The Best Thanksgiving Flowers for Holiday Celebrations

Horticulture is a huge part of Thanksgiving celebrations. However, when people think of Thanksgiving plants, they’re usually referring to the fruits and vegetables served for a feast on the table, such as corn, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and yams. But what types of flowers and floral arrangements are best suited for the Thanksgiving holiday? Here’s some of the top picks that consumers and customers will be on the lookout for.

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  Alstroemeria ‘Summer Paradise Summer Heat’ (HilverdaFlorist) | HilverdaFlorist

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  Antirrhinum ‘DoubleShot Yellow Red Heart’ (Hem Genetics) | Hem Genetics

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  Chrysanthemums and pansies in bloom | SteenoWac/PeopleImages via Adobe Stock

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  Hydrangea ‘Limelight Prime’ (Proven Winners) | Louisiana State University

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  Rosa ‘Knock Out Orange Glow’ (Star Roses and Plants) | Star Roses and Plants

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  Sunflowers at a cut flower workshop | Ball Seed Company

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  Tagetes ‘Cresta Gold’ (Syngenta Flowers) | Syngenta Flowers

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  White and yellow lilies | Dutch Lily Days

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The Colors and Values of Thanksgiving 

Flower choices for events, and especially holidays, are often chosen based on aesthetic concerns. According to Balsam Hill, colors and hues tend toward warm, such as: 

• Reds 
• Oranges 
• Yellows 

Additionally, the symbolic meanings of plants often hold weight with consumers, with the autumn and Thanksgiving environment gesturing towards the emotions and values of: 

• Abundance 
• Balance 
• Gratitude 
• Longevity 
• Transformation 

With that in mind, the following selections are good options for Thanksgiving Flowers. 

Thanksgiving Flower Options 

Alstroemeria 

A popular seasonal pick that blooms in summer and fall before dying down in the winter, the ‘Peruvian Lily’ or ‘Lily of the Incas’ comes in whites, reds, pinks, purples, yellows, and oranges. 

Chrysanthemums 

Chrysanthemums are the November birth flower, symbolizing friendship, happiness, health, honesty, and loyalty. 

Gladiolus 

Also known as the ‘Sword Lily,’ the seasonal gladiolus adds variety to floral arrangements due to their upright posture. 

Hydrangeas 

Red and white hydrangeas follow the color scheme of fall. Additionally, blue hydrangeas can be included in arrangements as a contrast to warm hues, while they symbolize forgiveness. 

Lilies 

Lilies, particularly yellow lilies, are popular picks, representing friendship, positivity, and thankfulness. 

Marigolds 

Marigolds are a very popular choice for Thanksgiving flowers. Often linked to the sun, they symbolize divinity and light. 

Roses 

Roses come in many colors, but their warm hues of red, orange, and yellow fit the autumn holiday well. 

Snapdragons 

Much like gladiolus, snapdragons come in many colors and their unique height and shape offer dimension to bouquets and arrangements. 

Sunflowers 

Bright yellow sunflowers are a quintessential pick for Thanksgiving.