The 15 Best Flowers to Give Your Wife (For Every Occasion!)
Regardless of what love language your wife—or husband—has, you can rarely go wrong with giving them flowers. However, it’s no easy task trying to browse through the dizzying amounts of flowers available, especially when you’re like me and want nothing short of perfect!
The 15 best flowers to give to one’s wife are
- Alstroemeria
- Calla lilies
- Camellias
- Cherry blossoms
- Forget-me-nots
- Heliotrope
- Irises
- Jasmine
- Lisianthus
- Myrtles
- Orchids
- Peonies
- Roses
- Tulips
- Zinnias
If there is one thing the plant kingdom has plenty of, it’s flowers. So let’s put the petal to the metal and see which of these blooms is right for your wife!
1. Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria spp.)
Because Alstroemeria flowers typically express deep connections and loving attachments, they make excellent floral gifts for one’s wife.
Best Colors: Red, purple, orange
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
Few flowers can compete with the tropical vibrancy of Alstroemeria blooms.
These lily-like flowers often represent bonding and strong devotion. I believe this is a lovely way to remind your partner of how connected you are.
This romantic flower is perfect as a spontaneous “just-because” gift and is great for couples who are not just lovers, but best friends.
2. Calla Lilies (Zantedeschia spp.)
Calla lilies are frequently used in weddings to symbolize long-lasting marital love. These flowers are ideal gifts for a wife. Their blooms can last up to 10 days as cut flowers or up to 3 weeks as a potted plant.
Best Colors: Red, pink, white
Bloom Life: 1–2+ weeks
What better way to celebrate weddings and anniversaries is there than to gift your loved one white calla lilies?
Not only do they have an undeniable air of classic beauty, but calla lilies have also been used for years as a way to express admiration.
They can last for up to 3 weeks as a potted plant, which is much longer than the usual bouquet of cut flowers. So choose this as a symbol of timelessness and steadfast beauty, and love.
3. Camellias (Camellias spp.)
To create a romantic gift for one’s wife, use camellias to communicate love and longing. Therefore, camellias are ideal for couples who miss each other.
Best Colors: Red, pink
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
The ruffled dainty petals of camellias make them an irresistible floral gift.
Like other flowers, the meaning of said blooms depends on the color. Pink blooms are known to be a sign of longing and yearning, while red stands for romantic love and passion.
If you’re away from your wife, send her a bouquet of pink and red camellias for a sweet and romantic way to show how much you miss her!
4. Cherry Blossoms (Prunus cerasus)
The delicate and scented flowers of cherry blossoms signify tenderness and love. Additionally, since they often bloom in the spring, they represent hope and new beginnings and can be given to future wives.
Best Colors: Pink
Bloom Life: 1 week
Cherry blossoms have long been honored in Japan as a symbol of joy and new beginnings, making them the perfect choice for newly engaged couples and brides-to-be.
These flowers are always appreciated especially their light and sweet fragrance.
Keep them out of the direct sun to enjoy them for longer and admire their beauty.
5. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis spp.)
Forget-me-nots are made up of profuse flower clusters and are frequently given to wives and partners as a symbol of true love. These flowers are aptly named because of their centuries-old message for eternal love and memory.
Best Colors: Blue, pink, white
Bloom Life: 1 week
When you think of love and romance, most of us think of the color red. While this is for a totally good reason, this smoldering passionate symbol can sometimes make us forget that love is also (and should be!) very calm and peaceful.
These clusters of small flowers typically come in a soothing shade of blue, but they can also be seen in white and pink.
As the name suggests, giving forget-me-nots to someone implies that their love will never be forgotten and will be cherished eternally.
Very few flowers can share a meaning as romantic as this!
6. Heliotrope (Heliotrope spp.)
Aside from being associated with faith and devotion, heliotropes are loved for their pleasant aromas and make ideal presents for wives.
Best Colors: Purple
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
Heliotropes are deep or light purple florets with a surprisingly sweet vanilla scent. Because of this, they’re also known as cherry pie flowers.
These delightful flowers are used to express devotion and loyalty, making them perfect to share during anniversaries or even breakfast in bed!
7. Irises (Iris spp.)
Irises have strikingly colorful petals that are commonly used to express praise and trust. Therefore, they can be given to wives to symbolize having romantic faith in marriage.
Best Colors: Red, purple
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
Irises are beloved by monarchs all over the world. Time and time again, irises have been used to signify a few key things: faith, hope, and glory.
There are many iris cultivars available, so you can select the perfect variety. Purple irises can be used to treat your partner like royalty and remind them of how special they are!
8. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine flowers are perfect to give to wives during anniversaries or dates because of their ties to love and appreciation. These blooms are also powerfully scented and must be used carefully to avoid overwhelming the recipient.
Best Colors: Pink, yellow, white
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
Although jasmine flowers can be found in yellow and pink, white jasmine is usually the best display for pure love.
Their dainty white petals are also associated with appreciation and luck.
The rich scent of jasmine flowers has been used in perfumes for thousands of years.
Generally, these flowers have great meaning in different cultures all over the world and can be seen in many weddings in India.
Due to how widely loved this flower is, jasmine is great for both surprise gifts and special occasions.
9. Lisianthus (Eustoma spp.)
Lisianthus flowers represent eternal bonds. Therefore, these rose-like flowers make romantic tokens to give to one’s wife and are an excellent way to express devotion and appreciation.
Best Colors: Red, white, pink
Bloom Life: 2–3 weeks
You might not have heard of this species. However, lisianthus is becoming more and more popular for its rose-like blooms with multiple layers of petals.
Overwhelmingly, these flowers are known as symbols of lifelong ties and appreciation.
Whether you choose to buy a few flowers or an entire bunch, lisianthus flowers are a beautiful way to show gratitude to your significant other.
10. Myrtles (Myrtus communis)
Myrtles are potent symbols of love. These flowers are commonly used in Hebrew weddings to signify deep romantic bonds and can be given to wives.
Best Colors: White
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
A unique flower with a fluffy-like appearance, this lovely bloom is frequently used in Hebrew marriages.
Wreaths of myrtle flowers have long been tied to Aphrodite, the ancient Greek goddess of love and passion, and are great signifiers of romantic love.
It is generally given to others as a way to communicate a sense of love and shared connection.
Myrtle flowers even have a pleasant fragrance, which makes them all the more lovely.
11. Orchids (Orchidaceae spp.)
Orchids are excellent floral gifts for wives due to their romantic associations with passion and joy. Use these flowers to symbolize a happy and intimate marriage.
Best Colors: Red, pink, white
Bloom Life: 1–2 months
Orchids are the ultimate flower for special occasions. These elegant flowers are often sold as live plants, which can be kept to bloom for years while you remain with your beloved.
When you see this bloom, you can be reminded of its ties with luxury and joy. Red orchids are the most romantic and are associated with passion and intimacy.
Although they come in a wide range of colors, I highly suggest steering clear of blue orchids.
Learn why in Why Has My Orchid Changed Color? (The 4 Reasons Why and How)
12. Peonies (Paeoniaceae spp.)
Happy and blissful marriages can be symbolized through colorful and multi-petalled peonies. These blossoms propose many happy things, including luck and joy, and are great flowers to give to wives.
Best Colors: Red, pink
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
The sweet and fluffy blossoms of peonies can easily brighten anyone’s day. Aside from looking so cheerful, peonies are frequently used to showcase profound love and happiness.
These flowers are also very productive bloomers when grown, producing up to 100 flowers per season.
Perhaps it is because of their prolific bloom that peonies are known to be a symbol of luck as well.
Regardless, they have nothing but positive meanings and are sure to delight your loved one!
13. Roses (Rosaceae spp.)
Roses have been used as a classic symbol of love for years due to their rich red blooms. These are ideal flowers to give to wives to express deep romantic love and passion.
Best Colors: Red, pink
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
You might say these are overrated. However, roses have lasted as an emblem of romance and love for centuries and they always come with an undeniable message: intense unrivaled love and passion.
Due to how widely cultivated they are, there are hundreds of varieties in different colors such as orange, pink and white, even blue.
In other words, you can select the perfect cultivar that speaks to you and your partner!
Another added benefit to using roses is that they dry very well. So if your partner is creative or sentimental, they’re sure to appreciate how easily they can preserve the flowers you gave them!
For more, check out The 23 Best Flowers for Valentine’s Day (Or a First Date!)
14. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Tulips are one of the best flowers to communicate eternal love and long-lasting romance to a wife. These flowers have sweet aromas upon bloom and are best picked fresh.
Best Colors: Red, orange, pink, white
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
This flower is my mother’s favorite and will always be very near and dear to my heart.
Sentimentalities aside, these classic cup-shaped blooms are regularly used as a declaration of love.
Tulips are also tied to perfection. While there is no such thing as perfect, you can use these lovely flowers to tell your partner that they’re perfect for you!
I suggest handpicking fresh blooms to give them while they’re the most fragrant.
15. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Zinnias can be given to show affection and appreciation to a wife. These fluffy flowers are also used to symbolize a family and shared warmth and loving connections.
Best Colors: Red, orange, white
Bloom Life: 1–2 weeks
If you’re looking for a bloom to help you express endless adoration, I highly recommend zinnias.
The multitudes of petals in zinnias typically represent great affection.
Plus, zinnias aren’t just a symbol of romantic love, but also family bonds. Nevertheless, this is a meaningful way to tell your spouse they are more than just your lover.
FAQs
Why are flowers romantic?
While there are many reasons flowers are considered romantic, it is mainly due to their colorful beauty. Because they are also quite delicate, they’re commonly used to represent love and affection.
Can I order flowers online?
Flowers can be bought in-person, over the phone, or online through digital means. Many stores offer a wide assortment of flowers to deliver and may also include other items, such as treats, messages, or jewelry.
Summary of Best Flowers to Give Your Wife
The best flowers to give to a wife would include alstroemeria, calla lilies, camellias, cherry blossoms, forget-me-nots, heliotropes, irises, jasmines, lisianthus, myrtles, orchids, peonies, roses, tulips, and zinnias.
As cut flowers, these blooms will last an average of one week before they fade. Each bloom has its specific romantic meaning and symbolism, which can also vary greatly depending on the color of the flowers.
Sources
- “The Language of Flowers” by n/a in the Iowa State University Extension
- “Flowers” by n/a in University of Minnesota