Flowers are popular symbols to get tattooed because they are visually attractive and often colorful, but they are also much more than that because each bloom is rich in symbolism. The appeal of floral tattoos for men is their versatility; there are so many different plants to choose from, each with its unique meaning. Whether you want a lotus, which is connected to enlightenment and rebirth, or a poppy representing patriotism and can honor fallen soldiers, there are many ways to get creative with flower tattoos, and they also work well when combined with other images. For example, a skull or a butterfly can represent the balance between life and death or be a symbol of beauty. If you want a flower tattoo that you will be proud to show off, keep reading to find the perfect design for you.
1. Daisy Tattoo
The daisy is a flower connected to loyalty, good luck, and love. It is a fantastic choice for body art and could be tattooed to honor someone special in your life, or it could be a memorial piece. There is a Celtic legend involving daisies on the graves of loved ones, and you could accompany your tribute with the name or date of the individual who has passed. The flower’s simplicity also lends itself well to different styles and can be made more complicated with a geometric technique or kept small with just the basic outline.
2. Rose Flower Tattoo
The rose is one of the most popular flower tattoos because it is both beautiful and symbolic. There are also many different interpretations of the bloom, depending on the color. Red roses are often linked to romantic love and passion, while yellow represents friendship, and black is associated with grief or mourning. There are various designs and styles to choose from when inking this flower, making it extremely versatile. You can also add to the meaning by including multiple other images into your artwork, for example, a skull or a clock.
3. Lily Flower Tattoo
If you want a tattoo representing renewal, fertility, and purity, then a lily is a fantastic choice. The bloom is often linked with femininity, but that doesn’t mean that men cannot choose this symbol. Inking a lily could be a way to honor the women in your life, whether that is your mother or a romantic partner. There are many varieties of lilies to choose from, and you can make your design as detailed or simple as you wish. It is also an image that works well in both colors as well as black and white ink.
4. Jasmine Flower Tattoo
Jasmine flowers are known for their sweet fragrance and pretty appearance, but they also make for a great tattoo. The color is often associated with purity and cleanliness, but the bloom also represents grace, beauty, and even sensuality. The combination of these two meanings makes this a tattoo rich in symbolism. It will look particularly significant in a visible spot, where you can remind yourself of your reason for choosing to get it inked.
5. Hibiscus Flower Tattoo
The hibiscus flower is associated with summer and vacations. It is the sort of plant that brings up feelings of good times and warm weather and is often inked as a celebration of Hawaii. The plant is native to the country and is its state flower, but you don’t have to be a local to appreciate its beauty or find personal meaning in it. The red coloring also makes it an incredibly vibrant and beautiful option to get as a tattoo, and you can include various other images to make your design unique.
6. Lotus Flower Tattoo
The lotus is a flower that is not just incredibly beautiful but also rich in symbolism. It is often connected to ideas of rebirth, enlightenment, and beauty. It makes for interesting tattoo ideas for men, especially for those deep-thinkers who often contemplate the fragility of our existence. The bloom is also linked to spiritual awakening and is often depicted in Buddhism. The muddy conditions the lotus grows in have also made it a symbol of perseverance and hope, a reminder that beauty exists even in difficult times.
7. Peony Flower Tattoo
Peonies represent good fortune, wealth, and luck. It is also a flower that has been used as a symbol of bravery and honor. Because there are so many different interpretations of the bloom and its meaning, it has become a popular and thoughtful tattoo option. There are many different techniques to choose from, too, but you will often see this in Japanese tattoo designs. Whether you want the flower to be the focus of your body art, or as a filler with other images, for example, koi fish, it is a beautiful way to make a bold and bright statement. It is also recommended to get it inked in color for maximum effect.
8. Iris Flower Tattoo
The rich color of the Iris makes for a tattoo that will instantly catch someone’s attention. That said, it is much more than visually interesting, and the bloom symbolizes wisdom and hope. It is also the name of the Greek goddess Iris. She represents the rainbow and serves as a messenger to the gods. Those interested in Greek mythology may be drawn to this option, which could be a nod to the divine.
9. Magnolia Tattoo
The magnolia is often associated with innocence, femininity, and endurance. It is a beautiful bloom and makes for a fantastic tattoo. As for why a man would choose this flower? It could be a way to show he is in touch with his feminine side, pay tribute to the strong women in his life, or simply because it is a powerful and meaningful symbol. To represent the magnolia’s full beauty, it can benefit from being inked in color. You can also choose to combine various other flowers or images, make it into a sleeve tattoo or let the piece stand alone. Whichever way you choose to interpret and design this plant, it is likely a decision you will not regret.
10. Poppy Flower Tattoo
The poppy is a flower often used to commemorate fallen soldiers. It is a bloom that represents peace and death, and the rich red color is often linked to blood. This is a wonderful way to honor our troops, pay tribute to a friend who has passed, or could be a way to show patriotism and solidarity. On its own, the flower makes for an interesting tattoo but takes on even more meaning when combined with images such as men in uniform, battlegrounds, or tombstones, as it is a symbol of remembrance.
11. Narcissus Flower Tattoo
The narcissus or daffodil is a pretty flower that is often either white or yellow. They usually bloom in spring and can be a sign that winter, or hard times, are over. For this reason, it is often linked to life, birth, and new beginnings and is a tattoo that can have an incredibly positive meaning associated with it. If you want to focus on the plant itself, then getting it inked in black is great. Alternatively, you may choose to get it in color because of the plant’s symbolism; for example, yellow represents joy.
12. Gladiolus Flower Tattoo
Men with a gladiolus tattoo want to show that they are confident or value family. It can also be a symbol of infatuation or even heartache. The flower is also referred to as the sword lily because of its shape and can represent strength and honor. It is a very detailed plant and tends to work well in bigger placement options, such as the chest, so that it can be shown off in its full glory. There are many colors to choose from, so pick your favorite or the one that has the meaning that most appeals to you. For example, yellow represents positivity or friendship, while purple is connected with mystery, nobility, and grace.
13. Forget Me Not Flower Tattoo
The forget-me-not flower is hard to forget because of its bright blue coloring and rich symbolism. They are associated with love, protection, and remembrance and are a way to honor important relationships or people in your life. That could be someone who has significantly impacted your life or a loved one who has passed. You can get creative with your ink by adding names and dates to make it even more personal.
14. Violet Flower Tattoo
The violet is a small flower easily recognizable by its pretty purple coloring. It is a bloom linked to religion and can represent wisdom and faithfulness. Other qualities include healing, modesty, and ever-lasting love. There are many ways to interpret this flower’s meaning, and you can choose what appeals most to you. You can also create a large, detailed tattoo or opt for something small and simple. Regardless of the technique and design you pick, the violet is a wonderful choice for any man to get inked.
15. Dainty Flower Tattoo
Delicate and pretty floral tattoos are a popular choice among both men and women. The beauty of a flower tattoo is there is so much variation, so you can pick a color, design, and plant species that resonates with you. Choosing a small, delicate design can be particularly appealing because you are not limited in placement.
16. Flower Bouquet Tattoo
If you can’t decide on just one flower, then why not tattoo a whole bouquet of them? You can pick different flowers that hold meaning to you, for example, a rose for love combined with a gladiolus for family bonds. Or you can even ink your partner’s wedding bouquet for a beautiful tribute from that special time. This is also a design that should be done in color to show off the different varieties of blooms and make a statement.
17. Japanese Flower Tattoo
Irezumi, the Japanese tattooing style, is very distinct, often favoring bright colors and interesting black and grey contrast. They usually feature a significant subject matter in Japanese culture, such as a dragon, koi fish, or cherry blossoms. These blooms are a symbol of beauty, purity, and good luck. They also represent the fragility of life, and our existence is fleeting, making this a wonderful tattoo option and one that is extremely meaningful.
18. Hawaiian Flower Tattoo
The hibiscus tattoo is often seen as a symbol for the state of Hawaii. It can be seen growing everywhere, adding a pop of color wherever you spot it and serving as a reminder of the beauty of nature. It is a flower that represents health and hospitality. When you see one of these blooms, it often evokes feelings of happiness and a care-free existence, which can translate into your body art. Whether you want to honor the state of Hawaii or love the flower, this is a great tattoo for passionate men.
19. Traditional Flower Tattoo
A traditional tattoo is a blanket term for a series of artwork defined by its bold colors and thick lines. Specific images are favored, including a skull, an anchor, and the rose. The technique is incredibly eye-catching and makes even the most simple designs come to life. Although certain methods are typical for traditional tattooing, that doesn’t mean you can’t work with your chosen artist to create something unique to you.
20. Flower of Life Tattoo
If you frequently find yourself contemplating life and its beauty, then a flower of life tattoo is a great option. The image represents a cycle and enlightenment and is often designed using a collection of concentric circles. That said, more modern approaches have played around with the designs, creating intricate patterns. It is a symbol associated with magic and mystery and is believed to hold the world’s secrets within it. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure you get a skilled tattoo artist who can make a beautiful, detailed design for you. It is also advisable to get this piece inked somewhere that is large enough to allow for detail.
21. Watercolor Flower Tattoo
The watercolor tattoo technique is among the most beautiful styles to use when getting a tattoo. The ink is blended, making it look like a painting, and it comes to life against your skin. This technique is increasing in popularity because of how striking the result is, and it looks perfect when using natural subjects like flowers or animals. The only downside to this body art is that these bold pieces tend to fade faster and need to be retouched more frequently because of the lack of strong black outlines.
22. Small Flower Tattoo
Regardless of whether you’re getting your first tattoo or tenth, you can’t go wrong with a small tattoo design. They are so incredibly versatile that you can ink them anywhere, including your finger or behind your ear. They also tend to cost less and require a much shorter time to complete, causing less discomfort no matter what location you choose to get it inked on. The beauty of flower designs is that there is so much variety in both subject matter and technique. Pick a rose to show you’re passionate or a poppy for patriotism; the choice is yours!
23. Simple Flower Tattoo
Something is appealing about simplistic tattoos. Perhaps it is how effortlessly cool they are, or it could be that you don’t have to commit to hours in the tattoo studio to have it completed. Regardless, an inking that focuses on basic shapes and lines with little shading is great for someone who prefers a minimalist approach in life. This simple option is just as meaningful and lends itself well to various designs and sizes. It is also a nice way to ease into body art, so it is often preferred as a first piece.
24. Butterfly and Flower Tattoo
Butterflies represent freedom, beauty, and transformation. The insect is one of the most popular images to get tattooed because they are visually striking, and there are many species to choose from, but also because it is so rich in symbolism. Butterflies are often designed with other natural elements, but this can be for more reason than to look good. When combined with a flower, it can take on even more meaning. For example, a butterfly and a magnolia would also add the ideas of endurance and innocence.
25. Skull and Flower Tattoo
The skull is a universally recognized symbol and is often associated with death, mortality, and strength. When combined with a flower, it seems to take on a more positive meaning, for example, the balance between life and death or new beginnings and rebirth. The two images are often inked together, and depending on your chosen flower, the meanings can vary. A rose and a skull tattoo, for example, could represent the struggle between good and bad or beauty and ugliness.
26. Lion Flower Tattoo
A lion tattoo is a popular inking choice because he is the king of the jungle, a fearsome and respected animal. The mighty beast represents strength, dominance, and courage and is a fantastic option for a man to get tattooed. When combined with a flower, though, it can take on a more gentle meaning, symbolizing the balance between beauty and power of masculine and feminine energies. Alternatively, your chosen bloom can be used as a filler for a sleeve tattoo or simply to create a more detailed piece.
27. Tribal Flower Tattoo
Tribal tattoos refer to a specific style of body art, which often has deep cultural significance and is a way for an individual to honor their heritage. From Celtic to African, there is a wide range of inspirations. Some of the more well-known techniques come from Hawaii and Polynesia. These styles are usually heavy on black ink and have recurring images of nature, including flowers. A more modern approach could be inspired by the traditional technique and expand upon it to make it unique, adding a bright bloom that has meaning for you. It is worth noting that before getting any tribal-inspired design, you should do your research to avoid being insensitive to the culture.
28. Geometric Flower Tattoo
Geometric tattoos are created with lines and shapes which together form intricate and beautiful designs. One of the most popular approaches to this technique is to use natural elements, including flowers, because they are so versatile, giving the wearer multiple variations to choose from. As for what this piece represents? It is commonly associated with beauty and life, but each design will take on a different meaning, depending on your chosen bloom.
29. Flower Heart Tattoo
A flower and a heart tattoo are a lovely choice for a passionate and romantic man, and there are many different interpretations of how to create your body art. You could turn your chosen blooms into a heart shape or have the two images featured side by side. Combining these two symbols can mean many things; a heart and a rose could represent intense love, whereas a heart and a daisy could honor someone who has passed. Don’t be afraid to get creative with this option, designing something that holds special importance to you.
30. Birth Flower Tattoo
If you want a tattoo that symbolizes the month you, or a loved one, was born in but feel the zodiac images are not to your liking, then why not pick a birth flower? Each month of the year, there is a different bloom, each with its unique symbolism; it is the rose for June while February is violet, and December is Holly. If you want more than one flower, you could get one for each of your children, or choose to combine your birth month with that of your romantic partners. There are so many ways to make your design special and different!
Flower TAttoos for Men FAQs
What do flower tattoos symbolize?
There are many different options when picking out a flower tattoo, each with its unique symbolism. For example, the violet represents wisdom and faithfulness, while the rose is linked to romantic love and passion. That said, in general, a flower represents beauty and life and is a fantastic choice for both men and women to get inked.
Are rose tattoos for guys?
Rose tattoos are definitely for guys. It is a popular symbol to get inked because of its rich symbolism. Depending on your chosen color, the ink also takes on different meanings; for example, red is for love and passion, while yellow is for friendship and black is for sorrow and grief. There are also many different styles and techniques to choose from, and the bloom can be combined with various images such as a skull or a crown.
Can guys have flower tattoos?
Many people think that flower tattoos are feminine, and they can be, but they are also a popular choice for men. The rich symbolism that each bloom has is appealing to both men and women, but you can also combine various images to create a more masculine appearance to your tattoo. For example, a skull and rose, or a poppy on a battlefield. Other men may prefer their chosen floral design to be more of a filler and use it in a sleeve tattoo.
What are the most popular tattoos for guys?
There are many great tattoos for men, with some of the most popular, including a skull, lion, dragon, and an owl. Tribal tattoos and line art, and traditional and geometric styles are also commonly inked by men.
What flower tattoo represents strength?
The lotus is a commonly associated flower with endurance and new beginnings, enlightenment, and beauty. The Gladiolus, or sword lily as it is sometimes referred to because of its shape, represents strength and honor.
What flower tattoo symbolizes family?
If you want a tattoo that symbolizes family, then you will be drawn to the gladiolus. Several other blooms can be inked to honor loved ones; these include daisy, forget-me-nots, the rose, and the poppy.
Cailyn Cox holds a degree in journalism and has been working with The Trend Spotter as a writer for over ten years. She has worked with some of the most prestigious women’s and men's lifestyle publications. For her, writing is not just a job; it’s a passion, which is why each article she writes is approached with such enthusiasm and dedication. She has extensive knowledge of hairstyles, tattoos, and beauty and has made a career out of creating informative articles that appeal to women and men of all ages.
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