Guide to Purple and Lilac Flower Varieties for Mother's Day
Purple and lilac flowers, with their soothing and elegant hues, make perfect gifts for Mother's Day, symbolizing love, appreciation, and tranquility. Below is a guide to some of the best purple and lilac flower varieties, their meanings, and tips for gifting them on this special day.
1. Lilacs (Syringa)
Description: Lilacs are fragrant, clustered blooms that come in shades of light purple, lavender, and deep violet. They bloom in spring, aligning perfectly with Mother's Day.
Symbolism: Lilacs represent love, purity, and the joy of youth, making them a heartfelt choice for moms.
Varieties:
Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Classic lilac with a strong fragrance, available in shades like 'Charles Joly' (deep purple) or 'Sensation' (purple with white edges).
Dwarf Korean Lilac (Syringa meyeri): Smaller, compact blooms ideal for petite arrangements.
Gifting Tips:
Pair lilacs with white roses or greenery in a bouquet for a soft, elegant look.
Present them in a decorative vase for a ready-to-display gift.
Ensure they’re fresh, as lilacs wilt quickly without proper care (trim stems and keep in water).
2. Lavender Roses (Rosa)
Description: These roses range from pale lilac to deep purple, offering a unique twist on the classic rose. They have velvety petals and a subtle fragrance.
Symbolism: Lavender roses signify enchantment, love at first sight, and appreciation, perfect for expressing admiration for Mom.
Varieties:
‘Blue Moon’: A soft lilac hybrid tea rose with a delicate scent.
‘Purple Tiger’: A floribunda rose with striking purple and white stripes.
Gifting Tips:
Combine with baby’s breath or eucalyptus for a romantic arrangement.
Opt for a potted lavender rose plant for a lasting gift she can grow.
Include a note explaining the rose’s meaning for a personal touch.
3. Irises (Iris)
Description: Irises are striking flowers with sword-like leaves and blooms in rich purple or lilac shades. Their unique shape adds drama to any bouquet.
Symbolism: Irises symbolize wisdom, hope, and faith, reflecting a mother’s strength and guidance.
Varieties:
Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): Slender stems with deep purple blooms, like ‘Caesar’s Brother’.
Bearded Iris (Iris germanica): Bold, ruffled flowers in shades like ‘Superstition’ (deep violet).
Gifting Tips:
Use irises as a focal point in mixed bouquets with softer flowers like daisies.
Gift a potted iris for a garden-loving mom to plant after Mother’s Day.
Keep cut irises in cool water to extend their vase life.
4. Orchids (Orchidaceae)
Description: Orchids in purple or lilac shades, like Phalaenopsis or Dendrobium, have exotic, long-lasting blooms that exude elegance.
Symbolism: Orchids represent beauty, refinement, and love, making them a luxurious Mother’s Day gift.
Varieties:
Phalaenopsis ‘Purple Gem’: Vibrant purple moth orchids with long-lasting blooms.
Dendrobium ‘Burana Jade’: Clusters of soft lilac flowers with a delicate look.
Gifting Tips:
Gift a potted orchid for a low-maintenance, long-lasting gift.
Pair with a decorative pot or basket for added charm.
Include care instructions (indirect light, minimal watering) to help Mom keep it thriving.
5. Hyacinths (Hyacinthus)
Description: Hyacinths are fragrant, star-shaped flowers that grow in dense clusters, available in soft lilac to deep purple.
Symbolism: Hyacinths symbolize sincerity and heartfelt emotion, ideal for expressing gratitude to Mom.
Varieties:
‘Blue Jacket’: A deep violet-blue hyacinth with a strong fragrance.
‘Purple Sensation’: Bright purple blooms that stand out in arrangements.
Gifting Tips:
Present hyacinths in a potted form for a gift that can be replanted.
Mix with tulips or daffodils for a vibrant spring bouquet.
Warn Mom about their strong scent, as it may be overwhelming indoors.
6. Lavender (Lavandula)
Description: Lavender is a fragrant herb with delicate purple flower spikes, known for its calming aroma and versatility.
Symbolism: Lavender represents serenity, devotion, and grace, perfect for a relaxing Mother’s Day gift.
Varieties:
English Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Classic purple blooms, like ‘Hidcote’ or ‘Munstead’.
French Lavender (Lavandula stoechas): Unique purple flowers with butterfly-like bracts.
Gifting Tips:
Gift a potted lavender plant for a lasting, aromatic gift.
Include lavender sachets or bath products for a spa-like Mother’s Day experience.
Suggest placing the plant in a sunny spot for easy care.
Care Tips for Purple and Lilac Flowers
Watering: Keep cut flowers in fresh water with flower food, changing it every 2–3 days. For potted plants, water sparingly to avoid root rot.
Light: Most of these flowers prefer bright, indirect light if potted or displayed indoors.
Trimming: For cut flowers, trim stems at an angle every few days to prolong freshness.
Temperature: Keep flowers away from direct heat or drafts to prevent wilting.
Presentation Ideas for Mother’s Day
Bouquets: Mix purple and lilac flowers with complementary colors like white, pink, or yellow for a balanced look.
Potted Plants: Choose decorative pots in pastel shades or metallic finishes to enhance the gift’s appeal.
Gift Baskets: Combine flowers with chocolates, candles, or spa products for a thoughtful package.
Personalized Notes: Include a card explaining the flower’s meaning and why it suits Mom.
Purple and lilac flowers offer a beautiful way to celebrate Mom on Mother’s Day, combining elegance with heartfelt symbolism. Whether you choose a fragrant lilac bouquet or a lasting orchid plant, these blooms will show your love and appreciation in a memorable way.
