Most women love to receive flowers for special occasions like birthdays, but it can be tough to choose which ones to get. Many people settle on the traditional choices like roses or carnations, which are popular and well-liked. However, if you want to get creative and meaningful with your birthday flower choice, try choosing flowers based on their meanings.

What better way to show your love for someone than to pick flowers that say something about your feelings for them? When you’re stumped on flower choices, this is a great way to put together a bouquet that she’ll love. This solution also helps add a little variety and uniqueness to your arrangement. You can incorporate her favorite flowers or go in your own direction.

Below are some common flowers and their meanings. A florist can help you put together a beautiful bouquet from some or all of your choices.

§ Azalea: this flower represents womanhood in Chinese culture. It can also mean temperance, fragile passion, or a request to take care of oneself.

§ Cactus: although not a flower that you’d typically think of giving as a gift, cactus represents endurance and it makes a very unique choice.

§ Camellia: the different colors of camellias symbolize different things. Choose white to mean that the person is adorable or pink to express a longing for the person.

§ Carnations: these popular flowers also differ in their meaning by color. A white carnation means innocence and pure love while a red carnation symbolizes admiration and a heart that aches for the person.

§ Daffodils: the lovely springtime flower symbolizes respect and that you feel good when you are around the person.

§ Daisies: choose daisies when you want to convey innocence, purity, and loyal love.

§ Iris: the emblem for France, this flower can mean faith, valor, hope, and wisdom.

§ Calla Lily: choose one or more calla lilies to express beauty.

§ Orchids: orchids can symbolize love, beauty, refinement, and charm.

§ Poppies: these colorful flowers can express pleasure, wealth, success, imagination, and consolation depending on the color.

§ Roses: a perennial favorite, the meaning of a rose also depends on its color. Most people know that red roses mean love, but you might also choose white roses for innocence and purity or pink roses which can symbolize perfect happiness. The type of rose can also play a roll in the meaning as rosebuds, tea roses, and thornless roses can have different meanings as well.

§ Sunflowers: these big blooms make a great birthday choice. They symbolize sunshine and pride and offer a sunny, happy flower to give as a gift.

§ Tulips: another popular choice which has different meanings depending on the color of the flower. Red tulips, for example, symbolize love.

If you’re shopping for birthday flowers, consider choosing the flowers based on what they mean. This can make your gift even more special for your loved one. Many florists will be able to help you put together a bouquet that says just what you want it to.