Did you know one fourth of the flower and plant purchases, made for a holiday, are on Mother’s Day? In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made the celebration of mothers official by declaring the second Sunday in May as the official National Mother’s Day. Flowers are the number one gift given on Mother’s Day – and if you look into other gift-giving data, it’s the go-to gift for most gift giving events.

If you’re scratching your head and wondering why flowers are so popular, no worries, we have that answer as well. Flowers are the best-selling gift because there is an option for just about every gift giving budget. Think about it, when you go to the grocery store, there are flowers that fit into every budget tier. If you live far away from the recipient, there are even tiered delivery options – making flowers the ideal thoughtful gift.

Bouquets feature a plethora of options. Whether you’re looking for bright bold combinations or subtle houseplants, there is an option for everyone. But which options are the most popular ones? And what do those flowers actually mean? Again, we got your back. Before you purchase your next bouquet, take a second and research what your flowers are telling your loved one.

Here is a breakdown of the top ten flowers mothers love most.

Carnations

Traditionally, red and pink carnations are the most popular carnation of the bunch. White carnations symbolize passing. Red carnations represent admiration and pink carnations symbolize a mother’s unconditional love. It’s common for pink carnations to be placed on a grave site or memorial because the flower represents remembrance – which correlates to the remembrance of an unconditional love. If your mother (or mother figure) has experienced a loss of her own mother, giving her a white carnation could symbolize positive childhood memories. 

Daisies

 If your mother (or mother figure) is lighthearted, friendly and hates drama consider adding daisies to your bouquet. Daises represent sweetness and innocence. Nonetheless, daisies are a great option for a “just because” gift as well – coupled with a sweet note.

According to an old Celtic legend, daisies symbolize childbirth, motherhood and new beginnings. Because of this, daises are oftentimes the go-to flower to congratulate new mothers.

Roses

Roses are great in singles or as a bouquet. Most women have received a rose at some point in their life. Each rose color has a distinct meaning. Red roses represent passion and are often given to a partner or spouse. White roses represent humility and innocence but are often included at memorials or births. Yellow roses express friendship and joy, while pink roses show gratitude, appreciation and general admiration for someone. Unsurprisingly, orange roses reflect enthusiasm and desire. And lilac roses represent new love and enchantment – these are perfect for new moms. 

Lisianthus

With delicate petals and oval shaped leaves, the lisianthus symbolizes appreciation. These flowers are very delicate and elegant looking. There are a variety of colors and most times these beauties are included in a mixed bouquet – sometimes at the first glance, people confuse lisianthus with peonies.

Lilies

Each variety of lilies has a different meaning. Most lilies are associated with rebirth and motherhood but in China lilies are mostly used in weddings. Calla lilies are probably the most popular lily. The white calla lilies symbolize purity and innocence, while the pink calla lilies represent appreciation and admiration.

Anthurium

Anthuriums are generally in the houseplant realm of flowers. Have you seen (usually a single) flower with waxy leaves and petals? That’s an anthurium. These beauties can be repotted and treasured for months – sometimes even years. This flower represents hospitality, happiness and abundance. Consider getting this for a mother who doesn’t have any pets. These flowers are also known as flamingo flowers or pigtail plants and they are definitely toxic. If they’re eaten, the individual (or pet) will experience a painful burning sensation that can cause blisters and/or swelling inside of the mouth. 

Orchids

If your mother (or mother figure) has exotic taste, the orchid is the perfect gift. It’s a unique ornamental flower with one or sometimes two stems. Orchids represent love, luxury, beauty and strength – this is why you’ll see a lot of orchids displayed in spas and places meant for rest and tranquility. 

Tulips

Tulips have a fresh, light scent and last longer than most flowers. The general meaning of tulips is perfect love. The color variances can also symbolize their own meaning: red tulips are associated with true love, lilac tulips symbolize royalty, and white tulips claim worthiness or send the message of forgiveness. 

Hydrangeas

These lush flowers are often given as a gift to signify abundant love and support. Blue hydrangeas are the most common and easiest to find. If you need to mend things with your mother (or mother figure), blue hydrangeas could be your way of doing that since they symbolize apology and forgiveness. Pink hydrangeas symbolize heartfelt emotion, white hydrangeas articulate boasting and/or bragging, and purple hydrangeas mean you have a desire to deeply understand someone. 

Gladiolus

These flowers are eye catching because they bloom vertically on a long stalk. These wonders symbolize faithfulness, honor and strength of character. If you want to remind your mother (or mother figure) of her strength, these are the perfect flowers for that message. 

Flowers are a beautiful way to convey a sincere message without saying anything. Each flower is unique, just like every mother in the world. No two women are the same and the impact they’ve had on the lives of their children will forever be remembered.

Whether you’re prepping for a Mother’s Day purchase or another occasion, reflect on what you’re conveying with your selected bouquet. Putting a little more thought into your gesture will go a long way.