Picking a flower tattoo can be a daunting task, since there are literally hundreds of different types of flower to choose from. In this article we have narrowed it down to the best flowers along with what each one means, so you can find the perfect tattoo to represent your personality and unique style.
1. Rose Tattoo
The rose tattoo is one of the most popular flower tattoos for women, and can symbolize many different things. Love, beauty, strength, passion, and femininity are all associated with the rose, making it a versatile choice for a tattoo. Red roses have long been considered a symbol of love, while soft pink roses are associated with grace. Yellow roses are sometimes used to symbolize friendship, or gratitude, and white roses represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings.
However, it’s not just color that determines the rose tattoo’s meaning – its shape and type also have significance. For instance, rose tattoos that have five petals represent love and are often associated with Mother Mary, while red roses with thorns symbolize danger and strength.
2. Lotus Flower Tattoo
The lotus flower has long been associated with beauty, fertility, style, and grace. Lotus flower tattoos are among the most popular tattoos for women because they represent many positive things. They’re often used to symbolize spiritual growth or rebirth, while also symbolizing life’s cycles of change and renewal. Many women choose this type of tattoo when they feel they are in the process of transformation or growth.
The lotus flower is also a symbol of purity, as it grows in muddy waters but always manages to stay clean. For this reason, it’s often used as a representation of the soul. Additionally, the lotus is said to be a symbol of detachment – which can be interpreted as being free from the negative aspects of life.
3. Lily Flower Tattoo
Lilies are beautiful flowers that have a classic appeal, making them one of the most popular flower tattoos for women. Like roses, lilies also come in different colors and each has its own symbolic meaning. For instance, white lilies represent humility and devotion – while red lilies symbolize love and passion. In Greek mythology, lilies were associated with Hera, goddess of love and marriage.
4. Hibiscus Flower Tattoo
The hibiscus flower is great choice for a tattoo, and is often chosen by women who want a beautiful and feminine design. This tropical flower can come in many different colors, but pink or red hibiscus flowers are the most popular. The hibiscus flower has a number of meanings, including delicate beauty, new beginnings, and femininity.
5. Jasmine Flower Tattoo
The jasmine flower represents purity, grace, and elegance. Popular in Indian culture, the jasmine flower is often seen along with the lotus blossom to represent female divinity. In Hinduism, both are regarded as symbols of enlightenment and purity.
6. Peony Flower Tattoo
The peony is a beautiful flower that is often associated with grace, femininity, and luxury. It is also considered to be a symbol of good luck in China. Peony tattoos can be very elegant and feminine, making them a popular choice for women.
7. Daisy Flower Tattoo
The daisy is another popular choice for flower tattoos, and can represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings. This symbolism comes from Celtic lore, where daisies were said to fall from the sky to cheer up parents who had lost a child.
8. Sunflower Tattoo
Many people choose the sunflower tattoo because of its association with faith. A symbol of happiness, hope and faith, sunflowers turn to face the sun throughout the day, which is why it’s used as a religious reference in some cultures – to illustrate how we should all aspire to follow God. Other meanings associated with sunflowers include loyalty, adoration, and longevity.
9. Purple Flower Tattoo
A purple flower tattoo is often thought to symbolize beauty, magic, mystery, and wisdom. It might be one of the most creative designs you can get inked on your skin. Different shades of purple are represented in many different flowers with different meanings attached to them. For instance, lavender means enchantment while lilac represents first love. Purple orchid tattoos are often thought to symbolize luxury and royalty, while dahlia purple is sometimes used as a sexy tattoo design because it symbolizes lust and desire.
10. Flower Vine Tattoo
Another popular flower tattoo is the flower vine. This design can be quite versatile, as it can be used to represent a variety of different flowers or vines. As a tattoo design, it’s often seen as a symbol of growth or new beginnings, and can be a reminder to never give up on your dreams.
11. Iris Flower Tattoo
The iris is a stunning flower that comes in many different colors. Usually, the three main petals stretch out to look like butterfly wings – but they also represent faith, wisdom, and heaven. Since there are so many types of iris flowers, these tattoos can symbolize almost anything you want them to. Some people get this tattoo to honor someone, while flaming iris tattoos are often used to represent love. This tattoo is also sometimes referred to as the fleur-de-lis, or lily of France.
12. Poppy Flower Tattoo
The poppy is another popular flower tattoo, and it has a variety of meanings. Associated with sleep, dreams, and peace, the poppy is often used as a symbol of remembrance for those who have died in battle. Poppy tattoos can also represent hope, new beginnings, and eternal life.
13. Magnolia Flower Tattoo
The magnolia flower is another popular choice for tattoos, and is often chosen for its elegant and feminine look. The magnolia flower is associated with purity, femininity, and virtue. It can also represent springtime, new beginnings, and hope.
14. Gladiolus Flower Tattoo
Gladiolus flowers are tall, spiky flowers that come in a range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. They’re often associated with strength and determination, making them a popular choice for those who want a flower tattoo with a meaning.
15. Narcissus Flower Tattoo
The narcissus flower is a beautiful, trumpet-shaped bloom that is often associated with Easter. This flower represents new beginnings, hope, and resurrection, as it is one of the first flowers to appear in springtime and so marks the end of winter.
16. Violet Flower Tattoo
The violet is a small, delicate flower that often goes overlooked. However, this understated blossom has a lot of symbolism behind it. Violets represent modesty, chastity, and virtue, since in Christianity, this flower is associated with the Virgin Mary. Violets were also thought to have healing powers, and were once used in medieval Europe to treat fevers.
17. Flower Bouquet Tattoo
If you want to go beyond a single flower tattoo, consider getting a flower bouquet tattoo. This type of tattoo can be incredibly versatile, as it can include any type of flower you like. Additionally, you can choose to get a realistic or abstract flower bouquet, depending on your preference.
18. Black Flower Tattoo
Not all flower tattoos have to be colorful – in fact, black flower tattoos are becoming increasingly popular. These dark blooms often have a more mysterious and ethereal feel about them, and can be quite striking against pale skin. Some of the most popular flowers for black ink tattoos include orchids, lotuses, and dahlias.
19. Japanese Flower Tattoo
Japanese flower tattoos are another popular choice for women. These intricate designs often incorporate cherry blossoms, which are symbolic of Japan itself. They can represent the transient nature of life, as well as mortality and beauty. Other popular Japanese flowers include chrysanthemums (symbolizing joy and long life) and lotus flowers (representing purity and enlightenment).
While the meanings of Japanese flower tattoos can vary depending on the specific design, they often symbolize femininity, grace, and elegance. They can also represent aspects of Japanese culture and history, making them a unique choice for those with a special interest in Japan.
20. Hawaiian Flower Tattoo
Yellow hibiscus flowers are the state flower of Hawaii. This delicate and vibrant bloom represents happiness and luck. The hibiscus flower often appears in Polynesian art, including woodcarvings. Hibiscus flowers also appear in Hawaiian leis, which are typically worn around the neck during special events and celebrations.
21. Flower of Life Tattoo
The Flower of Life represents the connection between everything that exists, and every belief system in the world regards it as a symbol of truth. Whether you’re spiritual or not, this flower tattoo for women is filled with meaning, and its intricate design makes it look beautiful inked on skin.
22. Traditional Flower Tattoo
Old school traditional flower tattoos are making a comeback, and they’re just as pretty as ever. These simple designs often use a single type of flower, and can be quite bold and colorful. Traditional flower tattoos often depict roses, lilies, or poppies, and can be placed anywhere on the body.
23. Watercolor Flower Tattoo
If you’re looking for a delicate design with a diffused appearance, look no further than the watercolor flower tattoo. Watercolor tattoos are created by adding a hint of color to an otherwise monochromatic piece. These dreamy designs have exploded in popularity over recent years, and for good reason – they’re incredibly beautiful.
Watercolor flower tattoos can be any type of flower, but typically feature soft, muted colors and a more ethereal appearance. Hibiscus, lotus, and pansy flowers are all popular choices for watercolor tattoos, as are abstract flowers that defy easy classification.
24. Sentimental Flower Tattoo
Flowers and plants, especially roses, are also an expression of love and appreciation – and sentimental flower tattoos can be a great way to capture these things. Whether you want a tattoo to remember a loved one who has passed away, or to symbolize your love for someone special, flowers make a beautiful and meaningful choice.
25. Small Flower Tattoo
Small flower tattoos are an excellent choice if you’re looking to get your first tattoo or want something subtle. Often done in black ink, these small tattoos look great placed on the wrist or ankle for women looking to get a simple and elegant statement piece.
26. Simple Flower Tattoo
Flower tattoos can be very detailed and come in lots of different designs. They can also be simple, with just a single bloom or two. Delicate flowers are grounded by bold lines that create their shape, echoing the outline of delicate stems and leaves.
27. Skull Flower Tattoo
The skull is one of the most popular designs in tattooing. If you want a flower tattooed on your body, but you want to add a little edge and danger to it and still keep its symbolic meaning, try adding a skull. Some people get this type of design with different kinds of flowers – like sunflowers or roses – while others choose to just have the skull as the flower.
There are many different meanings that can be associated with a skull flower tattoo. Strength, courage, and power can all be represented by the skull, as well as change, transformation, and even death. When paired with a flower like the sunflower – which is known for its resilience in harsh conditions – the tattoo can symbolize tenacity. While roses are symbolic of love, thorned roses with skulls can represent dangerous love or past loves.
28. Butterfly Flower Tattoo
Butterflies are another popular choice for flower tattoos, and can represent a number of things, such as transformation, change, new beginnings, and freedom. Butterflies come in a variety of colors, each with its own meaning. For example, blue butterflies symbolize happiness and joy, while purple butterflies represent mystery and intrigue.
29. Lion Flower Tattoo
This tattoo is a great way to show your strength and power as a woman. The lion flower is a powerful symbol that can mean different things to different people. For some, it might represent the strength and courage of a lion, while others might see it as a symbol of female sexual power. No matter what the meaning of your lion flower tattoo is, it’s a striking design that’s an instant attention grabber. Lion flower tattoos are often done in black ink, but they also look great in color.
30. Tribal Flower Tattoo
If you’re looking for a more unique and intricate flower tattoo, consider opting for a tribal design. These designs often feature elaborate swirls and curves, as well as bold colors. Tribal flower tattoos can represent femininity, strength, and natural beauty, and are a great way to show off your creative side.
31. Geometric Flower Tattoo
Another popular trend in flower tattoos right now are geometric designs. These intricate and abstract designs can be based on any type of flower, and often feature multiple colors and shapes. They can be very feminine and pretty, or bold and modern – it all depends on your preference.
32. Flower Heart Tattoo
This design combines two of the most feminine symbols into one – and it can mean a variety of things. For some women, a flower heart tattoo represents their love for nature, while others see it as a symbol of their love for themselves or for someone else. It can also be seen as a symbol of hope, rebirth, and new beginnings.
33. Forget Me Not Flower Tattoo
Forget-me-not flowers are small blue flowers usually given in Victorian times to showcase one’s devotion and faithfulness to another person. As its name suggests, forget-me-nots signify genuine love and loyalty. So, as a result, forget-me-not flowers would make for a gorgeous and meaningful tattoo in honor of your significant other. The best placement for a forget-me-not flower tattoo is somewhere you should be able to see every day. These include the wrists, hands, or fingers.
34. White Flower Tattoo
Most floral tattoos are based on traditional black ink. But if you’re looking for a unique piece, getting a white inked flower tattoo is ideal. That’s because when done correctly, it can form an elegant flower tattoo design. Overall, it’s a softer tattoo emanating the softness of different flowers, making them look more detailed than bolder traditional tattoos.
35. Mandala Flower Tattoo
Mandala flower tattoos are a popular design choice among women and men! The word mandala means ‘circle’ in the ancient Sanskrit language, and is used to represent the universe. This is reflected in this art form by concentric shapes that rotate out from a central point like a spinning wheel. Mandalas often symbolize wholeness and unity, and are thought to have healing abilities. They are commonly used in meditation, where practitioners visualize the designs in their mind to help them focus or relax.
36. Snake Flower Tattoo
A snake and flower can be a beautiful combination of meaningful imagery that shows off your style. Snakes and flowers are often found together in traditional tattoos such as the rose and lotus.
Snake tattoos in particular can have many different meanings. They can represent change, transformation, rebirth, healing, and new beginnings. As snakes shed their skin throughout their lives, they can also symbolize the ability to start over no matter what life throws your way.
37. Aster Flower Tattoo
The aster flower is often used as a symbol of love and appreciation, and can also represent joy, innocence, and new beginnings. These pretty flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, blue, white, and yellow.
38. Larkspur Flower Tattoo
The larkspur is a delicate and pretty wildflower that grows in North America. It’s often associated with lightheartedness and joy, making it the perfect choice for a fun and flirty summer tattoo. The larkspur can also represent innocence and new beginnings, making it a good choice for anyone starting over or looking for a fresh start.
39. Moon Flower Tattoo
The moon is another popular tattoo symbol, and when combined with a flower, can create an incredibly romantic design that represents the fleeting beauty of life. Flowers that are often paired with the moon include lotus flowers (representing new beginnings) and lavender (a symbol of love).
40. Birth Flower Tattoos
Birth flowers are plants or flowers that are associated to birth months by different cultures across the world. Each month has its own specific plant or flower.
January Birth Flower
The January birth flower is carnations. Carnations are pink flowers that have a variety of meanings depending on their color. They are used to convey admiration, desire and deep affection.
February Birth Flower
The February birth flower is the violet or primrose. The primrose is a beautiful yellowish color that has been said to represent the sunshine in our lives. It can also mean hope and youthfulness.
March Birth Flower
The March birth flower is the daffodil. The daffodil is a beautiful yellow flower that represents new beginnings and rebirth.
April Birth Flower
The April birth flower is the daisy. Daisies are white flowers with a black center that represent innocence and loyal love.
May Birth Flower
The May birth flower is the lily of the valley. Lily of the valley is a small white flower that represents happiness, humility and modesty.
June Birth Flower
The June birth flower is honeysuckle. Honeysuckles are orange flowers that represent warmth and happiness. It also symbolizes passion and desire in relationships because of its sweet nectar.
July Birth Flower
The July birth flower is the water lily. The water lily is a white flower that blooms in ponds and represents purity, chastity and innocence.
August Birth Flower
The August birth flower is the poppy. Poppies are beautiful red flowers that represent sleep, peace and death.
September Birth Flower
The September birth flower is the morning glory. Morning glories are delicate flowers that come in a variety of colors, including blue, white, and pink. They are often associated with happiness and joy.
October Birth Flower
The October birth flower is the calendula. Calendulas are brightly colored flowers that come in shades such as orange, yellow, and gold. They symbolize happiness and joy.
November Birth Flower
The November birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Chrysanthemums are a beautiful flower that come in shades of white, yellow and purple. They represent cheerfulness and thankfulness.
December Birth Flower
The December birth flower is the poinsettia or Christmas flower. Poinsettias are red flowers that are often used as Christmas decorations. They represent good luck and Christmas cheer. The holly is also the December birth flower. The holly is often associated with Christmas in many parts of the world for its bright red berries and leaves that are green on one side, and dark-red on the other.
FAQ
Since every flower has a unique meaning, the message behind flower tattoos varies. But in some cultures, flowers were considered a direct symbol of God’s contentment. Meanwhile, in contemporary times, flowers often represent the love between a couple.
Although flowers are considered feminine, they can also be a great tattoo choice for men. That’s because of their rich symbolism, making for a stunning and meaningful design. Men can add different elements to make flower tattoos more masculine.
Most flowers lend themselves well as tattoos, thanks to their versatility. There are hundreds of blooms to choose from, so all you need to do is find the perfect one. But some of the most popular flower tattoos are roes, lotuses, and daisies.
Many girls choose to get flower tattoos due to their symbolism and appeal. The language of flowers is intricate, meaning they can hold a lot of deep meaning. They’re stunning and feminine, carrying well into different art styles. As such, women can express themselves through them and get a gorgeous tattoo in return.
The location of your flower tattoo is just as important as the design itself. You’ll want to choose a spot that is both visible and meaningful to you. Smaller tattoos can work well on hands, feet and ankles. They also look great on the wrist and behind the ear. For more visible designs, you might want to get a flower tattoo on your lower back, chest or shoulder blade.