Say it with Flowers this Mother’s Day

A guide to the perfect flowers for a special mother

There is no more popular Mother’s Day gift than flowers. The tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks who celebrated a version of Mother’s Day in the spring just like we do. They used to honor Rhea, “mother of the gods,” with cakes, wine and flowers ceremonially presented at dawn.

Regardless of who you are honoring, Mother’s Day is all about showing appreciation for the mother in your life and everything she does, whether she is your wife, your own mother or grandmother, or any special mother who deserves a little gratitude. Flowers are an excellent way to show appreciation and express feelings often left unspoken.

Among the ten most popular flowers given as gifts on Mother’s Day, many are included because of their special meanings which speak to Mother’s Day celebrations; however, some made the list because they are the most seasonal flowers during the first part of May, so they are fresh and in full bloom. However, today florists can find and ship almost any flower at any time of the year, so you have many choices.

If your wife or mother has a favorite flower, by all means choose that one for your bouquet. But if she doesn’t have a particular favorite, take a look at the meanings associated with these ten most popular (and seasonal) flowers and pick the one that best expresses your feelings for her.

1. Carnations - Pink carnations mean gratitude which would be a perfect sentiment for Mother’s Day, yellow carnations mean cheerful and white means remembrance, but stay away from red carnations which mean “flashy”.
2. Daffodils – Daffodils symbolize chivalry, perfect for a gentleman to give to a lady he respects.
3. Roses – Red roses mean passionate love while pink roses mean friendship.
4. Tulips - Pink tulips show you care and red ones are a declaration of love. Going a step beyond, yellow tulips mean “hopelessly in love” while white ones beg forgiveness (oh, no, not on Mother’s Day!). Purple simply stands for royalty which could be good if you treat your wife or mother like a queen.
5. Freesia – This is a flower for the “spirited”, which could describe your mother’s personality.
6. Pot chrysanthemums – White mums mean truth and red means sharing, while yellow tells someone you’re a secret admirer.
7. Iris – The iris means inspiration. Does your wife or mother inspire you with all she does? Show you’re admiration with an iris.
8. Lily – There are many different types of lilies, but the best one for mother’s day may be the Casablanca Lily that means celebration.
9. Mixed Bouquets – Mixed bouquets are the most popular arrangements, so you have the opportunity to include different flowers that express different sentiments. Choose from the blooms on the rest of the list, or her favorite flowers if you go with a mixed bouquet.
10. Foliage plants- While they don’t have a specific meaning attached to them, foliage plants last longer than flowers and will remind your wife or mother of your appreciation every day she looks at them. Some potted plants can even be transplanted to the back yard to become a permanent part of her garden.

Whatever you choose, be sure to present them in a special way. Maybe serve the bouquet up in a vase with breakfast in bed. Or, send them to her at work so everyone will see how much she is loved and appreciated on Mother’s Day. Or surprise her by sending the kids to a sitter and cook her a special dinner with the flowers serving as the centerpiece. If the gift is for your own mother, give her a kiss and say a few words about how special she is to you. It will mean a lot.