How to Select Birthday Flowers for a Man

Giving flowers and gifts has traditionally been seen as more customary for women. However, bricks and mortar florists and online flower delivery experts like Lily's Florist increasingly recommend birthday flowers for men as beautiful, meaningful options which can convey respect, strength and appreciation. While men have distinct aesthetic tastes and stylistic preferences when it comes to flowers, with consideration for choosing bold, sophisticated plants aligned with their personality and values, they can certainly enjoy arrangements as gifts.

When selecting flower gifts for a man's birthday, both visual appearance and symbolic meaning should be weighed, in order to pick the best representation of your regards. As florist Michael Jacobson explains:

"The gift of fresh-cut flowers as a symbol of love and appreciation is universal, and everyone deserves to know how it feels to receive them, including the men in your life."

This guide covers some professional tips for choosing flowers for men’s birthdays across a spectrum of their potential tastes, from bold sunflowers to refined orchids to traditional roses in meaningful colours. It also provides creative inspiration for masculine, on-theme presentation. Most importantly, it emphasises putting care and effort into selecting something heartfelt.

While straying from convention, choosing flowers for men can have great significance and impact when thoughtfully chosen. These meaningful symbols of affection can surprise and delight a birthday boy when tailored just for him.

Choose Bold, Structural Flowers

When selecting flowers for a man's special day, many florists suggest embracing bold blooms with striking shapes and rich colours, as these better appeal to traditional masculine aesthetic tastes.

According to florist Michael Jacobson:

"If you want to start buying flowers for men but are worried about straying too far from typically masculine tastes, focus on a bouquet made up of darker colours. You could also opt for an arrangement that utilises bold, striking stems as filler."

Some excellent options for structurally prominent statement flowers include:

• Sunflowers make a wonderful choice with their large, bright yellow petals, symbolizing joy and loyalty. As one expert says, "Their cheerful appearance and robust nature make them a standout gift."
• Birds of Paradise add vibrant tropical flair, resembling a crane taking flight, which represents freedom and aspiration. Their vivid orange and blue hues make a bold visual impact.
• Anthuriums also known as Flamingo Flowers, provide modern flair with their glossy red and pink heart-shaped blooms, contrasting beautifully with green foliage. Their sculptural waxy texture lends exotic, contemporary elegance.

By embracing flowers with 'intense tones' and structural shapes like these statement picks, you can create a birthday bouquet with aesthetic elements that masculinely convey respect and celebration. Combining plants with diverse textures also adds intrigue. Just stay away from dainty or fragile flowers to craft an eye-catching, masculine floral gift he'll appreciate.

Pick Sophisticated Options

While bold, high-contrast flowers appeal to conventional masculinity, many men also appreciate refined, elegant floral aesthetics. Choosing sophisticated blooms is another excellent route for gifting flowers that feel stylish and luxe.

Orchids are a top upscale pick, conveying exceptional taste with their delicate, exquisite appearance in diverse speckled hues. According to experts, "Their unique and intricate blooms are a symbol of sophistication and refined taste." For a more gender-neutral aura, the crisp, delicate beauty of white orchids is a superb option, allowing the recipient to enjoy their graceful symmetry without heavily feminine associations.

Lilies, with their slender trumpet shape opening to reveal a yellow pistil, provide sleek elegance as well. As Credentialed Garden Writer Mary Dyer explains of their appeal: "The calla lily flower has a lovely shape and curving stem that adds grace and fluidity to flower arrangements." Their smooth texture and range of charming colours from stark white to rich purple gives plenty of sophisticated styling variety.

For the men desiring refinement over boldness, consider gifting gorgeous orchids or calla lilies to impress with luxury aesthetics conveying your warmest birthday wishes through delicate graceful beauty.

Consider Colour

When choosing floral gifts for a gentleman, rich, deep hues tend to be preferred over pale or bright pastel shades in embracing traditionally masculine aesthetics.

Vibrant deep reds like roses or chrysanthemums convey passion and strength. As one expert florist explains, "Red chrysanthemums have a striking and rich red colour, making them the perfect masculine flower." Such intense crimson blooms stand out beautifully as symbols of devotion.

Purples like iris, orchids, or hyacinths are another refined yet prominent option, typically associated with royalty and admiration. Their rich jewel tones impress with subtle depth and intrigue. As Dutch Gardens notes, "the colour purple is associated with charm, imagination and creativity."

Likewise, vivid blues flowers like thistles and morning glories represent respect, trust and dignity. Their cool tones contrast gorgeously as watercolour brushstrokes against greenery. As Verdissimo explains, throughout history, blue flowers have had noble connotations across diverse cultures.

While personal preference always trumps conventions, if opting for traditionally masculine aesthetics in birthday blooms, embrace the hidden depth, intrigue and honor behind jewel-toned hues rather than softer pastel tones for optimal reception.

For the rugged, outdoorsy me, you should consider a bouquet or arrangement featuring striking Australian native flowers. The bold textures and earthy beauty of flowers like the woolly yellow golden wattle, vibrant red Waratahs, and curved green and fuchsia Kangaroo Paw perfectly capture masculine sensibilities. Something like the spiky, vibrant Geraldton Wax or sculptural Banksia flower are on-theme for an intrepid birthday boy. Leaning into Australia's diverse beauty mirrors mateship and adventure.

Factor in Personality

Rather than follow a one-size-fits all approach, tailoring a gentleman's birthday botanical gift to his unique personality and passions helps ensure an appreciation for your thoughtfulness in perfectly curating to his disposition.

For nature lovers, consider gifting a potted plant that lives on to commemorate the special day. Air plants, bonsai trees, succulents, and cacti make excellent natural options aligned to this interest which can grace his living space beyond a temporary bouquet. As Sprout Home explains, "potted plants represent growth and life - a great metaphor for a birthday." Alternatively, incorporate organic elements like branches, greenery, or stones into a regular flower arrangement.

For the modern man appreciating contemporary visual flair, choices like vibrant anthuriums or sleek-lined white calla lilies are likely to impress. Their striking shapes and alluring contrasts speak to artful minimalism with a cutting edge.

Alternatively, timeless red roses or lilies suit traditional tastes perfectly as quintessential classics representing beauty, love, and femininity since Roman and Greek mythologies - but re-contextualized today to convey friendship and celebration regardless of gender.

Consider if the birthday gentleman leans toward novelty science gadgets or antiquarian curios and select suitably themed botanicals to intrigue his fancy. Custom-tailoring to unique personality demonstrates meaningfulness.

Masculine Presentation

The vessel and staging used to showcase a man's botanical birthday bounty should align to a traditionally masculine aesthetic for optimal appeal.

Many florists advise avoiding overtly feminine touches like ornate crystal, glittering metals, or lace flourishes when displaying floral gifts for men.

Instead, embrace sturdy, textural materials that feel rugged to complement the flowers’ organic softness. Wood, stone, concrete, or weathered metal containers evoke a raw, industrial look perfect for underscoring most blooms’ elegance. For gentlemen fond of the outdoors, integrating elements like branches, pebbles, or burlap can heighten this earthy style.

For a more casual presentation in line with conventional masculine sensibilities, display the thoughtfully chosen botanicals in everyday receptacles like beer steins or plain ceramic mugs, which enable enjoying the arrangements as part of daily routines.

Alternatively, sleek, geometric modern vases in stark black, silver, or gray exude refined subtle power suiting formal masculine tastes.

Steer clear of decorative ribbons, glitter, or traditionally feminine silhouettes. Instead, embrace sturdy, sleek, or unpretentious materials surrounding florals to project confident, dashing style for optimal masculine birthday cheer.

Seeds of Wisdom

Selecting the perfect birthday flowers for a man need not follow tired conventions. With an array of aesthetics from bold to sleek, traditional to modern now readily appreciable across masculine tastes, stunning floral gifts can make thoughtful gestures.

When choosing flowers for a man’s special day, consider statement shapes like sunflowers, refinement of orchids, colour symbolism of purple and blue hues, and customization to unique personalities and passions. Present the bouquets and arrangements in style through rugged natural elements or contemporary receptacles.

Most importantly, put care into choosing blossoms and displays that communicate the depth of positive feelings and well-wishes behind this gesture. The right flowers can touch the recipient with charm and delight.

If you would like to chat with an expert on flowers for a man, please feel free to call one of our staff at Lily's Florist today on 1800 466 534.