A Brief History of Mother's Day in Australia and the Flowers That Define It

Every year on the second Sunday of May, Australians pause to honour the mothers and mother figures who have shaped their lives. Yet behind the bouquets, breakfasts in bed and heartfelt cards lies a story of compassion, community and one remarkable Sydney woman whose kindness sparked a national tradition.

At Interflora, we're proud to be part of a flower-gifting tradition that stretches back more than a century. Let's take a closer look at how Mother's Day came to be in Australia and the blooms that have come to define it.

The Sydney Woman Who Started It All

While Mother's Day itself has American origins (proclaimed by US President Woodrow Wilson in 1914), the uniquely Australian tradition of gift-giving on the day didn't take root until 1924. That year, a Sydney resident named Janet Heyden, from Leichhardt, began what would become a nationwide custom.

Heyden was visiting a friend at Newington State Hospital, which housed elderly, infirm and destitute women. Many were mothers who had lost their husbands and sons in the First World War, and many had no one left to visit them. Moved by their loneliness, Heyden decided to do something about it.

She placed appeals in Sydney's newspapers, calling on businesses, schools and community groups to donate gifts for these forgotten mothers. The response was extraordinary. Donations of soaps, lollies, hairpins, scarves, confectionery and handmade items poured in from across the city. On the second Sunday of May 1924, approximately 850 women at Newington received a Mother's Day gift.

For seven consecutive years, Heyden continued her campaign, ensuring that hundreds of mothers who would otherwise have been forgotten received a small token of appreciation. The tradition she started soon spread throughout New South Wales and eventually across the country.

Why the Second Sunday in May?

Australia's Mother's Day aligns with the United States, where American activist Anna Jarvis led the campaign for official recognition in the early 1900s. Jarvis chose the second Sunday of May in memory of her own mother, who passed away on that day. When President Wilson proclaimed it a national holiday in 1914, many countries, including Australia, followed suit.

Interestingly, while Australia adopted the date, our timing means Mother's Day falls during autumn, not spring — which has had a fascinating influence on the flowers associated with the day.

The Flowers That Define Mother's Day in Australia

Because Mother's Day in Australia falls in autumn, our traditional flower choices differ from those of Northern Hemisphere countries. Here are the blooms that have become synonymous with honouring Australian mums.

Chrysanthemums

The chrysanthemum is perhaps the most iconic Mother's Day flower in Australia. There's a beautiful linguistic coincidence at play: "mum" is both an affectionate term for mother and the short form of chrysanthemum. Add to that the fact that chrysanthemums are in peak season during May in Australia, and their status as the quintessential Mother's Day bloom is well deserved.

Chrysanthemums symbolise longevity, loyalty and unconditional love — all sentiments perfectly suited to the occasion. They're available in a stunning range of colours, from classic white to warm yellow and rich purple.

Roses

Roses remain a timeless Mother's Day favourite and carry meaning across every shade. Pink roses signify gratitude, admiration and gentle love, making them one of the most popular choices for mums. Red roses express deep love and appreciation, while white roses convey purity and reverence.

Lilies

Elegant, fragrant and long-lasting, lilies have long been associated with motherhood in many cultures. Oriental lilies with their intoxicating perfume, or stately stargazer lilies in shades of pink and white, make striking Mother's Day gifts.

Australian Natives

More recently, Australian native flowers have become a beloved Mother's Day choice. Proteas, waratahs, banksias and eucalyptus foliage offer a distinctly Aussie alternative that celebrates our unique flora while lasting beautifully in a vase.

Modern Mother's Day Flower Traditions

Today, flowers remain the most popular Mother's Day gift category in Australia. Research has shown that Australians collectively spend close to a billion dollars annually on Mother's Day, with fresh blooms topping the list of most-wanted presents.

At Interflora, our nationwide network of over 450 independently owned local florists personally handcrafts each bouquet for Mother's Day. Unlike flowers couriered in a box, every arrangement is hand-delivered, ensuring maximum freshness and that genuine personal touch Janet Heyden herself would have appreciated.

We also offer same-day Sunday delivery for Mother's Day across metro, most regional and many rural locations throughout Australia — so even last-minute orders can make it to mum on the big day. Browse our full collection of Mother's Day flowers to find something as unique as she is.

Making Mother's Day Special, One Hundred Years On

Janet Heyden never set out to create a commercial holiday. Her motivation was simple: to ensure that no mother felt forgotten. More than a century later, that sentiment still holds true. Whether you're sending a modest posy or an elaborate bouquet, the gesture itself is what counts.

If your mum is overseas, Interflora can still help. Our international delivery service connects you with local florists in 145+ countries, so distance is never a barrier to showing you care.

This Mother's Day, take a moment to remember the Sydney woman whose simple act of kindness started it all — and then make your own mum feel every bit as cherished. Browse our full flower range to find a bouquet that tells her exactly what she means to you.