Here’s the Flower You’d Be, Based On Your Enneagram Type

You know that feeling when someone tries to fit you into a neat little box? Like, “Oh, you’re a Type 2? You must love baking cookies for everyone and sacrificing your sanity for ungrateful people.” Uh, no. We humans are all way more nuanced than that. But it is fun connecting something totally random to type. I mean, if I couldn’t do that, I wouldn’t have a blog at all!  So in true Psychology Junkie fashion, let’s take a look at a new metaphor… what if your Enneagram type was a flower?

I’ve always loved diving into folklore and the symbolism behind flowers, so I thought it would be fun to research the different flowers and find the perfect one for each Enneagram type. It may not be 100% scientific accuracy that you get here, but it’s a fun exploration anyway. So, let’s take a stroll through this metaphorical garden and see which bloom best captures your Enneagram quirks.

Not sure what your personality type is? Take our Enneagram questionnaire here!

🌸 Type 1 – The Perfectionist: The White Lily

Lilies have long been symbols of purity, virtue, and renewal—often appearing in religious art to represent the Virgin Mary. They’re the flowers that show up at weddings and funerals, marking both beginnings and endings with their pristine beauty. But there’s more to lilies than meets the eye. In ancient Greece, they were associated with Hera, queen of the gods, symbolizing motherhood and devotion. And in Victorian flower language? White lilies symbolized purity, innocence, and rebirth.

You, Type 1, are the lily of the Enneagram—constantly aiming for the highest standard, holding yourself (and occasionally everyone else) to ideals that feel just out of reach. Like the lily, you bring a sense of order and grace to a chaotic world. But here’s the catch—lilies are sensitive. They blossom best in carefully cultivated environments but wilt under harsh conditions. Too much self-criticism, and you risk withering under the weight of your own expectations.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Lilies have been used in herbal remedies for wound healing and skin regeneration. Their essence is also believed to calm an overactive mind and soothe feelings of guilt—perfect for a Type 1 who’s prone to that pesky inner critic.

🌹 Type 2 – The Helper: The Rose (Especially Pink or Yellow)

As a Type 2, you are the rose. Roses have been symbols of love, devotion, and self-sacrifice for centuries. But while the red rose steals most of the limelight with its romance and drama, pink and yellow roses signify gentleness, warmth, and friendship. Pink roses speak of grace and admiration, while yellow roses are all about joy and care—exactly what you bring to the people in your life.

In mythology, roses were sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, and were believed to bloom where her tears and the blood of her lover, Adonis, fell. It’s no surprise that roses became synonymous with devotion and selfless giving. Like Aphrodite, you pour yourself into others, nurturing and supporting, even when your own roots feel a little dry. But here’s the thing—roses, for all their beauty, have thorns. They protect themselves when necessary, a quality that you sometimes forget to embrace.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Rose petals are used in aromatherapy to calm anxiety and promote emotional healing. Rose water is known to soothe inflammation and reduce stress. Just like you, roses offer comfort and care—but they also know how to guard their hearts when needed.

🌺 Type 3 – The Achiever: The Camellia

Camellias are symbols of admiration, perfection, and resilience. In Japan, they’re known as “Tsubaki,” associated with the samurai and representing devotion and grace under pressure. Camellias bloom even in the cooler months, standing tall while other flowers bow out—much like you, pushing through challenges with a steely determination that commands respect.

But here’s where it gets interesting—camellias thrive in the shade. They don’t need constant sunlight to grow, which is a quiet reminder that you don’t have to stay in the spotlight to prove your worth. Camellias bloom quietly but with power, reminding us that success doesn’t always have to be loud and exhausting. Sometimes taking a break, getting some time to just be alone with yourself, is the best recipe for success.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Camellia oil (from the seeds of the flower) is rich in antioxidants and used to nourish and protect the skin. It’s a powerful ingredient that brings strength and resilience to whatever it touches. Just like the camellia, you remind people that they can power through any hardship in pursuit of their excellence.

🌸 Type 4 – The Individualist: The Lotus

The lotus, with its roots buried deep in the mud, blooms into something pure, radiant, and untouched by the murky water below. This makes it the perfect symbol for Type 4, who seeks meaning and beauty in life’s emotional depths. In ancient Eastern traditions, the lotus represents spiritual growth and transformation—rising from the darkness to express its authentic essence. I couldn’t help but think of Enneagram 4s and how they aren’t afraid to face their own darkness to be as authentic as possible. The lotus seemed like a fitting metaphor.

Like the lotus, Type 4s often deal with a lot of tough introspection that others would shy away from. They face themselves, quirks, weaknesses, and strengths, to find out what their underlying essence really is. Even in the face of inner turmoil Fours work to emerge as something unique and fully realized. They thrive in the space between pain and beauty, drawing wisdom from their struggles and expressing it through creativity and authenticity.

🌸 Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Lotus flowers and seeds have been used in traditional medicine to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and promote emotional balance. Lotus essence is believed to encourage self-acceptance and inner peace—qualities that help Type 4s embrace their true selves without losing their grounding.

🌵 Type 5 – The Investigator: The Succulent

As a 5, you’re the succulent of the Enneagram garden—resilient, resourceful, and designed to thrive in harsh environments. In folklore, succulents symbolize endurance and timeless love—a plant that keeps on giving, even in drought. Aztec mythology even revered certain succulents for their medicinal and spiritual properties.

Like a succulent, you store what you need—knowledge, emotional reserves, energy—so you’re never caught off guard. You don’t demand much from the world because you prepare for scarcity. But here’s the catch—succulents can survive on little, but even they need some nurturing. Left too long without care, they shrivel. You may pride yourself on independence, but isolation can leave you feeling brittle and disconnected.

🌵 Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Aloe vera, a well-known succulent, has been used for centuries to heal wounds, soothe burns, and reduce inflammation. Energetically, succulents are believed to promote resilience and emotional grounding—something every Type 5 needs when they retreat into their mental fortress.

🌼 Type 6 – The Loyalist: The Iris

Iris flowers—especially the blue ones—have long been symbols of trust, loyalty, and hope. Named after the Greek goddess who served as a messenger between heaven and earth, the iris represents deep bonds and heartfelt connection. Like the iris, Type 6s are grounded in loyalty and a strong sense of duty. You value trust above all else and work tirelessly to protect the people and systems you believe in.

But there’s more to irises than their striking beauty—they’re tough, adaptive, and known to thrive in wild, unpredictable conditions. You, too, are stronger than you appear, often standing firm in chaos while quietly scanning for the next storm. And while your loyalty is legendary, it’s important to remember: you don’t have to carry the world alone.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses:
Historically, iris roots (especially orris root) have been used for clearing the air and calming the nerves. Symbolically, the iris encourages clarity, courage, and emotional grounding—an ideal match for the Type 6 mind that’s always thinking ten steps ahead.

🌷 Type 7 – The Enthusiast: The Orange Tulip

Tulips are bold, colorful, and impossible to ignore—kind of like you when you’re hyping up your friends for the next adventure. But did you know tulips also have a rich history? In the Ottoman Empire, tulips symbolized abundance and indulgence. Entire festivals were dedicated to their bloom, and at one point, tulip bulbs were so valuable that they sparked an economic craze known as “Tulip Mania” in 17th-century Holland. Yep, people literally traded fortunes for flowers.

Like tulips, you bloom fast and bright, thriving in moments of joy, novelty, and possibility. People are drawn to your energy, optimism, and spirit. But here’s the thing—tulips are seasonal. They burst onto the scene with dazzling energy, but they don’t last forever. When the thrill is gone, they retreat, leaving behind a sense of longing. You know this feeling all too well. You chase after the next big thing because staying still feels like wilting—but even tulips need to rest underground before they can bloom again.

🌷 Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Tulip petals have mild anti-inflammatory and cooling properties. In folklore, tulip essence is believed to bring balance to restless energy and restore emotional equilibrium—exactly what a Type 7 needs when they’re spinning out of control.

🌸 Type 8 – The Challenger: The Protea

Type 8, you’re the protea—bold, resilient, and impossible to overlook. Named after Proteus, the shape-shifting Greek god, this flower symbolizes transformation, courage, and strength. Proteas thrive in the harshest conditions, surviving wildfires and blooming with renewed strength in scorched landscapes. They don’t just endure adversity—they challenge it, using the flames to spark new life. Sound familiar?

Like the protea, you’re built for challenges. You don’t back down when life turns up the heat. Instead, you lean in, face it head-on, and come out stronger. You command respect because people can’t help but recognize the power and authenticity you bring. But here’s the thing—proteas, for all their toughness, are still delicate inside. Beneath your commanding presence is a heart that fiercely protects those you love, providing loyalty and devotion.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses:
Protea flowers may not be your typical healing herbs, but symbolically, they offer lessons in resilience, adaptability, and renewal. Energetically, proteas remind us to embrace transformation and stand firm in our strength while recognizing the beauty that shows up when we allow ourselves to soften and be vulnerable. For a Type 8 learning to trust and let down their guard, the protea is a powerful reminder that strength and softness can coexist.

🌾 Type 9 – The Peacemaker: The Chamomile Flower

Type 9, you gentle, calming chamomile. Chamomile isn’t flashy. It’s not here to steal the spotlight or make a scene. But what it does do? It soothes, calms, and brings peace to the restless. In ancient Egypt, chamomile was associated with Ra, the sun god, and used for healing and protection. Even the Romans relied on chamomile to ease tension after a long day of battle.

Like chamomile, you don’t need to be the loudest in the garden to make an impact. You offer a quiet, grounding presence that makes the world feel a little softer. People come to you when they need a safe space, a sense of calm when life feels chaotic. But here’s the thing—chamomile can be overused. Too much of it? And it loses its potency. When you give too much of yourself to keep the peace, you risk losing your own essence in the process.

🌾 Medicinal and Therapeutic Uses: Chamomile is renowned for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s used to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and soothe digestive issues. Energetically, chamomile promotes inner peace and emotional balance—something every Type 9 needs to maintain their equilibrium.

What Do You Think?

Do you relate to your flower? Do you have a different suggestion? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you!