Flowers are one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts. It’s easy to pick up a bouquet from the store or send a bouquet from a delivery service, but you might not give much thought to the symbolism of the blooms you select. Here’s the meaning behind twelve of the most popular Mother’s Day flowers.
Carnations
These blooms are associated with the holiday thanks to Anna Jarvis, the woman who made Mother’s Day a celebration of mom and turned it into a national holiday. She gifted white carnations, a symbol of purity, truth and memory to all moms at her mother’s funeral, who was an activist and community builder in the post Civil War era. We recommend a bouquet that pairs red or pink carnations, a symbol of love for living moms, with other beautiful blooms, such as this one from Teleflora.
Ferns
If Mom is allergic to flowers, a lush green fern is a wonderful option. While they are hearty enough to survive indoors or outdoors, the bathroom is a great place to put them as they thrive on humidity…but they are also pet and kid-friendly air purifiers for the rest of your home. The Boston fern, the most popular indoor fern, can tolerate sunlight and looks great as a hanging plant.
Calla Lilies
Often associated with weddings and funerals, different colors and varieties of lilies carry deep meaning, making them appropriate for a range of occasions. Calla lilies specifically symbolize balance and harmony, perfect for moms who want to bring more calm into their busy lives. The strong stem represents strength and resilience, traits that all moms possess in spades.
Dahlias
In general, dahlias symbolize inner strength, positive change and commitment, as well as grace and kindness during tough times. Pink dahlias are perfect for Mother’s Day, a symbol of kindness and beauty.
Delphiniums
These vibrant violet flowers can bring cheer and the desire for fun to any household. Because they’re a symbol of youth and open-heartedness, they’re a great way to remind young at heart moms of their love. Blue delphiniums mean dignity, strength and encouragement, while pink ones are for joy, sweetness and lightheartedness.
Peonies
One of the most delicate flowers, peonies are prized for their beauty and the texture they lend to what might be a boring bouquet. Pink ones are a great traditional pick for mom, symbolizing romance, luck and prosperity. Hot pink varieties mean deep appreciation, and are a vibrant alternative to roses.
Daisies
Don’t overlook the simplicity of a daisy bouquet for Mother’s Day: This flower has a retro appeal, which can revive childhood memories as a way to thank mom for her care throughout the years.
Hyacinths
A beautifully fragrant flower, hyacinth’s blooms look just as good in mom’s garden as in a vase on her kitchen table. Plant them outdoors and wait for them to bloom in early spring, or get a bouquet of stems to bring their joyful scent indoors.
Roses
Planting a rose bush would be an ideal way to honor mom if you have the garden space. But if you don’t, a bouquet of this popular flower is a classic choice. White roses symbolize purity and new beginnings, as well as a mother’s endless love and devotion.
Orchids
Flowers are a beautiful way to show mom you care, but some people don’t love the fact that their gift isn’t always long-lasting. Though they require more care, orchids come in many colors and can live up to 20 years, a beautiful reminder of a mother’s enduring love. Bonus: they are pet friendly and suitable for moms with allergies that are especially bad in warm weather.
Tulips
One of the cheeriest signs of spring, a big bunch of tulips is the perfect way to show mom you adore her—aside from a trip to Amsterdam to look at fields of them, of course! We suggest a multicolored bouquet to show there’s no limit to your family’s love.
Potted Plants
Another symbol of lasting affection, potted plants are a great way to bring the outdoors in and remind mom of all she does year-round. You’ll want to select one that fits where you want to place it in your home—some need more light and moisture than others. Monstera plants symbolize longevity, respect and honor, a great way to honor your family’s heritage and future.
To Moms With Love
Whether you choose a classic bouquet of roses, a cheerful bundle of tulips or a lasting potted plant, the best Mother’s Day flowers are the ones given with love and appreciation. Each bloom carries its own special meaning, making it easy to find one that reflects your mom’s personality, strength and care. No matter which arrangement you select, a thoughtful floral gift is a beautiful way to celebrate the mothers and mother figures who brighten our lives every day.
