweetpea blooms into a greeting card to brighten up the day of anyone feeling pushed around by the world to give them a little peace.
Flowers that Symbolize Strength [BONUS]: Non-Flower Plants Meaning Strength
Now that we’ve answered “what flower represents strength?”, let’s take a look at some other powerful plants:
Tall and Sturdy Trees
Aside from flowers, one can also find inspiration in the towering strength of the trees that fill yards and parks.
The Oak tree has been a symbol of strength for centuries.
From knights in the Middle Ages that designed heraldry around the tree to woodworkers with first hand experience in the toughness of the wood, both the leaf and acorn of the tree work for inspiring others.
There’s no need to head to a floral shop for a botanical gift if you’ve got an Oak in the front yard.
Cedar is also known for strength and courage, among other meanings.
Finally, don’t forget about the tree that produces Bay leaves. Known as the Sweet Laurel, this tree has symbolized victory and success since Ancient Greece.
Humble Herbs
Your spice cabinet may even include a few herbs meaning strength. Check your herb collection for:
Fennel – The bulbs make a nice soup, but it’s the stalks that were once used to drive away witches. The fresh and herbal taste of the dried leaves represents strength.
Thyme – Most types of thyme creep to spread and can grow in very hard soil or cracks in rock. This adaptability is just what you need when you’re turned down for that promotion yet again.
Mint – Even common garden mint offers an uplifting boost of energy. Scientific research into peppermint tea showed it had a real effect on depression and fatigue.
Other Strong Plants
Frame when picking plants for inspiration. Cactus is the perfect desk companion at work or at home, reminding you to protect yourself from anyone who wants to push your borders.
Bamboo is another good symbol because the factory’s incredible strength and flexibility. Keep in mind that “lucky bamboo” as an indoor plant for sale is actually Dracaena instead of bamboo.
