Chinese New Year 17th February 2026

The Year of the Fire Horse. In China, the horse is a symbol of strength, swiftness, freedom and perseverance. Further adding to its potency, the Fire Horse combines the element of fire with the powerfulness of the horse, signifying a year of passion, activity and progress.

How can florists celebrate the Chinese New Year? 

Although it might seem too much to expect to put on a special promotion for Chinese New Year, coming as it does hot on the heels of Valentine’s Day, there are actually a lot of elements that will already be in place, it’s just a case of having a slight rearrange.  

Don’t ditch the red! 

Most shops will still be red themed, so don’t take your display down straightaway as this is the perfect setting for segueing seamlessly into the Chinese New Year as red is traditionally associated with celebrations and ceremonies. Promote your red flowers and have red themed bouquets for sale. 

Plants are important!  

With so much energy and determination flying about, provide a calming contrast by mixing green plants with fiery red flowering ones, (think Anthurium or Azelea), and, to embrace the Feng Shui of it all, place two of the luckiest indoor plants in Chinese culture Crassula ovata (Jade plant) and Pilea peperomioides (Money plant) into the heart of your display. 

Show off your Orchids 

In China, all orchids are lucky plants, no more so than the Phalaenopsis, which is again something that most florist shops will have in stock following Valentine’s Day or on the run up to Mother’s Day. Symbolising vitality and longevity the orchid is also seen as a bringer of happiness.  

What other colours are important to Chinese culture? 

Yellow – power, wealth, compassion and warmth. 

Gold – nobility and longevity. 

Green – prosperity and health. 

Purple – love and romance. 

Red – joy and happiness. 

White, seen as the polar opposite to red, is reserved for funerals and mourning. It’s interesting to note that Chinese brides wear red dresses rather than white, as the Western tradition.  

Symbolic Flowers  

Narcissus 

As the Chinese New Year falls in spring, it’s not surprising that Narcissus is a favoured flower, seen as a symbol of good fortune. A show of both cut and planted bulbs of daffodils will not only lift the predominance of red but will bring some seasonal cheer as well. 

Chrysanthemums 

Need to improve your luck for 2026? Then Chrysanthemums are the flowers to stock, and if they are gold or yellow in colour even better! 

---

Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.