Is it appropriate to give flowers to a man? Yes, and more and more people do it without any awkwardness. Men receive bouquets for milestone birthdays, after a premiere or performance, a thesis defence, a promotion, or simply as a sign of respect. The question is not whether to give flowers, but which bouquet will look right.

Here is which flowers, colours and shapes suit men, when a bouquet is better replaced with a plant or an edible gift, and how to present it without too much fuss.

When flowers for a man are appropriate

Milestone birthdays and birthdays, especially from a team or from a woman.
Professional success: a defence, promotion, business opening or award.
Stage and sport: a premiere, concert or competition win.
Gratitude to a doctor, teacher or mentor.
Personal: from the woman he loves, no occasion needed.

If in doubt, consider the person's character: some enjoy a bouquet, others prefer a practical gift. Ideas for the latter are in gift ideas for men.

The key to a man's bouquet: a clear shape and restrained decoration

Which flowers to choose

Roses in dark red, burgundy or white, in a long-stemmed mono bouquet. Colour meanings are covered in rose colour meanings.
Chrysanthemums, especially green and large single-headed ones: graphic-looking and long-lasting.
Lisianthus, delphinium, irises for a blue and violet palette.
Calla lilies and anthuriums, strict shapes for a business greeting.
Eucalyptus, bamboo, greenery make a bouquet more restrained.

Bouquet of 35 red roses — 35 red roses, a classic mono bouquet for a milestone birthday

Ready options are collected in flowers for men.

Bouquets with character

If classic flowers feel too lyrical, choose a bouquet with a sense of humour. Our catalogue has the Courage arrangement, where pliers and a screwdriver stand next to chrysanthemums and lisianthus, and a men's bouquet of hot chilli peppers with eucalyptus. Such a gift is memorable and guaranteed to raise a smile.

Courage bouquet with chrysanthemums and tools — The Courage bouquet: chrysanthemums, lisianthus and real tools

Men's bouquet of hot peppers — A bouquet of 15 hot peppers and eucalyptus for lovers of spice

When a plant is the better gift

For an office or study, a potted plant is more practical: it lasts years, not days. An easy-going snake plant or an elegant orchid needs no daily care. How to look after the most popular office plant is explained in snake plant care and propagation. Ready options are among our potted plants.

How many flowers and what size

Number: by Ukrainian tradition, an odd number for a festive bouquet. More in how many flowers to give.
Size: medium or large, but not overly bulky, so it is easy to carry.
Height: long stems look more solid than a fluffy ball.
Wrapping: kraft, matte paper or none at all, with a matching ribbon.

How to present a bouquet to a man

Hand it over straight away without long speeches: a short greeting and a handshake or a hug.
At formal events, leave the bouquet with reception or an assistant so he does not hold it all evening.
For office delivery, give the recipient's name and, if needed, his full name for security.
Add a card with a specific reason, such as "For the win", "On the opening" or "Happy anniversary", so the bouquet reads clearly.

Men who choose flowers for women themselves will find our floristry glossary for men useful.

For the card text, see birthday wishes for a man.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.

Flowers for a Man: Is It OK and Which Bouquet to Choose