Pick the Right Bouquet for Mom
Updated: Apr. 06, 2011
Flowers on Mother’s Day? Of course! But instead of heading to your local florist to purchase the usual prearranged bouquet, consider these alternatives to make this year’s ensemble special and unique… just like Mom.
The Unique: Azaleas
If your mom is interested in cultural traditions, the azalea flower might be the perfect addition to her bouquet. Aside from being a renowned Chinese symbol for womanhood, the azalea flower is also celebrated annually by cultures all over the world for its beauty and association with love. These unique looking flowers are grown in many countries and can usually be found at your local florist.
The Exotic: Day Lilies
Similar to azaleas, day lilies are an Asian emblem for mothers. The day lily is famous for its beautiful appearance and symbolic association with motherhood. Because they come in a variety of bright colours, including vivid oranges and yellows, you can find one that is best suited to your own mother at just about any florist shop.
The Nurturer: Bluebells
If calm, soothing and delicate are traits that describe your mother, then the bluebell flower is a good choice for her arrangement. Bluebell flowers bloom in April and May of each year – just in time for Mother’s Day. Their soft blue colour and pretty shape have come to represent humility and constancy; traits your mother tried to instill in you, no doubt.
The Cheerful: Gerbera Daisies
Nothing says cheerful quite like the gerbera daisy flower. If your mom tends to radiate happiness, gerbera daisies are a sure choice for her bouquet. They are renowned for their robust flowering heads that closely resemble sunflowers. While they have come to symbolize innocence, purity and beauty, the gerbera primarily represents cheerfulness, stemming from its welcoming appearance and many bright colour variations.
The Constant: Camellias
If your mother prefers plants as opposed to bouquets, the long lasting camellia plant is a wonderful option. Camellia plants are native to China, Japan, and South East Asia. They come in a variety of rich and vivid colours and give off a light, delicate fragrance. Camellias are believed to represent longevity and gratitude, making them a perfect way to say thank you to your mom.
The Fun Loving: Tulips
If your mom is a light-hearted, easy-going person, the tulip flower definitely belongs in her bouquet. With a fresh, happy looking appearance, no flower says spring quite like tulips. They have come to represent comfort, coziness and above all happiness, making them an ideal gift for Mother’s Day.
The Favourite: Carnations
It’s no surprise that when people think of Mother’s Day flowers carnations come to mind. Mother’s Day initially became a national holiday in the U.S. due to the campaigning of a woman named Anna Jarvis. During her tireless efforts, Anna sent 500 white carnations to her local church for the mothers in attendance, and the tradition was born. Carnations have since come to signify purity, faith, love, beauty and charity; all traits thought to represent the virtues of motherhood.
The Classic: Roses
If all else fails, you can always turn to roses. If your mother is very traditional, roses might be the best option for her. While red roses are traditionally associated with romantic love, a lighter red or deep pink colour denotes gratitude and appreciation. In addition, yellow roses are believed to represent a caring nature, while white roses are associated with purity and brightness. Considering their meaning, any combination of these spring-time coloured roses would make the perfect Mother’s Day bouquet for your more traditional mom.
