Easter in Australia is a time for family, feasting on hot cross buns and chocolate eggs, and even exchanging thoughtful gifts - my favourite happens to be the Darrell Lea Nougat Easter Egg - drool. e did a bit of a vote at Lily's Florist and the general consensus with the team is that anything with caramel in it for the 'win'. 

While flowers aren’t as common for Easter as they are to Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, many Aussies still spark up the holiday with flowers – whether to decorate the home for a family gathering or to let someone know you’re thinking of them. In the last 5 years, the flower industry has seen new trends emerging around Easter. This article takes an easter hunt to find the latest trends and insights in Easter flower gifting, it aims highlights popular flower types and their meanings, compares statistics with other occasions like Christmas, and looks at consumer behaviours shaping this festive floral tradition.

I won't hide the fact that this article was a grind, sincerely, I hope you enjoy it. xx

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Trends and Insights in Easter Floral Gifts

Easter may fall in autumn in Australia, but floral trends often mirror the springtime imagery of the holiday. Florists report that Australians are increasingly seeking locally grown, seasonal flowers and eco-friendly options. Sustainable gifting is in vogue – flowers like dahlias and native wildflowers have even “overtaken the rose in popularity” as consumers turn away from imports. Flower Industry Australia notes a rising focus on sustainability, with more people asking for Australian-grown varieties such as hydrangeas, dahlias, banksias and locally grown tulips. This reflects a broader shift: buyers want flowers that are not only beautiful but also ethically sourced and long-lasting.

Bouquet Style & Colour Trends

Easter arrangements in Australia tend to embrace a soft, fresh palette. Pastel hues – think blush pinks, creamy whites, lemon yellows and lavender purples – are especially popular, evoking the gentle colours of Easter eggs and spring blossoms. One 2025 Easter bouquet featured peach disbud chrysanthemums, apricot carnations, and soft green chrysanthemums, creating a warm pastel medley (see image below). Florists also incorporate touches of bright yellow or white to symbolize themes of rebirth and purity (for example, yellow for new beginnings, white for innocence). Modern designs often mix classic blooms with a twist – for instance, pairing roses or lilies with native foliage for a rustic “wildflower” look that’s very on-trend. Millennials in particular have popularised unique, rustic arrangements using Australian natives in place of traditional all-rose bouquets, bringing an earthy Aussie flair to Easter florals.

An example of a contemporary Easter bouquet with soft pastel blooms and lush greens. Pastel arrangements like this are on-trend for Australian Easter gifting, symbolising new life and hope in a subtle way.

Arrangement & Packaging

How flowers are presented at Easter has also evolved. Many florists now offer mixed gift bundles, combining flowers with Easter treats. It’s common to add extras like gourmet chocolates, champagne, or even a plush Easter bunny to floral gifts for a festive touch. Presentation-wise, eco-friendly packaging is a big trend. Australian florists are increasingly using recyclable or biodegradable wraps and avoiding excess plastic. Modern Easter bouquets might come wrapped in simple brown or pastel-toned recycled paper, tied with raffia or ribbon – sustainability with style. In fact, contemporary floristry trends emphasise “sleek, stylish and fully recyclable” packaging. Reusable containers are popular too: think decorative baskets or wooden crates that echo the Easter theme (and can be repurposed by the recipient). Florist industry sources confirm that sustainable materials – recycled paper, natural fibres, even fabric wraps – are more popular than ever, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. Even big-name florists highlight their green credentials; for example, one Sydney florist assures customers their Easter flowers are sourced from growers who use sustainable farming methods. Along with eco-packaging, minimalist designs are in vogue – clean lines and natural accents that let the flowers shine. Florists also encourage personal touches, like including a handwritten Easter card with each bouquet, making the gift more meaningful.

Emerging Themes

A notable lifestyle trend influencing Easter flowers is the rise of “tablescaping” – elaborate table decoration. As Australians gather for Easter lunch or brunch, some go beyond a simple vase and create full table centrepieces adorned with seasonal flowers, candles, and even Easter eggs. This Instagram-fuelled trend is about creating a beautiful tablescape to “toast to brighter days ahead,” as one floral design blog puts it. While more common overseas, Australians are catching on to ideas like Easter door wreaths and floral table runners for entertaining. Overall, Easter flower gifting in Australia is becoming more experience-oriented – about creating ambience and shared joy, not just handing over a bouquet. Florists cater to this by offering products like Easter table arrangements and long-lasting plant hampers. They even include dried and preserved flowers in Easter ranges, reflecting the general popularity of everlasting blooms (and giving recipients a memento that lasts well beyond the holiday). In short, current Easter floral trends down under marry tradition with innovation: classic symbols and gentle colours delivered in fresh, sustainable, and creative ways.

Popular Flower Types for Easter in Australia

Despite the season difference, Australia enjoys plenty of beautiful blooms in April. Here are the flowers most commonly associated with Easter gifting, along with their availability and symbolism:

Easter Lily (White Lily)

The white lily is the traditional Easter flower, symbolising purity, hope, and resurrection. Churches often decorate with masses of white lilies at Easter, and many Australians follow suit by gifting lilies to loved ones or using them as centrepieces. Interestingly, the variety known elsewhere as the “Easter lily” (Lilium longiflorum) is often called the Christmas lily in Australia (since it naturally blooms in summer). Nonetheless, florists ensure lilies are available in autumn for Easter demand – often imported or greenhouse-grown. Lilies’ large white trumpets and lovely fragrance make them a popular choice to convey the spiritual essence of Easter. They’re frequently given in elegant bunches or included in mixed arrangements. (Do note for pet owners: lilies can be extremely toxic to cats, so keep them out of feline reach.)

Classic white lilies are strongly associated with Easter, symbolising purity and new life. Many Australian churches and homes feature white “Easter lilies” during the holiday.

Easter Daisy (Aster)

A native favourite, Easter daisies bloom right around Easter in Australia’s autumn, when many summer flowers are fading. These dainty daisy-like asters feature white, pink or purple petals with sunny yellow centres – a cheerful sight. They are aptly named, as “Easter daisies” fill gardens and florist buckets in April, ensuring Australians don’t miss out on spring-like flowers despite the season. Symbolising innocence and loyalty, they’re perfect for Easter décor. A bunch of white Easter daisies brings a fresh, pure touch to the home, while purple varieties add a pop of colour (and can even match those foil-wrapped eggs!). Florists love using Easter daisies as they add a whimsical, wildflower vibe to arrangements. Kids also enjoy them for Easter egg hunts – some people tuck daisies in spots as extra “treasures” in the garden.

Tulips

With their egg-like blossom shape and vibrant colours, tulips are a quintessential Easter flower. In Australia, tulips begin their season in early autumn as the weather cools – conveniently just in time for Easter festivities. This makes tulips a sought-after choice for Easter gifts and decorations. They represent love and new life, perfectly aligning with Easter themes of renewal. Florists offer tulip bouquets in assorted colours: red for love, yellow for happiness, white for forgiveness, purple for royalty. Pastel pink and orange tulips are also popular for a soft springtime look. Tulips make great gifts for family members (some people choose them as an Easter present for Mum or Grandma). A simple vase of tulips on the Easter table exudes elegance – and fun fact, tulip stems continue to grow even after being cut, a little reminder of life’s constant growth.

Purple Easter daisy (Aster) in bloom. Easter daisies flower in autumn (April) in Australia, bringing spring-like charm to Aussie Easter bouquets with their delicate petals and cheerful yellow centres.

Daffodils

Bright daffodils are a global symbol of spring and new beginnings. In Australia, daffodils naturally flower in late winter/early spring (around August), but they’re so strongly associated with Easter that florists sometimes import or force bulbs to have them available in April. Daffodils – often in sunny yellow – represent rebirth and hope. In England they’re nicknamed “Lent lilies” for their Lenten bloom time. Aussies might pot daffodil bulbs to give as gifts, or include a few stems in mixed Easter bouquets for a burst of golden colour. Gifting someone daffodils is said to ensure happiness and is a way of telling them they’re the “only one” for you – a sweet sentiment for Easter or any time.

Chrysanthemums

In the lead-up to Easter, florists begin to stock early chrysanthemums, which will be in full swing by Mother’s Day in May. A notable inclusion is the disbud chrysanthemum (those large, single-head mums), often in white, cream or soft yellow. These long-lasting blooms feature in Easter arrangements because of their round, “bunny tail” appearance and durability. As seen in Interflora’s Easter bouquet, a big peach or yellow mum can serve as a focal point among smaller flowers. Chrysanthemums symbolise longevity and optimism, fitting the hopeful mood of Easter. Plus, Australians love them for their hardiness – a bouquet including mums will stay fresh throughout the long Easter weekend.

Carnations

Carnations (especially pastel-coloured varieties) are another Easter staple. They are available year-round, and at Easter florists lean towards soft pink, white, or lavender carnations to complement lilies and daisies. Carnations carry meanings of love and good luck. Sim carnations (the large single-head ones) have “tall stems and velvety petals” and give a plush, full look to arrangements. They’re also economical and long-lasting, making them ideal for those on a budget. Some creative uses at Easter include crafting carnations into ornamental balls or garlands for décor. Their clove-like scent adds a nostalgic touch that many associate with traditional celebrations.

Hyacinths and Other Spring Bulbs

Fragrant hyacinths start appearing in Aussie flower markets in autumn, making them a lovely (if not traditional) choice for Easter. Each hyacinth stalk is like a bouquet in itself, covered in dozens of perfumed florets in shades of violet, pink, blue or white. They add a sweet scent and a splash of unusual colour to Easter arrangements – a cluster of purple hyacinths can really stand out amidst pastels. One online florists' Easter posy for example combined pink hyacinth with Easter daisies and tea tree to create a gorgeous table centrepiece. Other bulb flowers occasionally seen at Easter include iris (symbolising faith and hope) and anemones or ranunculus (which bloom in the cooler months). These give variety to Easter bouquets. Florists might also offer potted Easter cactus or orchids as alternatives – the Easter cactus plant blooms with pink/red flowers in autumn and can be a nice long-lasting gift.

In Summary

Australians have a rich selection of flowers to choose from at Easter. The traditional white lily remains iconic, but many also opt for seasonal autumn flowers like Easter daisies and locally grown wildflowers. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bring a taste of spring to the Southern Hemisphere, while chrysanthemums and carnations add resilience and sweetness to arrangements. Each flower carries its own symbolism – from purity and new life to love and loyalty – allowing Aussies to tailor the message they send with their Easter bouquet.

Easter vs Other Flower-Giving Occasions

In terms of sheer volume and spending, Easter is a minor player compared to juggernauts like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Here’s a comparative look, including some data and trends:

Mother’s Day

This is arguably the largest floral occasion in Australia. Aussies spoil their mums with flowers in greater numbers than they do their sweethearts on Valentine’s. One analysis of electronic transaction data found 60% more flowers are bought for Mother’s Day than for Valentine’s Day. In 2024, florists expected to move up to 3 million flower stems in the lead-up to Mother’s Day in Melbourne alone. The average spend per bouquet is slightly higher on Mother’s Day too – Australians spend about $46 on a Mother’s Day bunch vs $43 on a Valentine’s bunch on average. Chrysanthemums (often nicknamed “mums” for this very reason) are a traditional favourite for Mother’s Day, but the range is broad: roses, tulips, lilies, and especially Australian native flowers have become popular for mum. In recent years, growers note that Mother’s Day orders encompass “more of a variety” of flowers than other holidays. It’s a day when bright mixed bouquets, pastels, and natives all sell in huge quantities. Mother’s Day is also a bit more spread out; while Valentine’s is a one-day spike, Mother’s Day sales often build over an entire week or weekend.

Valentine’s Day

February 14 is the classic romantic flower holiday, traditionally dominated by red roses. It remains a massive event for florists – by some metrics the #1 holiday for floral transactions. In the U.S., Valentine’s accounts for about 30% of annual holiday flower orders; Australia follows a similar pattern, though Mother’s Day can edge it out in volume. Aussies bought an average of 11 million roses for Valentine’s in one recent year (according to industry estimates) – a testament to its scale. That said, trends are shifting: while Valentine’s still brings a rush of love-fuelled purchases, consumers are exploring beyond just roses. Mixed bouquets with lilies, gerberas, or natives flowers are now common for Valentine’s too. It’s also notable that Australians plan ahead for Valentine’s: about 77% of flowers are purchased before the day (pre-ordered or earlier that week), slightly more organised than Mother’s Day (72% pre-purchased). Regionally, Valentine’s spending can vary – for example, Queenslanders spend nearly 50% more on Valentine’s flowers for partners than they do on their mums for Mother’s Day. Overall, Valentine’s and Mother’s Day together are the heavyweights, each accounting for roughly a quarter of yearly floral sales in many markets.

Easter

By comparison, Easter is a blip on the radar for flower sales. It’s considered a “secondary” floral occasion – nice to have, but not a must-have for most people. There isn’t a strong widespread tradition in Australia of giving flowers as an Easter gift; most people channel their Easter budget into chocolates, specialty foods, or maybe toys for kids. In 2024 Australians were expected to spend a whopping $2.05 billion on Easter food (chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, etc.), a 23.5% jump from the year prior, yet flower spending remained minimal in comparison. Florists do see a small uptick in business around the Easter long weekend, mostly for table arrangements and church flowers. But it’s only a fraction of the activity seen on major flower holidays like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s. One florist analysis noted Easter flower sales are “not widely reported” because the changes year-to-year are subtle. In fact, there is “no significant flower spending data” for Easter – most Australians simply don’t allocate much of their Easter budget to blooms. If flowers are bought, they tend to be modest purchases (perhaps a ~$40 bunch of lilies or mixed blooms for the household). For context, U.S. data suggests Easter accounts for around 9% of annual holiday floral transactions, whereas Mother’s Day and Valentine’s each account for 25–30%. Australia likely sees a similar single-digit percentage. So, while Easter is important culturally and commercially (for candy sellers!), it’s relatively quiet for florists.

Christmas

Christmas in Australia falls in summer, and while not primarily a flowers holiday, it does drive some floral demand. Many families decorate with poinsettias, wreaths, and table arrangements for Christmas Day. Florists offer special Christmas bouquets (often featuring red, white and green themes, pine cones, or even Aussie native blooms like banksia and eucalyptus for a local twist). However, flower-gifting at Christmas is less common – people are more likely to give other gifts. Industry observers classify Christmas as a “complementary” flower occasion alongside Easter – meaning flowers are an add-on for décor or hostess gifts, rather than the main event. In terms of sales share, Christmas flowers spending (including New Year and Chanukah) can rival Mother’s Day in some markets globally, but in Australia a lot of those sales are in poinsettia pot plants or centrepieces rather than bouquets exchanged personally. Anecdotally, florists say Christmas brings steady business for corporate hampers and table displays rather than huge bouquet orders. It’s important, but not on the intense emotional level of mums and sweethearts.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

International Women’s Day (IWD) is not historically a major flower holiday in Australia, but it’s growing in significance. In some countries (e.g. Russia, Italy) it’s tradition to give women flowers en masse on March 8; Australia is starting to embrace this more modestly. Florists have noticed IWD “gaining traction” as an occasion, particularly in workplaces. Companies will sometimes present female staff with a small bouquet or single bloom to mark the day, and individuals might send flowers to inspirational women in their life. Data from 2024 showed a 26% increase in flower sales on IWD in Australia, indicating more participation. Still, it’s nowhere near Mother’s Day or Valentine’s scale – IWD remains a niche event for florists, often limited to business-to-business gestures. Where flowers are given, they tend to be low-budget tokens (a $20–$50 bouquet per recipient in workplaces). Popular IWD flowers include bright mixed bouquets or purple-themed arrangements (purple is the colour of IWD), and sometimes the traditional mimosa sprigs (as per European custom) for those aware of that practice. IWD’s growth reflects a broader social trend and it may continue to rise as a flower-giving occasion in coming years.

As the table shows, Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day dwarf Easter in flower sales. Mother’s Day sees the highest flower-gifting, with Australians even spending slightly more per bouquet for mum than for their valentine. Valentine’s remains huge as a single-day event focused on romantic flowers. Easter and Christmas are more about floral décor – people might buy flowers to beautify the home or bring as a hostess gift, but it’s not an expected gift for everyone. And International Women’s Day is an up-and-comer in Australia’s flower calendar, though still relatively small-scale.

Why and How Australians Give Flowers at Easter

Given that Easter isn’t a top-tier flower holiday, what motivates those Australians who do give flowers at Easter? Largely, it comes down to family, tradition, and ambience. Easter in Australia is very much a family-centric occasion – often the last long weekend before cooler weather, a chance to relax with loved ones. Many Aussies host family gatherings, and flowers play a role in setting a festive, welcoming scene. A bouquet of fresh blooms on the table or in the living room adds colour and life to the home, enhancing the holiday atmosphere. As one florist notes, “In Australia, Easter is all about families. Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate for the holiday or let loved ones know you’re thinking of them.” In other words, Australians give Easter flowers mostly to decorate and to express love or gratitude within the family. It could be bringing a bunch of lilies to Gran because you’re visiting for Easter lunch, or sending a colourful arrangement to a relative in another city to share some Easter joy from afar.

Religious Tradition

Religious tradition also has a subtle influence. For those of Christian faith, Easter is the most significant religious festival, and flowers carry spiritual symbolism (resurrection, new life). It’s common for Australians who attend church to contribute flowers for Easter services or buy an arrangement for the altar. These acts aren’t counted as personal “gifting” in a commercial sense, but they underscore how flowers fit into Easter observance. Lilies, for instance, are often purchased or donated to churches at Easter as symbols of the resurrection. Some families carry on this tradition at home by displaying the same flowers that adorned their Easter church service.

Generational Differences

The likelihood of giving flowers at Easter can vary by generation. Older Australians (Boomers and Gen X) tend to uphold more of the traditional uses of flowers – they are more inclined to buy flowers “for decorating the home or buying gifts for friends” routinely. These older generations might be the ones ensuring there’s a nice floral centrepiece on the Easter dining table or gifting a plant to a host. They also often prefer brick-and-mortar florists and might pick up flowers during their regular shopping rounds. In contrast, younger Australians (Millennials and Gen Z) don’t have a strong habit of exchanging flowers for Easter unless it’s part of a family custom. Gen Z, especially, are more likely to save their flower-giving for big occasions like Valentine’s Day or someone’s birthday – Easter doesn’t register high on their gift list. Additionally, younger people facing tight budgets might skip flowers at Easter in favour of chocolates or DIY gifts. That said, when younger Aussies do engage with Easter florals, they often put a modern spin on it: for example, creating an “Instagrammable” Easter brunch setup with little posies at each place setting (combining their love of aesthetic trends with the holiday). Millennials have also driven interest in less conventional Easter blooms, like native flower arrangements or succulents as gifts, aligning with their general preference for uniqueness and sustainability.

Regional and Cultural Influences

Easter flower gifting can also vary by region. According to retail surveys, Victorians tend to spend the most on Easter goodies overall (food, etc.) – averaging $175 per person on Easter indulgences vs about $114 in New South Wales. This suggests Victorians make a slightly bigger deal of Easter, potentially extending to décor and flowers as well. It wouldn’t be surprising that florists in Melbourne see a bit more Easter trade than those in some other areas, simply because more people there are in the festive spirit (and possibly because Melbourne has a strong culture of fresh flower markets). In terms of cultural background, Australia’s diversity plays a part too. For example, Australians with European heritage (Italian, Polish, Greek, etc.) often have ingrained traditions of bringing flowers during Easter (in many European cultures, it’s customary to decorate churches and graves with fresh blooms at Easter). These families might be more likely to continue those practices here, buying flowers to take to church or to relatives. On the other hand, for many secular Aussies, Easter is just a fun long weekend – flowers are nice, but not expected.

When and How People Buy

Those who do purchase flowers for Easter often do so in a last-minute or convenience-driven way. Unlike Valentine’s or Mother’s Day, where pre-orders pour in, Easter flower buying can be spontaneous. People might pick up a bouquet from the supermarket while doing their big Easter grocery shop – seeing the tulips or lilies in the store and adding them to the cart along with the hot cross buns. Supermarkets and produce markets usually stock extra bunches of autumn blooms just before Easter for this reason. Florist shops do get some advance orders (especially for deliveries to family members in other states, or for floral gifts paired with Easter hampers), but much of the Easter flower action is walk-in business on the Thursday or Saturday before Easter. Florists have noted that because Easter isn’t a “must-have flower” occasion, many customers will simply grab flowers off the shelf rather than plan a special order. This dynamic means florists ensure they have attractive ready-made arrangements and plenty of seasonal stock on display for the walk-in shoppers.

Online Trends

Online search and sales data reflect Easter’s lower profile. While terms like “Easter flowers” and “Easter bouquets” do see a bump on Google in late March, the volume is modest compared to the spikes for “Mother’s Day flowers” or “Valentine’s roses.” Florists’ websites typically create a special Easter category (with pastel-themed products and add-on chocolates), and some run promotions (“Free chocolate bunny with any Easter bouquet!”) to entice buyers. The fact that many major florists do curate an Easter collection suggests there is enough interest to cater to – albeit a niche. One online florist notes that Easter orders often include gourmet hampers or gifts along with flowers, indicating consumers view flowers as just one part of an Easter gift, not the whole gift. This contrasts with Mother’s Day or Valentine’s, where the flowers are the main gift.

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Why Flowers at Easter?

For those who embrace it, giving flowers at Easter is driven by a desire to share joy and beauty. After all, Easter signifies renewal and hope. Flowers, by their very nature, represent growth, life, and renewal, so they make a fitting gift to celebrate the season. Some Australians choose to send flowers to relatives they can’t visit over Easter, almost like sending a “hug” from afar – the fresh blooms convey warm wishes in a way that a box of chocolates might not. Others, especially those who don’t want to overload loved ones (or kids) with too much chocolate, might opt for a small bouquet as an alternative gift (“something for the soul, not just the sweet tooth”). Moreover, Australians increasingly value experiences and atmosphere; bringing flowers to an Easter gathering contributes to the shared experience – it’s lovely to smell flowers in the air while you’re hunting for eggs or eating lunch. In multi-generational families, it’s not uncommon that Nanna brings flowers for everyone, as her way of contributing to the celebration.

Final Thoughts

It may not rival the grand gestures of other holidays, but it carries its own significance: honouring tradition, enhancing family time, and heralding the change of seasons. And with trends like sustainable flowers and creative styling on the rise, Easter flowers in Australia are slowly becoming more popular. Florists are ready – with locally grown autumn flowers, pretty pastel arrangements, and maybe a chocolate bunny on the side.

Sources

• Floraly Journal – Traditional Easter flowers, lilies, tulips, daisies, hyacinths, and seasonal gifting trends
• Amazing Graze Flowers – Iconic Easter florals and what they represent
• Flowers Across Melbourne – Easter lily arrangements and pet safety notes
• ABC News – Trends in locally grown flowers and eco-conscious consumer choices
• 9Honey (Nine News) – Mother’s Day flower spending and bouquet popularity
• Inside Small Business – Valentine’s vs Mother’s Day flower sales and buyer behaviour
• Society of American Florists – Comparative floral holiday statistics and annual flower transaction data
• Lily’s Florist Blog – Easter flower spending in Australia, generational preferences, and search behaviour
• Roy Morgan Research – Easter spending data and regional breakdowns
• The Florist Wrap Shop – 2024 flower packaging trends and eco-friendly wrap materials
• Interflora Australia – Example Easter bouquet contents and seasonal design inspiration