Flowers by occasion
A one-page reference for choosing flowers by occasion — romance, Mother's Day, birthdays, weddings, openings, graduation, hospital visits, sympathy and Lunar New Year — with what to avoid for each.
| Occasion | Good choices | Avoid | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Romance and Valentine's Day | Rose, Tulip, Ranunculus, Lisianthus | Four stems for East Asian recipients; lilies for homes with cats | Valentine's Day · How many flowers to give: meanings and taboos by culture |
| Mother's Day | Carnation, Rose, Lily, Hydrangea | White carnations, which traditionally honour a mother who has died | Mother's Day · Flower colour meanings across cultures |
| Birthday | Gerbera daisy, Sunflower, Rose, Lisianthus | White and yellow chrysanthemums for East Asian recipients | Birthday flowers · Birth month flowers |
| Wedding and anniversary | Rose, Peony (herbaceous), Lisianthus, Calla lily | Unremoved lily anthers; very short-lived flowers made too early | Wedding flowers by season · Wedding anniversary flowers by year |
| Business opening | Gladiolus, Anthurium, Sunflower, Bird of paradise | All-white designs; white and yellow chrysanthemums | Flowers for a business opening |
| Graduation | Sunflower, Gerbera daisy, Rose, Baby's breath | Fragile, short-lived flowers that will not survive a long ceremony | Longest-lasting cut flowers |
| Get well and hospital visits | Lisianthus, Gerbera daisy, Carnation, Statice | Strong scent, heavy pollen, potted plants in Chinese custom | Flowers for a hospital visit: what to send and avoid · Unscented and low-pollen flowers |
| Sympathy and funerals | Chrysanthemum, Lily, Carnation, Rose | Red and other celebratory colours in East Asia | Funeral and sympathy flowers: customs by culture |
| Lunar New Year | Orchids (cut), Pussy willow, Peach blossom, Narcissus (daffodil), Bamboo | Quantities of four; white or yellow chrysanthemums | Chinese New Year |
Customs vary by family and region; when unsure, ask the client.
FAQ
What flowers are appropriate for every occasion?
Pink or mixed-colour roses, lisianthus and gerberas come closest: lightly scented or unscented, long enough lasting, and free of strong cultural baggage.
What should a florist ask before taking an order?
The occasion, who it is for and their cultural background, whether they have pets, any allergy or scent sensitivity, the budget, and the delivery date.