mother grandma and daughter in mother's day

What Are Symbolistic Flowers for Mother's Day?

Posted by Sabrina Cohen on

Every year, Mother’s Day is celebrated as a way of appreciating our mothers and maternal figures. With this, one of the most timeless gifts you can give to express your love and gratitude for your mom on Mother’s Day is a bouquet of fresh flowers. This guide will help you discover what the Mother’s Day flower is and lets you explore the different symbolism of each flower. Gives you an idea of how to choose the perfect bouquet for your Mother’s Day celebration.

What Is the Official Mother’s Day Flower?

mother's day flower

Carnations are the Mother’s Day flower. This type of flower was used by Anna Jarvis, Mother’s Day founder, back in the early 1900s. She used white carnations to celebrate the life of her late mother, and through time, carnations started being associated with this occasion. They are also symbolizing love, purity, and gratitude, which makes it the perfect Mother’s Day flower.

What are the Meanings of Different Carnation Colors?

White carnations, which are also known by the name “Mother’s Day carnations”, are most commonly used on this occasion. However, their different colors also became popular through the years. Here’s what these colors symbolize:

White carnations 

White Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: PV Productions

These carnations symbolize remembrance and admiration for mothers and mother figures. They are usually used to honor mothers who have passed away as their clean and pure color reflects undying love and respect for mothers even after they’re gone.

Pink carnations 

Pink Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Frimu Films

The Pink carnations is a representation of a mother’s undying love. They have a soft and gentle pastel color which is often associated with tenderness, gratitude, and affection. These flowers also tend to remind us of a mother's endless care and devotion towards her children and family.

Red carnations

Red Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: PV Productions 

Opposite of the white carnations, the red ones are often given to honor and celebrate living mothers. The color red gives a vibe of deep love and admiration for a mother’s great sacrifices. 

Yellow carnations 

Yellow Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Bedney Images

Yellow carnations symbolize disappointment or rejection. However, they can also convey cheerfulness when paired with other flowers. So be careful when gifting these carnations to your mom on Mother’s Day, as they might get the message wrong.

Purple carnations 

Purple Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: PV Productions

The purple carnations represent capriciousness and unpredictability. They have rich hues that suggest mystery and spontaneity. Giving to your mother is a unique choice, especially if they embrace excitement and thrill.

Orange carnations 

Orange Carnation Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Master1305

Orange carnations signify warmth, enthusiasm, and fascination. It is the perfect gift for individuals who embody this trait, such as your mom, so it is also one of the top choices for carnations during Mother’s Day.

Striped carnations 

Striped Carnations Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Mr. Sira Phol

Striped carnations express regret or a refusal of something. With this, they become a more complex choice. While they are not commonly gifted during momentous occasions such as Mother’s Day, they are still lovely flowers that give a sentimental meaning if given. 

What Are Traditional Mother’s Day Flowers?

While the carnations are declared the official Mother’s Day flower, several other flowers are also associated with this celebration. They are the following:

Roses

Roses Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Jan Noon

They are often given in shades of pink and white and symbolize love, gratitude, and appreciation.

Lilies 

Lilies Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Azer Baijan

Lilies represent purity and devotion, which makes them a heartfelt choice for moms on Mother’s Day.

Tulips 

Tulips Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Diana Grytsku

These cheerful tulip flowers are a symbol of elegance and grace. What better way to celebrate Mother's Day with songs and these flowers?

Orchids 

Orchids Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Kamran Aydinov

They are known for their exotic beauty, which symbolizes strength, love, and admiration.

Daisies

Daisies Flowers For Mother Day

Photo: Harit Anita

Daisies are a representation of innocence and cheerfulness, an ideal gift that will surely brighten a mother’s day.

How to Make the Perfect Mother’s Day Flower Arrangement

Flowers For Mother Day

There’s nothing more meaningful than gifting your mother a bouquet that is personally arranged by you. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select Fresh Flowers

Try to mix and match different types of Mother’s Day flowers. Among the best options are carnations, roses, and tulips. Use fresh blooms to ensure that the life span of the flowers is maximized and does not dry up quickly.

2. Pick a Vase or Basket 

Ensure that the container you are getting complements the flower colors and enhances the arrangement. The right one will always add elegance and beauty to the arrangement.

3. Add Greenery

Greens such as ferns, eucalyptus, or fillers such as the baby’s breath can also be added to the arrangement. These will create a fuller and more elegant look to the flowers and maximize the space of the container.

4. Arrange by Height

To create a more elegant-looking arrangement, make sure to place taller flowers in the center and shorter blooms around the edges. This technique adds visual aesthetics to the arrangement. You may also play around with its varying height to achieve your desired design.

5. Personalize It 

To make the arrangement more meaningful, finish it up by adding a heartfelt note or a ribbon in her favorite color. This will make it more emotional and sentimental.

Looking for the perfect Mother’s Day Arrangement?

Flowers are a beautiful way to express love and appreciation on Mother’s Day. Whatever type of flower you opt for, it is always much better if you know the real symbolism behind it. If you are still confused about what flowers to get and what arrangement to choose, you may visit Neroli Bloom and consult an expert florist to ensure your flower arrangement is as beautiful as your mom's!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most popular flower for Mother’s Day?

Carnations are the official flowers for Mother’s Day so it is probably the most famous ones as well, In particular, the white and pink ones are the most common types as they symbolize love and admiration.

2. Can I give flowers other than carnations for Mother’s Day?

Yes. Although the traditional flowers for Mother’s Day are carnations, flowers like roses, lilies, tulips, orchids, and daisies are also given on Mother’s Day. It all depends deeply on your mother’s preferences and the intent. 

3. What flower color should I avoid giving on Mother’s Day?

The yellow and striped carnations often symbolize negative feelings so they may not be the best choices for Mother’s Day. However, they can be combined thoughtfully with other flowers as complementaries.

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AUTHOR

Sabrina is a reputable florist in Miami, recognized for her distinctive floral arrangements. With more than four years of experience, she is committed to sharing her expertise through her blog. The topics she covers include guides for flower gifting, interesting flower facts, wedding floral arrangements, and corporate floral advice.

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