Sending Flowers to Someone in Hospital

The short answer: check first that the patient's unit allows flowers, choose a compact arrangement that arrives in its own vase, and give the full name, hospital and room number when you order. If flowers are not allowed, send them to the patient's home for when they return. Here is how to get each step right.

Step 1: check that flowers are allowed

Most hospital rooms welcome flowers, but some areas do not. Intensive care units, some cancer and transplant units, and rooms for patients with weakened immune systems often have rules against fresh flowers or potted plants, because soil and standing water can carry bacteria. Some units also limit strong scents.

The simplest way to find out is to ask the family, or to call the hospital's main line and ask for the patient's unit. It only takes a minute, and it saves the disappointment of flowers that cannot be brought into the room.

Step 2: get the address details right

Large hospitals have many buildings, floors and units, and a clear address helps your flowers reach the right bedside. When you order, include:

  • the patient's full legal name, as registered at the hospital, not a nickname
  • the full hospital name and street address
  • the unit, floor and room number, if you know them
  • your own phone number, in case a detail needs checking
  • your card message, signed so the patient knows who it is from

Patients are sometimes moved between rooms or discharged sooner than expected. If you are not sure how long someone will stay, it can be better to send flowers to their home instead, so they are waiting when the patient gets back.

Step 3: choose flowers that suit a hospital room

Hospital rooms are small, shared and busy. The best flowers for a patient are the ones that make life easier for them and for the nurses:

  • Arrive in a vase. A bouquet that comes in its own vase is ready to display. A loose bouquet means someone has to find a container, which is hard to do in a hospital.
  • Keep it compact. A bedside table or windowsill has little room. A medium arrangement is usually better than a very large one.
  • Go light on scent. Strongly scented flowers such as some lilies can be too much in a small, shared room. Roses, gerberas, carnations and hydrangeas are gentle choices.
  • Choose cheerful colours. Yellow, pink, orange and bright mixed bouquets lift a room. Save all-white designs for other occasions, since many people associate them with sympathy.

Our get well flowers include many bright, compact designs that arrive ready to set down.

When to send

Timing matters more than most people think. On the day of surgery or a procedure, patients are often resting or away from their room, so the day after is usually a better choice. Later in a longer stay, when the first wave of visitors and cards has passed, a fresh bouquet can be an especially welcome surprise. If you know the patient is being discharged soon, plan the delivery for their home instead.

Plants for a longer stay

For someone facing a long stay or a slow recovery at home, a plant can be a better gift than cut flowers, because it keeps going for weeks. Succulents and orchids need very little care. Browse our potted plants and succulents, but remember that some units do not allow soil, so a plant is often best sent to the home.

Flowers for a new baby

Maternity units are one of the happiest places in a hospital, and flowers for new parents are a lovely tradition. The same rules apply: check that flowers are allowed, keep the arrangement compact and include the parent's full name. Many families go home within a day or two, so if you are unsure of the timing, a bouquet at home for the first week back can be even more welcome. See our new baby flowers.

What to write on a get well card

Keep the message short, warm and focused on the patient. A few ideas:

  • "Thinking of you and wishing you a quick recovery."
  • "Sending something bright to cheer up your room. See you soon."
  • "Rest up and take it easy. We are all looking forward to having you back."
  • "With love and best wishes for a speedy recovery."

Avoid detailed questions about the illness or treatment. The card is there to comfort, not to ask for news.

Hospitals we deliver to

We deliver to hospitals across Mississauga, Toronto and the GTA. These pages give the address and tips for three of the hospitals we deliver to:

For other hospitals and care residences, include the full name and address of the building when you order, or call our studio at 905-677-9999 and we can help.

Delivery details

Every arrangement is hand-arranged in our Mississauga studio. We offer same-day delivery of fresh flowers across the GTA, delivery is free on orders over $50, and every order includes a free handwritten card. See our delivery information and map for areas and days.