Flowers for 8 March: what to choose and how to care

8 March is one of the most flower-filled days of the year. Spring bouquets are given to mothers, wives, colleagues, friends and teachers. Here is which flowers to choose for International Women's Day, what their colours mean, how to put together a bouquet with a message, how to keep tulips and mimosa fresh and why it is best to order in advance.

Spring bouquets for the day are in our tulips, flowers for mom and flowers for a colleague sections.

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Which flowers to give on 8 March

• Tulips are the main spring flower. In March the choice is especially wide, from classic red to peony-flowered and fringed varieties. More in "Tulips: varieties and colour meanings".
• Mimosa is the symbol of the day, a tradition from Italy. It is fluffy and fragrant but dries out quickly. More about the plant in "Mimosa".
• Daffodils are sunny and springlike. Their sap harms other cut flowers, so they are added to a mixed bouquet only after standing in a separate vase for a few hours.
• Hyacinths have a rich scent and look lovely both cut and in pots.
• Ranunculus, freesias and irises suit delicate mixed bouquets.
• Roses and chrysanthemums are a safe classic for any occasion.

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Which bouquet for whom

• Mum — soft shades, peony-shaped roses, tulips or a flower basket. Ideas in "Flowers for mom".
• Your beloved — red or pink tulips, roses or a single-variety bouquet of her favourite flowers.
• Colleagues — small matching bouquets or potted flowers.
• A teacher — a neat bouquet or an arrangement in a box.
• A friend — a bright spring mix.

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How to make a bouquet with a message

In the language of flowers each bloom and shade has its own meaning: a red tulip is a declaration of love, yellow means joy and sunshine, white means sincerity and the daffodil stands for spring and renewal. Such a bouquet can come with a card explaining the meanings. More in "The language of flowers". Just remember that a person's favourite flowers matter more than any symbolism.

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Why order in advance

7–8 March are peak days for florists: demand for tulips and mimosa rises many times over and delivery slots run out. Ordering a few days ahead guarantees the flowers you want and a convenient delivery time.

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How to keep a spring bouquet fresh

• Tulips keep growing in the vase and bend towards the light. Give them a little cool water, trim the stems and turn the vase.
• Mimosa dries out quickly: keep it cool and mist it. Dried mimosa can be kept as a dried flower.
• Daffodils should stand on their own for a few hours before joining a mixed bouquet, and their stems should not be recut afterwards.
• Change the water daily and keep the bouquet away from radiators and fruit.

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Potted flowers, a gift that lasts

Hyacinths, daffodils and grape hyacinths in pots, a primrose or a flowering orchid last longer than cut flowers. After flowering, the bulbs can be planted in the garden.

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FAQ

Which flowers are traditionally given on 8 March?

Tulips, mimosa, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as roses and chrysanthemums.

How many tulips should I give?

For a small bouquet an odd number, 7–15; for a striking single-variety bouquet, 25–51.

Why does mimosa wilt so fast?

Its tiny flower heads lose moisture quickly in warm, dry air; cool conditions and misting keep it fresh longer.

For the history of the day, see "International Women's Day".

For card messages, see Women's Day wishes.

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.

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