Mothering Sunday: flowers for Mam in spring

In Ireland, Mother’s Day does not come in May. It comes in Lent, on Mothering Sunday, just as the daffodils are opening and the first tulips arrive. That timing shapes what to send and when to send it.

Pink peony — Peonies – a treat later in the year

Spring bouquets for Mothering Sunday.

See flowers for Mam

Why it falls in Lent

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent, also called Laetare Sunday. Centuries ago it was the day people returned to their mother church, the main church of their area, and young people working away from home in service were often allowed the day off to visit their families. Over time it became a day to honour mothers themselves.

Because Lent depends on Easter, the date moves. A simple rule: Mothering Sunday is exactly three weeks before Easter Sunday. It usually lands in March and only occasionally slips into early April.

Flowers that suit the season

Tulips

March is the heart of the tulip season. Pinks, purples and creams look gentle; mixed bright colours look cheerful. They are good value too.

Daffodils and narcissi

Simple, Irish and full of spring. A big bunch of yellow daffodils, or the scented white narcissi, says new beginnings. Keep them in their own vase, since their sap shortens the life of other flowers.

Pink roses

Pink roses say thank you and affection without the romance of red, and they are available all year.

Ranunculus and anemones

Layered, papery petals in soft colours; very fashionable and at their best in spring.

A plant to keep

A potted hydrangea, an orchid or a tray of bulbs for the garden lasts long after the day. For a gardening mam it may be the best present of all. Peonies and hydrangeas are more of a summer flower in Ireland, so as cut flowers they can be scarce in March.

Tip: Mothering Sunday is one of the busiest days of the year for florists. Order a week or more ahead and choose delivery for the Friday or Saturday before.

Send Mothering Sunday flowers anywhere in Ireland.

Choose a bouquet

Choosing for your mam

The traditionalist: pink roses or a soft pastel mix.
The gardener: a plant or bulbs, or spring flowers she will compare with her own.
The stylish one: white ranunculus, eucalyptus and pale tulips.
The fun one: bright gerberas, orange tulips and yellow narcissi.
Granny: something generous with a card from all the grandchildren.
A mother-in-law or godmother: a smaller, elegant bunch; the thought counts most.

Mothers who are missed

For many people Mothering Sunday is bittersweet. Bringing flowers to the grave is common, and a pot of daffodils, primroses or a small spring arrangement suits most cemeteries. Some families also have a Mass said or light a candle in her memory.

Mothering Sunday abroad

Irish people abroad often get caught out. In the United States, Canada, Australia and much of Europe, Mother’s Day is in May. If you are sending flowers from overseas to a mother in Ireland, go by the Irish date; if you are in Ireland sending to a mother abroad, go by hers.

For the card

“Happy Mother’s Day, Mam. Thanks for everything.”
“To the best mammy in the world, love from all of us.”
“Sorry we cannot be there today. Thinking of you.”
“Happy Mothering Sunday, Nana, with love from your gang.”

See also flower language for meanings, and how to send flowers for addresses and timing. Ready? Send flowers now.

Mothering Sunday questions

When is Mother’s Day in Ireland?

Ireland celebrates Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is always three weeks before Easter Sunday, so the date moves each year and usually falls in March, occasionally at the very start of April.

Is Irish Mother’s Day the same as in America?

No. The United States, Canada, Australia and many European countries celebrate in May. If your mother lives abroad, check the date in her country, because it may be two months later than ours.

Will flowers arrive on the Sunday itself?

Many florists do not deliver on Sundays, and those that do are at their busiest. The safest plan is to have the flowers arrive on the Friday or Saturday before, so she has them for the whole weekend.

What can I do for a mother who has passed away?

Many people bring spring flowers to the grave on Mothering Sunday, or light a candle at Mass. A small pot of daffodils or primroses by the headstone is simple and lasts for weeks.