Father’s Day flowers: a bunch Dad will actually like

The date, and why it matters

Australia, like New Zealand, celebrates Father’s Day in the first week or so of September. Many other countries keep it in June or on other dates, so if you plan to send flowers to a dad overseas, look up the local day first. Here it is a spring occasion, which suits fresh, lively bunches better than the heavy winter-style arrangements.

Do dads really want flowers?

Many do, and a lot of them rarely get any. The trick is to steer away from anything frilly. Think strong colour, solid stems and plenty of greenery, and let the bunch look like it came from a good market rather than a chocolate box.

Flowers that tend to go down well

Deep red roses

Dark red roses say thank you without being soppy. Ask for them with eucalyptus or other grey-green leaves, and the whole thing looks quietly smart. They suit a dad who likes things done properly.

Sunflowers and other yellows

Sunflowers are tall, cheerful and impossible to read as overly romantic. Pair them with orange gerberas and a few dahlias if the florist has them. Warm yellow and orange are rarely the wrong choice.

Australian natives

For a dad who spends weekends in the garden or the bush, ask for natives. Banksia, kangaroo paw and waratah have a rugged look that suits the day, and many last well once cut. Availability depends on the florist and the region, so treat this as a request rather than a promise.

A pot plant instead

If Dad is the sort who would rather keep a plant than a bunch, a potted phalaenopsis (moth) orchid in white or deep purple is a long-lasting alternative. It needs only occasional watering. Our care tips cover the basics.

Matching the gift to the dad

• The no-fuss dad: a potted orchid, which looks after itself.
• The gardener: a rustic bunch of natives or garden-style stems.
• The sharp dresser: deep red roses with eucalyptus.
• The big personality: sunflowers and orange blooms.
• Grandpa: a classic mixed bunch in rich, traditional colours.

Colour choices

• Usually safe: deep red, burgundy, orange, yellow, purple and white with green.
• Think twice about: baby pink and very pale pastels, unless Dad is known to love them.
• Can’t go wrong: warm yellow and orange.

Ordering without stress

Give yourself a few days

It is not as frantic as Mother’s Day, but ordering a few days ahead gives you a better choice and lets you pick the day. Because Father’s Day is a Sunday, check the delivery options at checkout and consider sending on the Saturday if the florist cannot deliver on the day.

Details are in our guide to sending flowers, and the language of flowers helps if you want the bunch to say something specific.

Cost

The price depends on the size of the bunch and what is in season, and it is shown, delivery included, before you pay. Spring stems in plentiful supply are usually kinder to the budget than out-of-season roses.

Dad in another town

Distances are long here, and plenty of dads live a flight or a long drive away. Flowers can be delivered to addresses across Australia, so see flowers online for the options.

A few words for the card

• “Thanks for everything, Dad. Happy Father’s Day!”
• “To the best dad around, with love from [name]”
• “You were always there for me. Thank you.”
• “Happy Father’s Day, Pop! Love from [grandchildren’s names]”

Father’s Day flower questions