Chinese New Year flowers: a florist's stocking guide
Before Chinese New Year (Chinese mainland), orchids (cut), pussy willow, peach blossom, lily, bamboo wholesale prices typically run 1.5–3× normal; stock up about 30 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.
- Market
- Chinese mainland
- Flowers affected
- Orchids (cut), Pussy willow, Peach blossom, Lily, Bamboo
- Typical price
- 1.5–3× normal wholesale
- Stock up
- 30 days ahead
Dates and order-by dates
| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026-02-17 | 2026-01-18 |
| 2027 | 2027-02-06 | 2027-01-07 |
| 2028 | 2028-01-26 | 2027-12-27 |
How people buy for it
New Year flowers are bought in the two weeks before New Year's Eve: potted and cut orchids, pussy willow (whose name sounds like "silver stays"), peach blossom in the south, bamboo and narcissus. Red and gold dominate, and white on its own is avoided. Wholesale markets close over the holiday, so the selling window ends on New Year's Eve.
The flowers that surge
| Flower | Role | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orchids (cut) | Focal flower | 10–21 days | Year-round | Light | ✓ ASPCA non-toxic |
| Pussy willow | Branch | 14–30 days | Winter, Spring | None | — |
| Peach blossom | Branch | 5–10 days | Spring | Light | — |
| Lily | Focal flower | 7–10 days | Year-round | Strong | ⚠ toxic to cats |
| Bamboo | Branch | 14–30 days | Year-round | None | — |
What the surge does to material cost
If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–3× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:
| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 3× |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | +20% | +80% |
| 60% | +30% | +120% |
| 80% | +40% | +160% |
Alternatives that are not priced up
Flowers with the same role that are available at this time of year and not on this holiday's surge list — the basis for a "holiday-proof" option:
What florists should know
- Peach blossom lasts about 5–10 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.
FAQ
When is Chinese New Year in 2026, 2027, 2028?
2026: 2026-02-17; 2027: 2027-02-06; 2028: 2028-01-26 (Chinese mainland).
Which flowers get more expensive before Chinese New Year, and by how much?
Orchids (cut), Pussy willow, Peach blossom, Lily, Bamboo wholesale prices typically run 1.5–3× normal.
How far ahead should florists stock up for Chinese New Year?
About 30 days ahead — around 2026-01-18 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.
What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Chinese New Year?
Instead of orchids (cut): carnation, lisianthus, heliconia, calla lily; Instead of pussy willow: pine, red-twig dogwood, holly, plum blossom; Instead of peach blossom: pine; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, rose, lisianthus; Instead of bamboo: pine, holly, red-twig dogwood, plum blossom.