The practice of giving flowers as a way of saying “thank you” for something dates back to the Victorian times, when bouquets were often chosen to represent specific meanings.
Today, giving “thank you” flowers is more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why. After all, sometimes it’s difficult to express in words exactly how grateful we are for something – and how nice is it during this digital age to have something tangible and real to hold onto? Receiving flowers is a touching reminder that someone is thinking of you, and wants to bring a little joy into your home with a special treat. We buy flowers to say thank you for hosting us; for taking care of us when we are unwell; for doing us a favour.
Here, we explain the best flowers to say thank you and what they each mean.
Tulips
Nothing feels more like spring than a beautiful bunch of tulips. Whether you opt for a bouquet all in the same colour, or a mix of different complimentary hues, they are guaranteed to bring joy to the receiver. The best part is when their petals open up in the sunshine, symbolising harmony and resilience, two things that are great to reference when saying “thank you”.
Pink Roses
Pink roses have always traditionally been given as a way of saying “thank you”. One of the most popular flowers, they are associated with kindness and appreciation, while the pink hue is a surefire way of avoiding any of the romantic connotations of red roses.
Rainbow Roses
A fun alternative to pink roses are rainbow-coloured ones – just imagine your chosen recipient’s face when they see them! Made by putting different coloured dyes in the water when they grow, they are a magical feat of modern horticulture, and signal a special effort on your part too.
Sunflowers
It’s easy to see why sunflowers are such a good choice as a “thank you” present – after all, with their propensity to grow to huge heights and their vibrant yellow petals, they are sunshine personified. Symbolising positivity, warmth and uplifting energy, these summery blooms are perfect for adding a little vibrance into someone’s home.
Orchids
Another traditional “thank you” gift is an orchid. Seen as refined and elegant, orchids require a lot of care, but also high rewards, as they can live for a long time. If properly looked after, an orchid can live for a decade or longer. Orchids also symbolise love, luxury, beauty and strength. Giving an orchid is therefore one of the chicest ways to express your gratitude to someone.
Carnations
Carnations come in an array of beautiful colours, making them a popular choice as a gift to say “thank you”. Light red means admiration; dark red means affection and deep love; pink expresses gratitude and fondness; and white is symbolic of purity and innocence, which means there’s certain to be a colour that works for the occasion.
Lilies
Lilies are amongst the most instantly recognisable and beautiful flowers. Contrary to what you might think, there are varieties in colours other than white too, making them a diverse choice. While white means purity, innocence and virtue, pink is a sign of appreciation, yellow a symbol of friendship, and orange of enthusiasm. One thing to remember: don’t give lilies to anyone with cats, as they are poisonous to them.
Peonies
Luxurious and romantic, peonies are beloved for their large, cloud-like blooms and delicate fragrance. Often associated with prosperity, good fortune and compassion, they make a thoughtful way to express heartfelt gratitude to someone special. Available in shades of pink, white, coral and deep red, peonies have a soft, elegant appearance that instantly brightens up a room. Their fleeting blooming season also makes them feel especially precious – a beautiful reminder to savour meaningful moments and acts of kindness.
Chrysanthemums
While in some cultures they represent death or mourning, in the UK and US, chrysanthemums (or just “mums” for short) are seen as joyful blooms, thanks in large part to the sheer array of petals they have. Available in multiple colours, they are seen as a cheerful emblem of friendship – making them perfect for gifting to a friend when they’ve done you a kind turn.
Hydrangeas
Thanks to their shape and size, with multiple bunches blooming together from one stem, hydrangeas have a more-is-more feel to them. Thought to represent heartfelt emotion, sincerity and understanding, they are a lovely way to show someone you are grateful to them. The classic blue hue is also immensely calming, which makes them a good choice during a time of upheaval.
Daisies
Daisies are a surprising and fun choice as a “thank you” gift, because how often do we see bunches of daisies? Instantly recalling memories of childhood summers spent making daisy chains, they are a deeply nostalgic flower, certain to elicit a smile in the receiver. They also have good symbolic meaning too, representing innocence, cheerfulness and sweetness.
Sweet peas
With their delicate, ruffled petals and light fragrance, sweet peas have often been given to close friends and family members as a way of saying “thank you”. Their soft, romantic appearance gives them a more informal and laidback feel than some traditional blooms, making them a lovely choice for thanking close friends and family members. Available in an array of pastel shades and vibrant colours, sweet peas also symbolise kindness, pleasure and good wishes.
