To ensure your Mother’s Day flowers avoid same-day wilt, prioritize locally grown blooms for superior quality and longevity. Experts estimate that only 50% of flowers sold in Australia are locally grown, but florists and growers emphasize that local flowers are a superior product.
Melbourne florist Jane Marx, founder of The Beautiful Bunch, sources her pastel-toned sweet peas and peachy tulips directly from Victorian farms, believing that the best flowers are grown closest to you.
Despite the prevalence of imported flowers, particularly in supermarkets, there is no mandatory country-of-origin labeling for cut flowers in Australia, making informed choices difficult for consumers.
Flowers are often an impulse buy, so shoppers don’t always consider quality. Imports undergo fumigation and chemical treatments, such as methyl bromide and glyphosate dips, which impact their scent and vase life. They also carry environmental and social costs due to transportation and labor conditions.
Sydney florist Sarah Regan of Little Flowers, and The Beautiful Bunch, are committed to selling mostly Australian-grown flowers, citing better quality, freshness, reduced transit times, and less environmental impact.
These florists educate customers about the benefits of local flowers, including vibrant hydrangeas, tulips, poppies, and sunflowers that are in season for Mother’s Day.
Growers recommend visiting local florists and farmers markets and asking specifically for Australian-grown flowers. Chrysanthemums, which naturally bloom before Mother’s Day, are a popular and affordable choice.
They also advise customers to look for the most delicate flowers like sweet pea and stock, as they are almost impossible to import, and to trust their nose, since imported flowers often lack a scent. Local cut flowers typically last around a week, offering a superior product with a longer vase life.
By supporting florists that buy locally, customers can enjoy the freshest, most fragrant, and longest-lasting blooms for Mother’s Day.
