Flowering Sympathy Plant

A thoughtful gift that keeps its blooms

This is a white flowering hydrangea plant with large, rounded flower heads made up of many small blooms. Like a peony, a hydrangea has big, full heads that look generous even on a small plant. Our expert florists wrap the pot carefully in sage green paper and finish it with an ivory ribbon, so it arrives ready to give. The white heads often soften to a pale green as they age, which keeps the plant looking good for weeks. There is no vase to find and nothing to arrange.

Why choose a flowering sympathy plant

Many people wonder whether plants or flowers are best to send. A beautiful bouquet or other floral arrangements last a week or two, but a living plant lasts much longer and asks for a little care, which some people find a gentle comfort in grief and mourning. It is a thoughtful gift the grieving family can keep, and later plant outside in a memorial garden or a favourite corner, as a reminder of the person they have lost. For anyone who prefers an eco-minded gift, a plant that goes on growing never ends up in the bin.

White is a traditional colour for condolence flowers, as white blooms symbolise peace and remembrance, so the plant suits any faith and any celebration of life. The plant also makes a good sympathy gift for a colleague, as a plant on a desk or in a staff room is easy to look after.

Choosing the right sympathy flowers or plant

When choosing sympathy flowers or a plant, the simplest way to choose the right gift is to think first about who will receive it and where. There are two main types of sympathy gift. Flowers for funerals go to the funeral home: flower arrangements such as a wreath, spray or sheaf, the right floral tribute to rest on or beside the coffin. Flowers and plants for the home are for the immediate family, and sending flowers there lets the bereaved know you are thinking of them in the weeks after the funeral, when visitors have gone. If you are sending funeral flowers for the service, see our funeral tributes; for the home, see our beautiful sympathy flowers.

The most common sympathy plants are orchids, peace lilies and hydrangeas. Each type of flower has its own symbolic meanings, but the right flowers are the ones that suit the family. Our white orchid plant is elegant and easy to keep indoors, and phalaenopsis orchids are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. A hydrangea is fuller and softer, and often the best sympathy plant for someone who loves the garden. Peace lilies are often sent too, but we don't sell them. White lilies, like every lily, are toxic to cats, and hydrangeas can upset cats and dogs if chewed, so keep this plant out of a pet's reach. If you would rather send cut flowers in floral bouquets, see our sympathy bouquet range.

Caring for the hydrangea so it can bloom again

Hydrangeas are thirsty, so keep the compost moist but never waterlogged, and water whenever the top feels dry. Indoors, place the plant in a bright, cool spot out of strong direct sun. After it has finished flowering, it can be planted outdoors in a sheltered, partly shaded position in spring or autumn, where it can bloom again in later years.

Sizes, prices and flower delivery

There are three sizes: Standard £32.99, Preferred £43.99 and Elegant £54.99. The larger sizes give a fuller display of the same white hydrangea. When you order sympathy flowers or a plant from us, a local florist prepares the order and delivers it to the family's home or a workplace. Delivery is one charge of £12.49 per order, added at checkout. We deliver Monday to Saturday, from tomorrow onwards; we do not offer same-day delivery, there are no deliveries on Sundays or bank holidays, and we cannot deliver to AB10 postcodes. If the plant isn't available that week, the florist may use one of the same colour and style, of equal or greater value.

Questions about sending sympathy flowers and plants

What plant should I buy for someone who is grieving?

An orchid or a flowering plant like this hydrangea is a good choice, because both last far longer than cut flowers and are easy to care for. Either is a gentle way of supporting someone through the first weeks.

Do you give flowers to someone who has lost a loved one?

Yes. Flowers or a plant are a kind way to express your condolences and offer comfort, and many people send them to the home in the days or weeks after a loss.

What flowers do people send for sympathy?

Lilies, roses and chrysanthemums are the most common sympathy flowers, usually in white or soft colours. A plant like this hydrangea is the choice for anyone who wants their floral sympathy to last.

Can I add a message?

Yes. Your words go on a card with the plant, so it can carry a message from you. Our guide on what to write on funeral flowers can help you choose the words.