Budding romance, anniversaries, new babies, housewarming, weddings, funerals, getting well soon, birthdays, and just because, flowers serve as the perfect gift for so many occasions. However, it might not be easy to know what type of flower is most appropriate for the occasion. From expressing love or sympathy to boosting positivity or saying congratulations, flowers can do wonders and you really can’t go wrong with a fresh bouquet.
Read on for a list of popular blooms to give for special occasions:
1. Roses
Rose red is the color most associated with love, confirming that roses are the perfect gift choice for a date, anniversary, or Valentine’s Day. However, there are many shades of roses available that perfectly shows your feelings:
- White roses signify new beginnings so they’re appropriate for weddings.
- Yellow roses signify friendship.
- Peach roses represent thanks.
- Orange roses show pride so best given as congratulations for graduations.
- Pink roses represent like or appreciation so they’re best for new relationships or in gratitude.
- Lavender roses are best given in adoration of a mentor.
2. Lilies
Each different variety and shade of lily holds a different meaning. However, you will often see white calla lilies as wedding decor as they’ve come to represent purity and fertility. The sweet and innocent beauty of the lily flower has come to symbolize new beginnings and rebirth. Although the meaning of the lily can differ depending upon color:
- White lilies = new beginnings
- Pink lilies = femininity or female friendship
- Orange lilies = energy and confidence
- Yellow lilies = thanks
- Red or burgundy lilies = passion or romance
3. Tulips
The meaning behind tulip flowers varies from country to country, but in most Western cultures, this bloom most closely represents deep, unfaltering love and beauty. In some cases, yellow tulips may be given in apology, however, these new Spring blooms are most gifted to those you feel a deep, unconditional love for, such as your romantic partner, children, parents, or even siblings.
4. Sunflowers
Sunflowers have been beloved by humankind for thousands of years and are considered a “ray of sunshine,” so are commonly given to friends or loved ones when they’re feeling low and need some cheering up, such as for a “get well soon” gift. However, many see sunflowers as a sign of strength, good cheer, vitality, life force, warmth, light, and healing. Lastly, many give bouquets of the sunflower as symbols of everlasting friendship because of their bright yellow color.
5. Daisies
The gerbera daisy is a beautiful flower, with defined petals in bright colors that will brighten any day. Yet daisies as a symbol are meant to signify innocence, purity, new beginnings, and youth, which means they’re often given as a token to new moms following childbirth, for graduations, and to signify new beginnings such as engagements.
6. Orchids
Many gardeners consider orchids the most beautiful and highly valued bloom. Traditionally, orchids remain a symbol of love, rare beauty, strength, virility, and even wealth, depending on the culture. For instance, ancient Greeks often determined the gender of unborn children after eating orchid tubers. However, today, orchids are given on first dates in adoration of rare beauty and affection, as a desk plant for luck at a new job, and as a gift to new parents.
7. Carnations
There’s a good reason why carnations rival roses as a Valentine’s Day flower. This bloom is often given to convey deep love and affection. However, depending on the color, carnations can represent a mother’s devoted love for a child (yellow or orange) or a suitor’s passion for his bride (red or pink). Carnations are also a symbol of good health and luck, which is why they are the most notorious lapel bloom. White carnations are often the flower used at funerals to symbolize respect for the lives of departed ones. While carnations of all shades are often gifted to family members who live far away, in expression of a desire for people to remain close despite the distance between them.