Birthday flowers: how to get the bouquet right

Which flowers to give depending on the person

• Partner: roses if you both like the classics; if not, their favorite flower or a bunch of peonies in spring. For anniversaries there’s a separate guide to anniversary flowers.
• Mother or grandmother: carnations, pink roses, lilies or a flowering plant that lasts for weeks, such as an orchid.
• Female friend: colorful tulips, sunflowers or a cheerful mixed bouquet. Yellow is the color of friendship.
• Male friend, father or brother: sunflowers, blue flowers, a green bouquet with eucalyptus or a plant. More and more men appreciate receiving flowers.
• Coworker: a small plant or a discreet bouquet that fits on a desk.
• Children and teenagers: gerberas, colorful daisies or a bouquet with balloons. A giant sunflower always surprises.

The flower for each birth month

In the UK and the US there is a tradition of birth month flowers: each month has its flower, just like its birthstone. Giving the flower of the month someone was born in is an original touch:

Be careful with November if the person is from Spain, France or Italy: there the chrysanthemum is the cemetery flower. Better choose another seasonal flower.

Choose seasonal flowers

A bouquet of seasonal flowers is prettier, fresher, lasts longer and costs less. Check what’s available at any time on the by month pages or in the seasonal flowers table: tulips and anemones in winter, peonies and garden roses in May, sunflowers and dahlias in summer, dahlias and chrysanthemums in autumn.

Which colors work best

For a birthday, cheerful colors work: yellow (joy and friendship), orange (energy), pink (affection) and multicolored bouquets. Deep red has a romantic reading, so save it for your partner. White on its own can feel cold; better mixed. There’s more in the meaning of colors.

Tips for getting it right

1. Ask without asking: notice which flowers they have at home or on their Instagram.
2. Think about transport: if they’re celebrating at a restaurant, a small bouquet or a home delivery is more practical.
3. Add a note with a shared memory.
4. Allergies and pets: avoid mimosa for people with allergies and lilies if there are cats.

Frequently asked questions

Which flowers should you give for a birthday?

Cheerful, seasonal flowers: tulips, sunflowers, gerberas, daisies or roses in yellow, pink or orange. If you know their favorite flower, that’s the best choice.

What is my birth month flower?

According to the English-speaking tradition: January, carnation; February, violet; March, daffodil; April, daisy; May, lily of the valley; June, rose; July, larkspur; August, gladiolus; September, aster; October, marigold; November, chrysanthemum; December, narcissus or holly.

Which flowers should you give a man on his birthday?

Sunflowers, blue flowers, a green and white bouquet or a plant. Understated tones and sturdy shapes tend to go down better, although it’s best not to assume anything.

How many flowers do you give for a birthday?

There’s no rule. A medium-sized seasonal bouquet is usual; a single beautiful flower with a note also works very well.

Which flowers should you not give for a birthday?

In Spain, France or Italy, avoid chrysanthemums, which are associated with All Saints’ Day. If the person has a cat, avoid lilies, which are toxic to cats.