Flowers for hospital patients: what to check first
A bunch of flowers can lift a long day in a hospital bed. But before you order, two questions matter more than the bouquet itself: does the ward accept flowers at all, and which blooms will not bother the patient next door? This guide walks through both.
Will the ward take them?
It depends, and the answer can change between two wards in the same building. Australia has no single rule. Hospital policy is set by the hospital or its health service, and wards add their own conditions. Intensive care is commonly off limits, and some hospitals discourage flowers on other wards because of infection control, allergies and the lack of space beside a bed. Others are happy to see them. The simplest approach is to check with the ward before you order.
| Type of ward | Flowers | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| General medical or surgical | Varies | Some wards allow a vase on the locker and some do not. Shared rooms mean allergies and scent are a concern, so ask first. |
| Maternity | Varies | New parents often love a bunch. Keep the scent mild around babies, and ask whether a vase is permitted. |
| Intensive care and similar units | Usually no | Equipment is sensitive and patients are fragile. Wait until the person moves to a general ward, or send the bunch home. |
| Cancer treatment, transplant and infection units | Often no | Patients may have weakened immunity, and soil, vase water and pollen can be a worry. Always ask. |
| Mental health | Varies | Glass is sometimes restricted. A soft-sided arrangement or a plastic vase may be the safer choice. |
Sending flowers to a patient, step by step
- Phone the ward
Ask if flowers are accepted, whether there are limits on scent or glass, and whether the patient is still on that ward.
- Gather the details
You will need the hospital name, the ward and the patient’s full name. Add the word patient to the recipient line so reception knows who it is for.
- Choose a bunch to suit the room
Pick light-scented, low-pollen blooms. A small arrangement is better than a huge one, because bedside lockers fill up quickly. Skip pots of soil.
- Order with a little time in hand
Stays can be short, so do not leave it to the last minute. The bunch will normally be left at reception or taken to the ward, depending on the hospital.
What if they go home early?
It happens often, because many hospital stays are short. Contact the florist as soon as you hear. A bunch that has not yet left can usually be redirected to the home address. If it has already arrived, the ward will normally either pass it on or get in touch. A good tip is to send flowers to the home once the patient is discharged, since the recovery weeks are when a lift is most welcome, and the ward rules no longer apply.
Order flowers easily online – delivered Australia-wide.
Order flowers nowFlowers that cheer without overwhelming
People often say that fresh flowers make a room feel kinder and a stay feel shorter. Whether or not there is a measurable effect, a bright bunch signals that someone is thinking of the patient. When you send flowers to a hospital, aim for soft, warm colours rather than anything loud, and for a tidy shape that fits on a small table.
Tulips – quiet and cheerful
Tulips are in season in the southern spring, and they have almost no scent, which makes them a considerate pick for a shared room. Pale pink, cream and soft yellow suit a sickroom well.
Gerberas – colour with no fuss
Gerberas are daisies with strong colour and next to no fragrance. Mix warm shades for a bunch that feels like sunshine on a bedside table.
Daffodils and hyacinths
Daffodils are the flowers of new beginnings, and a short cluster of them cheers up a recovering patient. Hyacinths are lovely, but their fragrance fills a small room, so check with the ward before choosing them. When you are ready, order flowers for delivery to the hospital.
Send flowers quickly and safely throughout Australia.
View the selectionWhat to leave out
- Heavily scented blooms: Oriental lilies, hyacinths and very perfumed roses can bother patients who feel nauseous or have allergies.
- Pollen shedders: Lilies drop orange pollen that stains bedding and irritates some people. Gerberas and tulips are gentler.
- Lilies in general: Many oncology and similar units ask visitors not to bring them at all. Always ask.
- Potted plants in soil: Soil can carry mould and bacteria, so many hospitals say no. Cut flowers are the more usual choice.
Our guide to sending flowers covers ordering in more detail, and the flower language page can help you choose the right message for someone who is unwell.
Reliable choices for a sickroom
- Gerbera: little scent and plenty of colour
- Tulips: virtually scent-free
- Alstroemeria: a sturdy stem that keeps going for a long time
- Ranunculus: soft layers, low scent
- Wax flower: fine, airy and gentle
To send something to the hospital, browse the flowers online and choose a bunch that fits the ward.
At a glance
Good in hospital
- Gerbera - bright, almost scent-free
- Tulips - gentle colour, no perfume
- Alstroemeria - tough and long-lasting
- Ranunculus - soft and light on scent
- A bunch that arrives with its own vase - saves staff hunting for one
Better avoided
- Lilies - strong scent, staining pollen, often not allowed
- Hyacinths - overpowering in a small room
- Potted plants in soil - usually discouraged
- Very large arrangements - lockers and windowsills are small
- Glass vases - not welcome on some wards
We also have a page on sending flowers to hospitals in Australia where you can find the right hospital and order directly.
