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 arranging get well orders, 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, or a small plant.
- A long recovery — a lasting potted plant.
- 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, anywhere we go in Australia, for a flat $9.90. Browse the full get well flowers collection to get started.
