Flowers are the traditional gift for Mothers Day, but how much more thoughtful to give Mothers Day plants whose blooms can last for months. What are some of the most popular Mothers Day plants?

Orchids

With elegant, slipper-shaped blossoms in a host of vivid hues, orchids are one of the most popular ways to tell Mom, “I love you.” Orchids have a undeserved reputation as temperamental plants. While they may have been difficult to propagate and keep in bloom in the 19th century, that is not the case today. Nevertheless, they continue to be associated with the fabulously rich. Look at any upscale decorating magazine. Notice what they’re using for accents? Orchids. Orchids are the most popular potted plant in the UK and the second most popular in the US (after Christmas poinsettias.) Their symbolism depends upon their colour: A white orchid is associated with refinement and innocence, while a pink orchid stands for affection. You can’t go wrong with an orchid as a Mothers Day Plant.

Roses

The genus Rosa has been around for a very long time. The earliest traces of cultivated roses date from Asian gardens planted 5,000 years ago. Roses were first introduced into Europe during the Roman Empire. And how did they get their vivid hues? Legend has it that the white rose blushed when Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden – which turned it bright red. The rose has deep roots in English history. The 15th century War of the Roses was fought between adherents to the House of York, symbolised by the white rose, and adherents to the House of Lancaster, symbolised by the red rose. As with the orchid, the rose’s symbolism depends upon its hue. White roses mean innocence; red roses stand for desire. Pink roses are associated with grace and sympathy while the yellow rose symbolises friendship.

Other Mothers Day Plants

Other flowering plants that are popular gifts for Mothers Day are gardenias, hydrangeas, exotic calla lilies and azaleas.