Flower tattoos are some of the most popular and meaningful tattoos for women. Whether expressing yourself or paying tribute to loved ones, a flower tattoo can say more than words. Right now, delicate floral designs are trending – and these beautiful blooms are not only pretty and feminine, but they also have a symbolic side.
Butterfly and Flower Tattoo
Butterflies are a popular tattoo choice for women because of their delicate beauty. Yet, they are also a meaningful design, representing transformation, resilience, and rebirth, as well as freedom. For those reasons, butterflies are the perfect element to add to your flower tattoo. A popular design is a butterfly with floral wings. Not only is it a pretty and feminine tattoo option, but it also has a deep meaning, symbolizing the beauty of life after a period of change.
Skull and Flower Tattoo
While some women may see a skull tattoo as intimidating and masculine, they can be adapted into a feminine yet still Gothic design when combined with flowers. The skull and flower design represents a reminder of the transient nature of life, and to appreciate the beauty in every day. It can also represent a new life after death. For the perfect delicate skull-and-flower tattoo, try a lightly shaded black-ink design with fine line work, rather than thick and bold shapes.
Lion Flower Tattoo
Like flowers, lions are some of the most popular and meaningful tattoo designs. These majestic animals are associated with royalty, confidence, and courage. However, while many call the lion the ‘king of the jungle,’ it is lionesses who hunt. Therefore, many women consider the lion to be a symbol of female power. Adding floral elements to your lion tattoo adds another feminine touch, balancing the strength of the animal with the beauty of the flowers.
Tribal Flower Tattoo
The tribal art style has been popular for decades. Using only black ink, it involves using smooth, curved lines to create fluid tattoo designs that move with the body. For that reason, a tribal flower tattoo would look great on a curved placement, such as your hip, shoulder, or thigh. One of the sexiest options for a floral tattoo, a tribal flower design, still looks delicate and feminine.
Geometric Flower Tattoo
One of the most prominent tattoo trends in recent years is geometric designs. Adding shapes – such as triangles and squares – as well as dots, lines, and patterns to your tattoo can give it a unique and futuristic style. Flowers look great with geometric elements because of the contrast between the angular shapes and the soft, organic curves of the flower.
Flower Heart Tattoo
A heart tattoo represents love, and is there any better way to say ‘I love you’ than with flowers? One of the most emotional and beautiful floral designs is the flower heart tattoo. The inking is a perfect tribute to a loved one and can be customized to add personal elements. For your mother, add traditional mother’s day flowers like carnations and pink roses. Alternatively, a flower heart for your best friend could have yellow roses, orange gerberas, and sunflowers.
Forget Me Not Flower Tattoo
As the name suggests, forget-me-not flowers represent true love and loyalty. These tiny blue flowers were often given in Victorian times as a symbol of devotion and faithfulness. As a result, they make for a beautiful tattoo tribute to your other half, or you could get a couple’s tattoo or matching inking with your best friend. The ideal placement for a forget-me-not tattoo is somewhere you will always be able to see it, such as your wrist, hand, finger, or forearm.
Birth Flower Tattoos
While many people know their birthstone, few know their birth flower. The tradition is different in the US and the UK, so check to see which one applies to you. In the US, the January birth flower is the carnation, February is primrose, March is daffodil, April is the sweet pea, May is lily of the valley, and June is rose. Meanwhile, July is water lily, August is gladiolus, September is Morning Glory, October is calendula, November is the chrysanthemum, and December is jonquil.
Lotus Flower Tattoo
Women who want a meaningful and spiritual flower tattoo should consider the lotus. In Buddhism, the blooming petals of the lotus symbolize the opening of the heart. As a result, it is often associated with yoga, making a lotus tattoo an ideal choice for yoga lovers. The plant also symbolizes purity, enlightenment, rebirth, and regeneration, and is considered special because it grows in mud, yet produces breathtakingly beautiful flowers.
Lily Flower Tattoo
One of the most romantic and feminine flower tattoos is the lily. In Chinese culture, lilies are a traditional wedding flower because they are associated with good luck, and are said to bring a hundred years of love. Meanwhile, in Greek mythology, lilies are associated with the goddess Hera, motherhood, and rebirth. Different lily colors also have other meanings – white represents purity and modesty, pink represents compassion and admiration, and yellow represents joy. So choose your lily tattoo carefully!
Jasmine Flower Tattoo
With its sweet and captivating scent and delicate appearance, it’s no wonder jasmine is one of the most popular flowers in the world. The word jasmine means ‘gift from God’ and traditionally, white jasmine flowers are associated with purity and innocence, as well as respect and good luck. For these reasons, a jasmine tattoo could represent the pure blessings in your life – such as your children.
Hibiscus Flower Tattoo
The bright colors and iconic open petals of hibiscus immediately bring to mind the happiness and relaxation of a tropical holiday. However, they also have a deeper meaning. In Hawaii, the hibiscus is associated with hospitality, power, and respect and is often associated with love and femininity, as young women often wear these flowers in their hair. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the hibiscus represents eternity and immortality. Given its powerful associations, the hibiscus is an ideal tattoo choice for every woman.
Peony Flower Tattoo
With their ruffled petals and delicate pink and white hues, peonies are the perfect candidate for a delicate floral tattoo. Not only are they beautiful and romantic, but because they can continue to flower for decades, peonies are also thought to represent a long life. Therefore, it’s no surprise peonies are frequently used in weddings. Meanwhile, Chinese culture associates red with royalty, honor, and wealth.
Rose Tattoo
One of the most enduringly popular flower tattoos is the rose. Because roses come in so many colors, each hue has its meaning. The bold, iconic red rose represents passionate, romantic love, while soft pink roses are associated with gratitude, grace, and joy. Yellow roses symbolize friendship and happiness, while white roses are often known as ‘bridal roses’ because of their association with purity and loyalty. Whatever color you choose, your delicate rose tattoo will be instantly recognizable and carry a deep, personal meaning.
Daisy Tattoo
If you have just become a new mother, a daisy tattoo is a beautiful choice for you. That is because daisies are composite flowers, meaning they are two flowers in one. In Norse mythology, daisies are also associated with Freya, who is the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty, so they have come to represent motherhood and new beginnings. Many people also associate daisies with youth and children due to their pure white petals.
Iris Flower Tattoo
Women searching for a unique floral tattoo should consider the iris. The rich and regal purple hue of this flower is associated with royalty, wisdom, and courage. In Ancient Greece, Iris was the goddess of rainbows, and iris flowers were often planted on women’s graves so that she could lead them to the heavens. For that reason, an iris could inspire a delicate tribute tattoo to a female loved one who has passed away.
Magnolia Tattoo
The soft, blush hues and elegantly curved petals of magnolias make them perfect for a delicate tattoo. One of the oldest plant species, magnolias, appeared on Earth before bees, so they are pollinated by beetles – making their flowers extremely tough as a result. For these reasons, many cultures associate magnolias with perseverance, dignity, and long life, as well as feminine beauty. Magnolia tattoos are ideal for women who combine beauty and strength.
Poppy Flower Tattoo
Poppies are a profoundly symbolic flower. In ancient times, people offered red poppies to the dead. Today, they are most commonly used to commemorate soldiers who have died in wars; people frequently wear them to mark Armistice Day in November. For that reason, a poppy tattoo could be a moving tribute to friends or relatives who have served in the armed forces.
Narcissus Flower Tattoo
The narcissus – commonly known as the daffodil – is one of the most joyful and optimistic flowers. That is because these golden yellow flowers bloom at the start of spring, symbolizing the end of the long, cold, and dark winter months. For the same reason, daffodils are also associated with rebirth and renewal, making them the perfect floral tattoo choice for women who are hopeful and happy.
Gladiolus Flower Tattoo
The gladiolus flower represents strength and integrity, sincerity, and honesty, as well as passion. Its name comes from the Latin word gladius, meaning ‘sword,’ as it grows in a long and pointed shape. The gladiolus is an excellent choice for women who value these characteristics but still want a feminine and delicate floral tattoo. Because of the form of the gladiolus, it suits placement on long and narrow parts of the body, like the leg, thigh, or arm.
Violet Flower Tattoo
Violets are an ideal choice for a spiritual flower tattoo because of their meaning in Christianity. These delicate purple flowers are associated with the Virgin Mary and, as a result, have come to be associated with modesty and humility – which is why we use the phrase “shrinking violet” to describe a humble person. In classical art, painters often used violets to represent spiritual wisdom and devotion.
Dainty Flower Tattoo
Danity tattoos of all kinds have become very popular in recent years. Small and pretty, these designs are often drawn in black ink using very fine lines. The meaning of these inkings depends on the type of flower the artist draws. However, most dainty flower tattoos represent the fleeting nature of beauty, a love of the natural world, or act as a reminder to always see the beauty in life.
Flower Bouquet Tattoo
Women who can’t decide on just one flower tattoo could consider a bouquet. Choose several different flowers with contrasting shapes, sizes, and leaves, and ask your tattoo artist to create a bouquet design. To give your tattoo a delicate finish, ask for light shading and soft, pastel colors – perhaps with a watercolor effect. A simple black ink tattoo with fine lines could also be a great option.
Japanese Flower Tattoo
Traditional Japanese tattoos – known as irezumi – often use flowers to create vibrant and beautiful designs. The cherry blossom, or sakura, is the most well-known Japanese flower and represents the transience and beauty of life. It is also associated with feminine beauty and grace. The chrysanthemum – sometimes called ‘the king of flowers’ – is also frequently used in Japanese tattoos. It is associated with royalty, perfection, and longevity. Peonies and lotus flowers are also popular for Japanese tattoos.
Hawaiian Flower Tattoo
The yellow hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii. Traditionally, the delicate yet brightly colored plant represents hospitality and respect. It is also associated with happiness and luck. Meanwhile, red and white hibiscus flowers – which also grow in Hawaii – are often associated with beauty and love. Another iconic flower that grows in Hawaii is the frangipani or plumeria. People make the iconic lei garlands from these flowers, which are given to guests to welcome them to the islands.
Traditional Flower Tattoo
The traditional tattoo style – also called the Old School style – uses saturated colors and lines to create bold and stylized designs. However, it can be adapted by a skilled artist to make delicate floral tattoos too. Brightly-colored flowers such as red roses, yellow primrose, and pink cherry blossom are popular options. Ask your artist to add some deep green leaves for contrast. Doing so creates a beautiful and eye-catching finished result.
Flower of Life Tattoo
Unlike other floral tattoos, the flower of life design is not based on a plant. Instead, it is a geometric pattern made up of seven overlapping circles. These circles then appear to create a beautiful effect that mimics a flower’s open petals. The flower of life is an ancient symbol and appears in many different cultures, from Ancient Rome to the Islamic world and Europe. For this reason, the flower of life represents unity and the miracle of creation, making it a very meaningful tattoo choice.
Watercolor Tattoo
The watercolor tattoo technique is the ideal partner for a delicate floral tattoo. It creates a beautiful, diffused wash of color over your inking, giving it a unique and feminine finish. Flowers with a natural gradient color in their petals look particularly attractive when inked with the watercolor technique – think magnolias, violets, and roses. Alternatively, your artist can use the watercolor technique to create an abstract flower bouquet.
Small Flower Tattoo
A small flower tattoo is a perfect option if you are looking to get your first tattoo. Smaller inkings take less time to complete – meaning they are generally less painful and less expensive than larger pieces. Plus, small tattoos are trending for women right now. A small flower tattoo looks excellent when inked in unusual places like behind your ear, the side of your neck, or your hand.
Simple Flower Tattoo
Women who have a minimalist or modern aesthetic should consider a simple flower tattoo. That is because simple inkings have a timeless quality and delicate beauty that never goes out of style. One option is a single rose in black ink, which is a fresh take on one of the most classic tattoo designs. Elegant and understated, a simple flower tattoo retains a meaningful significance and never goes out of style.
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