The Get Well Flower Guide: What to Send to Lift Someone’s Spirits

When someone you care about is unwell, you want to do something — and flowers are one of the oldest, kindest somethings there is. But not all get well flowers are equal: the right bunch can genuinely lift a room, while the wrong one sits awkwardly on a crowded bedside table. After years of helping people send get well flowers, here’s how I’d choose.

Lead with colour

The single best thing a get well bouquet can do is inject some cheer, and colour does that instantly. Sunny yellows, warm oranges and bright pinks read as upbeat and hopeful — exactly the mood you want by a sickbed. Our bright & cheerful get well flowers are built around exactly this.

Match the flowers to where they are

Someone recovering at home has room for a generous bouquet in a vase. Someone in a hospital bed does not — a tall arrangement that needs a vase, water and space is more burden than gift. For a hospital, choose a compact arrangement in its own container, or a small potted plant.

We’ve written a separate, more detailed guide on this — see sending flowers to hospital — because the ward details matter more than people expect.

Consider a plant for a long recovery

If someone’s facing a longer stretch — a slow recovery, a chronic condition — a plant is a thoughtful choice that keeps giving long after cut flowers fade. It’s a living reminder that you’re thinking of them. Our get well plants are all easy-care and bedside-friendly.

A quick cheat sheet:

• Recovering at home — a bright, generous bouquet.
• In hospital — a compact arrangement in its own container.
• A long recovery — a fresh bouquet when they’re home again.
• A gentle “thinking of you” — soft pastels rather than bold colour.
• Someone who loves a treat — flowers paired with chocolates.

When gentle beats bright

Not everyone wants a riot of colour. For someone who’s fragile, grieving as well as unwell, or simply prefers something understated, soft pastels carry the same care in a quieter voice. Our thinking of you flowers are made for those moments.

A get well bouquet isn’t really about the flowers. It’s a note that says “I know you’re having a rough time, and I’m here” — written in something prettier than words.

Don’t forget the card

The flowers do the cheering, but the card is what they read and re-read. A warm, sincere line makes all the difference — if you’re stuck, our guide on what to write in a get well card has plenty to borrow. We’ll hand-write it for you free at checkout.

How to send them today

Get well wishes are usually time-sensitive, so same-day delivery matters. Order before 2pm on a weekday (10am Saturday) and a florist in our nationwide network will arrange and deliver your flowers the same day to every major city and most towns, for a flat $9.90. Browse the full get well flowers collection to get started.