Traditional Mother’s Day Flowers

Have you ever stopped to think about why we default to certain blooms every May? While breakfast in bed or a handwritten card are staples of the holiday, nothing carries the emotional weight of a fresh floral arrangement. But if you’re looking for the "correct" choice, you might find yourself asking: is there an official Mother's Day flower?

If we want to find the real story, we have to look back to the early 1900s. Anna Jarvis, who started the holiday in the U.S., chose the white carnation as the official flower of Mother's Day. She didn’t just pick them because they were pretty; she chose them because they represented the "whiteness" and purity of a mother’s love. She famously noted that the carnation doesn't drop its petals as it ages, but rather hugs them to its heart—a beautiful, if slightly poetic, metaphor for how a mother protects her children.

The ways we celebrate have branched out as the holiday itself has grown into a global event. These days, while white carnations are often used as a tribute to mothers who have passed, pink carnations have become the go-to for honoring the moms who are still with us. Whether you’re hunting for Mother’s Day deals or looking to design custom flower bouquets, knowing this history makes the gift feel a lot more personal.

How to Choose the Perfect Bouquet for Mom

Picking a bouquet shouldn't feel like a chore or a guessing game. When you’re looking for the official flower for Mother's Day, it’s easy to get hung up on history, but modern traditional flowers for Mother's Day offer so much more room for personality.

Think about your mom’s specific "vibe." If she’s someone who loves timeless elegance—think old Hollywood or classic home decor—then staying close to tradition with soft pastel roses and carnations is a win. On the flip side, if she’s a trendsetter who loves a "wow" moment, a luxury bouquet featuring structural orchids or massive, fluffy peonies will feel right at home on her coffee table. For the "sunbeam" moms who are pure energy, skip the muted tones and go for a bold, saturated palette of sunflowers and daisies.

If she’s more of a sentimental soul, lilies and tulips are great because they represent a deep, rock-solid bond. And for the nature lovers who spend every weekend in the garden, mix bouquets that have a "just-picked" look—full of textures and greenery—are usually the favorite. Whatever you choose, don't forget the logistics. Most of our customers swear by flowers in the vases; they arrive hydrated and ready to go, so Mom doesn't have to scramble to find a container or trim stems herself.

What Other Flowers Are Popular for Mother’s Day

Even though the carnation is the official flower for Mother's Day, it’s definitely not the only player in the game. Here are the blooms that are currently taking over the May spotlight:

• Roses: Forget red. For Mom, it’s all about pinks and yellows, which stand for gratitude and pure joy.

• Peonies: They’re the "limited edition" of flowers. Since they only bloom for a short window in spring, they feel incredibly exclusive.

• Hydrangea: If you want a bouquet that feels like a big, soft cloud, these are it. They represent abundance and heartfelt emotion.

• Tulips: They are the ultimate spring flower. Pink ones show affection, but if you want to treat her like the queen she is, deep purple ones add that "royal" touch.

• Dahlia: These are for the mom who likes something a bit different. Their geometric, intricate petals are a total showstopper.

• Sunflowers: They’re essentially bottled sunshine. If she’s the one who keeps everyone’s spirits up, these are her perfect match.

Where to Order Gorgeous Mother’s Day Flowers

Once you’ve settled on the Mother's Day official flower or a more modern mix, you just have to make sure it gets there. The success of a floral gesture hinges entirely on the precision of its arrival. Mother’s Day is easily our busiest time of year, so please, do yourself a favor and book your flower delivery at least a week early.

Our local pros cover our entire Served area, taking extra care with every single stem. Whether she’s in a high-rise in San Francisco, a family home in San Jose, or an office over in Fremont, we’ll make sure she feels like the star of the day.

Don’t settle for a generic grocery store bundle. Head over to our shop, browse the exclusive Mother's Day collection, and let’s make sure this year is one she actually remembers!