Traditional vs Exotic Mother’s Day Flowers

13 March 2025

Flowers have long been the universal gift on Mother’s Day for centuries and it’s easy to see why. With a variety of options offering a touch of beauty to your mum’s day, flowers are a favourite for a reason. But with so many options available, choosing between traditional blooms and exotic varieties can be a fun but daunting task.

In this guide, we dive into the world of traditional and exotic Mother’s Day flowers, exploring their meanings, appeal and how to choose the perfect bouquet this Mother’s Day to make your mum and all the women in your life feel special. Whether you prefer to go down the traditional route or like the bold allure of exotic flowers, this guide will help you create a floral gift that speaks volumes.

Timeless Traditional Mother’s Day Flowers
Unique and Exotic Mother’s Day Flowers
How to Choose the Right Flowers for Mum
Creative Ways to Incorporate Traditional and Exotic Flowers
Show Your Appreciation for the Women in Your Life This Mother’s Day

Timeless Traditional Mother’s Day Flowers

Traditional flowers are loved for their familiarity, symbolism and widespread availability. They’re timeless classics for a reason! They evoke nostalgia and are often associated with heartfelt emotions. Here’s a breakdown of the traditional Mother’s Day flowers that have been favourite for centuries:

Roses

Roses are often the most popular choice for Mother’s Day flowers as they exude classic beauty in a wide range of colours making them a versatile choice. Representing love, gratitude and admiration, roses symbolise all the feelings we have towards our mothers. Roses are the perfect choice for mums who appreciate elegance and timeless gestures.

Carnations

As the official Mother’s Day flower, carnations are a popular traditional Mother’s Day flower that has been loved through the ages. Pink carnations in particular are a favourite as they symbolise a mother’s eternal love. Carnations are a great option for those looking for a heartfelt gift that also honours the history of Mother’s Day.

Tulips

Tulips offer a bright and cheerful option bringing a sense of joy and freshness. With connotations of perfect love and springtime renewal, these flowers are the perfect choice for bringing a smile to your mum’s face! Either combined with other flowers or on their own, tulips can add a pop of colour to any arrangement.

Lilies

Lilies are a popular choice for any occasion but they are a favourite when it comes to Mother’s Day. In particular, white stargazer lilies are often chosen to celebrate Mother’s Day. From their striking appearance to their sweet fragrance, lilies are a standout choice for mums who prefer bold and fragrant flowers.

Daisies

Representing innocence, loyalty and new beginnings, daisies offer a cheerful and whimsical look to any bouquet. Perfect for a lighthearted celebration, daisies should be your number one choice if your mum is fun-loving and enjoys a more casual and playful arrangement.

Unique and Exotic Mother’s Day Flowers

For those looking to make a bold statement, exotic Mother’s Day flowers offer a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate Mum. These blooms can be rare but they are also visually stunning and carry a sense of luxury. Here are some popular exotic flowers to consider this Mother’s Day:

Orchids

The intricate shapes and vibrant colours of orchids make them a popular exotic flower for any occasion. With associations of beauty, strength and luxury, orchids make a show-stopping choice for mums who appreciate sophistication and elegance.

Proteas

With symbolism such as diversity, courage and transformation, proteas offer a bold statement this Mother’s Day. Their unique look makes them a perfect statement for mums who love adventurous and unusual flowers.

Anthuriums

A flower that has grown in popularity over the years, anthuriums are unlike any other as they have a glossy, heart-shaped bloom that are both modern and exotic. Representing hospitality, happiness and abundance, anthuriums are the ideal gift for mums who love contemporary and tropical flowers.

Bird of Paradise

This truly one-of-a-kind flower is bound to impress your mum this Mother’s Day. With a striking resemblance to a tropical bird in flight, this flower symbolises joy, freedom and paradise. We recommend this unique flower for those of you looking for a bold and dramatic floral arrangement.

Calla Lilies

Another unique looking flower, calla lilies offer an alternative to the traditional lily we’ve all grown to love. The sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms paired with elegant curves exudes sophistication and grace, making them a great choice this Mother’s Day. With symbolism including beauty and purity, this flower is perfect for mums who appreciate a minimalist yet striking design.

How to Choose the Right Flowers for Mum

When deciding between traditional and exotic flowers this Mother’s Day, you could consider the following factors:

Your Mum’s Personality: Does your mum prefer classic and timeless gestures or does she love a flower that stands out from the crowd?

The Occasion: Traditional flowers work well in more formal settings while exotic flowers can elevate a more relaxed and personal celebration.

Your Mum’s Preferences: What colours, scents and styles does your mum prefer? Add some of her favourite flowers to your Mother’s Day bouquet can add a personal touch to your gift.

Budget: Traditional flowers like carnations and daisies are often more budget-friendly while exotic blooms like orchids and proteas can be a bit pricier. You could consider mixing traditional and exotic flowers for a balance and cost-effective arrangement.

Availability: Traditional flowers are more widely available making them a convenient option whereas exotic flowers may require ordering in advance or sourcing from speciality florists. You should make sure to plan in advance to ensure you get the perfect floral arrangement for your mum this Mother’s Day!

For a more in-depth look at how to choose the perfect floral gift for your mum this Mother’s Day, why not take a look at our Mother’s Day Flowers Guide?

Creative Ways to Incorporate Traditional and Exotic Flowers

If you feel like combining the best of both worlds, we have some options for you:

Mixed Bouquets: You could pair traditional roses with exotic orchids, like our Rose and Orchid bouquet, for a stunning contrast. Carnations and proteas also make a beautiful blend of uniqueness!

Floral Arrangements with a Twist: You could use traditional flowers as the base of your bouquet with a sprinkle of exotic blooms as accents. Creating a centrepiece of lilies and anthuriums can also combine to create a modern and tropical feel.

Potted Plants: Gifting potted plants, such as an orchid or bird of paradise, alongside a bouquet of traditional Mother’s Day flowers can extend your Mother’s Day celebrations as potted plants should last months or even years with the proper care.

Personalised Touches: Don’t forget to add a personalised note to your flowers! You could write a small note about the flowers you have chosen and why to show your thoughtfulness behind the flowers.

Show Your Appreciation for the Women in Your Life This Mother’s Day

Whether you choose traditional Mother’s Day flowers for their sentimental value or exotic blooms for their unique beauty, the most important thing to show this Mother’s Day is how much your mum means to you! With the right arrangement, you can convey your gratitude and admiration in a way words cannot.

Why not explore our range of flowers, both Mother’s Day arrangements and alternative bouquets, to find the perfect way to show your mum you care this Mother’s Day?

FAQs

What flower represents Mother’s Day?

The carnation, particularly the pink variety, is the official flower of Mother’s Day. It symbolises a mother’s eternal love and gratitude making it a perfect choice for your mum this Mother’s Day.

What is the traditional Mother's Day plant?

Traditional Mother’s Day flowers come in all shapes and sizes. The most popular options typically include roses, carnations, tulips and lilies. Why not take a look at our guide to the Most Popular Mother’s Day Flowers for a closer look into what flower to gift to your mum?

What are traditional Mother's Day gifts?

The most popular Mother’s Day gift is a bunch of fresh flowers but you could also pair a bouquet with chocolates, candles, sentimental keepsakes and personalised gifts like photo frames, jewellery and prints.