In Chinese culture, flowers are more than just beautiful forms of life – they are essential elements of art, literature and life in general, all of which carry rich layers of symbolism.  Flowers become a way of expressing moral virtues, to seasonal changes. Each flower has a story to tell. Whether you are visiting or learning about Chinese culture, here’s a guide to 20 traditional Chinese flowers and their significances.  

1. Peony (牡丹 – Mǔdān) 

Often recognized as the “king of flowers,” the peony is a symbol of wealth, honor and nobility. It is associated with imperial power from the Tang Dynasty onwards and it was typically sold in palaces and imperial gardens. The peony’s lavish and full petals symbolize prosperity and good luck. The flower peony is so admired that it has also become China’s unofficial national flower, appearing in paintings, poems, decorations, and more. 

2. Plum Blossom (梅花 – Méihuā) 

The plum blossom can flower in harsh winters when other plants go dormant. These symbolize perseverance and resilience. The five petals of this flower represent five blessings- longevity, wealth, health, virtue and peaceful death.  

3. Lotus (莲花 – Liánhuā) 

The lotus has a particular importance in Buddhism in China, meaning purity arising from muck (a metaphor for spiritual awakening). The lotus is an emblem of moral integrity, it also embodies spiritual purity, enlightenment and rebirth.  

4. Chrysanthemum (菊花 – Júhuā) 

Chrysanthemums bloom in the autumn when all the other flowers have dried up. Because of this, they represent longevity and endurance of hardship. One of the great poets, Tao Yuanming, used to grow chrysanthemums and established the flowers as a symbol of a recluse who chooses integrity and honor over fame and worldly success. 

5. Orchid (兰花 – Lánhuā) 

Orchids have a more delicate fragrance and refined style than other flowers in the garden. Orchids grow in secluded valleys and represent a virtuous person who persists while being secluded. It’s one of the “Four Gentlemen” and associated with spring and purity. 

6. Bamboo (竹 – Zhú) 

This holds so much significance in the culture that, despite being a grass plant, it must be included. The hollow stem defines humility and open-mindedness, while being flexible and strong. It symbolizes great endurance and adaptability. As bamboo is green all year, it speaks of unwavering strength and friendship throughout the seasons.  

7. Camellia (山茶花 – Shāncháhuā) 

Loved for its perfectly symmetrical flower with glossy depths, the camellia portrays longevity and faithfulness in love. The red Camellia flower indicates passion whereas the white Camellia flower indicates purity and innocence in love. In Southern China, it is often associated with feminine beauty and is used in traditional weddings,  

8. Narcissus (水仙 – Shuǐxiān) 

Also known as “water immortal”, the narcissus flower is a symbol of good fortune and prosperity during the New Year. It is often grown in porcelain bowls filled with water in the winter. It blooms around the time of the Lunar New Year, symbolizing hope and regeneration. It is also believed that the sweet scent of the flower chases away the evil spirits and brings in good luck. 

9. Magnolia (玉兰花 – Yùlánhuā) 

The magnolia flower is known as the “jade orchid” in Chinese. It symbolizes purity, nobility, and femininity. Magnolia symbolizes pride and strength. Magnolia’s uniquely large and fragrant flowers are typically some of the first flowers to appear and bloom before the leaves open in the spring season.  

10.  Hydrangea (绣球花 – Xiùqiúhuā) 

Also called the “embroidered ball flower” in Chinese, the hydrangea signifies unity and togetherness because of its grouped flower heads. It symbolizes heartfelt emotions, reunion, and understanding.  

11. Osmanthus (桂花 – Guìhuā) 

Osmanthus embodies nobility, fame, and personal accomplishments. With its intoxicating scent, osmanthus blooms in the fall and symbolizes love and romance. It’s also a sign of harvest and prosperity, often used in wines and desserts during the Mid-Autumn Festival.  

12. Chinese Rose (月季, Yuèjì)  

The Chinese rose blooms many times throughout the year, this is how it has earned the name “monthly rose”. The Chinese Rose symbolizes eternal beauty and love that lasts through every season. The gardens are full of them as they are very adaptable to the environment.  

13. Pomegranate Flower (石榴花 – Shíliúhuā) 

The bright red pomegranate flower represents fertility and abundance due to the many seeds in the fruit. It became popular during the Tang Dynasty and appeared in images of court ladies. It’s also often used in wedding traditions to bless couples with children.  

14. Winter Sweet (腊梅, Làméi) 

Winter sweet symbolizes courage and hope during difficult times, as it blooms during the coldest winter months to bring brightness to the landscape. The yellow flowers bloom in winter, and the flower is known to have one of the sweetest fragrances. 

15. Chinese Wisteria (紫藤, Zǐténg) 

Wisteria symbolizes stability, devotion, honor, and enduring love. Their cascading purple blooms represent the classical Chinese poetry and romantic tales. In traditional gardens, the protectiveness of wisteria creates a natural canopy for protection and shelter.  

16. Hibiscus (木槿花 – Mùjǐnhuā) 

Often compared to a pretty woman’s face, hibiscus symbolizes fame, wealth, and glory. In Southern China, it is often found planted close to a house where it is believed to bring prosperity. 

17. Tree Peony (牡丹, Mǔdān) 

Contrasting with herbaceous peonies, tree peonies are emblematic of wealth and nobility. Their large, colorful blossoms stand for status and riches while their woody stem signifies endurance and strength.  

18. Chinese Crabapple (海棠, Hǎitáng) 

Often opening their blossoms in delicate pinks, crabapple trees symbolize beauty and romance. The tree is also a metaphor for femininity and youth in Chinese poetry. The tree’s sour fruits and fragrant flowers symbolize the bittersweet nature of love and nature of love.  

19. Daffodil (水仙, Shuǐxiān) 

Daffodils share the same Chinese name as narcissus. They represent good fortune and prosperity as they appear in early spring and represent new beginnings. The yellow color signifies wealth, and it is believed to bring good fortune if you cultivate them indoors during Lunar New Year. 

20. Azalea (杜鹃, Dùjuān) 

Often referred to as the “thinking of home flower”, azaleas embody homesickness and the feminine form. Azalea’s bright colors signify passion and femininity. Azaleas in Chinese poetry are used as metaphors for beautiful women or may signify the liveliness of spring. 

In the end, throughout Chinese history, these flowers have gone from mere decorations to significant cultural symbols that encode meaning. They can be found in classical literature, painting, and on the surfaces of buildings. With an understanding of these flower symbols, we gain a deeper understanding of Chinese aesthetics and wisdom that has existed for thousands of years.