The healing power of flowers: why you should bring blooms to uplift yourself and others this winter

Over the years, many studies have explored why flowers make us happy, finding that their colours, shapes, and floral scents have both immediate and long-lasting psychological benefits. 

A landmark behavioural study by Rutgers University found that across a ten-month experiment, those who received flowers consistently expressed ‘true’ and ‘excited’ smiles universally amongst all age groups. Long-term, participants also reported lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher life satisfaction, and a stronger sense of connection with family and friends.

This emotional response isn’t just sentimental, it’s psychological. Flowers stimulate multiple senses such as colour, scent, and texture, which activate positive neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which help promote positive feelings and relaxation. 

Further research supports these studies. The Flower Council of Holland revealed that keeping flowers in living spaces boosts optimism and relaxation, creating a calmer atmosphere that can counteract symptoms of SAD. Similarly, a French study showed that exposure to fresh flowers significantly enhances social connectedness and emotional balance, reinforcing their power to uplift us when we need it most. Some studies also point to nostalgia flowers–blooms that remind us of childhood gardens, loved ones, or special occasions as particularly powerful for emotional wellbeing, because they evoke happy memories that help combat feelings of sadness or disconnection.

During darker months when natural light and outdoor greenery are limited, bringing flowers into your home can help bridge the gap. Bright blooms like sunflowers and yellow roses can mimic the warmth of sunlight, while lavender and chamomile promote calm and rest, ideal for easing the stress and fatigue associated with seasonal affective disorder.

There’s something instantly comforting about walking into a room and seeing a burst of colour by the bedside. Flowers can transform a sterile, clinical space into something that feels personal and hopeful. They have been a gesture of comfort and recovery for centuries, and it turns out there’s genuine science behind their healing effect.

A common question is, “Can you send flowers to hospitals?” and well, it’s not a simple answer. This is because hospitals and wards will have different rules on flower deliveries, due to policies around hygiene and potential allergies, meaning your bouquet may be turned away. Therefore, we’d recommend sending a get well soon bouquet to someone when they are at home to make sure your gift is received. 

Research into flowers and sickness has shown that patients who receive flowers or plants report lower stress levels, reduced anxiety, and even faster recovery rates. A study from Kansas State University found that patients recovering from surgery with flowers and plants in their space had lower blood pressure and heart rates, needed less pain medication, and experienced less fatigue and anxiety compared to those without. Similarly, the Flower Council of Holland’s research revealed that the colour and scent of fresh flowers can foster optimism and comfort, which are key components of the healing process.

In general, if you’re sending to someone under the weather, opt for low-allergy, non-shedding flowers that don’t drop petals or release heavy pollen. Ideal get well soon flowers include sunflowers (which promote positivity and warmth), roses (symbolising love and comfort), or a simple mixed bouquet featuring chrysanthemums and gerberas for cheerful, bright energy without being overpowering. Even a small vase on a bedside table can help transform a room into a space that feels more hopeful for anyone unwell.

Aside from sending flowers to any sick loved ones, flowers are also proven to uplift other traditionally isolating places. A study into the effects of flowers on seniors found that those who receive flowers are more likely to engage with others and take part in more social activities. 

As the connection of memory and scent is strong, you could try sending “nostalgia flowers” to any loved ones you haven’t seen recently. Choosing a personally significant flower will remind them of any fond times in your shared past and provide them some quiet comfort. 

Another setting flowers are proven to uplift is in situations of grief. Funeral flowers are proven to offer support to those in a time of need–symbolising love, remembrance, and respect. 

While fewer controlled trials exist on the impact of flowers at funerals compared to hospital settings, survey research consistently finds that floral tributes are seen by bereaved families as a core source of comfort. One study found that 88% of grief therapists said receiving flowers helped with the grieving process. Whether it’s a single lily or a whole bouquet, the simple beauty of flowers brings comfort to those grieving, reminding them that they’re not alone in their loss.

There’s a reason fresh flowers have always found their place on kitchen tables and windowsills: they add vibrancy to our homes. During the darker months, especially, they bring warmth, colour, and connection to nature that can soothe the mind and lift the spirit. Whether it’s a single vase on your desk or a few blooms by the bed, the presence of flowers helps you feel more grounded and emotionally balanced.

Over the years, numerous studies have shown that surrounding yourself with flowers and indoor plants can lower stress and boost your overall well-being. Research published in The Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants reduced both psychological stress and had physiological responses like blood pressure compared to working on a computer task. 

Similarly, a systematic review of indoor greenery found that people in plant-filled rooms reported stronger positive emotions (such as calmness and happiness) and lower anxiety and fatigue than those in rooms without plants.. The effects extend to those who work at home, with the Royal Horticultural Society reporting that indoor plants improved cognitive performance in home/office settings, with effects such as increased job satisfaction, reduced sick leave, and better 

Flowers engage multiple senses through their colours, triggering the brain’s ‘feel good’ chemical dopamine. This sensory stimulation helps explain why fresh flowers can ease symptoms of stress, loneliness, or even seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Different flowers convey different messages in floriography (the language of flowers). If you feel a friend needs a boost, or even for your own happiness, try introducing calming and uplifting flowers throughout your home:

• Lavender – Widely used in aromatherapy, lavender’s scent has been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, easing anxiety and promoting restful sleep.
• Chamomile – Known for its soothing and anti-anxiety properties, chamomile helps create a tranquil, restorative environment.
• Roses – The familiar scent of red and white flowers, like roses, evokes feelings of comfort and connection, reminding us of love and care — both powerful antidotes to loneliness.
• Sunflowers – Bright yellow flowers symbolise warmth and optimism, ideal for countering low moods or SAD.
• Daisies – Simple and cheerful, daisies represent renewal and lightness, helping lift a dull or anxious mind.
• Blue flowers (like cornflowers or delphiniums) – Visually calming and associated with peace and serenity, perfect for bedrooms or quiet spaces.

As the days grow shorter and darker, flowers can do more than just brighten a room; they can lift your mood, calm your mind, and help you feel more connected through the winter months.

Our flower expert, David Denyer, shares his advice on choosing the right blooms to boost wellbeing, spark comfort, and bring warmth back into your home through the colder months: 

1. Brighten your mood with sunshine tones
“When natural light fades during winter, it’s easy for your home and your mood to feel flat. Introducing flowers in rich, golden shades like sunflowers, yellow roses, or bright gerberas can recreate that sense of sunlight indoors. Their warmth naturally lifts the room and energises the mind, helping you feel more positive and alert.

I always suggest placing these blooms where they’ll catch the light  in your kitchen, hallway, or workspace so you get that instant boost whenever you walk past. Pair them with soft greenery like eucalyptus to add balance and brightness.”

 

2. Create calm with soothing scents
“During colder months, we spend more time indoors, so our surroundings really influence how we feel. Fragrant flowers such as lavender, chamomile, or white roses can help you unwind and find calm at the end of a long day. Their gentle scent signals the body to slow down, easing tension and promoting better rest.

Keep these blooms somewhere you begin or end your day, such as by your bed, bath, or favourite chair. Even once the flowers fade, dried petals in a small bowl can continue to release their calming aroma, creating a lasting sense of peace.”

 

3. Find comfort through meaningful blooms
“Winter often invites reflection, and flowers can bring quiet comfort when emotions feel heavy. I always recommend gentle, symbolic blooms such as white lilies, chrysanthemums, or pale roses. They represent purity, remembrance, and peace. Keep arrangements simple in glass or neutral vases so their natural beauty does the talking.

Arrange them simply in neutral or glass vases to let their natural grace speak for itself. Soft lighting and gentle colours help create an environment that feels safe and comforting, reminding you of the cycles of renewal that nature follows even in its quietest seasons.”

 

4. Strengthen connection with warm-toned bouquets
“When cold weather and early nights make it easy to retreat indoors, flowers can help bridge that distance. Sending or sharing a bouquet is a small act of kindness that reminds others they’re not alone a bright spot of colour in a grey month.

Choose warm-toned seasonal arrangements that blend textures and shades, such as roses paired with carnations, tulips, or alstroemeria, to spark warmth and joy. Sending or sharing flowers during winter is a small act of care that can make a big difference. It’s a reminder to someone that they’re thought of. Adding a handwritten note or a personalised message can make your gesture even more meaningful.”

 

5. Boost focus and positivity in your home workspace
“If you’re spending more time indoors or working from home, flowers can help refresh your mind and your environment. You should choose low-maintenance greenery such as peace lilies, orchids, or small potted gerberas, which add vibrancy without demanding much care.

Position these plants where they can catch indirect light,  such as near a window or on a desk corner, to soften your workspace and provide a visual break during busy days. Their subtle colour can ease eye strain from screens and make your surroundings feel more alive, keeping you focused and energised during the darker months.”