Giving flowers for Mother's Day

• Carnation: a mother's love. It is the historic flower of the day. In pink, it says gratitude; in red, admiration.

• Rose: love in all its forms. Pale pink for tenderness, white for respect, peach or coral for gratitude.

• Peony: generosity and happiness. In China, it is called the queen of flowers. It arrives right in May.

• Ranunculus: charm. Its tightly packed petals make it a delicate flower, a spring favorite.

• Hydrangea: gratitude and sincerity.

• Orchid: elegance. As a potted plant, it lasts for months.

These meanings come from the 19th-century language of flowers. They are useful pointers, but her favorite flower will always say more than any symbolism.

• Pink: tenderness and affection. The most popular color for Mother's Day.

• White and cream: admiration and softness. Paired with pastels, they keep the bouquet from looking too formal.

• Red: a strong love. It is not just for couples; it suits a mother too.

• Yellow and orange: joy and energy, for a sunny mom.

• Mixed pastels: softness, for a romantic bouquet.

• Multicolored: cheerfulness, and often the kids' pick.

To choose the style, size and seasonal flowers, see our guide which bouquet to give for Mother's Day.

Two or three sentences are enough, as long as they come from you. A specific memory touches more than a general compliment. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Heartfelt messages

• Happy Mother's Day, Mom. Thank you for everything you've given me, and everything you still give.
• For you, Mom, with all my love.
• Thank you for always being there. Happy Mother's Day.
• You taught me to love beautiful things. Here are a few.
• To the most patient mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day!

Short messages

• Happy Mother's Day, dear Mom.
• Thinking of you today.
• Thank you for everything. I love you.
• Just for you.
• To the best mom ever.

Funny messages

• Happy Mother's Day from your favorite child. Don't tell the others.
• I couldn't decide between flowers and chocolates. Since you never share the chocolates, here are flowers.
• Thanks for putting up with me all these years. Flowers are the least I can do.

For a grandmother

• Happy Mother's Day, Grandma. Thank you for the snacks, the stories and all your love.
• To my mom's mom, with all my love.
• You are the heart of our family. Happy Mother's Day!

For a mother-in-law

• Thank you for welcoming me into your family. Happy Mother's Day!
• With all our love, for a wonderful mother-in-law.

From afar

• I can't be there today, so these flowers are coming in my place. Big hugs.
• Miles apart, but thinking of you. Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

The card is free with CHF 55 of flowers or more, and costs CHF 2.90 below that.

For many people, Mother's Day is also a day of missing someone. Laying flowers on a grave, or keeping some at home, is a way of still celebrating her. Choose her favorite flower or color rather than a funeral arrangement.

If someone close to you is facing their first Mother's Day since losing their mother, a few flowers with a simple note, "thinking of you today," will show them they are not alone. For the meaning of flowers in this context, see our guide to the meaning of funeral flowers.

Mother's Day falls on a Sunday, and we don't deliver on Sundays. Aim for Saturday: May 8 in 2027.

• Anywhere in Switzerland: order before 4 p.m. on Friday. Delivery costs CHF 14.90.

• In the canton of Geneva: order before 2 p.m. on Saturday for same-day delivery, for CHF 9.90 to 19.90 depending on the address.

• Book early: the calendar opens dates up to 15 days ahead, and Mother's Day bouquets go fast.

Living abroad or in France? Check the date in your mother's country in why Mother's Day falls on different dates. More gift ideas are in what to give for Mother's Day.