Flowers are the classic Mother’s Day gift, and some blooms carry special meaning for mothers. This guide covers the best Mother’s Day flowers and the traditions behind them.
Best flowers for mother’s day
These flowers are the most meaningful and popular for Mother’s Day:
- Carnations — the traditional Mother’s Day flower; pink for a living mother, white in memory
- Roses — pink for gratitude and admiration
- Peonies — lush and luxurious, in season around Mother’s Day
- Tulips — fresh, cheerful, and elegant
- Lilies — for devotion and motherhood
Why carnations are the Mother’s Day flower
The pink carnation became the symbol of Mother’s Day thanks to Anna Jarvis, who founded the holiday in the early 1900s and chose her own mother’s favourite flower. A pink or red carnation traditionally honors a living mother, while a white one is worn in memory of a mother who has passed. See our carnation meaning guide for more.
Tips for Mother’s Day flowers
- Pink carnations and roses are the traditional, meaningful choices
- Choose her favourite flower or color for a personal touch
- Peonies are gorgeous and in season around Mother’s Day
- Order ahead, as it’s one of the busiest flower days
- A potted plant or rose bush lasts far beyond the day
Mother’s Day flowers FAQs
What is the traditional Mother’s Day flower?
The carnation, especially the pink carnation, is the traditional Mother’s Day flower, chosen by the holiday’s founder Anna Jarvis in honor of her own mother.
What flowers are best for Mother’s Day?
Carnations, roses (especially pink), peonies, tulips, and lilies are all popular and meaningful Mother’s Day flowers.
What does a pink carnation mean?
A pink carnation symbolizes a mother’s undying love and gratitude, which is part of why it became the flower of Mother’s Day.
Explore more
See more flowers by occasion, browse flower profiles, or learn about flower meanings.