Giving flowers as a gift: what to know before you order

Choosing flowers for someone else involves a few considerations that are easy to miss: the occasion, the place they are going, allergies and pets. Most of these are not rigid rules, but a minute of thought helps the gift land the way you intend.

Color and occasion

Red roses are associated with romance, so they can say more than you intend when they go to a colleague or a friend. White flowers are traditional for weddings and for sympathy arrangements, and they are also a calm choice for a new baby or a housewarming. A bouquet that is entirely white can feel formal or solemn, so we often add a touch of green or a soft color when the occasion is a happy one.

Yellow flowers read as friendly and cheerful, which makes yellow roses, tulips and sunflowers a safe choice for thank-you and get-well gifts. If you are unsure, a mixed seasonal bunch is rarely wrong.

Scent, allergies and pets

Strongly scented flowers such as lilies and some roses can be overwhelming in a small room, and a number of people react to pollen. Lilies are also toxic to cats, even in small amounts, so we suggest a different flower if the recipient has one at home.

Tell us about allergies or pets when you order and we will adjust the choice. It takes a few seconds and it keeps the gift from becoming a problem.

Flowers for hospital visits

Many hospitals limit flowers or do not allow them in intensive care and some other units, so check with the hospital or the family before ordering. Where flowers are allowed, strongly scented varieties can be uncomfortable in a shared room, so we tend to suggest lower-scent options like lisianthus, alstroemeria or spray chrysanthemums, in a small vase that is easy to place and easy to take home.

We always ask what the occasion is before we put together a bouquet, partly because of considerations like these. It takes thirty seconds and it means the arrangement is appropriate for where it is going.

Wrapping and presentation

A bouquet handed over without wrapping looks unfinished. We wrap our bouquets in unbleached kraft paper, which suits most occasions. For more formal gifts, we can add a second layer of tissue and a simple card.

If you are unsure about any part of a flower gift, just ask when you get in touch. These questions come up regularly and we are glad to help.