Flowers are important in many cultures worldwide, and are used in social situations from the informal to the very formal, from a simple 'thank you' to a funeral tribute. Flowers can signify a range of meanings, and a single bloom can be a powerful symbol.

The red rose of speaks of passion and romance; the white rose of the precursor of innocence and purity. Representing such profound aspects of the human condition, it is perhaps no wonder that the rose is commonly held as the most popular flower in the world.

Almost as popular is the Lily, which is a versatile basis for many bouquets because it can signify several different aspects of humanity. Lilies are a traditional accompaniment to funeral services and graves, and can also mean chastity and virtue. Lilies of the valley can also serve as traditional 2nd Wedding anniversary presents.

The poppy is important in the commemorative services held for British, French and other former Allied servicemen killed in the First and Second World Wars. Poppies are the symbol of Remembrance Day, and poppies ? real or paper - are worn on lapels and included in wreaths as part of the commemorations.

The sunflower signifies more cheerful times, a symbol of summer, sunshine and levity. Some sunflowers grow to substantial heights in the wild. For the purposes of constructing bouquets, there are several ornamental varieties that have been bred to achieve a more manageable size for such arrangements. Sunflower seeds also provide a healthy pulse based snack.

The bluebell grows well in the wild in Britain, needing little or no tending in contrast to the prickly yet delicate rose. Perhaps because of this fact, it was the bluebell, and not the rose, which used to symbolise romantic love, and the bluebell presents a quirky alternative to the standard rose on Valentine's Day.

The lotus flower is the big star, in symbolic terms, in Eastern cultures. Venerated in both Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus represents a symbol of divinity, and has been called the Rose of the East.

When you need to express a meaning that perhaps can't be put easily into words, you could do worse than sending a bunch of flowers. Try the sites of established suppliers like Interflora to get an idea of the range of possibilities when you are looking for fresh flowers online.

Maricruz Tennill, the author of this article, always orders fresh flowers online at Interflora.co.uk.