Not sure which flowers to give? The short answer: bright, mixed colours for birthdays and thank-yous, soft pastels for a birth, red roses only for love, and white for sympathy. Beyond that, each flower and colour carries its own meaning, and a few cultural codes are worth knowing in Switzerland. When in doubt, a seasonal bouquet from a good florist, such as KANEL, is always appropriate.
Flower meanings come from tradition rather than strict rules. Use them as a guide, and above all think of the person you are giving to.
Flowers by occasion
| Occasion | Good choices | Colours |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday | Gerberas, sunflowers, tulips, mixed seasonal bouquets | Bright, warm, mixed |
| Birth | Small roses, carnations, sweet peas, compact bouquets | Soft pink, blue, white, pastel |
| Thank you | Sunflowers, hydrangeas, yellow or pink roses | Yellow, pink, warm tones |
| Apology | White or pink roses, tulips | White, soft pink |
| Love, Valentine’s Day | Red roses, peonies, ranunculus | Red, deep pink |
| Get well soon | Tulips, gerberas, small cheerful bouquets | Bright, light |
| Sympathy, funeral | Lilies, white roses, chrysanthemums | White, cream, pale lilac |
| Mother’s Day | Pink roses, peonies, tulips, spring bouquets | Pink, pastel |
| Congratulations | Orchids, sunflowers, generous mixed bouquets | Vibrant |
Birthday
A birthday calls for colour and generosity. Mixed seasonal bouquets work for almost everyone, from colleagues to close family. If you know the recipient’s favourite flower, build around it.
Birth
Choose soft colours and compact arrangements: new parents have little space and little time. Avoid strongly scented flowers in a room with a newborn. For hospital deliveries, check that flowers are allowed on the maternity ward.
Thank you
Yellow is the colour of friendship and gratitude. Sunflowers or a bright bouquet say thank you to a host, a neighbour or a colleague without any ambiguity.
Apology
White symbolises peace, pink tenderness. A simple, elegant bouquet of white or pale pink roses, with a sincere card, says more than an extravagant arrangement.
Love and Valentine’s Day
Red roses remain the universal symbol of passionate love. Peonies and ranunculus are softer, more original alternatives. In 2027, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, when Swiss florists do not deliver, so order for Saturday 13 February. See our flower-giving calendar.
Sympathy and funerals
White and soft tones express respect and peace. For the ceremony, a wreath or spray is usual; for the family’s home, a condolence bouquet. Our funeral flowers guide explains formats and etiquette in Switzerland.
Mother’s Day
In Switzerland, Mother’s Day is the second Sunday of May: Sunday 9 May 2027. As there are no Sunday deliveries, plan for Saturday 8 May. Pink roses, peonies and spring bouquets are favourites. Note for British readers: UK Mothering Sunday is in March, so check which date you are celebrating.
What popular flowers mean
| Flower | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|
| Rose (red) | Passionate love |
| Rose (pink) | Tenderness, gratitude, admiration |
| Rose (white) | Purity, respect, new beginnings |
| Rose (yellow) | Friendship, joy |
| Tulip | Cheerful love, renewal, spring |
| Peony | Happiness, romance, prosperity |
| Lily | Purity; often used for sympathy |
| Sunflower | Warmth, loyalty, happiness |
| Gerbera | Cheerfulness, innocence |
| Orchid | Elegance, admiration |
| Hydrangea | Gratitude, heartfelt emotion |
| Chrysanthemum | Remembrance (in Switzerland and much of Europe) |
| Carnation | Affection, admiration |
What colours mean
- Red: love, passion.
- Pink: tenderness, gratitude, softness.
- White: purity, peace, respect, sympathy.
- Yellow: friendship, joy, gratitude.
- Orange: energy, enthusiasm, congratulations.
- Purple and lilac: admiration, elegance, remembrance.
- Blue: calm, trust.
Cultural codes worth knowing in Switzerland
- Chrysanthemums are strongly associated with graves and All Saints’ Day (1 November). Avoid them as a cheerful gift.
- Red roses to a colleague or a friend’s partner can be misread; choose another colour.
- Odd numbers of stems are a tradition in some European countries for gift bouquets; it is not a strict rule in Switzerland, and florists’ bouquets take care of this for you.
- Lilies are elegant but have a strong scent and pollen that can stain; they are also toxic to cats, worth knowing if the recipient has pets.
Flowers in a professional setting
Many expats in Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Zug send flowers to colleagues, clients or hosts. A few guidelines keep things simple:
- Stay neutral: mixed seasonal bouquets, white or yellow tones, sunflowers or hydrangeas. Avoid red roses.
- Think about the space: a compact bouquet suits a desk; a larger one, a reception area.
- Mind the scent: strongly scented flowers such as lilies can bother people in shared offices.
- Add a clear card: your name, company and the reason for the flowers (“Thank you for your hospitality”, “Congratulations on the new role”).
- Delivery to an office: include the company name, floor and a contact at reception.
Seasonal flowers in Switzerland
Choosing flowers that are in season usually means fresher stems and better value:
- Spring: tulips, daffodils, ranunculus, anemones, hyacinths.
- Summer: peonies (early summer), sunflowers, hydrangeas, dahlias.
- Autumn: dahlias, chrysanthemums, asters, foliage and berries.
- Winter: amaryllis, hellebores, evergreen branches, roses.
Florists’ seasonal bouquets follow these rhythms, which is one reason they are often the best choice.
Let the florist choose
If you are unsure, a seasonal bouquet is the safest bet: florists choose what is freshest and most beautiful at that moment. KANEL composes its seasonal bouquets by hand on the day of delivery (from CHF 74.90, prices checked October 2026) and delivers across Switzerland. For a regular treat, a flower subscription is a lovely option.
Once the flowers arrive, help them last with our tips on how to make flowers last longer. And to choose a florist, see our guide to the best flower delivery in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
What flowers should I give for a birthday?
Bright, cheerful flowers work best: gerberas, sunflowers, tulips, mixed seasonal bouquets or roses in yellow, orange or pink.
What do red roses mean?
Red roses symbolise passionate love. They are best kept for a partner; for friends or colleagues, choose another colour.
Which flowers are appropriate for sympathy?
White flowers such as lilies, roses and chrysanthemums are the classic choice, along with soft cream, pale pink or lilac tones.
What flowers should I give my mother on Mother's Day?
Pink roses, peonies, tulips and mixed spring bouquets are popular choices. In Switzerland, Mother's Day 2027 is Sunday 9 May, so order for Saturday 8 May.
What flowers say thank you?
Sunflowers, yellow or pink roses, hydrangeas and cheerful seasonal bouquets are good ways to say thank you.