January 2026
New Year’s Day (Jan 1) – White orchids or lilies symbolizing fresh starts. Orchids are particularly popular in Hong Kong and easy to find year-round
Late January birthdays – Carnations (January birth flower) available at Flower Market Road in Mong Kok, or elegant cymbidium orchids
February 2026
Chinese New Year (Feb 17-19, 2026 is Year of the Horse) – This is THE most important flower-giving occasion in Hong Kong:
- Kumquat trees (金桔) – Symbol of prosperity and good fortune, essential for home and business
- Peach blossoms (桃花) – Romance and good relationships
- Pussy willow (銀柳) – Sounds like “silver” in Cantonese, symbolizes wealth
- Narcissus (水仙) – Good fortune and prosperity
- Orchids (蘭花) – Elegance and refinement
- Chrysanthemums – Avoid these during CNY as they’re associated with funerals
Visit Flower Market Road (雀仔街) in Mong Kok in the days before CNY for the best selection. Prices peak on CNY eve.
Valentine’s Day (Feb 14) – Red roses from local florists, but order early. Hong Kong prices surge significantly. Consider romantic alternatives like pink lilies or mixed bouquets from Prince Edward flower market
March 2026
International Women’s Day (Mar 8) – Roses, tulips, or elegant arrangements
Spring Equinox (Mar 20) – Seasonal flowers like tulips, daffodils, or cherry blossoms if available
April 2026
Ching Ming Festival (Apr 5, falls on Sunday so Apr 6 is public holiday) – White or yellow chrysanthemums, lilies, or other respectful flowers for grave-sweeping. Available at flower stalls near cemeteries
Good Friday (Apr 3) – Consider religious-themed arrangements for Christian friends and family
Easter Monday (Apr 6) – White lilies, pastel-colored tulips, or spring arrangements
Easter Tuesday (Apr 7) – Additional public holiday this year (as Apr 6 is already Easter Monday)
May 2026
Labour Day (May 1) – Appreciation flowers for workers or service staff
Buddha’s Birthday (May 24, falls on Sunday so May 25 is public holiday) – Lotus flowers or lotus-themed arrangements symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Visit temples where flowers are offered
Mother’s Day (May 10, 2026 – Second Sunday) – Carnations (traditional), orchids, or peonies. This is a peak time for Hong Kong florists – book ahead. Popular choices include:
- Pink carnations for gratitude
- Orchid arrangements for elegance
- Mixed bouquets with local favorites
Mid-May – Peonies if available (peony season), symbolizing prosperity and honor
June 2026
Dragon Boat Festival (Tuen Ng Festival – Jun 19) – Not traditionally a flower-giving occasion, but you could give bamboo plants or iris flowers
Father’s Day (June 21, 2026 – Third Sunday) – Yellow roses, sunflowers, or masculine arrangements. White roses if honoring a deceased father
June birthdays – Roses (June birth flower) or peonies
July 2026
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day (Jul 1) – Red bauhinia (Hong Kong’s emblem) arrangements if available, or patriotic-themed flowers
Summer weddings – Peak wedding season in Hong Kong. Popular choices include:
- Orchids (especially phalaenopsis and dendrobium)
- Roses in various colors
- Hydrangeas
- Peonies (if still in season)
August 2026
Summer occasions – Sunflowers, tropical arrangements, or air-conditioned indoor plants for the hot, humid weather
Hungry Ghost Festival (Mid-August) – Avoid major flower-giving during this month as it’s considered inauspicious. If needed, stick to modest arrangements
September 2026
Mid-Autumn Festival (Sep 25, with public holiday on Sep 26) – Not traditionally a flower occasion, but you can give:
- Osmanthus flowers (桂花) – associated with the festival
- Elegant potted plants
- Lotus arrangements (if available)
Back-to-school – Sunflowers or encouraging arrangements for teachers or students starting new terms
October 2026
National Day (Oct 1) – Red and yellow arrangements reflecting national colors
Chung Yeung Festival (Oct 18, falls on Sunday so Oct 19 is public holiday) – Chrysanthemums for honoring ancestors and tomb-sweeping, similar to Ching Ming
Double Tenth Day (Oct 10) – Consider for friends with Taiwan connections
Halloween (Oct 31) – Growing in popularity; orange and black arrangements if attending Western-style parties
November 2026
Diwali (dates vary, check local Hindu community) – Marigolds, lotus flowers, or bright, festive arrangements
Autumn weddings – Still popular season. Roses, orchids, and seasonal blooms
December 2026
Christmas (Dec 25) – Major flower-giving occasion in Hong Kong:
- Poinsettias (red and white)
- Christmas roses
- Red and white arrangements
- Amaryllis
- Holly and winter arrangements
Popular areas: Flower Market Road, florists in Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui
New Year’s Eve (Dec 31) – Celebratory arrangements for parties or as host gifts
Hong Kong Flower Shopping Tips
Best flower markets:
- Flower Market Road (花墟), Mong Kok – Over 50 flower shops, best prices, open late
- Prince Edward – Near MTR station, many wholesale and retail options
- Local florists – Throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and New Territories for convenience
Timing:
- Shop early for major holidays (CNY, Valentine’s, Mother’s Day)
- Flower Market Road is open until midnight most days
- Prices increase significantly before major holidays
Delivery:
- Most Hong Kong florists offer same-day delivery
- International delivery available through major chains
Cultural notes:
- Avoid white or yellow chrysanthemums except for funerals and tomb-sweeping
- Even numbers of flowers can be associated with funerals – odd numbers are safer
- Four (4) of anything is unlucky (sounds like “death” in Cantonese)
- Eight (8) is extremely lucky (sounds like “prosperity”)
Budget considerations:
- Flower Market Road offers best value
- Luxury florists in Central and hotels charge premium prices
- Peak holiday prices can be 2-3x normal rates