New York City’s love affair with flowers is evident on every street corner – quite literally. Walk through any neighborhood and you’ll pass deli storefronts lined with bright bouquets, office lobbies decked with fresh arrangements, and bicycle couriers zipping by with blooms in tow. There is perhaps no other city, at least in our expert opinion, in the U.S. where it’s as easy to grab an cheap flower bouquet on the go. From grand romantic gestures to simple “thinking of you” surprises, New Yorkers have embraced flower-giving as a cherished part of city life. Below, the team at LIly's Florist and myself look at the data and culture behind NYC’s floral enthusiasm – from sales trends and favorite flowers to the occasions and emotions that drive Big Apple residents to say it with flowers.
New York City represents one of the largest floral markets in the country. The florist industry in New York (state) is projected to reach roughly $865 million by 2025, with NYC accounting for a significant share of those sales. What’s fueling this market? A blend of traditional brick-and-mortar flower shops and a surge in online ordering:
E-commerce has made flower-sending easier than ever for busy New Yorkers. Nationwide, online sales for flowers and gifts hit $7.09 billion in 2022. In fact, consumers who buy flowers online tend to spend more per purchase than in-store shoppers (one study found online floral orders averaged roughly 2× the sales of in-store purchases). NYC’s digital-savvy residents have eagerly adopted services offering same-day delivery via apps and websites. Still, the city’s hundreds of local florists and ubiquitous corner bodegas capture plenty of walk-in business from passersby who can’t resist a fresh bouquet on the way home.
New York’s density means high accessibility to fresh flowers. A recent analysis ranked NYC the #1 city in America for local flower access. The city boasts 150+ distinct flower delivery services – more than any other U.S. city, alongside a robust network of about 1.04 flower shops per square mile plus countless delis and street vendors). By comparison, Los Angeles has only 0.66 flower shops per square mile and a fraction of delivery services. New Yorkers can find flowers virtually anywhere, anytime.
So, what flowers do New Yorkers send and receive the most? The short answer: roses reign supreme, but there are other contenders in the bouquet. Roses – especially classic red roses – are consistently the top choice for romantic and special occasions. In one survey, an overwhelming 63% of New York respondents chose roses as their favorite Valentine’s Day flower. (This is even higher than the national average of 48% who prefer roses on Valentine’s Day, showing just how much New Yorkers love their roses.) Whether it’s a dozen red roses delivered to a Midtown office or a mixed bouquet with a few elegant roses tucked in, these blooms are a city staple.
Often a top choice in springtime, tulips are the second most popular flower nationally (16% on Valentine’s surveys) and much-loved in NYC for their cheerful colors. Come April and May, you’ll see Dutch tulips flooding florists from the Flower District to Dutch-themed festivals (NYC’s parks plant thousands of tulips each spring as well).
Classic lilies (from fragrant stargazers to pure white calla lilies) are widely exchanged for both celebratory and sympathy occasions. They ranked around 8% in popularity in one Valentine’s poll, and remain a go-to in New York for elegant gifting and memorial arrangements alike.
New Yorkers choose roses at a rate 15% higher than the national average
For everyday “just because” bouquets, many turn to bright, happy blooms like gerbera daisies or sunflowers. These sunny flowers (about 9% and 7% popularity respectively in surveys) convey warmth and friendship – perfect for birthdays or a pick-me-up gift. Walking through a neighborhood like the East Village, it’s common to spot sunflowers poking out of paper wrappings as someone carries them home.
New York’s upscale flower shops report orchids among their best-sellers for premium gifts. Delicate orchid plants or cymbidium orchid stems appeal to those seeking a luxurious, longer-lasting present. Orchids made up roughly 8% of favorite flower picks in surveys, reflecting their niche but significant fan base. Other exotic blooms (like ranunculus or peonies) trend high in NYC during wedding season, as the city’s stylish set often chases the latest Instagram-worthy flower fads (peonies, for example, are wildly popular in early summer wedding bouquets).
Of course, the classic red rose still steals the show for most romantic New Yorkers. During Valentine’s season, local florists stock up on them – over 250 million roses are produced for Valentine’s Day worldwide – knowing NYC demand will be sky-high. But beyond romance, the city’s flower spectrum is as diverse as its people, with blooms to suit every taste and occasion.
A typical New York City corner deli displaying an abundance of ready-to-go bouquets. Bodega flower stands like this make it easy for New Yorkers to grab a bouquet on the way to visits or after work.
What drives New Yorkers to send flowers? Almost any occasion you can imagine – and some you might not. In the city that never sleeps, there’s always a reason to give the gift of blooms. Here are the major occasions and events that fill NYC with flowers:
This is the Super Bowl of flowers in New York. Valentine’s is the #1 holiday for florists in terms of fresh flower purchases, accounting for about 30% of all holiday flower transactions. New Yorkers, like the rest of the country, go all-in on romantic bouquets for Feb 14. Expect countless roses (often at premium prices), but also tulips, lilies, and mixed arrangements being bicycle-delivered across Manhattan and beyond. Many NYC florists report their single busiest day of the year is February 14, with delivery vans double-parked on streets and lobby desks overflowing with deliveries.
Come May, flowers for mom take center stage. Mother’s Day is nearly tied with Valentine’s in volume – about 26% of holiday floral transactions – and New Yorkers make sure the mothers in their lives are celebrated, whether near or far. Popular picks for moms in NYC include spring bouquets (tulips, peonies, irises) and arrangements with personal touches. It’s common for New Yorkers who can’t visit their mom in person to send a bouquet across boroughs or even out of state.
In a city with millions of people, every day is someone’s birthday. Birthdays and romantic anniversaries generate a steady stream of flower orders year-round. NYC’s gifting culture means friends will send each other congratulatory bouquets, and spouses often have flowers sent to workplaces for surprise. Florists cater to these personal occasions with everything from trendy modern arrangements for a friend’s birthday in Brooklyn, to lavish long-stem roses for a 25th anniversary on the Upper East Side.
Despite the hustle and bustle, New York is a city of tight-knit communities, and flowers play a solemn role in times of loss. Sympathy flowers – from standing funeral sprays to simple white lily bouquets – are commonly sent to grieving families or memorial services. In a diverse city, traditions vary (for instance, some cultures prefer large wreaths, others modest bouquets), but the gesture of sending flowers as an expression of sympathy is widespread. Many NYC funeral homes in neighborhoods like Flatbush or Flushing are accustomed to receiving dozens of floral arrangements when a community elder passes.
With thousands of weddings in NYC each year, florists stay busy arranging bridal bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremonial displays. While these are typically ordered by the couple (not “gifted”), they contribute to seasonal flower demand – especially in spring and early summer when wedding season peaks. Beyond weddings, New York’s calendar is packed with events where flowers are de rigueur: charity galas, corporate functions, graduations, and even Broadway opening nights (it’s tradition to give performers bouquets after shows). These events might not involve sending flowers to someone, but they illustrate how ingrained fresh flowers are in the fabric of NYC celebrations and milestones.
Apart from Valentine’s and Mother’s Day, other holidays spur flower-giving in NYC too. During Christmas and Hanukkah, New Yorkers gift poinsettias and holiday centerpieces. Easter and Passover bring pastel arrangements and lilies. Even “Administrative Professionals Day” in April leads bosses in Manhattan offices to send desk bouquets to their staff. And let’s not forget “just because” – one of the most heartfelt occasions of all. Many New Yorkers will spontaneously buy flowers to brighten a loved one’s day with no special event needed.
Beyond the calendar of events, there’s a deeper question: why are New Yorkers so fond of giving flowers? The answer lies in the emotional and cultural significance of blooms, especially in an urban metropolis. Flowers act as a sort of emotional currency, conveying sentiments that sometimes words fail to express. Firstly, flowers make people happy – and this is backed by science. Research has shown that the presence of flowers triggers immediate positive emotions and improves mood. In fact, a Rutgers University study found that flowers have an instant impact on happiness and can even reduce stress and depression over the long term. It’s no wonder that a bouquet delivery can turn around someone’s hectic Manhattan day. As one New York floral artist famously observed, “every person on the planet responds to [flowers] with a smile.” New Yorkers, living in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, especially cherish that boost of joy and connection that comes from receiving (or giving) a beautiful arrangement.
Culturally, NYC is a melting pot, and many cultures place great value on flower-giving. This enriches the city’s floral gifting traditions. In Hispanic communities of Queens, it’s common to bring flowers to family gatherings or religious celebrations. In Chinese and South Asian communities, certain flowers are integral to New Year or wedding customs. Across cultures, New Yorkers use flowers to show respect, love, apology, and congratulations. The simple act of handing over blooms transcends language barriers – a critical factor in a diverse city.
Image credit: Julia Testa
Moreover, in a “concrete jungle” like New York, flowers represent a slice of nature and beauty that city dwellers crave. Most NYC residents don’t have big yards or gardens, so sending someone flowers is like sending a breath of fresh air and color into their apartment or office. A bouquet of spring peonies or autumn dahlias can brighten a tiny studio apartment or an impersonal corporate cubicle, reminding the recipient of the natural world beyond the skyscrapers. There’s even a famous guerrilla florist, Lewis Miller, who creates surprise “Flower Flash” installations in NYC trash cans and statues – these random street bouquets routinely stop busy New Yorkers in their tracks, eliciting delight and a sense of community wonder.
Finally, there’s the element of small gestures mattering a lot. In the impersonal rush of city life, a thoughtful gesture like sending flowers carries extra weight. New Yorkers often use flowers to maintain personal connections: a bouquet to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or to a partner working long hours, says “I’m thinking of you” in a tangible way. The city’s ethos might be fast and competitive, but giving flowers reveals the softer side of New Yorkers – it’s a moment of slowing down to appreciate someone or to literally “stop and smell the roses.” This appreciation for meaningful little gestures keeps the tradition of flower-giving alive and well in NYC.
Fresh flowers have an immediate feel-good effect. Studies show that receiving flowers triggers happiness and life satisfaction – one reason New Yorkers use bouquets as a quick mood boost or heartfelt gift in their busy, stress-filled lives.
Traditionally, men have been big purchasers of flowers (often buying for women in romantic contexts), and that holds true in NYC as well. Nationwide data shows men are more likely to buy flowers for romantic partners – for example, on Valentine’s Day 61% of male buyers are getting flowers for a spouse, compared to 42% of female buyers (who more often buy for their mothers). In New York, you’ll see this play out every February: plenty of men carrying bouquets on the subway ride home. That said, women in NYC are also avid flower-givers. Women frequently send flowers to relatives, friends, and even to each other for occasions like birthdays or as a supportive gesture. It’s also not unusual for women to buy themselves flowers – treating oneself is increasingly popular (one study noted many women use occasions like Valentine’s Day to give themselves flowers as a form of self-care). In the city’s many flower markets, you’ll find both men and women equally browsing the selections, just perhaps with different recipients in mind.
Flowers appeal across generations, but younger New Yorkers are emerging as a significant segment of the market, especially via online platforms. Adults ages 18–34 are among the most likely to buy flowers for Valentine’s (33% do), and this tech-savvy age group in NYC often uses apps like UrbanStems or FTD’s online shop to send quick deliveries. They may not have the longstanding habits of buying flowers that older generations do, but convenience and Instagram-worthy bouquet designs have drawn millennials into flower gifting. Middle-aged and older New Yorkers, on the other hand, may be more inclined to patronize their local florist and stick to classic arrangements – they form the backbone of repeat customers for occasions like anniversaries, religious holidays, and sympathy flowers. In short, every age in NYC participates, but how they buy (and what they buy) can vary by generation.
On the receiving end, it’s a broad mix. Significant others (wives, husbands, partners) are top recipients for romantic holidays. Mothers in New York reliably get showered with flowers around May. Office workers in NYC might find their desk graced with surprise flowers from a thankful client or colleague – corporate gifting is a small but notable part of the flower scene, with real estate agents sending “congrats on your new home” bouquets, or companies sending arrangements to employees for life events. And of course, many New Yorkers love to receive flowers just as a random act of kindness from friends or family; few things lift the spirit like an unexpected bouquet delivery at your apartment door.
While hard data by neighborhood is scarce, one can observe anecdotal patterns. Manhattan, with its dense concentration of offices and higher-income residents, likely sees the highest volume of flower deliveries. It’s common to spot courier bikes piled with arrangements headed to Midtown high-rises or downtown startups – a sign of both personal and business-related gifting. Outer boroughs like Brooklyn and Queens also have vibrant flower cultures: for instance, Brooklyn has seen a rise in boutique florists catering to a younger, artsy clientele (think wildflower arrangements or locally sourced blooms). Queens and the Bronx, with their diverse communities, often have neighborhood florists specializing in culturally specific floral designs (for example, certain funeral wreath styles or wedding garlands). Even within the city, preferences can differ – a trendy Brooklyn couple might favor a rustic eucalyptus-and-fern bouquet, while a classic Upper West Side resident might lean toward long-stem roses and lilies. Yet, overall, the love of flowers is city-wide. From Staten Island to Harlem, people of all demographics share the experience of giving and receiving flowers as a common language of care.
The cold months bring some of the hottest demand for flowers. February’s Valentine’s Day is a huge peak (as discussed, florists have their hands full fulfilling romantic orders). Just a couple of months later, early May brings Mother’s Day, another major spike. In between, late winter can see a boost from people craving color and life during drab weather – sending a bouquet can combat the winter blues. New York’s spring (March–April) also includes Easter/Passover when pastel floral arrangements and lilies are popular, plus Administrative Professionals Day in April which prompts office flower gifts. By May, the combined forces of spring weather and Mother’s Day have New Yorkers filling their homes with blossoms. Florists often cite February through May as their busiest stretch of the year.
When summer hits, the city’s flower business simmers down a bit. Many New Yorkers leave town on summer vacations or weekends away, meaning fewer people around to give or receive flowers. There are also simply fewer big flower-centric holidays (no major ones between May and October, aside from individual events like weddings). Florists confirm that summer tends to be the slow season for sales. One trade publication noted that shops often plan for the lull, using the downtime to regroup and prepare for the next rush. That’s not to say flowers disappear in summer – you’ll still find plenty at farmer’s markets and for occasions like summer weddings or “get well soon” gifts. But compared to spring, the volume is lower. (An interesting NYC-specific trend: in summer, some florists see an uptick in plants or hardier arrangements as gifts, since delicate flowers can wilt quickly in the heat. A potted orchid or succulent might replace cut flowers for some July/August gift-givers.)
Image credit: Floranext
As the weather cools, floral activity picks up again. October sees a mini-boost from events (autumn weddings, Halloween parties with themed centerpieces, etc.). The real rise comes in November and December. Many New Yorkers send Thanksgiving centerpieces to hosts or decorate their own holiday tables with flowers. Then the winter holidays bring Christmas and Hanukkah floral gifts (poinsettias, wreaths, elegant winter bouquets). In fact, Christmas/Chanukah accounts for about 29% of annual holiday floral spending – the highest share of any holiday, slightly edging out Valentine’s in dollars. In NYC, companies often send gift baskets or premium arrangements to their clients around the holidays, and families order festive florals for gatherings. By New Year’s, the cycle is ready to start all over, with Valentine’s prep gearing up again in January.
Seasonality in NYC also affects what types of flowers are available and popular. In spring, locals clamor for tulips, peonies, and hyacinths that signal the season. Summer brings sunflowers, dahlias, and bright zinnias into markets. In fall, you’ll see rich-colored mums, autumn leaves incorporated into bouquets, and even novelty items like arrangements with mini pumpkins. Winter relies on evergreens, red berries, amaryllis, and classic red roses. New Yorkers have an appreciation for seasonal blooms – there’s a certain excitement in seeing the first peonies of May at the bodega, or the holly and poinsettia displays in December. It keeps the flower scene dynamic throughout the year.
New York’s size and density give it an edge in total volume of flower transactions. The city’s population (over 8 million) and high concentration of businesses mean more potential flower-giving occasions. For instance, one study found New York had the highest Google search interest in local flowers (76,400 monthly searches) of any U.S. city. Los Angeles, despite being the second-largest city, had less than one-third of that search volume (24,600 searches). More searches likely translate to more purchases – indicating New Yorkers are actively looking to buy flowers more often. In essence, the market for flowers in NYC is simply bigger than anywhere else in the country.
Compared to car-centric cities like LA or Houston, NYC makes buying and sending flowers extremely convenient. Need flowers last-minute? In Manhattan or Brooklyn, you can walk to a corner store or florist within minutes or have an arrangement biked to your door within hours. Miami actually has more flower shops per square mile than NYC (thanks to its smaller size), but New York’s overall infrastructure for delivery is unrivaled. The city’s 150+ delivery services ensure you can get blooms delivered same-day to nearly any address. This convenience feeds the habit – busy residents know they can express sentiments with flowers even on short notice, a bit like ordering takeout. In sprawling cities, sending flowers might require more planning (and driving), possibly leading to less frequent use.
Some cities have strong floral cultures – for example, Seattle and Portland with their flower farms and markets, or Miami with tropical flowers – but New York’s cultural mix and social traditions put flowers in a central role for many life events. Consider the Broadway example: In New York, theatre and opera attendees often give performers flowers; this tradition isn’t as common in, say, Los Angeles’ film premieres. Or take business gifting: NYC’s corporate world frequently uses flowers as client gifts or lobby decor in a way that might be less emphasized in other cities. The combination of professional, social, and cultural importance of flowers is particularly pronounced in New York’s social fabric.
NYC has a historic Flower District in Manhattan (28th Street) that has supplied blooms to the region for over a century. Los Angeles, to be fair, has the country’s largest flower wholesale market downtown, and cities like San Francisco and Miami have their own flower hubs. But New York’s Flower District and famous events like the annual Macy’s Flower Show have long cemented the city’s identity with flowers. New York also hosts newer public flower festivals (such as the L.E.A.F Festival of Flowers), turning Manhattan streets into outdoor floral galleries. This public celebration of flowers is something not every city does at the same scale.
While exact per capita comparisons are hard to find, the U.S. average per capita spending on floral products is around $260 (including plants). It wouldn’t be surprising if NYC’s per capita spending is higher, given the higher income levels and cost of living. New Yorkers might spend more on a typical bouquet than someone in a smaller city, partly because high-end florists abound. The flip side is New Yorkers also have access to very cheap flowers (bodega bouquets for $10) that are less available in some cities. So NYC offers both extremes – ultra-luxury arrangements and budget blooms – contributing to a wide spectrum of spending.
In summary, New York stands out not because other cities don’t love flowers, but because no other city combines population, accessibility, and cultural significance of flowers quite like NYC. Places like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Miami certainly have vibrant floral scenes, but New York’s is magnified by its scale. As one report noted, big cities like New York, Miami, and San Francisco “bloom to the top” of rankings due to their high access to flower shops and services. And among them, New York sits at #1. The bottom line: if the U.S. floral industry were a bouquet, New York City would be the showy centerpiece.
New Yorkers expect things fast (think one-hour delivery, instant cabs, etc.), and flowers are no exception. The proliferation of same-day flower delivery in NYC means sending a gift can be as quick as a few taps on a phone. This aligns with the city’s propensity for last-minute plan changes and spontaneous decisions. In fact, a significant chunk of consumers (about 32%) admit they wait until the week of Valentine’s Day to buy gifts, and 9% even wait until the day-of – a pattern likely mirrored (if not exceeded) by NYC procrastinators. Luckily, the city’s florists are used to sprinting to fulfill those 11th-hour orders. The ability to get beautiful flowers with minimal lead time has made flower-sending a convenient go-to gesture in NYC’s fast-paced social scene.
In a city where space is at a premium and minimalist living is common, many New Yorkers invest in small luxuries that improve quality of life without taking up much room. A bouquet of fresh flowers on the coffee table or a vase of roses by the window is a perfect example – it brings beauty and joy into an apartment without permanent clutter. This has led to a trend of self-gifting and subscriptions: city residents signing up for weekly flower deliveries or treating themselves to bunches from the farmer’s market. It’s a manageable indulgence that makes a big difference in ambiance. As one might say, “flowers are cheaper than therapy” – and in NYC, a bouquet can indeed uplift one’s mood amid the urban stress.
New York’s social life often involves dinners at friends’ apartments, housewarming parties, cultural events, etc. It’s ingrained etiquette to bring something for the host, and flowers frequently fill that role. Stopping by a West Village florist to pick up a tasteful bouquet on the way to a dinner party is a ritual for many. It’s part of a broader gifting culture where a thoughtful gift matters. Flowers hit that sweet spot of being thoughtful yet not overly personal, making them an ideal gift for acquaintances and close friends alike. This extends to professional life too – thanking a mentor or congratulating a colleague in NYC might be done with a delivered flower arrangement, recognizing achievements in a polished yet warm way.
New Yorkers can be sentimental beneath the tough exterior, and they often imbue flowers with personal symbolism. The city’s florists note that customers sometimes choose specific blooms for what they represent – e.g., yellow roses to signify friendship, or orchids to convey respect and admiration. In a city fueled by networking and relationships, sending the “right” message is important. Flowers allow senders to communicate anything from love to apology through a beautiful symbol. This psychological aspect makes flowers a powerful tool in the NYC interpersonal toolbox. Whether it’s a grand apology with a gigantic bouquet delivered to someone’s workplace (cue every rom-com set in NYC), or a subtle show of support with a simple bunch of wildflowers, New Yorkers leverage floral symbolism to maintain and mend relationships.
Lastly, there’s a growing awareness of wellness in the city – and flowers play a role here too. Surrounded by skyscrapers and concrete, New Yorkers yearn for nature. Many have turned to nurturing houseplants, but fresh cut flowers similarly bring a touch of greenery and life into their environment. Studies have even suggested that having plants and flowers at home can reduce anxiety and boost creativity. Forward-thinking companies in NYC sometimes provide fresh flowers in common areas to improve employee mood. All of this points to flowers being more than decor; they’re a lifestyle choice for urban dwellers seeking balance. The concept of “Petal It Forward” (an initiative where florists randomly give out flowers to strangers to promote happiness) has been hugely successful on NYC streets, further cementing the idea that flowers contribute to wellbeing and community spirit.
In New York City, flowers are far more than pretty decorations – they’re woven into the social fabric, economy, and emotional life of the city. We’ve seen that New Yorkers are especially fond of sending and receiving flowers due to a convergence of factors: a booming local flower industry that makes blooms readily available, a cultural mosaic that celebrates flower-giving on countless occasions, and the simple human need for connection and beauty in a fast-paced urban environment. Data shows robust sales and a penchant for favorites like roses, but beyond the numbers, it’s the behavioral patterns that truly define NYC’s flower love. From the corner bodega bouquet picked up on a whim, to the high-end arrangement scheduled online for delivery, flowers thrive in New York as gestures of love, gratitude, sympathy, and joy.
Ultimately, what makes New York unique is how these behaviors scale in a city of millions – the intensity with which New Yorkers embrace flower-giving. It’s a city where a rough day can be salvaged by an unexpected delivery of blooms, where nearly every holiday or event is an excuse for floral flair, and where even amid skyscrapers, people find ways to “stop and smell the roses.” The next time you’re in NYC, pay attention to the flowers – the bouquets in people’s arms, the blossoms in shop windows, the roses in the park planters. They’re a quiet reminder that even in one of the world’s busiest cities, moments of tenderness and natural beauty are treasured and shared by all.
IBISWORLD – New York floral industry statistics
MORNINGAGCLIPS – New York floral industry statistics
DIGITALCOMMERCE360 – Online vs in-store flower sales data
MERIDIAN.ALLENPRESS – Online vs in-store flower sales data
LAWNLOVE – City flower availability rankings
SAFNOW – Valentine’s Day, holiday stats, seasonal insights, and demographic buying trends
CBSNEWS – Survey of favorite flowers (NY and U.S.)
GARDENCENTERMAG – Survey of favorite flowers and Valentine’s Day buying behaviour
LONGSTEMS – Rutgers research on emotional impact
GOTHAMIST – Commentary on NYC flower culture