Hanukkah Flowers: Etiquette, Uses, and Design

December 18, 2022

“Flowers don’t tell, they show,” says contemporary author, Stephanie Skeem. 

And if she’s right, and we think she is, then it’s always a good time to give and receive flowers

Even though Hanukkah isn’t known for its gift-giving celebrations, this holiday is an ideal time to share beauty and good wishes with those you love through beautiful Hanukkah flower arrangements.

Keep reading to learn about:

  • Traditional Hanukkah flowers
  • The most beautiful combinations; and
  • How to use them to celebrate Hanukkah

Table of Contents

  • Is it Appropriate to Send Flowers on Hanukkah?
  • What Are the Flowers for Hanukkah?
  • What Types of Flowers Are Commonly Found in Hanukkah Flower Arrangements?
  • How Are Hanukkah Flowers Often Used?
  • Eight Days of Hanukkah Flowers Tips
  • Find Your Perfect Hanukkah Flowers With Botanica Floral+Home

Is it Appropriate to Send Flowers on Hanukkah?

Yes, flowers are an acceptable way to celebrate Hanukkah. It’s not a holiday known for extensive gift-giving — unlike Christmas, which is celebrated at the same time of year. 

Nevertheless, giving a colorful flower arrangement to family or friends is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday together.

You may consider sending a Hanukkah flower arrangement:

  • To family members you can’t be with during the holiday.
  • To a friend or co-worker to recognize their faith or tradition.
  • To serve as a centerpiece for a Hanukkah meal.

What Are the Flowers for Hanukkah?

Though lilies are popular flowers as centerpieces in Hanukkah flower arrangements, there aren’t any true “traditional Hanukkah flowers.” 

The colors or flowers, rather than the types of flowers, are what differentiate Hanukkah flower arrangements from those of other holidays. Blue and white are the primary colors in Hanukkah flower arrangements.

So, what’s the significance of blue and white?

Blue and white together are a prevalent combination within the Jewish religion and Jewish tradition. Some familiar usages include:

  • The tallit (prayer shawl)
  • Tzitzit, blue tassels worn on the tallit and men’s clothing
  • The Israel flag

The color blue is associated with …

  • Divinity
  • Peace
  • Tranquility

… while white is linked with the themes of:

  • Purity
  • Cleanliness; and
  • Light

Silver is another important color associated with Hanukkah, though in a secondary role. Traces of silver are often used to add a luxurious splash of sparkle to Hanukkah decorations and flowal arrangements.


What Types of Flowers Are Commonly Found in Hanukkah Flower Arrangements?

A variety of white and blue flowers are frequently used in Hanukkah floral arrangements

You’ll likely find a combination of:

  • White lilies
  • White carnations
  • White roses
  • White alstroemeria
  • Blue delphinium; and
  • Blue hydrangeas 

White lilies can be a gorgeous focus flower of a Hanukkah flower arrangement, adding sophistication and symbolism.

Without a doubt, white roses are the epitome of class and elegance, making them a perfect choice for special Hanukkah arrangements or centerpieces.

Blue hydrangeas are also an option to act as a focus flower in a Hanukkah arrangement. Its grand round shape and plentiful blooms are an excellent choice and symbolize grace and beauty.

Adding blue hints to Hanukkah flower arrangements is easily accomplished with blue delphinium. This ornamental flower is the perfect pairing with lilies and roses.

How Are Hanukkah Flowers Often Used?

Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday commemorating the Maccabean Revolt.  Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah celebrations are a time to retell the account of the miracle of one cruce of oil for lighting menorah candles lasting eight days.

Hanukkah celebrations include … 

  • Lighting the menorah
  • Foods
  • Blessings
  • Games; and
  • Gifts

… and Hanukkah flowers can be the perfect complement to these Hanukkah festivities.

Hanukkah flower arrangements:

  • Make the perfect gift
  • Can be used in family celebrations; and
  • Are a beautiful event decoration

No matter how you may want to use flowers for Hanukkah, the artists and professionals at Botanica Floral+Home can meet the demand of any order — from a single bouquet to large event decor. 

Click here to shop for flower delivery for Portland/Vancouver Metro area today!


Sent as a Gift

Though gift-giving is not the center of Hanukkah celebrations, gift-giving is increasingly popular — perhaps because of the giving of gifts at Christmas that often overlaps the dates of Hanukkah celebrations.

Though we may not always be able to celebrate important holidays with friends and family, sending a Hanukkah arrangement is a way to share our faith, affection, and best wishes with those we love and miss.

Family Celebrations


When we are fortunate enough to be with family and friends to celebrate holidays, flowers make the festivities bright and beautiful.

Whether you wish to …

  • Adorn the dinner table
  • Show appreciation to the hostess; or
  • Decorate your home during the eight-day holiday

a cascade of flowers or bouquet of blue and white will beautify any space.


Event Decoration

Large Hanukkah parties or grand family gatherings may be the choice celebrations of many. Decorations for these splendid events are like putting the icing on the cake.

Table centerpieces and other perfectly placed arrangements can make celebrating the Festival of Lights a colorful event to remember.


Eight Days of Hanukkah Flowers Tips

Botanica Floral+Home is here to enhance your Hanukkah celebrations with our variety of fresh-cut blooms, accessories, candles, and home decor items.

With an eye for design and our own unique style, our team of floral designers can provide the perfect Hanukkah flower arrangement for any celebration or gift.

Click here to shop for flower delivery for Portland/Vancouver Metro area today!


#1: Start With White

Lilies, roses, and carnations are excellent floral choices for a Hanukkah bouquet. In addition to these blooms, the following flowers are also beautiful choices:

  • White Alstroemeria (Peruvian lily)
  • White Asiatic lilies
  • Daisies
  • Chrysanthemums
  • Peace lilies 
  • Calla lilies
  • White hydrangeas
  • White orchids

Add accents of white with:

  • Queen Anne’s Lace
  • White cushion spray chrysanthemums
  • White statice
  • Paperwhites

Or if you want an arrangement that’s outside the box, try using:

  • Tulips
  • White daffodils
  • Astilbe; or
  • Ranunculus (buttercups)

#2: Add Some Blue

Flowers with blue hues are not as plentiful as the choices of white blooms. If you’re like us, you prefer natural varieties above dyed flowers.

Some natural floral choices with blue hues or hints of blue include:

  • Blue hydrangeas
  • Blue delphinium
  • Purple statice
  • Purple Monte Casino
  • Blue thistle; and
  • Blue hyacinth

#3: Don’t Miss the Greenery

When it comes to greenery, the list of choices is vast. Greenery comes in all sorts of sizes, shades of green, and textures. Here we’ll list just a few:

  • Myrtle
  • Ferns
  • Ivy
  • Eucalyptus (Silver Dollar, Baby Blue, Seeded)
  • Pitta Negra

If you’re choosing roses, consider the following greenery choices:

  • Baby’s breath
  • Bells of Ireland
  • Dusty Miller

Arrangements with lilies are beautiful with the following greenery varieties:

  • Eucalyptus
  • Ruscus
  • Hypericum berries

The following are nice complements to chrysanthemum arrangements:

  • Salvia
  • Artemisia
  • Basils
  • Ornamental grasses

Centerpieces are the way to go to dress up a dining table and beautify the dining experience. The following greenery choices are popular options for centerpieces:

  • Italian ruscus
  • Israeli ruscus
  • Plumosa
  • Olive branch
  • Pittosporum

#4: Keep the Arrangement Balanced

Solid color arrangements can certainly make a statement. But, when mixing blue and white colors, a balanced arrangement is also sure to catch the eye.

Even shades of red and pink could be used sparingly if you’re okay with stepping outside of the traditional color scheme.


#5: Play With Gold and Silver Accents

Gold and silver accents look beautiful with traditional blue and white Hanukkah bouquets. Adding these elements can add sophistication, glamour, and sparkle.

The following flowers and greenery are excellent ways to add some natural mystique to an arrangement:

  • Lamb’s ear
  • Dusty Miller
  • Silver brunia berries
  • Blue thistle

Gold and silver accessories can also add to the elegance of Hanukkah flower arrangements:

  • Gold and silver globe ornaments
  • Snow-tipped pine cones
  • Gold and silver curly ting ting branches
  • Bows and ribbons
  • Gold and silver vases
  • Candles

#6: Mind the Scents

Not only should Hanukkah bouquets enliven the eyes, but they become even more beautiful when they are enhanced by an extraordinary fragrance.

A trusted floral designer, like those at Botanica Floral+Home, will be able to not only combine the best flowers and colors but are also equipped with the know-how to pair the best scents together.

Some common fragrant flowers and greenery include:

  • Roses
  • Eucalyptus
  • Freesia
  • Jasmine
  • Sweet pea

#7: Incorporate Candles

Since candles are an important part of the Festival of Lights, it’s appropriate to include candles with a Hanukkah flower arrangement. Candles combined with floral arrangements are a perfect way to bring sight and smell together. 

When incorporating candles, some creative options include:

  • A centerpiece of candles surrounded by flowers and greenery
  • Pillar candles
  • Tea lights
  • Flowers and candles arranged on a decorative tray
  • Candles as a centerpiece with flowers around the base
  • Votives, candlesticks, and candles of differing sizes grouped together

#8: Use an Expert Florist

Trying your hand at creating your own floral arrangements can be a fun and creative outlet.

But if you want to be sure that your Hanukkah flower arrangement is a unique work of art, hiring a professional florist is the way to go.

Hiring a professional designer for your floral arrangements comes with these benefits:

  • A unique creation - A florist can bring your preferences and wishes to life.
  • Greater variety - Florists have access to the resources necessary to build arrangements with high-quality and varied flowers.
  • Less stress - Trusting a professional with knowledge and experience allows you to have the time and energy to focus on other aspects of your event.
  • Professional opinion - Even though you may have an idea of what type of arrangement you want, a professional florist can give advice on types of flowers, colors, and accents that work well together.

Find Your Perfect Hanukkah Flowers With Botanica Floral+Home

If you’re looking for a unique design and Hanukkah flower delivery, look no further than Botanica Floral+Home.

Botanica Floral+Home is located in Portland specializing in:

  • Wedding flowers
  • Corporate flowers
  • Weekly flower subscriptions
  • Flower delivery; and
  • Hanukkah floral arrangements

Whatever your needs, our professional design team is ready to create the floral masterpiece of your dreams. We strive to create floral pieces that bring beauty and natural products into your home or work environment.

Visit us today.


Click here to shop for flower delivery for Portland/Vancouver Metro area today!