Here’s The Flower You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
Today’s article is a fun exploration of Myers-Briggs® and how (I think) the 16 personality types would show up if they were flowers. I have several email subscribers who are florists and gave me this idea, so thank you to them for sparking this fun concept!
I have to admit that at first I had no idea how I would choose a flower for each type, but as I researched the history and meaning of various flowers I found an abundance of information I didn’t expect. Floral symbols are scattered throughout poetry and songs, and over the centuries they have become a major part of myths, legends, and even religious symbolism. By the early nineteenth century the “Language of Flora” was an elegantly refined system, especially in America and the United Kingdom, where books listing flower meanings and illustrating them with verse were ongoing bestsellers.
There is a language, little known,
Lovers claim it as their own.
Its symbols smile upon the land,
Wrought by nature’s wondrous hand;
And in their silent beauty speak,
Of life and joy, to those who seek
For Love Divine and sunny hours
In the language of the flowers.
–The Language of Flowers, Margaret Pickston, 1875
Not sure what your personality type is? Try out our most highly recommended personality questionnaires:
- You can take our free personality questionnaire here
- You can take Personality Hacker’s personality questionnaire.
- You can take the official Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® for $49.95
This article contains an affiliate link to a questionnaire on Personality Hacker. If you purchase one of their courses, I get a small kickback that I can use to pay for hosting and other demands of this site. I only recommend courses I love.
Here’s the Flower You’d Be, Based On Your Myers-Briggs® Personality Type
INFJ – The Night-Blooming Cereus
As one of the rarest personality types in the world, INFJs must be represented by an equally rare flower! The Night-Blooming Cereus, nicknamed ‘Queen of the Night’, blooms only once per year. People travel from all over the world to witness this truly breathtaking sight. Just like the Night-Blooming Cereus, INFJs are enigmatic and mysterious. They tend to be thoughtful and introspective, spending much time alone. It’s only when they feel comfortable in their own skin that they emerge with insight and empathy that can’t help but captivate those around them! Then they will retreat back into their shells, recharging and preparing to bloom once more.
Discover more about INFJs: How INFJs Say “I Love You”
INTJ – Rue
According to The Language of Flowers, Rue symbolizes clear vision and fresh starts. This flowering herb is also known for its hardiness and its effective use in medicinal remedies. The Greeks regarded this herb as a remedy to magic, and in the Middle Ages it was considered a powerful defense against witches and evil spells. Why did I pick this flower for INTJs? Because as Introverted Intuitives, INTJs fixate on developing a vision and foreseeing patterns and possibilities. Just as Rue was considered protection from unwanted spells, INTJs dislike being influenced or manipulated by anyone. Plus the hardiness and effectiveness of Rue resembles the effective, visionary nature of the INTJ type.
Discover more about INTJs: The Underrated Kindness of the INTJ Personality Type
ENFJ – Angelica
Angelica flowers are a sign of inspiration and hope. The word angélica comes from Middle Latin, but is rooted in Greek meaning ‘messenger’ or ‘angel.’ These beautiful blooms are famously associated with the Archangels that brings love, authority, and balance in times of crisis. I picked this flower for ENFJs because they have a drive to inspire people and bring them a vision of a better, more hopeful future. And as intuitives, ENFJs are often messengers of a brighter future and often bring leadership and harmony during moments of chaos and conflict.
Find out more about the ENFJ: A Look Inside the ENFJ Mind
ENTJ – Blue Star
Blue Stars symbolize determination, endurance, and strength. These stars have a unique hue that changes from blue to purple depending on the light. I chose this flower for ENTJs because their strong determination and focus are what helps them to achieve success in life. Decisive and strong-willed, they strive to bring their dreams to fruition no matter what challenges they face. Plus, the changing color of the petals reflects their ability to adapt and thrive in any environment.
Discover more about the ENTJ: How ENTJs Say “I Love You”
INFP – Lotus
Lotus blooms represent enlightenment, renewal, and rebirth. I chose this flower for INFPs because of their unwavering commitment to their values and their ability to imagine new beginnings. Even in moments of despair, INFPs have the capacity to visualize beautiful possibilities for the future. They are often seen as dreamers and poets, staying true to their ideals even when the world seems more and more corrupt. While many other types change based on the struggles they face in the outside world, INFPs strive to be true to themselves and unchanged by external influences.
Find Out More About INFPs: 24 Signs That You’re an INFP, the Dreamer Personality Type
INTP – Clematis
These bright blooms represent mental beauty and ingenuity. I chose this flower for INTPs because of their unique ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to complex problems. When faced with a challenge, INTPs will often approach it from an analytical perspective and use their critical thinking skills to come up with a solution that others may have overlooked.
Find Out More About INTPs: How INTPs Say “I Love You”
ENFP – Bird of Paradise
These bright and exotic blooms represent joy, creativity, and transformation. I chose this flower for ENFPs because they strive to bring people together and inspire them. The Bird of Paradise flower represents transformation and ENFPs love to explore new options and changes. They are also known for their positive outlook on life, which is reflected in this flower’s bright colors. The drive to explore new possibilities and find creative fulfillment is what make ENFPs stand out, just like this tropical flower.
Find Out More About ENFPs: The Courage of the ENFP Personality Type
ENTP – Hollyhock
Hollyhock flowers represent ambition, intelligence, and the passage of time. I chose this flower for ENTPs because of their sharp intellect and quick wit. People with this personality ype are always looking for ways to push boundaries and express original ideas. The hollyhock reflects this adventurous spirit as it pushes the limits of nature with its unique colors and tall stems. Additionally, the hollyhock flower is a symbol of transformation and growth, which reflects ENTPs’ ability to continually reinvent themselves as they explore different possibilities.
Find Out More About ENTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ENTP, the Trailblazer Personality Type
ISFJ – Violet
The Violet flower symbolizes grace, faithfulness, and watchfulness. I chose this flower for ISFJs because of their loyal and caring nature. ISFJs are often seen as the guardians of their communities, looking out for those around them and providing practical help when needed. Just as violets symbolize watchfulness, ISFJs are devoted to creating security, stability, and keeping an eye on details. They take their responsibilities seriously and are often the first to lend a helping hand when someone is in need.
Find out more about ISFJs: ISFJs and Their Romantic Compatibility with Every Myers-Briggs Personality Type
ISTJ – Iris
The Iris flower symbolizes wisdom, faithfulness, and courage. I chose this flower for ISTJs because of their practical attitude and unwavering commitment to their responsibilities. ISTJs value wisdom gained through life experience, and their grounded outlook makes them a source of strength when life seems chaotic. While they may appear reserved and traditional, they have the courage to stand up for what they believe in and will stay true to their values in any situation.
ESFJ – Cosmos
The Cosmos flower symbolizes order, harmony, and beauty. I chose this flower for ESFJs because of their ability to create balance in a chaotic world. They have an innate understanding of what people need in a community and have a desire to bring people together. ESFJs are known for their ability to find common ground and foster meaningful relationships— qualities that the Cosmos flower exemplifies. Organized and friendly, ESFJs bring people together with their warmth and down-to-earth charm.
ESTJ – Tiger Lily
The Tiger Lily represents confidence, wealth, and nobility. I chose this flower for ESTJs because of their natural leadership ability. They are known for their strong work ethic and determination to see a task through to the end. ESTJs are reported to be the second-highest earners of all personalities, right behind ENTJs. This affluence is evidenced in The Tiger Lily’s grand and majestic look. With a take-charge attitude, ESTJs have what it takes to lead a team and reach new heights of success.
ISFP – Columbine
This uncommon flower symbolizes aspiration, resolution, faith, and peace. I chose this flower for ISFPs because of their ability to stay true to themselves despite what life throws at them. Although sensitive on the inside, ISFPs are known for their strength and courage in difficult times—qualities which are exemplified in the Columbine flower. With a creative spirit and an individualistic, gentle countenance, ISFPs are never afraid to take the road less traveled.
Find out more about ISFPs: How ISFPs Say “I Love You”
ISTP – Valerian
Valerian stems from the Latin word valere, which means “to be strong.” This flower symbolizes readiness, strength, and courage. I chose this flower for ISTPs because of their independent nature and resourcefulness. People with this personality type are often described as daring explorers who aren’t afraid to risk it all in an adventure. With a focus on problem-solving, ISTPs use logic to make sense of their surroundings and be ready for any challenge that might come their way.
Find Out More About ISTPs: 24 Signs That You’re an ISTP, the Vigilante Personality Type
ESFP – Blazing Star
Joy, bliss, and happiness are the core meanings of the Blazing Star flower. I chose this flower for ESFPs because of their tendency to find opportunity and fun everywhere they go. While, like any personality type, they have their bad days, ESFPs tune into the moment and see beauty in details that others may overlook. It’s their spirit of adventure and appreciation for the present that makes them a beacon of light in any situation.
ESTP – Nasturtium
The Nasturtium flower is a symbol of victory, conquest, and zest for life. I chose this flower for ESTPs because of their passion, enthusiasm and drive to succeed. They are natural risk-takers who jump at the opportunity to take on new challenges and explore the world around them. With a competitive edge, they are always ready to take on a new project and push themselves to the limit. ESTPs approach life with a sense of adventure, and the Nasturtium flower is the perfect representation of that.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Did you enjoy this article? Do you have any insights, comments, or questions? Let us know in the comments! Discover more about your personality type in our eBooks, Discovering You: Unlocking the Power of Personality Type, The INFJ – Understanding the Mystic, The INTJ – Understanding the Strategist, and The INFP – Understanding the Dreamer. You can also connect with me via Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
References:
The Language of Flowers by Margaret Pickston
Old Farmer’s Almanac – Flower Meanings
85 Flowers with Surprising Meanings
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Want to discover more about personality type? Get the inside scoop with Susan Storm on all things typological, along with special subscriber freebies, and discounts on new eBooks and courses! Join our newsletter today!
I LOVE THE BUTTERFLY
Hello Storm thank you for sharing your rays of 💐 Flowers. I felt I was connected with numerous flowers you presented. We all have a connection and beautiful shine which shows how we glow in Life. Keep those Guardians ways and Super Power Angelic angles so we Glow.
As an enthusiast for both MBTI and flowers, I love this article! The flower choices are on point, especially the night blooming cereus for INFJs such as myself. Thank you the thought that was put into the selection of flowers as well. I was concerned I’d see your run of the mill list of flowers- roses, daisies, tulips, carnations etc which are all beautiful but there are so many more stunning varieties of blooming buds!
Thank you Elle! I was worried that my flower choices were going to be too unpopular but I’m glad you actually appreciated that. I felt like Rose (love) was too broad to apply to any specific type. The same for daisy (innocence). I was really trying to find flowers that had meanings that felt more specific and particular to one individual type. Thanks again!
I love the exploration of ideas in this article which is a generally unnoticed intersection of my many interests. This INTP approves the choice of Clematis, but I suggest that Passionflower takes the theme one step further.
THE WAY MY FAVORITE FLOWER IS HOLLYHOCK AND I’M AN ENTP… Man I really labeled myself huh-
*Well said. Absolutely love this and the selection of captivating flower species. And as a INFJ myself, love the pick on the flower. Job well done.
I like the flower of enfp though i thought there was a rose here. Labeling the rose here on the mbtis will be impossible cuz everyone has love, do they not?
The images you found are beautiful!
I adored the article and the flowers as well as the meanings and how you connected then with the personalities…. But I must say I was a little sad at the end for I am and INTJ and my flower was the only one which wasn’t there … 😅
Oh dear, I am blind. I had reread it to check but yet I still didn’t see it until now that I was rereading it once again, I’m sorry for the comment.
Interesting list. I personally feel that I’m best represented by a thistle. It’s my favorite color (purple), it grows in hot climates (which I love), and it has thorns for protection.
I don’t agree. Give me back my irises and live. lol Though the Valerian is more useful, the iris survives the cold of Alaska and the heat of Arizona and so have I.