Chinese Flower Gifting on the Gold Coast: 520, Qixi, Lunar New Year & More

Here at Flowers of Southport – a family-run florist based in the heart of the Gold Coast since 1996, right by Chinatown in Southport – we know that flower gifting in Chinese culture follows its own calendar and its own meanings. Sending the right blooms (and avoiding the wrong ones) matters. This is our local guide for customers celebrating Chinese occasions on the Gold Coast.

The Chinese flower-gifting calendar

Most of these dates follow the lunar calendar, so they shift each year – but here is the yearly rhythm:

• Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) – the biggest of all. A roughly two-week season of renewal, luck and prosperity. Homes and offices fill with auspicious blooms and plants.
• 520 Day (20 May) – a modern “I love you” day, because “5-2-0” sounds like I love you in Mandarin. Romantic red roses.
• Qixi – the traditional Chinese Valentine’s Day (around August) – the classic romantic festival. Red roses again.
• Mid-Autumn (Mooncake) Festival (around September) – family reunion and gratitude. Beautiful bouquets and hampers for family and corporate gifting.
• Double Ninth Festival (around October) – honouring elders. Flowers for parents and grandparents.
• Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping) (around April) – remembering ancestors. This is a time for sympathy flowers.

Lucky flowers and colours

For celebrations – especially Lunar New Year – choose flowers and colours that carry good fortune:

• Orchids – refinement, luck and lasting love (phalaenopsis are a favourite).
• Peonies – wealth, honour and romance.
• Lucky bamboo, pussy willow and kumquat – growth and prosperity, perfect for homes and businesses.
• Red, pink and gold – joy, luck and abundance. The bolder and brighter, the better.

Browse our flower shop, or for romantic occasions like 520 and Qixi our rose bouquets and signature bouquets are ready for same-day delivery.

Flowers and customs to avoid

This is where it pays to use a florist who understands the customs:

• Avoid white flowers and white or yellow chrysanthemums as gifts – in Chinese culture these are associated with funerals and mourning. They are appropriate for sympathy and Qingming, but not for celebrations.
• Mind the numbers – avoid giving four of anything (the word for “four” sounds like “death”). Eight (prosperity), nine (longevity) and six (smooth) are lucky.
• For celebrations, keep arrangements bright and blooming – a sign of a flourishing year ahead.

If you are sending sympathy or remembrance flowers instead, we will guide you to the respectful, traditional choices.

Same-day flower delivery across the Gold Coast

Order before 2pm and we deliver fresh, hand-arranged flowers the same day right across the Gold Coast – Southport, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Robina and beyond. Need it today after 2pm? Call us on 07 5632 8633 and we will do our best to make it happen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flowers are best for Chinese New Year?

Orchids, peonies, lucky bamboo, pussy willow and kumquat are favourites – in bright red, pink and gold for luck and prosperity. Browse our flower shop or call us for an auspicious arrangement.

Can I send flowers for Chinese Valentine’s Day (520 or Qixi) on the Gold Coast?

Yes – 520 (20 May) and Qixi (the traditional Chinese Valentine’s, around August) both call for romantic red roses. We deliver same-day across the Gold Coast for orders placed before 2pm.

Which flowers should I avoid giving in Chinese culture?

Avoid white flowers and white or yellow chrysanthemums as gifts – they are associated with funerals and mourning, and are only appropriate for sympathy and Qingming.

Why should I avoid the number four when giving flowers?

The word for “four” sounds like the word for “death” in Chinese, so four of anything is considered unlucky. Lucky numbers are eight (prosperity), nine (longevity) and six (smooth).

Do you deliver flowers same-day for Chinese occasions on the Gold Coast?

Yes. Order before 2pm for same-day delivery across the Gold Coast. After 2pm, call us on 07 5632 8633 and we will do our best to help.