Flower Etiquette Guide for Sending Flowers in Hong Kong

Sending flowers in Hong Kong is a meaningful way to express emotions, celebrate special occasions, and show appreciation. However, it’s essential to understand local customs and etiquette to ensure your floral gift is appropriate and well-received.

1. Choosing the Right Flowers

Different flowers carry specific meanings in Hong Kong’s culture, influenced by traditional Chinese symbolism and customs. Selecting the right type of flower is crucial to avoid unintentional misinterpretations.

Auspicious Flowers (Good Choices)

✅ Orchids (蘭花) – Symbolizes elegance, prosperity, and good fortune. Suitable for celebrations, business gifts, and Lunar New Year.
✅ Peonies (牡丹) – Represents wealth, honor, and romance. Ideal for weddings and anniversaries.
✅ Lilies (百合花) – Signifies purity, happiness, and harmony. Popular for weddings and birthdays.
✅ Sunflowers (向日葵) – Associated with positivity, success, and longevity. Great for congratulatory occasions.
✅ Roses (玫瑰) – Expresses love and affection. Red roses are for romance, while pink or yellow roses convey joy and friendship.

Flowers to Avoid (Unlucky Choices)

❌ White Chrysanthemums (白菊花) – Used for funerals and mourning. Avoid gifting them in celebratory contexts.
❌ Lilac or White Flowers (白色花卉) – Often associated with death and used in memorials.
❌ Four Flowers in a Bouquet (四朵花) – The number "4" (四, sì) sounds like "death" (死, sǐ) in Cantonese, making it an unlucky number.
❌ Clock-Shaped or Withering Flowers – Flowers that resemble a clock (e.g., certain anthuriums) or those that appear wilted may symbolize bad luck.

2. Selecting the Right Colors

Color plays an essential role in Chinese culture, and choosing the right floral hues can enhance the message you want to convey.

✔️ Red & Pink – Good fortune, love, and happiness. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, and festive events.
✔️ Yellow & Gold – Prosperity, luck, and success. Common for business gifts and Lunar New Year.
✔️ Purple – Wealth, dignity, and admiration. Suitable for formal and elegant occasions.
✔️ Green – Growth, harmony, and renewal. Often chosen for housewarming gifts.

❌ White – Often linked to funerals and mourning. Avoid sending white flowers unless it is for a condolence arrangement.
❌ Blue – While trendy, blue flowers can sometimes symbolize sadness or melancholy in traditional Chinese culture.

3. Appropriate Occasions for Sending Flowers

Flowers are a thoughtful gift for various occasions, but understanding the context ensures they are given appropriately.

🎉 Happy Occasions

• Birthdays – Choose bright, joyful flowers like lilies, sunflowers, or mixed bouquets.

• Weddings & Anniversaries – Peonies, roses, and orchids symbolize love and prosperity.

• New Business & Housewarming – Lucky bamboo, orchids, and sunflowers bring success and good fortune.

• Graduation & Promotions – Sunflowers, roses, and lilies represent achievement and bright futures.

• Lunar New Year – Orchids, peonies, and narcissus are considered lucky and prosperous gifts.

🕊️ Condolences & Funerals

• White Chrysanthemums & Lilies – Appropriate for expressing sympathy and respect.

• Avoid Red Flowers – Red symbolizes happiness and is not suitable for mourning occasions.

• Avoid Mixed Colors – Stick to monochromatic white or pale-colored arrangements.

4. Flower Presentation & Delivery Etiquette

How to Present Flowers

✔️ Offer flowers with both hands as a sign of respect.
✔️ Keep flowers upright when presenting them.
✔️ If attending an event, flowers should be delivered in advance to avoid disrupting the celebration.

Delivery Timing & Considerations

• Morning Deliveries – Preferred for celebrations and new beginnings.

• Funeral Arrangements – Ensure flowers arrive before the ceremony.

• Surprise Deliveries – Common for romantic gestures, but check if the recipient will be available to receive them.

5. Number of Flowers Matters

In Chinese culture, numbers carry deep symbolism. The quantity of flowers in a bouquet can influence its meaning.

Lucky Numbers for Bouquets

✅ 1 – Symbolizes unity and devotion (great for romantic bouquets).
✅ 3 – Represents growth and a smooth future.
✅ 6 – Associated with good luck and business success.
✅ 8 – Considered the luckiest number, symbolizing prosperity and wealth.
✅ 9 – Represents longevity and eternal love.

Numbers to Avoid

❌ 4 – Sounds like "death" and is considered unlucky.
❌ 7 – Sometimes linked to spiritual or mourning contexts.

Final Tips for Sending Flowers in Hong Kong

✅ Personalize the Message – A thoughtful note enhances the meaning of the bouquet.
✅ Be Mindful of Superstitions – Avoid inappropriate flowers and unlucky numbers.
✅ Choose a Reputable Florist – Ensure quality and timely delivery from a trusted florist.
✅ Consider Cultural Preferences – Especially for older recipients who value traditional meanings.

By following these flower etiquette guidelines, you can ensure that your floral gift conveys the right message and brings joy to the recipient.