Birthday
HydrangeasA bouquet for International Women's Day (8 March) lasts a few days, while a flowering potted plant lasts weeks or even years. It lives on after the holiday and reminds her of you every time a new bud opens. Here is which potted plants to give on 8 March: spring bulbs, easy-care plants for those who don't want fuss, and rare specimens for collectors — plus how to choose a healthy plant and get it home safely in the March cold.
How to choose a plant as a gift
- Think about the recipient. A busy colleague will appreciate an easy-care plant; an experienced grower, something rare.
- Buy plants in bud. If some flowers haven't opened yet, the display will last longer.
- Check leaves and soil. Leaves should be firm, without spots or webbing; the soil should be free of mould and bad smells.
- Consider pets. Some popular plants, such as cyclamen, hyacinth and azalea, are toxic to cats and dogs.
The most spring-like plants
Hyacinth
A single hyacinth or a basket of bulbs is one of the most "March" gifts of all. The strongly scented flowers come in white, pink, blue, purple and yellow. A hyacinth blooms for about two weeks, longer in a cool room. After flowering, cut off the stalk, keep watering until the leaves yellow, and plant the bulb in the garden in autumn. You can also give the bulbs with a pot — forcing hyacinths at home feels like a small miracle.
Potted tulips, daffodils and crocuses
If you want to give spring flowers but a bouquet seems too short-lived, choose bulbs in pots. Tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths and crocuses look lovely together in one basket. Keep them cool and bright so they last longer. If you still want a classic bouquet, see our tulips.
Primrose
An inexpensive and cheerful gift, with bright flowers in every shade from white to burgundy. Primroses like it cool (about 12–16 °C), with diffused light and evenly moist soil. Garden primroses can be planted outdoors after flowering and will bloom every spring.
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is a succulent with lush clusters of red, orange, pink or yellow flowers. It blooms for weeks, forgives missed waterings and suits anyone who doesn't want demanding care. It is toxic to cats and dogs.
For those who enjoy plant care
Phalaenopsis and dendrobium
Phalaenopsis is the easiest orchid: it blooms for 2–3 months and can rebloom. Dendrobium is showier but more demanding: it needs very bright light all year and a cool, dry winter rest, or it won't set buds. You can choose a ready orchid from our orchids.
Stephanotis (Madagascar jasmine)
A climbing plant with glossy leaves and snow-white, star-shaped flowers with a sweet, jasmine-like scent. Stephanotis usually blooms from spring to late summer, so in early March it is often sold in bud. It likes bright diffused light and a support for its stems, and dislikes being moved while flowering.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen blooms right through winter and early spring. Its flowers resemble butterflies, and the leaves are often marked with a silvery pattern. The key is coolness (about 12–16 °C) and watering from the saucer rather than onto the tuber.
Anthurium
Anthurium's glossy "hearts" last for weeks on the plant, and new ones appear almost all year. It needs warmth, diffused light and higher humidity.
Rare plants for collectors
Tacca
Tacca chantrieri is called the "black lily" or "bat flower" because of its dark blooms and long, whisker-like bracts. The spooky names are about looks only — the plant is perfectly harmless. Tacca needs warmth, bright diffused light and high humidity, so it is a gift for experienced growers.
Strelitzia
Strelitzia flowers look like the head of a brightly coloured bird, hence the name "bird of paradise". It is a large plant that loves plenty of light and warmth. Note that strelitzia only flowers when mature, usually several years after sowing, so if you want blooms, choose an adult plant.
How to bring a plant home in March
- Tropical plants (orchids, anthurium, tacca) can be damaged by even a brief exposure to frost. Wrap the pot in several layers of paper or a bag.
- Don't leave the plant in a cold car.
- At home, give it a couple of hours to adjust to the warmth before unwrapping completely.
- If you'd rather not risk it, order delivery: couriers transport plants in suitable packaging. Browse our potted plants.
Want to make the gift more personal? Put the plant in a homemade cover — ideas in DIY plant pot covers — or create a mini garden with our guide to succulent arrangements.
FAQ
What potted flower should I give on 8 March?
The most popular and easiest options are hyacinth, potted tulips, primrose, kalanchoe and phalaenopsis.
Which houseplant flowers the longest?
Phalaenopsis for 2–3 months; anthurium almost all year with good care.
What should I do with a hyacinth after flowering?
Cut off the stalk, water until the leaves yellow, then dry the bulb and plant it in the garden in autumn.
Which plants are dangerous for cats?
Among popular gift plants: cyclamen, hyacinth, azalea, kalanchoe and anthurium. If the recipient has pets, phalaenopsis — considered safe — is the better choice; still keep plants out of animals' reach.
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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.
