Giving flowers on Mother’s Day is a timeless tradition, offering a beautiful way to show appreciation and love. But beyond their beauty, each bloom carries its own special meaning—making your choice even more heartfelt.
So, what is the flower for Mother’s Day? While carnations are a classic pick, there are many other meaningful flowers to give on Mother’s Day depending on your mum’s personality and your message.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 types of flowers for Mother’s Day and what they symbolise—helping you choose a thoughtful floral gift that speaks straight from the heart.
1. Carnations
Carnations have long been associated with Mother’s Day, and for good reason. Known as the traditional flower for this special occasion, they symbolise a mother’s undying love, admiration, and gratitude.
Pink carnations, in particular, represent a mother’s pure affection, while white carnations honour mothers who are no longer with us. Their ruffled petals and soft appearance make them both elegant and timeless—ideal for mums who appreciate classic beauty.
As versatile as they are meaningful, carnations pair beautifully with a range of other blooms, adding texture and sentiment to any bouquet. If you're unsure where to begin, carnations are a safe and thoughtful choice that never go out of style.
Make it even more special with Golden Splendour by Windflower Florist—an exquisite arrangement where carnations are delicately paired with majestic lilies, pink roses, eustoma, and hypericum berries. It’s a floral gift bursting with grace and fragrance, perfect for celebrating the queen of your heart.
2. Roses
Roses aren’t just for romance—they’re also a heartfelt way to express love and appreciation on Mother’s Day.
Different colours convey different emotions: red for deep love, pink for admiration and gratitude, white for purity, and yellow for joy and friendship. Roses have an unmistakable beauty and fragrance that instantly elevates any floral gift, making them a favourite among mums who adore timeless elegance.
For Mother’s Day, a rose bouquet says, “I love you” in a way that’s both powerful and graceful. Whether you're gifting your own mum, grandmother, or a mother figure in your life, roses are a classic gesture of love.
Celebrate with the Rose Cuppa arrangement by Windflower Florist—a delightful pairing of cappuccino roses and classic red roses that beautifully captures affection and admiration. Chic and compact, it’s a wonderful choice for a stylish, heartfelt surprise.
3. Tulips
Tulips are a fresh and cheerful choice for Mother’s Day, symbolising perfect love, comfort, and warmth. Their simple yet striking shape makes them instantly recognisable and loved by many.
Tulips come in a variety of colours, each with its own sentiment—pink for happiness, yellow for cheer, white for forgiveness, and red for deep love.
Ideal for modern mums who appreciate minimalist beauty, tulips bring a refreshing burst of colour and joy. They’re a great way to brighten her space and her day, offering a floral gesture that’s full of charm and sincerity.
Add a sophisticated twist with Rose Quartz by Windflower Florist—a unique arrangement that pairs brownie tulips with Miyabi and red roses. It’s bold, elegant, and the perfect choice for mums who love a little mystery and style in their floral gifts.
4. Lilies
Elegant and fragrant, lilies are a popular Mother’s Day flower that symbolise purity, devotion, and renewal. Their large petals and sweet scent make them a standout bloom in any bouquet. Pink lilies, in particular, convey admiration and compassion—two perfect sentiments for celebrating the incredible women in our lives.
Lilies are perfect for mums who appreciate beauty with a sense of calm and grace. Whether gifted alone or in a mixed bouquet, they bring serenity and sophistication into the home.
Bring this beauty to life with Lily’s Garden by Windflower Florist—a vase arrangement featuring stunning pink lilies, displayed in a clear glass vase that complements any room. It’s the ideal centrepiece for her dining or coffee table, adding a peaceful touch to her Mother’s Day.
5. Orchids
Orchids exude elegance, strength, and luxury—making them a meaningful Mother’s Day flower for mums who appreciate refined beauty.
With their symmetrical blooms and long-lasting nature, orchids are often seen as a symbol of resilience, femininity, and grace. In Asian cultures, orchids are especially admired for their beauty and association with prosperity and dignity.
Cymbidium orchids, with their bold colours and exotic appearance, make a memorable floral gift that stands out from the rest. They’re perfect for mums who enjoy the extraordinary.
Elevate your gift with Sayang Kuning by Windflower Florist—a premium arrangement featuring cymbidium orchids, carefully styled with fresh complementary blooms. Whether for the home, office, or a special event, this show-stopping bouquet is guaranteed to impress and express your love in full bloom.
6. Sunflowers
Bright, bold, and instantly uplifting, sunflowers are a wonderful choice for Mother’s Day. They symbolise adoration, loyalty, and longevity—ideal for celebrating mums who radiate warmth and positivity.
With their large golden faces turning towards the sun, they represent joy, optimism, and a zest for life. If your mum has a cheerful, energetic personality or simply loves vibrant colours, sunflowers are a perfect match.
Sunflowers also pair beautifully with other complementary blooms such as roses, tulips, or even daisies, creating a lively bouquet that brings instant sunshine into any space. Their sturdy stems and long-lasting nature make them not just beautiful, but practical too.
7. Peonies
Luxurious and full of lush petals, peonies are the definition of elegance. Often associated with romance, honour, and prosperity, they are also a beautiful way to express your appreciation for your mum’s strength and grace.
Peonies bloom in soft pinks, whites, and deep reds—each carrying a slightly different meaning, but all equally rich in sentiment.
Their fleeting bloom season makes them even more special. In fact, peonies are sometimes seen as a symbol of rare beauty—perfect for that one-of-a-kind mum who deserves only the finest things in life. The full, rounded bloom of the peony also symbolises abundance and a happy life, making it a meaningful gift for Mother’s Day.
Peonies look stunning on their own but also pair well with roses, ranunculus or hydrangeas. If your mum appreciates elegant details, soft textures, and timeless beauty, a bouquet of peonies is sure to leave her smiling.
8. Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera daisies are vibrant, playful, and full of life—just like the mums who adore them. Known for their bold hues and large, cheerful faces, these flowers symbolise happiness, innocence, and gratitude.
With colours ranging from soft pastels to striking reds, oranges, and pinks, gerberas are a fantastic option for mums who love colour and fun in their everyday lives.
Each colour carries its own meaning: red symbolises love, yellow for cheerfulness, and pink for admiration—making it easy to customise a bouquet based on what you want to express. Gerbera daisies also last well in vases, which means mum gets to enjoy their beauty for days after receiving them.
Perfect for mums with a youthful spirit or a warm, bubbly personality, gerberas brighten any space and any mood. They’re also ideal as part of a mixed arrangement, especially when combined with sunflowers, roses, or carnations.
9. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are soft, rounded blooms that bring a cloud-like charm to any bouquet. Symbolising gratitude, grace, and heartfelt emotion, they’re a meaningful choice for Mother’s Day—especially when you want to say “thank you” for years of unconditional love and support.
Hydrangeas come in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, with colour often determined by soil pH. Each hue carries its own sentiment: blue for apology and understanding, pink for genuine emotion, and white for purity. Their full, lush clusters fill out any arrangement and create a visually stunning gift that feels generous and luxurious.
These flowers are ideal for elegant mums who love timeless floral designs or calming, natural palettes. Whether paired with peonies or roses, hydrangeas add volume and softness to any bouquet, creating a thoughtful and sophisticated gift.
10. Chrysanthemums
In many Asian cultures, chrysanthemums are considered a classic flower for honouring mothers. These blooms represent longevity, loyalty, and joy—making them a fitting tribute for mums who’ve been a constant source of support and wisdom.
In Singapore, “mums” (as they’re affectionately called) are especially meaningful during Mother’s Day and are often used to express appreciation and deep respect.
Available in a wide range of colours and petal forms, chrysanthemums can be elegant, fun, or bold, depending on how they’re styled. Yellow chrysanthemums express friendship and happiness, while pink ones are associated with admiration and love.
Because of their versatility and cultural symbolism, chrysanthemums suit many types of mums—from traditional to modern. They also last long in arrangements, making them practical and beautiful at the same time. Add them to a mixed bouquet or let them stand alone—the message of love and respect is crystal clear.
11. Irises
Elegant and full of symbolism, irises are a thoughtful and sophisticated flower choice for Mother’s Day. With their distinctive petals and striking colours—ranging from royal purples to soft blues and whites—irises represent wisdom, faith, and hope.
In Greek mythology, the iris was a symbol of communication and connection, making it a beautiful way to express heartfelt appreciation.
If your mum has a calm and thoughtful nature, irises are a great match. Their tall, slender stems and sculptural form lend themselves well to more refined or minimalist bouquets. They can also be paired with tulips, roses, or lilies for a fuller arrangement.
Irises bloom with quiet grace and dignity—perfect for mums who lead with strength, insight, and compassion. Whether given alone or combined with other florals, an iris bouquet is a meaningful and poetic gift she’ll truly appreciate.
12. Gardenias
Gardenias are known for their creamy white petals and rich, sweet fragrance, often associated with grace, purity, and secret love. They’re delicate, romantic blooms that make a beautiful Mother’s Day gift—especially for mums who appreciate timeless elegance and classic scents.
These flowers are often linked to deep emotional connections, making them ideal when words simply aren’t enough. Their soft appearance and rich aroma turn any bouquet into a sensory experience, perfect for creating a calm and luxurious atmosphere at home.
Because of their beauty and fragrant presence, gardenias are often presented as a single bloom or nestled within more subtle arrangements. If your mum is someone who enjoys the finer things in life, gifting gardenias is a lovely way to honour her with something elegant and understated.
13. Freesias
Freesias are delightfully fragrant flowers symbolising trust, friendship, and innocence. With their delicate trumpet-like blooms and vibrant colours, they’re a cheerful and sweet choice for Mother’s Day—especially for mums who bring light and laughter into every room.
Available in a rainbow of shades including white, pink, purple, and yellow, freesias are both visually appealing and versatile. They work beautifully in mixed arrangements and provide a soft, whimsical texture that complements larger, bolder flowers like roses or peonies.
These blooms are ideal for thoughtful, warm-hearted mums who appreciate subtle beauty and floral scents that aren’t overpowering. Freesias also have excellent vase life, which means your mum can enjoy them well beyond Mother’s Day.
Gift them solo or in a bouquet—either way, freesias are a charming way to say thank you to the woman who’s always been your biggest supporter.
14. Daffodils
Symbolising new beginnings, happiness, and hope, daffodils are a fresh and uplifting choice for Mother’s Day. Their bright yellow petals and trumpet-shaped centres make them one of spring’s most iconic flowers—perfect for celebrating mums who are always looking forward, encouraging growth, or bringing positivity into your life.
Daffodils are often gifted in bunches, making them an eye-catching addition to a floral arrangement. They blend well with tulips, irises, and freesias, creating a vibrant mix of colours and textures that feels playful and heartfelt.
For mums who have supported you through life’s seasons or helped you start something new, daffodils are a perfect floral tribute. Their sunny appearance and optimistic symbolism make them a refreshing alternative to more traditional Mother’s Day blooms.
15. Calla Lilies
Sleek, sculptural, and undeniably elegant, calla lilies are a sophisticated option for Mother’s Day. Known for their smooth, curved petals and modern aesthetic, these blooms symbolise admiration, purity, and rebirth. They’re often associated with devotion and make a graceful tribute to the love and care mothers give every day.
Calla lilies come in a variety of colours—white for elegance and purity, pink for appreciation, and deep purple for admiration and charm. Their unique shape makes them stand out in any arrangement, whether used solo or paired with other flowers like roses, tulips, or peonies.
Ideal for mums with refined taste or a love for minimalist décor, calla lilies bring both meaning and style. Their long-lasting blooms and architectural form make them a popular choice for modern bouquets that still carry heartfelt emotion.
16. Anemones
Striking and delicate, anemones are perfect for mums who appreciate unique beauty. With their dark centres and soft, poppy-like petals, anemones symbolise protection and anticipation. These blooms stand out for their elegance and subtle drama, often found in shades of white, red, purple, and pink.
In floral symbolism, anemones also represent sincerity and heartfelt emotion—ideal for expressing appreciation on Mother’s Day. They pair wonderfully with roses, ranunculus, or eucalyptus foliage for a bouquet that’s both modern and meaningful.
Anemones suit mums with a creative flair or those who love something a little different from the usual classics. Their soft, paper-like texture and graceful form add a thoughtful, artistic touch to any arrangement.
17. Lavender
Lavender is more than just a pretty flower—it’s a full sensory experience. Known for its calming fragrance and soothing qualities, lavender symbolises serenity, grace, and devotion. It’s the perfect pick for mums who enjoy aromatherapy, peaceful moments, or a rustic, natural aesthetic.
These purple blooms can be gifted fresh, dried, or as part of a mixed bouquet. Whether used on their own or paired with whites, creams, or soft pinks, lavender brings a gentle beauty and a lasting scent to any arrangement.
For the mum who deserves a moment to unwind, lavender is a thoughtful and calming choice this Mother’s Day.
18. Alstroemerias (Peruvian Lilies)
Alstroemerias, also known as Peruvian lilies, are vibrant and full of symbolism. Representing friendship, devotion, and mutual support, they’re a beautiful tribute to the unbreakable bond between mother and child. Each stem blooms with multiple blossoms, making arrangements feel lush and full.
These hardy flowers come in a variety of colours—pink, orange, yellow, white, and purple—allowing for cheerful and colourful bouquets. Alstroemerias also have an impressive vase life, meaning mum can enjoy them long after the celebrations.
Ideal for mums who are energetic, loving, and always there through thick and thin, these blooms are a meaningful way to say “thank you” with heart.
19. Snapdragons
Tall and vibrant, snapdragons bring personality and depth to any Mother’s Day bouquet. Their name comes from the dragon-like shape of the flower’s mouth, and they symbolise grace, strength, and inner resilience—perfect for honouring mums who have overcome challenges with dignity.
Available in a stunning range of colours, snapdragons add height, texture, and a whimsical touch to floral arrangements. They work beautifully in mixed bouquets with roses, lilies, or sunflowers.
Snapdragons are ideal for mums with bold, confident personalities or those who appreciate standout blooms with unique forms. Their symbolic strength makes them a powerful floral tribute for Mother’s Day.
20. Ranunculus
Ranunculus flowers are beloved for their rose-like layers of delicate petals and their radiant charm. Symbolising charm, admiration, and attractiveness, they’re ideal for celebrating mums who bring beauty and joy into every room.
These blooms come in soft pastels and vibrant hues, making them suitable for a wide range of bouquet styles—from romantic and classic to playful and modern. Ranunculus flowers have an elegant fullness, often featured in premium bouquets alongside peonies, anemones, or eucalyptus.
Perfect for stylish, detail-loving mums, ranunculus add a sophisticated, graceful finish to any floral gift. They’re a timeless choice for saying “You’re truly cherished.”
Conclusion About Different Flowers To Give On Mother’s Day
When words aren’t quite enough, flowers step in to say what’s in your heart. Now that you know the meaning behind 20 of the most beautiful blooms, you can choose a bouquet that’s not just pretty—but personal. This Mother’s Day, don’t just buy any bouquet—select one that tells her just how much she means to you.
Need a hand picking the perfect arrangement? Contact Windflower Florist for fresh, dried, or preserved flowers that are as meaningful as they are stunning during Mother’s Day. As a premier florist in Singapore, we pride ourselves on using only the finest blooms, freshly crafted each day and delivered with care.
From same-day delivery to guaranteed on-time arrival, Windflower makes gifting easy, elegant, and stress-free. Want something bespoke? We offer customisation, self-collection, and a beautiful range of thoughtful add-ons to make your bouquet extra special.
Celebrate your one-of-a-kind mum with one-of-a-kind flowers—shop now at Windflower Florist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Flowers To Give On Mother’s Day
Can I Mix Different Types Of Flowers In A Mother’s Day Bouquet?
Absolutely. A mixed bouquet can create a more personalised gift by blending different meanings, colours, and blooms that reflect your mum’s personality.
Do Flower Colours Matter When Choosing A Mother’s Day Arrangement?
Yes, flower colours carry meaning. For example, pink represents admiration, yellow for joy, and purple for elegance—each adding a unique touch to your gift.
How Early Should I Order Flowers For Mother’s Day Delivery In Singapore?
To ensure availability and timely delivery—especially during peak seasons—it’s best to order at least 3 to 5 days in advance, or opt for same-day delivery if needed.
When Is The Best Time To Send Flowers For Mother’s Day?
It’s best to send flowers in the morning or early afternoon on Mother’s Day to ensure your mum receives them in time to enjoy all day.
Should I Pair Mother’s Day Flowers With A Gift Or Add-On?
Pairing flowers with thoughtful add-ons like candles, chocolates, or a handwritten card can enhance the gesture and make the surprise even more memorable.
