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What Different Flowers Mean on Mother’s Day

Giving the gift of flowers on Mother's Day? Instead of purchasing the usual planter pot or prearranged bouquet from your florist, consider these thoughtful alternatives. Each of these flowers has a different meaning that will help make this year's arrangement special and unique... Just like Mom.

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Mother's Day flowers - carnationsPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Carnations Mean

It’s no surprise that when people think of Mother’s Day flowers, carnations often come to mind. Mother’s Day initially became a national holiday in North America due to the campaigning of a woman named Anna Jarvis. During her tireless efforts, Anna sent 500 white carnations to her local church for the mothers in attendance, and the tradition was born. Carnations have since come to signify purity, faith, love, beauty and charity; all traits thought to represent the virtues of motherhood.

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Mother's Day flowers - gerbera daisiesPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Gerbera Daisies Mean

Nothing says cheer quite like a gerbera daisy. If your mom tends to radiate happiness, gerbera daisies are a sure choice for her Mother’s Day bouquet. They are renowned for their robust flowering heads that closely resemble sunflowers. While they have come to symbolize innocence, purity and beauty, the gerbera primarily represents cheerfulness, stemming from its welcoming appearance and many bright colour variations.

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Mother's Day flowers - tulipsPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Tulips Mean

If your mom is light-hearted and easy-going, the tulip flower definitely belongs in her bouquet. With a fresh, happy-looking appearance, no flower says spring quite like tulips. They have come to represent comfort, coziness and above all happiness, making them an ideal gift for Mother’s Day.

Here’s what most people don’t know about the Canadian Tulip Festival.

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Mother's Day flowers - pink azaleas in potPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Azaleas Mean

Aside from being a renowned Chinese symbol for womanhood, the azalea flower is also celebrated annually by cultures all over the world for its beauty and association with love. These unique looking flowers are grown in many countries and can usually be found at your local florist.

Find out the best places across Canada to see cherry blossoms.

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What day lilies mean - orange day lilyPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Day Lilies Mean

Similar to azaleas, day lilies are an Asian emblem for mothers. The day lily is famous for its beautiful appearance and symbolic association with motherhood and Mother’s Day. Because they come in a variety of bright colours, including vivid oranges and yellows, you can find a day lily that’s perfectly suited to your own mother at just about any florist shop.

Find out the fascinating story behind every province’s flower.

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Meaning of bluebells flowersPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Bluebells Mean

If calm and soothing are traits that describe your mother, then the bluebell flower is a good choice for her arrangement. Bluebell flowers bloom in April and May of each year—just in time for Mother’s Day. Their soft blue colour and pretty shape have come to represent humility and constancy; traits your mother tried to instill in you, no doubt.

Planning your own pots for the garden? These are the best annual flowers for containers.

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Camellia flowers for Mother's DayPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Camellias Mean

If your mother prefers plants over fresh-cut bouquets, the long lasting camellia plant is a wonderful option. Camellia plants are native to China, Japan, and South East Asia. They come in a variety of rich and vivid colours and give off a light, delicate fragrance. Camellias are believed to represent longevity and gratitude; making them a perfect way to say thank you to your mom on Mother’s Day.

No backyard? No problem! Check out these great gardening ideas for small spaces.

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What different colours of roses meanPhoto: Shutterstock.com

What Different Colours of Roses Mean

If all else fails, you can always turn to roses. If your mother is very traditional, roses might be the best option for her. While red roses are traditionally associated with romantic love, a lighter red or deep pink colour denotes gratitude and appreciation. In addition, yellow roses are believed to represent a caring nature, while white roses are associated with purity and brightness. Considering their meaning, any combination of these spring-time coloured roses would make the perfect for this holiday bouquet for your more traditional mom.

Now that you know the meaning of these different Mother’s Day flowers, check out 25 heartwarming Mother’s Day quotes that are perfect for a card.

Reader's Digest Canada
Originally Published in Reader's Digest Canada