The Complete Guide to Flower Symbolism in Hong Kong
Choosing the right blooms for the right occasion — and avoiding accidental faux pas.
In Hong Kong, flowers are more than just pretty decorations — they carry layers of meaning rooted in Chinese culture, Western influences, and local etiquette traditions.
A bouquet here can say “I love you,” “Congratulations,” or “I’m sorry” without a single word — but it can also unintentionally offend if you don’t know the cultural codes.
Below is a deep dive into the symbolism of different flower varieties, occasions for gifting, and the do’s and don’ts when sending flowers in Hong Kong.
1. Roses (玫瑰)
Roses are among the most popular flowers in Hong Kong, blending Western romantic traditions with local symbolic interpretations.
Color Meanings
Red Roses → Passionate love, deep romance, and devotion.
Ideal for Valentine’s Day, wedding anniversaries, or romantic proposals.
Common to send in numbers with specific meanings: e.g., 11 (one true love), 99 (forever), 108 (marry me).
Pink Roses → Grace, admiration, gentle affection.
Suitable for birthdays, Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, or friends you respect.
White Roses → Purity, sincerity, and remembrance.
In romantic settings, they suggest pure love, but in Hong Kong they are also associated with mourning — if given alone, they can be interpreted as a sympathy gesture.
Yellow Roses → Friendship, cheer, and optimism.
Not usually romantic; perfect for congratulations or “get well soon” gifts.
Orange Roses → Enthusiasm, excitement, and admiration.
Great for celebrating a career achievement or personal milestone.
Lavender Roses → Love at first sight, enchantment.
More rare in local shops, so they stand out as unique and special.
Occasions to Avoid
Giving a single white rose to someone outside a mourning context — it may be read as a condolence gesture.
Sending exactly four roses of any color — “4” sounds like “death” in Cantonese.
2. Lilies (百合)
Lilies are one of the most auspicious flowers in Hong Kong. Their name bǎi hé (百合) literally means “hundred together” and sounds like a blessing for a long, harmonious union.
Color Meanings
White Lilies → Purity, virtue, and eternal love.
Common in both weddings and sympathy arrangements.
Pink Lilies → Prosperity, abundance, and good luck.
Popular for birthdays, business openings, and congratulatory events.
Yellow Lilies → Gratitude, thankfulness, and cheer.
Tiger Lilies (orange with spots) → Wealth and confidence.
Cultural Uses
Wedding bouquets often feature white or pink lilies for the symbolism of a long marriage.
Lilies are also sent for baby showers or births to bless the family with harmony.
3. Orchids (蘭花)
Orchids in Chinese culture are symbols of refinement, moral integrity, fertility, and luxury.
In Hong Kong, they are considered very elegant gifts.
Color Meanings
Purple Orchids → Admiration, respect, and high regard.
White Orchids → Elegance, reverence, and purity.
Yellow Orchids → New beginnings and joy.
Green Orchids → Good fortune and longevity.
Cultural Uses
Business gifts: Orchids are a refined choice for corporate congratulations, especially for office openings or promotions.
Festive décor: Orchid plants are prized during Lunar New Year as they signify abundance and fertility.
Tip: Potted orchids are seen as more “lasting” blessings than cut flowers.
4. Chrysanthemums (菊花)
One of the most misunderstood flowers for Western visitors in Hong Kong.
While chrysanthemums in the West can mean cheer and friendship, in Chinese tradition white and yellow chrysanthemums are associated with funerals and mourning.
Color Meanings
White Chrysanthemums → Grief, remembrance.
Yellow Chrysanthemums → Sorrow in Chinese culture, but friendship in Western use.
Red Chrysanthemums → Love and joy (rarely given in Hong Kong).
When to Use
Suitable for sympathy arrangements and memorial ceremonies.
Avoid giving chrysanthemums to someone celebrating a happy occasion.
5. Peonies (牡丹)
Peonies are called the "King of Flowers" in Chinese culture, symbolizing wealth, honor, and high social status.
Cultural Associations
Red and pink peonies are considered especially auspicious.
Often seen in Lunar New Year floral displays to attract prosperity.
Wedding floral arrangements may feature peonies to wish the couple an abundant and successful life together.
6. Carnations (康乃馨)
Carnations are more Western in origin but have gained popularity in Hong Kong.
Color Meanings
Pink Carnations → Mother’s love and gratitude.
The go-to flower for Mother’s Day.
Red Carnations → Respect and admiration.
White Carnations → Pure love and innocence, but can also mean remembrance in a funeral setting.
7. Sunflowers (向日葵)
Sunflowers are beloved for their bright, uplifting symbolism.
Meaning: Loyalty, optimism, vitality, and good luck.
Often sent to cheer someone up, celebrate graduations, or encourage a friend starting a new job.
In Chinese culture, their bright golden petals also suggest wealth.
8. Lotus (蓮花)
The lotus holds deep spiritual significance in Chinese culture, representing purity, enlightenment, and resilience.
It’s admired for growing clean and beautiful out of muddy water.
Symbolism: Rising above hardship, spiritual purity, harmony.
More often given as potted plants or seen in temple offerings than in cut bouquets.
Special Gifting Etiquette in Hong Kong
Avoid unlucky numbers:
4 (死 – death) → Avoid giving four stems.
9 (久) → While it means “forever” in Mandarin romance, in Cantonese it can sound like “suffering” — so use carefully depending on context.
Good numbers:
6 → Smooth progress.
8 → Prosperity.
99 or 108 → Forever love (romantic).
Color cautions:
All-white flowers → Mourning; okay for funerals, not for celebrations.
Bright red and gold → Highly auspicious, great for festive events.
Presentation matters:
Potted plants → Longevity and lasting blessings.
Cut flowers → More immediate and personal.
Timing:
Deliver before the start of a celebratory event (never after).
For sympathy flowers, deliver as soon as possible after hearing the news.
