The History of Mother’s Day Flowers

When it comes to Mother’s Day history, the tradition of gifting flowers goes all the way back to the 19th century. It began with an incredible woman named Anna Jarvis, who, after losing her mother, wanted to create a day to honor the love and sacrifices mothers tend to make for their children and for others. Her passion led to the first official Mother’s Day celebration in 1908, and by 1914, it was officially recognized as a national holiday in the United States. We truly owe it all to Anna for creating this beautiful day to celebrate the women who shape our lives.

As Mother’s Day became more widely celebrated among families in the United States, the holiday evolved, and so did the tradition of giving flowers. In 1917, one of the earliest and most iconic marketing campaigns for flowers launched under the slogan, “Say It with Flowers.” This simple yet powerful message helped establish the tradition of gifting blooms on Mother’s Day. And guess what? It remains one of the most successful campaigns in floral history.

Flowers symbolize everything from love and gratitude to admiration and remembrance, making them the perfect gift for celebrating mothers of all kinds.

Chrysanthemums: Mums for Moms

Chrysanthemums, commonly referred to as “mums,” are a beautiful flower choice for Mother’s Day. With a name that naturally nods to “Mom,” they’re beloved for their vibrant colors, large blooms, and symbolism of love, joy, and longevity. Their seasonal beauty and variety make them a thoughtful and timeless addition to any Mother’s Day bouquet, and are available in our best-selling Mum-Believable Flower Wrap and our Got it For My Mama arrangement on our Mother’s Day flower menu. 

Carnations: A Symbol of Mother’s Day

Carnations have long been associated with Mother’s Day, thanks to their history and wide array of colors. This tradition dates back to when Anna Jarvis began the custom of wearing a white carnation to honor her late mother. The choice of carnations was no coincidence for Jarvis; these flowers traditionally symbolize a mother’s sacrifice and love. Each color carries its own significance, white represents purity and luck, pink signifies gratitude and love, and red denotes affection. Carnations are hardy flowers and one of our favorites to use – you’ll find spray carnations floating in some of our Mother’s Day flower designs, symbolizing love and appreciation.

Roses: A Classic Expression of Love

Roses are synonymous with love and admiration, making them a popular choice for Mother’s Day. Roses have long been gifted as a symbol of love and devotion. In China and the Middle East, roses were cultivated for their fragrance, medicinal properties, and ceremonial purposes. Later in Greece and Rome, roses became powerful symbols of love and devotion, closely linked to the goddesses Aphrodite and Venus. 

In the context of Mother’s Day, roses symbolize grace, appreciation, and the deep bond shared between a mother and child. Pink roses in particular are favored for their long-held association with gratitude and admiration. You can find pink and orange roses featured in our special Mother’s Day wraps, each included their own meaningful touch. Our Susan G. Komen Pink Flower Wrap includes soft pink roses, with 10% of the proceeds supporting their mission to save lives through breakthrough breast cancer research. Our Mama’s Rose Wrap showcases peachy-orange roses, perfect for celebrating the bold mothers in our lives.

Peonies: Symbols of Honor and Prosperity

Peonies have been cultivated in China since as early as 1,000 BCE, where they are symbols of wealth and honor. They eventually made their way to Europe and the United States, becoming especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Peonies are traditionally seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, making them a meaningful choice for Mother’s Day celebrations. With their lush and delicate scent, peonies represent the grace that is often associated with motherhood. While they were not originally tied to the earliest Mother’s Day traditions like carnations, peonies have become a beloved favorite in modern bouquets thanks to their seasonal peak in spring and their rich symbolism.

Even though peonies weren’t historically connected to Anna Jarvis’ campaign that made Mother’s Day history, this flower is our most requested variety for mamas in San Diego! That’s why we offer peonies in a paper-wrapped market bouquet, or as an arrangement mixed with roses. 

Flowers are always a beautiful way to share love and gratitude, and on Mother’s Day, they hold even more meaning. Each flower carries its own story, adding a little extra magic when you gift them. So whether you’re showing up with a flower arrangement in tow on Mother’s Day or sending love with a flower delivery from afar, you’ve got Anna Jarvis to thank for starting this sweet tradition. 

As we celebrate the mothers, mentors, and women in our lives, let the flowers you choose be a reflection of the beauty and love they bring into the world every day.