Walking into a hospital room or a sick friend's bedroom can feel a bit sterile. There’s the hum of machines, the smell of antiseptic, or just the heavy silence of someone trying to rest. Then you place a vase of fresh blooms on the bedside table, and the energy completely shifts. The room feels a little less clinical and a little more alive.
At Thanks A Bunch, we've delivered countless get-well arrangements over the years, and we've seen firsthand how much they matter. We know that sending flowers is a classic gesture, but it goes deeper than just brightening up a drab corner. It’s a tangible reminder that life is blooming outside and that people are waiting for the patient to join back in.
But if you’ve ever stood in a florist shop or scrolled through a website, unsure of whether to buy lilies or roses, or wondered if the hospital will even accept the delivery, you aren’t alone.
Here is what we have learned over the years about navigating the etiquette, the logistics, and the meaning behind get-well flowers.
The Language of Healing
Although flower symbolism is often linked to Victorian-era love stories, it actually plays an important role in recovery by inspiring hope.
Among colours, yellow shines brightest. Sunflowers, yellow roses, or bright daisies are practically a bottle of sunshine. They trigger a psychological response that aligns with optimism. If you are sending to a close friend, pinks and peaches suggest gentle, affectionate care—soft, comforting, and not too loud.
However, a word of caution from the trade: be careful with white. While white lilies or chrysanthemums are stunning, in many cultures they are strictly associated with sympathy and funerals. Unless you know the recipient loves an all-white aesthetic, it’s usually safer (and more cheerful) to lean into colour. The goal is to say "get well," not "deepest condolences."
The Right Time to Brighten Someone’s Day with Flowers
The biggest mistake we see isn't choosing the wrong flower; it’s choosing the wrong time.
If someone is in critical care or the ICU, hold off. Most intensive care units strictly ban fresh flowers because of the pollen, risk of infection, and the sheer lack of counter space. In those cases, waiting until they are moved to a general ward or, even better, until they get home, is the smarter move. It gives them something to look forward to during the recovery phase, which is often when the initial flood of visitors dies down.
For general hospital wards, delivery logistics matter. You need the specific ward name and room number. Hospitals like the Northern Hospital Epping or Royal Melbourne are massive; a bouquet addressed simply to "John Smith" at the front desk might never make it upstairs.
Also, consider the recipient's energy levels. If you are sending flowers to a home, ensure they have someone there to answer the door so the patient doesn’t have to drag themselves out of bed.
Picking Flowers That Won’t Cause a Fuss
When you are sick, you don't want a gift that requires work. A massive, loose bouquet that needs to be cut, arranged, and watered can be a burden rather than a joy.
For hospital stays, box arrangements or flowers already in a vase are superior choices. They require zero effort from the patient or the busy nurses. You just set them down, and they look great.
You also need to think about the environment. Hospital rooms are often small with poor airflow. A massive bunch of highly fragrant Oriental lilies might smell divine in a large hallway, but in a 3x3 metre room, that scent can become overpowering and even induce nausea. We usually recommend flowers with lighter scents—roses, irises, or Australian natives—for hospital settings.
Speaking of natives, they are an excellent "get well" choice because they are incredibly robust. They don't wilt quickly, the water doesn't get murky fast, and they are pollen-light, making them hypoallergenic.
The Science of Blooms
It isn't just florists saying flowers help you heal; there is actual science backing it up. Studies have shown that patients in hospital rooms with plants or flowers use less pain medication, have lower blood pressure, and report less anxiety than those staring at blank walls.
We humans have an innate connection to nature. Seeing organic shapes and natural colours lowers cortisol levels. It provides a "soft fascination"—something pleasant to look at that doesn't demand intense focus, allowing the brain to rest and recover. It’s mental medicine.
Beyond the biology, there is the emotional impact. Illness can be isolating. A delivery arriving tells the patient, "I am thinking about you, and I am rooting for you," without the pressure of a phone call or a visit they might not have the energy for.
How We Can Help
At Thanks A Bunch Florist, we have been helping Melbourne say "get well soon" since 2006. We aren't a relay service or an order-gathering site; we are a real, brick-and-mortar florist. When you order from us, our team handles your flowers from the market to the delivery van.
We specialise in hospital deliveries, frequently servicing the Northern Hospital Epping. We know the layouts, we know the protocols, and we know how to get your gift to the right room.
If you are looking for something low-maintenance and cheerful for a hospital bedside, our Perfect Flower Vase or the Bright Mini are fantastic options— compact, colourful, and ready to display. For something longer-lasting and pollen-free, our Native Posy Bouquet or Rustic Natives are incredibly popular.
We understand that when you order get-well flowers, it’s often an urgent or emotional purchase. That’s why we offer same-day delivery for orders placed before 1:00 PM. We take pride in being independent, meaning the quality you see on our website is exactly the quality your loved one receives.
Illness is hard, but a thoughtful gesture doesn't have to be. Browse our get-well flowers collection, pick something that feels right, and let us handle the rest.
