Father's Day flowers and plants he will like

Flowers are not the first thing most people think of for Father's Day, and that is exactly why they can land so well. Plenty of dads never get flowers at all, so a well-chosen plant or a bold arrangement on the kitchen counter stands out. The trick is to pick something that fits him, whether that is a pot of succulents for the desk, a bright armful of sunflowers or a plant he can put in the yard.

When Father's Day falls

In the US, Father's Day is the third Sunday in June, so it moves around between June 15 and June 21. Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, is usually credited with the first celebration in 1910, organized to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children on his own. It took decades to become official: President Richard Nixon signed it into law as a permanent national holiday in 1972.

The date is not the same everywhere. Many countries use the third Sunday in June, but Australia, for example, celebrates in September, and several European countries tie the day to other dates. Check before you send to a dad overseas.

Do men actually like getting flowers?

Many do, even if they would not ask. The flowers that tend to go over best with dads share a few traits: strong shapes, saturated colors, low fuss and a longer life. Very frilly, pastel or heavily scented arrangements can feel like they were meant for someone else. You know your father best, though. If he grows roses in the backyard, send him roses.

Ideas that work for dads

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the unofficial Father's Day flower for good reason. They are big, cheerful and in season in early summer, and they look at home in a kitchen, an office or a workshop. A vase of sunflowers alone is simple and striking.

Bold arrangements

Think tall and graphic: birds of paradise, orange or red gerbera daisies, deep red or yellow roses mixed with greenery, protea, or tropical leaves. Rich colors such as orange, burgundy, deep blue and bright yellow tend to suit the occasion better than soft pinks.

Plants

A plant often works better than cut flowers for a father who likes to look after things. Good choices:

• Succulents and cacti. Almost impossible to kill, compact enough for a desk, and fine with occasional watering.
• Snake plants and ZZ plants. Tough, upright and tolerant of low light, which suits an office.
• Peace lilies. Leafy and easy, with white blooms. Note that they are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
• Bonsai. A small hobby in a pot, good for a patient, detail-minded dad.
• Herbs or a small citrus tree. Practical for someone who cooks or grills.

Before sending any plant to a home with pets, check it on the ASPCA plant list.

Gift combos

Many florists offer arrangements that come with a small extra, such as a mug, a box of chocolates, a balloon or a container he can reuse. A plant in a nice pot also counts as two gifts in one. If he is not a flower person, a combo can make the flowers feel like part of a bigger present instead of the whole message.

Sunday delivery and timing

Like Mother's Day, Father's Day is on a Sunday, and many local florists do not deliver on Sundays or offer only a small window. The simple fix is to schedule delivery for the Friday or Saturday before. That also gives him the whole weekend to enjoy it. Father's Day is much less hectic for florists than Mother's Day, so ordering a few days ahead is usually enough, but early June is also a busy time for weddings and graduations, which can limit some flowers.

A few more timing tips:

• Send it where he will be. If he plans to be at the lake or at a relative's house for the weekend, have the flowers sent there instead of to an empty house.
• Mind the heat. June can be hot across much of the country. Make sure someone can take the delivery inside quickly, or the flowers may wilt on the doorstep.
• Office delivery on Friday can be fun if he works in a place that accepts deliveries. Coworkers will notice.
• Same-day orders are possible on most days if you order early enough; see our guide to same-day cutoffs.

Grandfathers, stepdads and father figures

Father's Day is a good excuse to thank anyone who played that role: a grandfather, a stepfather, an uncle, a coach, a father-in-law. For older men, choose something easy to manage, such as an arrangement in a stable vase or a hardy plant that needs little care. For a stepdad or father-in-law, a straightforward plant or a bright mixed bouquet with a sincere card is a safe and warm choice.

If he is in a care facility, call ahead to ask about deliveries and space in the room. If he is in the hospital, rules can be strict. Intensive care, cancer and transplant units often ban fresh flowers and plants entirely. Check our Florida hospital directory or call the hospital first, and see our get-well flowers guide for alternatives.

For someone whose father has died

Father's Day can be painful for people who have lost their dad. A small arrangement or a plant with a quiet note shows you remember. Simple words are best: "Thinking of you and your dad today" or "Remembering your father this Father's Day, and all the stories you have told me about him." Our sympathy flowers guide has more ideas.

Card message ideas

Dads often prefer short and dry to long and sentimental. Some ideas:

• "Happy Father's Day. Yes, these are flowers. You deserve them."
• "Thanks for teaching me to change a tire, and for not laughing when it took an hour."
• "To the best grill master in the family. Happy Father's Day."
• "Happy first Father's Day. The kid has excellent taste in dads."
• "Thank you for always being there. Love you, Dad."
• "Happy Father's Day to the man who walked me down the aisle and still answers my calls about the car."

For more ways to word it, see what to write on the card.

What to avoid

• Delicate pastel arrangements for a dad who would rather have something bold, unless you know he loves them.
• High-maintenance plants for someone who travels a lot or forgets to water.
• Toxic plants in homes with pets. Lilies are a serious risk for cats, and several common houseplants are harmful if chewed.
• Huge arrangements on a small desk. A modest plant is easier to keep at work and to take home.
• Leaving it to Saturday afternoon. Weekend hours are shorter, and Sunday may not be an option.

Quick checklist

• Plant or bold flowers, matched to his personality.
• Friday or Saturday delivery unless Sunday is confirmed.
• An address where someone will be home in the summer heat.
• Pet safety checked.
• A short card he will actually read twice.