Becoming a mother is, for some, one of the most beautiful experiences that life has to offer.
Whether you are experiencing motherhood for the first time or if you are looking for a way to celebrate motherhood with another friend or loved one of yours, there are a few flowers to consider giving or displaying.
Flowers that represent motherhood typically represent not only new beginnings, but the cycle of life, death, and rebirth as well.
Flowers that symbolize motherhood are: Anemone, Bird of Paradise, Carnations, Chrysanthemum, Daffodil, Daisy, Gardenia, Lisianthus, Roses and the Iris.
Table of Contents
1. Anemone

Aviad2001, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Anemone flower is a flowy and gorgeous flower that is a perfect representation of motherhood and all that being a mother entails.
From the Greek word “Anemone”, the flower can be translated into “the wind‘s daughter”.
Oftentimes, this flowy flower is associated with waiting and anticipation of something new, namely fertility and/or giving birth and welcoming motherhood for the first time.
The Anemone flower appears extremely fragile, as the flower itself is fragile and delicate in nature, with its wispy and colorful petals appearing as a painting for those who are new to seeing the flower.
The flower itself can be found throughout North America, Europe, as well as Japan.
In Greek history, the Anemone flower is also known as “the wildflower”.
In addition to its rich history, the Anemone flower also has many medicinal benefits, which is why some still associate the flower with motherhood and a mother’s nature today.
2. Bird of Paradise

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While this is a rare and tropical flower, the Bird of Paradise flower is just one of those flowers that once you see it, you know that you will never forget.
Often referred to as the crane flower, the Bird of Paradise flower is representative of wonder, joy, and even embracing new beginnings, which can also come from experiencing motherhood for the first time.
If you are thinking of planting a garden for your own mother or if you are interested in giving a gift that she will truly remember forever, the Bird of Paradise, or the Strelitzia, is the way to go.
Most often, the Bird of Paradise flower is native to South Africa, but it can be grown and cultivated in the proper conditions and controlled climate.
The crane-shaped petals and vibrant colors of this flower are unmistakable and will be unforgettable for a lifetime.
3. Carnations

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Carnations are a classic flower that are optimal for giving as gifts on Mother’s Day while also providing a deeper symbolic meaning of love, trust, and care.
Carnations are known for being the perfect gift to those who have recently lost their own mothers, but they can also be used to represent the positive and hopeful memories one has with and about their mothers.
Throughout history, carnations have been known as a symbol of devotion and in many cases, unconditional love, which is why carnations are a suitable choice if you are searching for a flower that represents motherhood and one that is also well-known to others.
Depending on where you are from, your religion, as well as your surrounding cultural beliefs, carnations can also symbolize a mother’s love, making them great gifts from mothers to children.
Using carnations is a great way to express your love, respect, and loyalty to your mother or to show respect to those who have lost their mothers.
4. Chrysanthemum

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If you are looking for a durable, yet delicate-appearing flower that symbolizes motherhood, optimism, joy, and longevity, the Chrysanthemum is a great choice.
The Chrysanthemum flower comes in a range of colors, from yellow and red to pink and white.
Most often, pink and white Chrysanthemum flowers are used to represent love, truth, innocence, as well as the celebration of life, which is why Chrysanthemum flowers are tied to the symbolism of motherhood.
In most regions and cultures today, the Chrysanthemum flower is used to represent positivity and to share hopefulness and cheerfulness with others.
However, on All Saints Day in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Chrysanthemum flower is used to help with representing and honoring the dead after they have passed on as a sign of respect.
5. Daffodil

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Daffodils are some of the most popular flowers found all around the globe, which is one reason why they have become a common go-to flower when gift-giving for mothers from all corners of the world.
The daffodils are commonly represented as a sign of loyalty as well as chivalry, which can make them a suitable gift to show your mom just how much you care about her.
In history, however, daffodils take on a much more serious meaning, as daffodils typically represent rebirth and the process of entering a new beginning, which is why daffodils are still so closely linked to the prospect and journey of motherhood as we know it today.
It is important to note that if you are superstitious or if you are giving a daffodil to your mother and she is religious or superstitious not to do so with a single daffodil.
Giving a single daffodil under any circumstance, regardless of the reason, is often a sign of misfortune or bad luck to come.
6. Daisy

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The daisy flower may appear simplistic in nature, but it has a deep and rich history that links the flower to fertility, motherhood, and even childbirth itself.
Daisies are often a great gift for those who have recently given birth or for those who are looking to add a good luck charm into their home while they are in the process of trying to conceive.
The Ancient Celts believed that when children passed away, the Gods would take the time to sprinkle the graves with daisies, which grew nearby, in order to help aid grieving parents.
7. Gardenia

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The gardenia flower holds a rich history as well, as gardenias are thought to represent sweet love and affection.
While gardenias can also represent attraction and romantic affection, they are known to represent purity, refinement, and elegance throughout a transformation, which is why so many today associate the flower with diving headfirst into motherhood.
The gardenia flower is linked with numerous emotions from joy and happiness to sadness and excitement, along with feelings of being overwhelmed.
Most often, the gardenia is used as a sign of good luck. In Chinese traditions, the gardenia flower is known as a sign of good fortune and good luck.
8. Lisianthus

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The Lisianthus flower is extremely unique and is one-of-a-kind in terms of floral patterns, colors, and designs.
The Lisianthus flower has a unique petal appearance that is similar to a rose and a Chrysanthemum but often includes faded gradient colors and patterns, giving this flower a truly incredible look.
The Lisianthus flower typically symbolizes gratitude, as well as lifelong bonds between relatives, friends, and romantic partners or loved ones.
Because the Lisianthus represents gratitude and a true loyal connection with loved ones, it is also an ideal flower to show appreciation for motherhood, whether you are giving a gift to your own mother or putting a bouquet on display.
Giving a Lisianthus flower is also not uncommon for those who have a friend or a loved one who has recently given birth to a girl, as it is used to represent welcoming purity and innocence into the world.
9. Roses

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Although the classic red rose may be notorious for being known as a romantic flower, there are many other colors of roses that are also representative of joyous times, celebrations, and even purity, innocence, and the arrival of new beginnings.
Because of the variety that roses have to offer, it is no surprise that some roses are thought to symbolize motherhood and the welcoming of a new life into the world.
The colors of roses vary, and it is even possible to seek out roses that are painted or dyed for special occasions or special meanings that only you and your mother might understand.
If you are thinking of giving your mother a rose that represents motherhood, consider using a white rose that represents innocence and purity or turning to use a pink rose, which represents femininity, strength, and overall, gratitude that you have and are feeling for your mother.
10. Iris

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Another common flower, the iris is a beautifully designed flower that includes unique flowy petals that appear fragile and whimsical all at once.
The iris flower comes in a range of colors, from white and blue to purple and pink. Purple and blue irises are typically symbolic of loyalty, royalty, as well as wisdom, and can be given to help demonstrate the gratitude one has for another.
In some beliefs, the iris flower also means faith, hope, and transformation, which are often all elements involved in giving birth and experiencing motherhood for the very first time.
Summary
Displaying flowers that symbolize motherhood can be extremely heartwarming and calming, especially for new mothers and those who have gone through a tough pregnancy.
Flowers that represent motherhood can also be a source of strength and peace, as they are gentle reminders of the beauty that envelops the world around us.
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