10 Flowers That Represent Being Sorry: A Heartfelt Apology


Some of the content shared in this post is derived from myth, folklore, ancient traditions & legends. The information here should not be considered life or medical advice. Do not consume, expose animals or handle any flowers or plants based on the content of this post.

Flowers have been used to convey a range of emotions for centuries, including apologies. 

Whether it’s for a mistake, a misunderstanding, or a misstep, saying sorry with a bouquet of flowers can help mend fences and show how much you care. 

In this article, we’ll explore 10 flowers that symbolize being sorry and their meanings. 

So if you’re looking for a way to express regret and ask for forgiveness, read on to discover the perfect flowers to do so.

White Rose

White roses are a classic symbol of purity and innocence, but they can also represent a sincere apology. The color white often signifies purity and peace, which are both important components of making amends. 

The white rose is also associated with humility and reverence, which are qualities that are necessary to show when admitting fault and asking for forgiveness. 

Offering a bouquet of white roses can convey a heartfelt apology and serve as a symbol of a desire to make things right.

 It can be a way to show that the person is willing to put in the effort to repair the relationship and make amends for any wrongdoing. 

White roses can be a powerful symbol of sincerity, remorse, and the hope for forgiveness.

Yellow Tulip

Yellow tulips are a popular flower that represents being sorry, as they are associated with forgiveness and new beginnings. The bright yellow color of the tulip signifies hope and optimism, while the delicate petals symbolize a gentle and sincere apology. 

Yellow tulips are often given as a gesture of reconciliation and are believed to help mend broken relationships.

In addition to representing apologies, yellow tulips can also represent appreciation and gratitude. They are a popular gift to express thankfulness and are often used to brighten someone’s day. 

Whether given as an apology or a token of gratitude, yellow tulips are a beautiful and meaningful flower with a rich history and symbolism.

Pink Carnation

Pink carnations are a flower that represents being sorry. The delicate petals of the pink carnation are often used to symbolize a feeling of regret or remorse. 

These flowers are commonly given as a way to express a heartfelt apology and to convey a message of sorrow. 

The pink color of the carnation is also associated with love and affection, making it a particularly fitting choice for expressing regret towards a loved one. 

In some cultures, the pink carnation is also seen as a symbol of motherly love, further emphasizing the notion of expressing a genuine and caring apology. 

Whether as a gesture of contrition, an expression of remorse, or a plea for forgiveness, the pink carnation can serve as a beautiful and meaningful way to say “I’m sorry.”

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are a beautiful flowering plant that can convey many different meanings depending on their color. In the context of apologies and expressing remorse, the white hydrangea is often used to represent the sender’s contrition and sincere regret.

The pure white blooms of the hydrangea are said to symbolize honesty, purity, and heartfelt emotion, making them an excellent choice for expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness. 

The delicate beauty of the hydrangea is also thought to convey a sense of humility and vulnerability, which can help to soften the recipient’s heart and open the door to reconciliation.

In addition to their symbolic meaning, hydrangeas are a popular choice for gifts and floral arrangements because of their large, showy blooms and lush, green foliage. 

They are a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of different settings, from gardens and borders to containers and window boxes, making them a great choice for expressing your regret and asking for forgiveness in a way that is both beautiful and heartfelt.

Forget-Me-Not

Forget-me-not is a flower that symbolizes true love and remembrance. However, in some cultures, it is also associated with apologies and saying sorry. 

The delicate blue flowers of forget-me-not have been used in artworks and literature for centuries as a symbol of humility and regret. 

This may be due to the legend of a knight who, while picking forget-me-not flowers for his lady, fell into the river and drowned. As he threw the flowers to her, he shouted “Forget me not!” as a plea for her to remember him always.

In Japan, forget-me-nots are associated with the idea of “obligation” and “remembrance” and are given as a symbol of apology to express regret for a mistake made. The flower is seen as a reminder to not forget the good things in life and to be grateful for what one has.

Overall, forget-me-nots are a gentle reminder to take responsibility for one’s actions and to seek forgiveness when necessary. They represent a humble attitude and a willingness to make amends, making them a perfect flower to give as an apology.

Purple Hyacinth

Purple hyacinth is a flower that represents being sorry due to its association with regret and sorrow. This flower has been used in various cultures to convey a message of apology or regret. It is said to symbolize sorrow and the desire to make amends for past mistakes.

According to Greek mythology, hyacinth was a beautiful young man who was loved by the god Apollo. One day, while playing a game of discus with Apollo, Hyacinth was accidentally struck and killed by the discus. 

In his grief, Apollo transformed the blood of Hyacinth into a flower, which was named after him. Thus, the purple hyacinth became a symbol of grief and mourning.

In the language of flowers, the purple hyacinth represents deep sorrow and regret. It is often given to express remorse and to ask for forgiveness. 

This flower can be a meaningful way to apologize to someone or to express regret for past actions. Its beauty and elegance make it a fitting symbol of the desire to make amends and to move forward in a positive direction.

Bluebell

Bluebell is a beautiful and delicate flower that represents being sorry. This flower is commonly found in Europe, particularly in woodlands and meadows. 

The bluebell has been used as a symbol of humility and apology for centuries, dating back to the Celts, who associated the flower with death and rebirth.

The bluebell’s beautiful blue color is said to represent the sorrow and regret that comes with apologizing. Its delicate and fragile appearance also symbolizes the vulnerability and humility that is necessary for a sincere apology.

In the language of flowers, bluebells are also associated with constancy and gratitude, further emphasizing their suitability for conveying a message of apology.

Offering a bouquet of bluebells to someone you have wronged can be a powerful way to show that you are sorry and want to make amends. The gesture is especially meaningful when accompanied by a sincere and heartfelt apology. 

The delicate and beautiful appearance of the bluebell can help to soften the impact of the apology, making it easier for the recipient to accept and forgive.

White Daisy

White daisies are one of the most popular flowers that represent being sorry. These delicate flowers are known for their purity and innocence, and they are often used to convey heartfelt apologies. 

White daisies are also associated with new beginnings, making them an excellent choice for apologizing and starting fresh. 

In addition, white daisies symbolize loyalty, which is a crucial element of any healthy relationship. This flower’s simplicity and beauty make it a perfect choice for expressing remorse and asking for forgiveness. 

White daisies are also versatile and can be gifted in many forms, such as a bouquet or potted plant, making them a great option for a variety of sorry situations.

Blue Delphinium

Blue delphinium is a tall, stately flower that grows in a range of shades from light to dark blue. It is commonly known as the “larkspur” and is often used in floral arrangements to represent a heartfelt apology. 

The flower’s name is derived from the Greek word “delphis,” meaning dolphin, because the nectar-filled spurs of the flower resemble the shape of a dolphin.

Blue delphinium is thought to symbolize the sincerity and contrition of the person apologizing. Its deep blue color conveys a sense of calmness and stability, which can help to soothe hurt feelings and ease tensions between individuals. The delicate and graceful appearance of the flower can also evoke a sense of peace and forgiveness, making it an ideal choice for expressing regret and seeking forgiveness.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, blue delphinium is also prized for its beauty and versatility. It can be used to create a wide range of floral arrangements, from simple bouquets to elaborate centerpieces. 

Its long stems and delicate blooms make it a popular choice for wedding bouquets, while its vibrant blue color can add a pop of color to any room.

Overall, blue delphinium is a beautiful and meaningful flower that can help to convey a heartfelt apology and express the desire for forgiveness.

Purple Lilac

Purple lilac is a delicate and fragrant flower that is often associated with spring and new beginnings. It is also a flower that symbolizes being sorry. 

The soft purple hues of the lilac convey a message of sincerity and remorse, making it the perfect flower to express apologies and ask for forgiveness.

The lilac has been used as a symbol of regret and remorse in literature and art for centuries. Its gentle fragrance and delicate appearance make it a poignant symbol of humility and contrition. 

The color purple is also associated with spirituality and introspection, further reinforcing the flower’s significance in expressing regret and seeking forgiveness.

When giving purple lilacs as a gesture of apology, it is important to do so with sincerity and humility. 

The flower’s beauty and fragrance can convey a deep sense of regret and a willingness to make amends, but it is ultimately the words and actions that accompany the gift that will demonstrate true contrition.

In addition to its symbolic meaning, the lilac also has practical uses. Its essential oil is used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it a thoughtful gift for someone who may be feeling upset or distressed. 

Overall, the lilac is a versatile and meaningful flower that can convey a wide range of emotions, including apologies and remorse.