Choosing the right flowers for different occasions can enhance the sentiment you want to convey.

1. Birthdays

• Roses: A classic choice, roses can express love and admiration. Bright colours are perfect for a cheerful celebration.

• Tulips: These are elegant and come in a variety of colours, making them a lovely choice for friends and family members alike.

• Lilies: With their stunning blooms and fragrances, lilies can bring a sense of luxury to birthday celebrations.

2. Anniversaries

• Red Roses: Symbolising passionate love, these are a timeless choice for anniversaries.

• Orchids: Exotic and unique, orchids represent beauty and strength, making them ideal for long-lasting relationships.

• Carnations: Available in many colours, these flowers signify a deep affection and can be used in a mixed bouquet to commemorate special years together.

3. Weddings

• Peonies: Their lush and romantic appearance makes peonies a favourite for bridal bouquets.

• Hydrangeas: Symbolising heartfelt emotions, hydrangeas can enrich floral arrangements with their abundant petals.

• Calla Lilies: With their elegant shape, calla lilies are often associated with sophistication and are perfect for both bouquets and table decor.

4. Congratulatory Occasions

• Sunflowers: Bright and cheerful, sunflowers embody positivity and happiness, making them a great choice for congratulating someone on a new job or milestone.

• Daisies: Simple yet charming, daisies can convey a heartfelt message of joy and encouragement for personal achievements.

• Mixed Seasonal Bouquet: An arrangement of seasonal flowers can offer vibrancy and cheer, making it a versatile choice for any congratulatory event.

5. Sympathy

• Lilies: Often associated with funerals, white lilies signify peace and are a fitting choice for expressing condolences.

• Chrysanthemums: In many cultures, chrysanthemums represent the cycle of life and are traditionally used in memorial floral arrangements.

• Roses (white): White roses denote innocence and reverence, making them a thoughtful choice when sending sympathy flowers.

6. Just Because

• Gerbera Daisies: These cheerful blooms are perfect for brightening someone's day with their vibrant colours.

• Alstroemeria: Also known as Peruvian lilies, these flowers can last long and come in various colours, symbolising friendship and devotion.

• Freesia: With their delightful fragrance and beautiful appearance, freesias are an excellent choice for a spontaneous gift to show appreciation.

7. Get Well Soon

• Tulips: Bright, cheerful tulips can lift spirits and convey a sense of hope.

• Bird of Paradise: Its unique shape and vibrant colours can bring a sense of joy and optimism during recovery.

• Iris: Symbolizing hope and courage, irises can provide comfort and are often used in get well bouquets.

Choosing the right flowers can create a meaningful connection and convey your sentiments beautifully, no matter the occasion. Always consider the recipient's personal preferences and the message you wish to send when selecting your floral arrangement.

Sending flowers is a thoughtful gesture that can convey a range of sentiments, from celebration to sympathy. In Hong Kong, where cultural nuances play a significant role, it is important to follow certain etiquette when gifting flowers.

1. Understand Floral Symbolism

Different flowers carry different meanings, and this can vary by culture:

• White Lilies: Often associated with funerals and mourning.

• Chrysanthemums: Traditionally linked to honouring the deceased; usage should be approached with care.

• Roses: A popular choice, with red symbolising love and passion, while pink conveys admiration.

• Orchids: Represent elegance and luxury, making them suitable for various occasions.

2. Timing and Occasion

Consider the occasion when sending flowers:

• Birthdays: Bright and cheerful arrangements are ideal.

• Anniversaries: Roses or elegant mixed bouquets are a popular choice.

• Sympathy: In times of loss, opt for understated arrangements, preferably in muted tones.

• Congratulations: Vibrant blooms can help celebrate achievements.

3. Delivery Considerations

• Timing: It’s customary to send flowers during business hours unless it's a special occasion like Valentine's Day.

• Recipient's Lifestyle: Ensure the recipient will be at home or at their workplace when the flowers arrive. Consider using a delivery service that offers flexible timing.

• Presentation: Beautifully arranged bouquets packaged elegantly reflect your thoughtfulness.

4. Specific Cultural Considerations

• Avoiding Certain Colours: In Chinese culture, white and black are often associated with funerals. Bright colours such as red, pink, and yellow are generally considered auspicious.

5. Personal Touch

• Accompanying Note: A message card adds a personal touch. Express your thoughts clearly and succinctly.

• Recipient's Preferences: If known, consider the recipient's favourite flowers or colours to make the gesture more meaningful.

6. Professional Etiquette

• Workplace Gifts: Sending flowers to colleagues or clients can be appropriate, though moderation is key. Consider the work environment and choose arrangements that are less intrusive and respectful of the office setting.

7. Local Florist vs. International Flower Networks

• Support Local Business: Whenever possible, support local florists who understand regional preferences and offer fresh, seasonal blooms. This also ensures timely deliveries that accommodate the local culture.

8. Be Mindful of Allergies

• Recipient’s Health: Before sending flowers, ensure the recipient does not have allergies to specific flowers or scents that could cause discomfort.

To ensure that your flower bouquet remains vibrant and lasts as long as possible, follow these simple care instructions:

1. Unwrap and Prepare

• Carefully remove any packaging material, such as plastic or ribbon, that may be constricting the stems.

• Trim approximately 1-2 cm off the stems at a 45-degree angle using sharp scissors or a knife. This increases the surface area for water absorption.

2. Choose the Right Vase

• Select a clean vase that is appropriately sized for your bouquet. Ensure it is free from any residues that could affect the flowers.

• Fill the vase with fresh, cool water.

3. Add Flower Food

• If provided, add the accompanying flower food to the water. Follow the instructions on the packet for the correct dosage. This helps to nourish the blooms and prolong their life.

4. Arrange Your Flowers

• Place the flowers into the vase, ensuring that the stems are submerged in water. Remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline to prevent bacterial growth, which can shorten their lifespan.

5. Water Maintenance

• Check the water level daily and top up with fresh water as needed. Change the water entirely every 2-3 days to keep it clean and fresh.

6. Keep in a Suitable Environment

• Position your bouquet in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or draughts. This will help prevent wilting and keep blooms fresh longer.

7. Remove Wilting Flowers

• As individual blooms start to wilt, remove them from the bouquet. This will not only improve the appearance of the arrangement but also help the remaining flowers thrive.

8. Final Touches

• If you notice any stems developing slimy or discoloured areas, trim them again before placing them back in the vase.

• Refresh the bouquet by trimming the stems every few days to enhance water uptake.