Flowers come in a wide range of colors that bring beauty into this world. So, naturally, many colors are named after the most vibrant flowers.
Some of these hues come directly from flower names, while others describe flower characteristics. Overall, these colors are gorgeous, just like the floral plants they represent.
1. Lilac
Lilac
Hex #C8A2C8
RGB 200, 162, 200
CMYK 0, 19, 0, 22
The color lilac gained its name in 1775 due to its resemblance to the light purple flower. While lilac flowers can appear in white, pink, and blue, purple is the most common color for the flowering shrub. When it was first used as a color term, there were some disagreements about the exact shade of lilac. Some believed lilac should be a pale purple, while others viewed it as a more vibrant color.
Lilac, as we know it today, is a gentle color that can signify encouragement, new love, and strong emotions, much like what the flower represents. This light purple hue can also symbolize kindness, compassion, and serenity.
2. Violet
Violet
Hex #8F00FF
RGB 143, 0, 255
CMYK 44, 100, 0, 0
Violet is such a well-known hue that it’s even a color of the rainbow. Yet, it was first named after the bright purple flowers. Violet first appeared as a flower name around 1300, but was later recognized as a color in 1672, when Sir Isaac Newton named it one of the seven colors in the visible light spectrum.
As a vibrant purple hue, this color represents wisdom, creativity, and inspiration. It can be seen as a sign of luxury and extravagance as well.
3. Rose
Rose
Hex #FF007F
RGB 255, 0, 127
CMYK 0, 100, 50, 0
Even though roses come in many colors, most people associate them with bright red. That being said, the color name “rose” (not to be confused with “rose red”) refers to a bright pink hue rather than red. It resembles rosy-red cheeks instead of bright red flowers.
Like roses, the color rose is romantic. It can symbolize love, passion, gratitude, and appreciation, which is why it’s frequently used to show someone you care deeply about them.
4. Marigold
Marigold
Hex #EAA221
RGB 234, 162, 33
CMYK 0, 31, 86, 8
Marigolds are typically yellow or orange, sometimes with hints of red. When the color first got its name, it was spelled “marygolde” because it came from the term “Mary’s Gold,” referring to the Virgin Mary. In 1770, it was first documented in the English language with the spelling we know today.
The color marigold was named after the popular flower. It has a golden yellow hue, which symbolizes positive feelings like joy, happiness, passion, and resilience.
5. Fuchsia
Fuchsia
Hex #C154C1
RGB 193, 84, 193
CMYK 0, 56, 0, 24
Some people might recognize fuchsia as a color name more than a flower name. However, fuchsias are flowering plants that come in pink, white, red, purple, and orange. Of course, pink is the most common hue for these flowers, which is why a pink-purple color was named after fuchsias.
Fuchsia is a vivid color that you can’t miss. It represents uniqueness and confidence, and it’s usually favored by anyone with a fun-loving attitude.
6. Lavender
Lavender
Hex #E6E6FA
RGB 230, 230, 250
CMYK 8, 8, 0, 2
Lavender is a light purple hue like lilac, only much lighter. It’s not only named after a flower, but the term is also used to represent a calming aroma. The term “lavender” initially came from the Latin “lavare,” which means “to wash,” since the plant was used for cleaning purposes.
The term “lavender” was first used as a color name in the English language in 1705. The delicate hue usually represents elegance, purity, and tranquility.
7. Amaranth
Amaranth
Hex #E52B50
RGB 229, 43, 80
CMYK 0, 81, 65, 10
Amaranth flowers can appear in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, and white. Red is the color they’re commonly associated with, which is why the color known as amaranth displays a bright red. It has been used as a color name for a long time, dating back to 1690.
This vibrant hue represents lots of different things, including youth, passion, creativity, and optimism. It’s a joyous, high-energy color that’s good to have around.
8. Periwinkle
Periwinkle
Hex #CCCCFF
RGB 204, 204, 255
CMYK 20, 20, 0, 0
Purple is one of the prettiest colors flowers can be, which is why there are so many types of purple with floral names. Periwinkle is a very light purple with a hint of blue that mimics the color of periwinkle flowers (also known as vinca or myrtle). It was first used as a color name in 1922, making it much newer than other purple color names.
Much like the flowers, periwinkle evokes serenity and calmness. It can remind people of cherished memories, close friendships, and true love.
9. Carnation Pink
Carnation Pink
Hex #FFA6C9
RGB 255, 166, 201
CMYK 0, 35, 21, 0
Carnations are gorgeous flowers that come in just about every color imaginable. However, carnation pink is a hue that specifically focuses on light pink carnations. Each color is associated with different meanings, and pink carnations are typically a symbol of gratitude.
Carnation pink is famously the color of a Crayola crayon, which appeared in crayon boxes until 1999. It was later swapped for Tickle Me Pink, another famous pink crayon color.
10. Orchid
Orchid
Hex #DA70D6
RGB 218, 112, 214
CMYK 0, 49, 2, 15
Orchids are known for their exotic beauty. While they can come in almost any color imaginable, purple is the most common. This bright purple color mimics the vibrantly colored petals of purple orchids. 1915 was the first year orchid was recorded as a color term in the English language.
This hue is a whimsical color that can represent royalty, luxury, and admiration, much like real orchids do.
11. Poppy
Poppy
Hex #E35335
RGB 227, 83, 53
CMYK 0, 63, 77, 11
Most poppy flower petals are reddish-orange, just like the color with the same name. When these small flowers became popular, the term also started to be used as a color name.
Poppies are typically a symbol of remembrance, but that’s probably not what most people think of when seeing this color. Red-orange has a lot of energy, so this hue could also symbolize vitality, strength, optimism, and passion.
12. Heliotrope
Heliotrope
Hex #DF73FF
RGB 223, 115, 255
CMYK 13, 55, 0, 0
Heliotrope sounds like a silly color name, but it’s actually named after a plant with small flowers, which are commonly purple. These flowers are usually a darker purple than this pinkish hue, but this color complements the real color of the flowers well.
The color heliotrope is a fun, vibrant hue that evokes mystery, love, and devotion. It takes the beauty of the flowers and turns them into a playful hue.
13. Goldenrod
Goldenrod
Hex #DAA520
RGB 218, 165, 32
CMYK 0, 24, 85, 15
The name “goldenrod” is fitting because it’s a plant that sprouts small, golden flowers. The plant was once used for health purposes, such as healing wounds. In 1915, this color was called goldenrod due to its close resemblance to the flower’s hue.
This dark golden color can make people feel cheerful, creative, and warm, much like how they’d feel when admiring yellow flowers.
14. Wisteria
Wisteria
Hex #BDB5D5
RGB 189, 181, 213
CMYK 11, 15, 0, 16
Wisteria is another flowering plant with a gorgeous light purple hue. The color closely mimics the appearance of the flowers, and it has had many uses throughout history. Both the flower and its color were used in Japanese art from the year 700 to 1100. It was also a popular color for stained glass in Europe in the 1800s.
This light purple hue symbolizes elegance and sophistication. Some believe that the flower and its color are a sign of a long, healthy life.
15. Magnolia
Magnolia
Hex #F8F4FF
RGB 248, 244, 255
CMYK 3, 4, 0, 0
Magnolia trees have large, blooming flowers that usually have white petals. The color name magnolia typically describes an off-white color, similar to the flower’s hue. This color most commonly has a hint of purple, but it could also lean more toward tan in other contexts. Magnolia was first used as a color name in 1880, where it was described as a tint of a cream color.
Off-white hues like this one are clean and pure like regular white, but since they have a hint of another color, they feel less cold and empty. The color magnolia is often related to regality, elegance, and sophistication.
16. Phlox
Phlox
Hex #DF00FF
RGB 223, 0, 255
CMYK 13, 100, 0, 0
Phlox sounds like an odd name for a color, but it’s named after a lesser-known flower. The plant phlox grows lots of small, boldly-colored flowers on it, which could be pink, purple, white, red, or blue. As a color, phlox is an extremely bright pink that’s much bolder than the real-life flowers.
Phlox is an affectionate color that symbolizes love, friendship, or spirituality. Its bold coloring also makes it feel playful and energetic.
17. Thistle
Thistle
Hex #D8BFD8
RGB 216, 191, 216
CMYK 0, 12, 0, 15
Thistles don’t look like your average plant. They have sharp spikes with a bright purple/pink flower on top. However, that unique appearance inspired a color name. Thistle is a pale purple color that was inspired by the flower that sits on top of a thistle. It became a color name in the English language in 1892.
While the flower might not look elegant, the color of the same name is a symbol of romance, tranquility, and nobility.
18. Floral White
Floral White
Hex #FFFAF0
RGB 255, 250, 240
CMYK 0, 2, 6, 0
Floral white doesn’t refer to a specific flower. Instead, it represents all white flowers, which usually have an off-white shade rather than appearing as pure white. Floral white is a common paint color for interior design because it’s a simple color that’s more comforting than regular white.
This off-white color represents purity, innocence, and new beginnings, much like pure white. It has a hint of warmth to make it feel welcoming.
19. Pansy Purple
Pansy Purple
Hex #78184A
RGB 120, 24, 74
CMYK 0, 80, 38, 53
Pansies come in a rainbow of colors, with one of the most notable being dark purple. This color is named after the deep, velvety hue that some pansies have.
Pansy purple typically symbolizes nobility and spirituality, much like other dark purples. It can be linked to royalty, wealth, and power.
20. Permanent Geranium Lake
Permanent Geranium Lake
Hex #E12C2C
RGB 225, 44, 44
CMYK 0, 80, 80, 12
Permanent geranium lake was the name of a red Crayola crayon color that appeared from 1903 to 1910. Even though geranium flowers can come in other colors like pink, purple, orange, and white, red is the most iconic color for this plant.
Looking at this bold red with a unique name can make people feel passionate, strong, and powerful. It could inspire people to explore nature because of the words geranium and lake being combined.
21. Iris
Iris
Hex #5D3FD3
RGB 93, 63, 211
CMYK 56, 70, 0, 17
Irises are uniquely-shaped flowers that come in purple, blue, yellow, white, pink, and orange. In 1916, iris became a color name in the English language, representing a blue/purple hue. It’s what most people think of when they imagine an iris.
This color could evoke wisdom, intuition, and inspiration. In some contexts, it may also feel calming.
