Whether you’re Irish or not, there’s no party quite like a St Patrick’s Day party!
Celebrated annually on 17th March, this fun-filled festivity honours the patron saint of Ireland with music, dancing, food… and lots of people dressed as leprechauns.
What began as a religious feast day to commemorate the 5th-century missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland has become a worldwide tribute to Irish heritage – and this year, we’re going big.
You’ll no doubt already be familiar with the Irish shamrock as a symbol of good luck (its three leaves were apparently used by Paddy to explain the Holy Trinity), but did you know that there are many flowers with similarly optimistic meanings?
Decorating with these joy-bringing blooms or sending them to friends and family is a great way to mark St Patrick’s Day, so here are a few of our favourites to inspire you…
Green flowers
Green is the colour most associated with St Patrick’s Day, representing not only the lush Irish landscape, but also new beginnings, health, fertility, fortune and longevity. Whether you choose zesty green blooms like hydrangeas, chrysanthemums and carnations, or simply incorporate lashings of fresh green foliage into your arrangement, the result won’t fail to spark a sense of hopeful vitality – perfect for the start of spring. Pair green with peaceful white for a classic, calming look, or add in some hot orange for a high-energy nod to the Irish flag.
Daffodils
Legend has it that spotting the first daffodil of the season will bring you a year of good luck, which is handy timing given they start popping up around St Patrick’s Day. To ensure happiness, make sure that you always give or display a bunch – a single daff is a bad omen, no matter how jolly it looks!
Bells of Ireland
Despite its name, this striking plant with its green, bell-shaped bracts actually comes from the Eastern Mediterranean. Widely considered a lucky charm, akin to a four-leaf clover, Bells of Ireland often features in St Patrick’s Day celebrations. It’s also commonly given to wish a loved one well on a new journey, be it a graduation, job or wedding.
Marigold
Cheery marigolds are known in some cultures as “herbs of the sun”, promising success and positive energy for all who gaze upon them. Their sunny orange-yellow colour also reminds us of the pots of gold that leprechauns hide at the end of rainbows, according to Irish folklore.
Lavender
Historically hung over doorways, placed under pillows or burned to ward off evil spirits, lavender is a powerful safeguard against negative energy. Its name comes from the Latin “lavare”, meaning “to wash”, reflecting its power as a spiritual cleanser, and it’s often used in peace-promoting rituals. Some even believe its soothing scent attracts fairies!
Chrysanthemums
In many parts of the world, but particularly in East Asia, chrysanthemums are seen as harbingers of a long, happy, prosperous life. Their bright colours are thought to bring uplifting energy into a space, making them a fitting choice for getting the St Patrick’s Day party started! They also boast an impressive vase life, spreading joy long after everybody’s stumbled home to bed.
Primroses
Nicknamed “fairy cups”, pretty primroses are a leading character in Irish folklore. Tradition tells that leaving these picture-perfect flowers on your doorstep will invite blessings from fairies and protect your home and family. Blooming early in spring, they also symbolise rebirth, fresh starts and the promise of better things, encapsulating the St Patrick’s Day spirit.
Peony
Known as the “flower of riches and honour” and always stunning with their fabulously frilly petals, it’s no wonder peonies are one of the most popular blooms. Symbolising success, happy relationships and good wishes, they fit in perfectly with the sharing of luck and positivity that St Patrick’s Day inspires in us all.
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas represent abundance, gratitude and heartfelt emotion with their big, bountiful clusters of pink, blue, white or green flowers. These scene-stealing blooms are a fabulous match for St Patrick’s Day’s spirit of joy and generosity, giving any display a lush, plentiful look suggestive of great things to come.
Orchid
Elegant and long-lasting, both as potted plants and cut flowers, orchids have been associated with the elite for centuries. The Ancient Greeks gave them meanings of fertility and abundance, while their exotic rarity turned them into status symbols in Victorian England. Today, they are often seen in five-star hotels and are a refined way to wish luck and prosperity to hard-to-please loved ones.
Sunflower
The eternal optimist of the floral world, sunflowers never fail to raise a smile. Their large golden heads follow the sun as it moves across the sky, leading them to symbolise loyalty, warmth and positivity. These joyful meanings make sunflowers a cheerful addition to St Patrick’s Day bouquets, representing the sunshine and positivity people hope luck will bring.
Our affordable range of high-quality flowers starts at just £20.99, making it a no-brainer to treat a friend – or yourself! – this St Patrick’s Day! Order now, with next-day delivery available.
