Sending your mum flowers on Mother’s Day is a classic way to show her that you care.
It’s hard to imagine even the most discerning of mums turning their nose up at a big bunch of beautiful blooms.
That said, while always lovely, we have noticed that Mother’s Day flowers have got a little, well, predictable. Roses, tulips, lilies, carnations and chrysanthemums are the go-tos, usually in a familiar palette of soft pastel colours, but not all mums share the same taste, and some may even find the traditional, classically “feminine” choice a bit boring.
Yes, those timeless flowers are go-tos for good reason, but your gift will feel much more personal if you consider your mum, rather than everybody else’s. She’ll notice if you’ve thoughtfully picked a bouquet that feels very “her”, rather than the first one you saw. Fortunately, there are plenty of overlooked varieties that florists love, from the striking and sculptural to the wild and whimsical, and many of them feature within our own stunning range.
Below, you’ll find our pick of the underrated Mother’s Day flowers that will earn you extra brownie points come Sunday 15 March. Ready to take your mum by surprise in the best possible way? Read on…
Calla Lily
Elegant, sculptural and less widely used than other varieties of lily, calla offers a quietly striking alternative for a Mother’s Day bouquet. Tailor-made for discerning, stylish mums who favour show-stopping stems, it features a single, glossy spathe that curves with almost architectural precision. Minimalist in style and available in everything from hot pink and orange to soft blush and cream, a gift of calla lilies is an elevated, modern gesture that retains the rich symbolism of motherhood, devotion, purity and enduring love that has long been associated with the lily family.
Daffodils
The humble daffodil is a bright and beautiful choice for a Mother’s Day bouquet, and sustainably seasonal too, yet it’s often overlooked as a gift idea. Though more commonly linked to spring gardens than bouquets, its trumpet-shaped blooms and sunshine yellow colour bring a joyful optimism that few flowers can rival. As one of the first flowers to emerge after winter, the daffodil symbolises renewal, hope and new beginnings – all sentiments that are sure to lift any mum’s mood. To spoil her as she deserves, treat her to a huge bunch of 100 daffodils for a fabulous floral surprise.
Ranunculus
If you know your mum loves roses and peonies, consider the less ubiquitous, more modern ranunculus as a thoughtful alternative. Similarly soft, delicate and romantic, it features layer upon layer of crêpe-like petals, tightly packed into a satisfying swirl. Despite its refined appearance, ranunculus has a fun, playful side, thanks to its wide-ranging colour palette – from deep, velvety burgundy and rich plum tones to punchy coral, apricot and buttery yellow, there’s a shade to suit every personality and style. It adds texture, depth and intricacy to any bouquet – perfect for celebrating a mum who appreciates beauty with a twist.
Protea
If your mum isn’t one for convention, then protea, the national flower of South Africa, is guaranteed to impress her. This scene-stealing species features large, woody heads of miniature florets usually packed into fiery-coloured, flame-shaped bracts. It represents strength, courage and resilience due to its ability to thrive in tough conditions – a fitting tribute for the amazing women who do so much for us. Best of all, protea boasts an impressive vase life of up to three weeks, making it a gift that keeps on giving long after the chocolates have disappeared.
Hydrangea
With its bountiful, cloud-like clusters of flowers, hydrangea offers generous abundance in a sophisticated way. Found in shades ranging from delicate blush and powder blue to ethereal white and zingy green, it lends a gentle, romantic quality that feels far from formulaic. Symbolically associated with gratitude, understanding and heartfelt emotion, hydrangea carries a depth of meaning that’s well-suited to Mother’s Day.
Better still, if your mum has a creative flair, she’ll appreciate the fact that the hydrangea is one of the best flowers to dry. Its petals naturally develop a parchment-like texture as they age, as well as deepening in colour to muted, vintagey tones (think dusty rose, rich teal or ivory). Either leave it to dry in the vase or hang it upside down for a lasting keepsake to enjoy for months.
Iris
Painterly iris, with its watercolour-esque purple and yellow flowers, is named after the Greek goddess who used rainbows as pathways for delivering messages between gods and mortals. This serene bloom is also associated with the afterlife, because Iris helped transport female souls to heaven, which is why you’ll often see them laid upon the graves of Greek women. Too sombre for Mother’s Day? The iris denotes power in Egypt, thanks to Ancient Egyptians attributing the qualities of faith, valour and wisdom to its three petals and using them to decorate pharaohs' staffs. Meanwhile, the fleur-de-lis, the French royal symbol, is believed to be inspired by its fan shape – how apt for an effortlessly chic mum.
Lisianthus
Often mistaken for roses, lovely lisianthus gives arrangements an airy, romantic feel with its gently ruffled petals. In a palette of creamy whites, blush pinks, lilacs and deep purples, it blends effortlessly with other seasonal blooms while still holding its own as a focal flower. Its long, slender stems add graceful height and movement to a bouquet and, with proper care, it can outlast many other cut flowers in a vase.
Beyond its looks, lisianthus carries a heartfelt meaning, symbolising appreciation and thankfulness – fitting for honouring a mother or maternal figure.
Anemone
Strikingly graphic with its bold, black centre and perfectly-formed petals, make the anemone your star player. Its name is derived from the Greek for “daughter of the wind”, and it features in famous paintings by the likes of Matisse, Monet and Van Gogh, making it a top pick for arty, nature-loving mums. Though supposedly born from the tears of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, as she mourned her handsome mortal lover, Adonis, our favourite anemone myth comes from English and Irish folklore and tells of fairies sleeping within its cup-shaped petals, which close up at night. That’s why pictures of fairies are often surrounded by anemones in their common colours of white, red, pink, purple and blue.
Orchid
Though more commonly gifted as potted plants (we have plenty in our range), don’t rule out orchids as cut flowers. Exotic and scene-stealing by nature, Jay Gatsby’s favourite bloom will ramp up the drama and luxe factor of any bouquet and guarantee your mum compliments. Not only aesthetically superior, orchids are also exceptionally long-lasting, usually staying fresh for up to three weeks.
The orchid represents strength and admiration – two qualities many of us associate with our mothers – and the Victorians considered it a symbol of rare beauty. In short, it’s a five-star-feeling tribute for any mum deserving of a special treat.
Freesia
Everyone loves a flower that smells as well as looks divine, and freesia (particularly the red and pink varieties) is best known for its sweet, room-filling fragrance. It’s nicknamed ‘ballerina’ on account of its dainty shape, and is especially popular at springtime. Danish botanist Christian P. Ecklon named freesia after his fellow botanist friend, Dr Freese, as a symbol of their friendship, making it a charming option for any mum who you also consider a best friend. Just one word of warning: don’t mix freesias and daffodils, as the latter releases a substance that will make the former wilt faster. They don’t like competition!
Scabiosa
Known as the pincushion flower, this little frilly gem of a bloom will delight any mum who prefers a relaxed, garden-picked aesthetic. It adds movement and a slightly wild, whimsical vibe, giving your bouquet an on-trend, untamed feel that free-spirited mums will love. Symbolically, it represents affection and peace – just steer clear of the darkest shades, which are linked to destructive love and mourning. Scabiosa works beautifully in mixed arrangements, adding interest without stealing the spotlight – much like the understated heroes our mothers so often are.
Surprise your mum with flowers that stand out from the crowd this Mother’s Day. Preorder from our luxurious range today, with special offers available.
Loading...