At the semi-centennial banquet of the parent chapter of Beta Theta Pi at Miami University in June 1889, the rose was chosen as their fraternity flower. Beta Theta Pi was the first fraternity to select a floral emblem, but later in the same year, Delta Theta Delta selected the pansy.

At the 1891 Convention, chairman W. F. Faegin recommended the selection of a Fraternity flower, flag, and cheer. The white carnation symbolizes love and luck, which aligns with the fraternal love Phi Delta Theta brothers share. Presenting white carnations to someone conveys the message of pure love and prosperous life, the perfect flower to describe a brotherhood that lasts forever.