Mother's Day flowers: a florist's stocking guide
Before Mother's Day (Chinese mainland, United States, Japan), carnation, lily, rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal; stock up about 21 days ahead. Dates and order-by dates for 2026–2028.
- Market
- Chinese mainland, United States, Japan
- Flowers affected
- Carnation, Lily, Rose
- Typical price
- 1.5–2.5× normal wholesale
- Stock up
- 21 days ahead
Dates and order-by dates
| Year | Date | Start stocking by |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026-05-10 | 2026-04-19 |
| 2027 | 2027-05-09 | 2027-04-18 |
| 2028 | 2028-05-14 | 2028-04-23 |
How people buy for it
The second Sunday of May in the United States, China, Japan and many other countries (the UK's Mothering Sunday falls in March instead). Carnations are the emblem: pink and red for mothers who are living, while white traditionally honours a mother who has died. Roses, lilies and hydrangeas fill out mixed bouquets.
The flowers that surge
What the surge does to material cost
If the affected flowers make up the share of a design's material cost shown below, a 1.5–2.5× surge raises the whole design's material cost by:
| Affected flowers as share of material cost | At 1.5× | At 2.5× |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | +20% | +60% |
| 60% | +30% | +90% |
| 80% | +40% | +120% |
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
- Lily is highly toxic to cats — swap it for homes with cats.
- Lily pollen stains clothing — remove the anthers before delivery.
- Rose lasts about 5–7 days: lock in prices early, but do not make up arrangements too far ahead.
- For Chinese, Japanese and Korean clients avoid 4 stems (it sounds like "death"); for Japanese clients also avoid 9.
FAQ
When is Mother's Day in 2026, 2027, 2028?
2026: 2026-05-10; 2027: 2027-05-09; 2028: 2028-05-14 (Chinese mainland, United States, Japan).
Which flowers get more expensive before Mother's Day, and by how much?
Carnation, Lily, Rose wholesale prices typically run 1.5–2.5× normal.
How far ahead should florists stock up for Mother's Day?
About 21 days ahead — around 2026-04-19 for 2026 — and quote at holiday prices.
What can florists offer instead of the flowers that surge before Mother's Day?
Instead of carnation: orchids (cut), heliconia, bird of paradise, calla lily; Instead of lily: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, heliconia; Instead of rose: gerbera daisy, calla lily, lisianthus, orchids (cut).
Other holidays for the same flowers
Valentine's DayChinese New YearWomen's DayWhite DayQingmingParents' Day520 (May 20)QixiTeachers' Day