Birthday
HydrangeasMany cultures have flowers and plants that are seen as symbols of wealth and good fortune. In China, narcissi and little mandarin trees are given at New Year, the peony is called the "flower of wealth and honour", and many of us keep a "money tree" on the windowsill. Here are the flowers and plants associated with prosperity, where these traditions come from and how to choose such a gift so it lasts.
Please note: plants do not affect your income. Their "money" reputation comes from cultural symbolism, wordplay and folk beliefs. Treat such a gift as a lovely wish for well-being, not as a way to solve financial problems.
Symbols of prosperity across cultures
Flowers that symbolise wealth
Peony
In China the peony is called the "king of flowers" and the "flower of wealth and honour". Its lush blooms often appear in paintings and on textiles as a wish for prosperity, and during the Tang dynasty peonies were grown in imperial gardens. A peony bouquet is a fitting gift for a wedding, an anniversary or a business opening. Peony season is late spring to early summer; see our peonies.
Narcissus
In Chinese tradition the narcissus — the "water immortal" — blooms for the Lunar New Year and symbolises good luck in the year ahead. The bulbs are forced in a bowl of water and pebbles. For us, daffodils are among the first spring flowers — a bright, affordable gift.
Chrysanthemum
In Japan the chrysanthemum is the emblem of the imperial house: a stylised 16-petal bloom appears on the imperial seal, and the throne itself is called the Chrysanthemum Throne. In China the chrysanthemum symbolises longevity. In Europe it has other associations, so consider the recipient's traditions. Bouquets are in our chrysanthemums catalogue.
Orchid
The orchid is a symbol of refinement, luxury and abundance. In China it has long been linked with the image of a noble, cultivated person. A flowering phalaenopsis in a pot is a long-lasting gift that can bloom for 2–3 months. Browse our orchids.
Yellow and golden shades
In many cultures gold and yellow are associated with the sun, abundance and success. A yellow bouquet of roses, tulips, chrysanthemums or daffodils is therefore a good choice to congratulate someone on a promotion, a new job or a successful deal. Learn more about colours and meanings in our guide to the language of flowers.
Houseplants with a "money" reputation
- Jade plant (money tree). Nicknamed for its thick, round leaves that look like coins. Easy-going, it likes bright light and infrequent watering, and after a cool winter it may even flower — see how the jade plant flowers.
- Pachira. Often sold with several braided trunks. In East Asia it is a popular gift for a business opening. It likes diffused light and moderate watering.
- Lucky bamboo. Not actually bamboo but Dracaena sanderiana. The stems grow in water or soil, and in Chinese symbolism even the number of stems matters.
- Pilea peperomioides. Known as the Chinese money plant for its round, coin-like leaves on slender stalks.
- ZZ plant. Sometimes called the "dollar tree" in Ukraine. Very tough, it tolerates part shade and missed waterings.
- Citrus trees. Kumquats and mandarins in fruit are a traditional Chinese New Year gift: the golden fruit symbolises wealth.
Potted plants are a practical gift for the office or home: they live for years and need little care. Browse our potted plants. Some of them, such as the jade plant and the ZZ plant, are toxic to pets — keep that in mind when choosing.
When a "prosperity" gift is appropriate
- Opening a business or office — pachira, jade plant, a potted orchid.
- Housewarming — lucky bamboo or a citrus tree.
- Promotion or new job — a bouquet in yellow and gold.
- Wedding or anniversary — peonies or orchids as a wish for well-being.
- Lunar New Year — narcissi, kumquats, mandarins.
Add a card with your wishes so the symbolism is clear even to someone unfamiliar with the tradition. To learn how flowers feature in Chinese festivals, see Chinese flower traditions.
FAQ
Which flowers symbolise wealth?
In Chinese tradition, the peony, narcissus and orchid; in Japanese, the chrysanthemum. Many cultures associate prosperity with yellow and golden hues.
Why is the jade plant called a money tree?
Because of its thick, round, coin-like leaves.
Do plants really attract money?
No. It is symbolism and folklore. A plant can be a lovely wish for prosperity, but it does not affect finances.
What should I give for a business opening?
A long-lived potted plant: pachira, jade plant, ZZ plant or a flowering orchid.
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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.
