We walk you through the language of flowers, and where to get fresh blooms, so you can create a more meaningful Mother’s Day bouquet.
Sure, you can give the special woman in your life any fancy, pre-arranged bouquet from the store for Mother’s Day, but why not shake it up a bit with a bespoke, curated bunch of blooms that actually tell a story? Flowers have their own language too, each one carrying a particular symbolism or connotation.
In the Victorian era, knowing this language (referred to as “floriography”) was common practice amid the stringent etiquette of the time, which didn’t approve of bold expressions of emotion. Giving flowers with particular meanings was one way to subtly but effectively communicate a sentiment; and honestly, why not keep the practice alive? It’s a simple way to show you’re not just buying something—you’re finding and crafting meaning from nature.
To get you started, here are the symbolisms of some common bouquet flowers based on Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers by Jessica Roux; Flowerpaedia: 1000 Flowers and their Meanings by Cheralyn Darcey; and the useful guide prepared by British florists Bloom & Wild.
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Common Flower Meanings
Aster = Daintiness
Carnation = A Mother’s Eternal Love
Chamomile = Calm and Patience Amid Adversity
Chrysanthemum = Optimism, Joy, Longevity, Cheerfulness
Dahlia = Eternal Love and Commitment
Daisy = Innocence and Childhood
Heather = Luck and Protection
Lilac = Youth and Reminiscence
Lily = Purity, Gratitude, Devotion
Orchid = Beauty and Elegance
Peony = Bashfulness
Rose = True Love
Sunflower = Well Wishes And Strength
Tulip (especially purple-colored ones) = Deep, Lasting Love
Where To Get Your Blooms
Don’t worry about scouring the internet for places to get that perfectly dewy, fresh batch of flowers ready for Mother’s Day; we’ve collated a few that won’t disappoint.
Mabolo Flowers and Home (@maboloflowers)
Aside from selling production furniture, home decor, selected tabletop gifts, specialty linen, and other home accessories, Mabolo Flowers and Home offers an array of stunning blooms, with seasonal ones imported on a weekly basis. The shop is committed to fair practices, aligning with the standards set by the International Flower Auction, Bloemen Bureau.
You can find them at the ground floor of the Alegria Building at 2229 Chino Roces Avenue, Makati. They accept orders through email (info@maboloflowers.com or sales@maboloflowers.com); landline (02 8893 5689/02 8893 6912); and messages through Viber and WhatsApp (0917 575 3900/0917 521 3161).
Lanai (@lanai_manila)
Lanai has begun taking in Mother’s Day orders, but moves fast, as their slots fill up fast—a testament to their quality. The shop welcomes custom orders, on top of their pre-made and classic arrangements, perfect if you want to make a statement.
To order, contact them via Whatsapp, Viber, or iMessage at 0917 620 2906. For inquiries, you can send an email to info@lanai-manila.com. The shop also has a physical store at the second floor of Retail Row 2, The Powerplant Mall (near Mary Grace).
Spruce Designs (@sprucedesignsph)
The incredibly popular Spruce Designs also offers intimate flower bouquets, besides its larger arrangements for big events like weddings. The leading floral designer creates arrangements with elegance, authenticity, and restraint, which is why it’s been a trusted partner for a variety of international luxury brands.
Spruce Designs can deliver plants and floral arrangements straight to your doorstep, and offer a wide selection of classic, seasonal, and heritage blooms.
For custom arrangements, reach out to Emily at 0917 564 3150 via Viber or Whatsapp. For more information, you may also visit Spruce’s official website at https://sprucedesigns.ph/.
The Love Garden (@thelovegardenph)
The Love Garden also offers lovely flower arrangements, on top of working on events like corporate functions and nuptials. It features a robust online order system that keeps customers updated through every step of the process through email and messaging channels for a hassle-free experience.
You can choose to order a custom bouquet if you’re feeling creative and want to practice some floriography, though the shop also offers a finely-curated selection of bouquets with a special Mother’s Day 2025 catalogue of arrangements. To place an order and for more information, visit their website at www.thelovegarden.com.ph/; get in touch through Viber and WhatsApp at 0917 313 1353; or shoot them a direct message at @thelovegardenph on Facebook and Instagram. You can also pay them a visit along 910 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati.
