Birthday
HydrangeasIn the United States flowers mark almost every important day, from prom night to Memorial Day. Many American traditions are relatively young, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, and closely tied to family holidays and school life. Here is which flowers Americans give and when, where these customs came from and what to know if you are sending flowers to someone in the US.
The rose, national flower
The rose officially became the US national flower in 1986, when President Ronald Reagan signed the proclamation. Every state also has its own flower: the bluebonnet in Texas, the California poppy in California and the Cherokee rose in Georgia. See also our guide to national flowers of the world.
Mother's Day and carnations
Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday in May. It was championed by Anna Jarvis: the first celebration took place in 1908, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday. The carnation became its symbol — red or pink to honour a living mother, white in memory of one who has died. Today it is one of the biggest flower days of the year in the US.
Valentine's Day
14 February is peak season for red roses. Most cut flowers sold in the US are imported, mainly from Colombia and Ecuador, so entire cargo flights of roses arrive before the holiday.
Prom and homecoming
- Prom. A young man gives his date a corsage — a small arrangement worn on the wrist or dress — and she gives him a matching boutonniere.
- Homecoming. In Texas, girls wear "mums" to the autumn school celebration: huge corsages built around a chrysanthemum (often artificial) with ribbons, bells and names. Some weigh several kilograms.
The Rose Parade in Pasadena
Every 1 January, Pasadena, California hosts the Tournament of Roses Parade, a tradition since 1890. By the rules, floats must be completely covered in natural materials — flowers, seeds, bark and leaves — and a single float can use tens of thousands of blooms.
Cherry blossoms in Washington
In 1912 the mayor of Tokyo gave Washington about 3,000 cherry trees. Today their spring bloom around the Tidal Basin draws millions of visitors to the National Cherry Blossom Festival. For the Japanese view of cherry blossom, see Japanese flower traditions.
Hawaiian leis
In Hawaii a flower garland, or lei, is given to guests, graduates, newlyweds and birthday celebrants. Lei Day has been celebrated on 1 May since 1928. Classic lei flowers include plumeria, orchids, tuberose and sampaguita jasmine.
Memorial Day and poppies
Memorial Day falls on the last Monday in May. It began as Decoration Day, when the graves of fallen soldiers were decorated with flowers. The red poppy became its symbol after the poem "In Flanders Fields" and Moina Michael's campaign, launched in 1918.
Etiquette tips
- Numbers carry no meaning: there is no odd-or-even custom in the US, and the standard gift is a dozen roses.
- Yellow roses mean friendship; red ones, romance.
- Funeral flowers are usually sent to the funeral home with a card. Obituaries sometimes say "in lieu of flowers", asking for a donation instead.
- Hospitals, especially intensive care units, may not allow fresh flowers — check first.
FAQ
What should I give an American mother on Mother's Day?
Carnations or a mixed spring bouquet with a card; potted plants are popular too.
Which flowers are worn to prom?
A wrist corsage for her and a boutonniere for him, matched to the outfits.
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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.
