Flower Gifting Taboos by Country: Avoid the Wrong Bouquet

Picture the same bouquet arriving in two different countries. In one it reads as "thinking of you"; in the other it hints at grief, a break-up or more intimacy than you intended. Flowers may speak a universal language, but every country has its own dialect. Before you send something abroad, here's what's worth knowing — starting with the rules that hold everywhere.

Three safe rules to start with

1. Unsure? Go colourful. Bouquets that are all white or all red carry stronger meanings; a mixed, colourful bouquet is safe almost anywhere.
2. Never leave the card blank. Spelling out what you mean takes away any chance of a misunderstanding.
3. Ask someone close to them. If you're not sure about local customs, a quick word with a family member always helps.

Why France says no to chrysanthemums

• In France, chrysanthemums are cemetery flowers, placed on graves on All Saints' Day (1 November). They don't belong in a gift.
• Tradition also steers clear of even numbers, and 13 in particular.
• Invited to dinner? Sending flowers the day before or the day after is the thoughtful move — your hosts won't be hunting for a vase while the guests arrive.

Hospital visits in the UK

• White lilies are traditionally associated with funerals.
• An old superstition holds that red and white flowers together bring bad luck on a hospital ward — and many UK wards don't accept fresh flowers at all for hygiene reasons. Sending them to the patient's home is the safer option.

Who gets red roses in Germany?

• Only the person you love. Red roses are an unmistakably romantic message there; for colleagues, teachers or hosts, choose a mixed bouquet.
• White lilies and chrysanthemums are tied to funerals and graves.
• Celebrating a birthday early is thought to bring bad luck — make sure the flowers arrive on the day.

Numbers and colours in Russia

• Odd for joy, even for grief. Happy occasions call for odd numbers — 1, 3, 5, 7, 11 — while even numbers belong to funerals and memorials. People pay the most attention with roses counted one by one; big mixed bouquets rarely get counted.
• Yellow flowers traditionally hint at separation or infidelity — so no yellow roses for a partner.
• 8 March is the busiest flower day of the year, when mothers, wives, colleagues and teachers all receive flowers. Read more in International Women's Day flowers in Russia.

In the Gulf, through the family

Giving flowers is becoming more and more common in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In more conservative families, a gift with a strongly personal or romantic meaning is better passed on through the family. Colourful bouquets and arrangements are a safe choice here too.

And in Turkey?

The rules are looser, but care still counts. White and soft tones are chosen for condolences, and heavily scented flowers are avoided for hospital visits. Red roses for a partner and pink and white for mothers are the favourites.

Curious what each colour says? Take a look at what rose colours mean.