Mother’s Day is just around the corner, a holiday that was responsible for one-fourth of all floral sales in 2015, with purchases consisting of hanging baskets, outdoor annuals and perennials, gardening supplies, and fresh-cut flowers. For those shopping for fresh-cut flowers and bouquets, they often ask floral retailers, “What kind of flowers should I get for Mother’s Day?” Whether customers are shopping for Mother’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, or those special “just because days,” florists can help provide a more meaningful shopping experience by educating customers on what each type of flower represents so they can make a more informed purchase decision for their special occasion.
Roses
As the flower most often associated with love, it is no surprise that roses are among the most popular sellers for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, and special occasions. Roses are symbols of love, beauty, passion, and devotion, and they should be given only as a serious gesture of friendship or romance. Different colors of roses, however, also bring with them nuances in meaning. Red roses are often called the “lover’s rose” for their representation of enduring love. White symbolizes innocence, purity, and humility; yellow expresses friendship and joy; pink roses represent admiration or gratitude; and purple roses demonstrate enchantment or love at first sight.
Tulips
If for any reason you do not want to give a loved one roses, tulips are also great flowers to express love and devotion. Similar to their rose counterparts, different colors of tulips have distinct meanings. Red, of course, symbolizes perfect love; yellow signifies cheerful thoughts or good luck; white expresses forgiveness; and purple represents royalty. Tulip bouquets symbolize elegance and grace, and since they are a bulb flower that returns every year, they also represent resurrection, aspiration, and determination.
Lilies
Lilies are versatile flowers with a rich history dating back to the Ancient Greeks. A symbol in Greek Mythology and Christianity, lilies represent motherhood, thereby making an excellent floral arrangement for Mother’s Day. Lilies also represent purity, chastity, virtue, remembrance, unions, and long-lasting relationships. These flowers have a strong connotation with spirituality. The diversity of lilies, including the calla lily, stargazer lily, Easter lily, and lily of the valley, make them appropriate gifts or decorations for almost any special occasion.
Freesias
A strongly scented flower, freesias are a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day. Freesias have many colors, but red and pink have the strongest aroma. These flowers have bell-shaped blooms and thin stems, causing some freesia varieties to be named Ballerina. Freesias symbolize innocence and friendship.
Orchids
Orchids are among the most coveted plants with their delicate beauty and exquisite charm. As a symbol of luxury, magnificence, strength, and splendor, orchids make great gifts for expressing love, gratitude, or appreciation.
Irises
A beautiful, whimsical flower, irises represent faith, hope, wisdom, and eloquence. Purple and blue irises are the most common, but depending on the occasion, you may want to express passion (yellow irises) or purity (white irises). Irises also make for a lovely bouquet with a combination of colors.
Gerberas
Gerberas, or gerbera daisies, are a member of the daisy family, thereby symbolizing innocence, purity, and loyal love. Gerberas specifically represent cheerfulness. These flowers come in an assortment of vibrant colors, which are not only perfect for Mother’s Day but also for brightening up anyone’s day.
Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas actually have conflicting symbolic meanings; nevertheless, they are a popular bouquet for Mother’s Day for their abundant petals and intricate shape. These flowers are said to represent heartfelt emotions and express gratitude for deep understanding. The delicate nature of hydrangeas exhibit a beautiful and graceful quality, making them appropriate gifts for a variety of occasions.