Birthday
HydrangeasFlowers for someone in hospital are a simple way to show you are thinking of them. But a hospital room is not an ordinary room: there are ward rules, other patients, allergies and hygiene restrictions. Here is whether you can bring flowers to hospital, which ones to choose, how to present the bouquet and what to give instead if flowers are not allowed.
Small arrangements that need no vase are available among our flower boxes and baskets.
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Can you bring flowers to hospital?
There is no single rule: it depends on the hospital and the ward. As a rule, fresh flowers are not allowed in intensive care, in wards treating patients with weakened immunity (haematology-oncology, transplant units) or in infectious disease wards. The reasons are bacteria in stagnant vase water, pollen and fungal spores in potting soil. Call the ward before visiting or ask the patient.
Which flowers to choose
- Long-lasting and not strongly scented: chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, spray roses, carnations, lisianthus, gerberas.
- Small size. Bedside tables are tiny, and roommates may have allergies or be sensitive to scent.
- Light, cheerful shades: yellow, peach, pink, orange.
- Nothing funereal: an odd number of stems and no white chrysanthemums with dark foliage and ribbons.
How to present the bouquet
Best of all is a bouquet that needs no vase: an arrangement in floral foam in a small box or basket, or a bouquet in an "aqua pack" with water. If you bring an ordinary bouquet, take a light vase with you — there probably will not be one on the ward. Remove excess wrapping and ribbons before the visit.
What to avoid
- Lilies, hyacinths, tuberoses — strong scent and lots of pollen.
- Potted plants — soil may contain fungal spores that are dangerous for vulnerable patients.
- Large bouquets — awkward in a cramped room.
- Latex balloons — many hospitals ban them because of latex allergy.
If flowers are not allowed
- A card or letter with warm words — see our get-well wishes for ideas.
- Useful little things: a book, headphones, a charger with a long cable, a soft blanket, slippers.
- Fruit — only after checking that it fits the patient's diet.
- Flowers delivered home for discharge day, where they can safely welcome the person back.
Tips for the visit
- Check visiting hours and ward rules.
- Do not visit if you have a cold or a temperature.
- Change the vase water daily or ask the patient's family to do it.
- Take the bouquet away once it starts to fade — wilting flowers cheer no one up.
FAQ
Can I bring flowers to intensive care?
Usually not. Send a card instead or wait until the patient moves to a regular ward.
What flowers are good after surgery?
A small bouquet of long-lasting, lightly scented flowers — chrysanthemums, alstroemeria, spray roses — with a vase or in floral foam.
Can I give a potted plant?
Not in hospital. It is a better gift at home after discharge.
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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.
