Sending Flowers Overseas for Mother's Day: A Guide for Aussies with Mums Abroad

Australia is a nation of migrants, expats and families spread across the globe. For the many Aussies whose mums live overseas — whether in the UK, New Zealand, the US or further afield — Mother's Day can stir up a particular kind of longing. You want to be there in person, but when you can't, a thoughtfully chosen bouquet delivered right to her door is the next best thing.

At Interflora, we've been helping Australians send flowers internationally for more than 70 years. With a global florist network spanning 145+ countries, distance is no obstacle to showing your mum how much she means to you. Here's everything you need to know about sending Mother's Day flowers overseas.

How Interflora's International Delivery Works

Interflora pioneered the florist-to-florist relay model, and it's still the gold standard for international flower delivery. Rather than shipping pre-made bouquets in boxes across continents, your order is sent electronically to a local florist in the destination country. That florist handcrafts your arrangement using fresh, seasonal blooms and personally delivers it to your mum's door.

The result? Flowers that arrive as fresh and beautiful as if you'd picked them up from her local florist yourself. It's a genuinely personal service backed by the Interflora Guarantee on freshness, quality and value.

Explore our full list of international destinations on our overseas delivery page to see just how far we reach.

Different Countries, Different Mother's Day Dates

Before you order, it's worth checking when Mother's Day is celebrated in your mum's country. While many nations share Australia's second-Sunday-in-May tradition, others mark the occasion on entirely different dates.

United Kingdom – Mothering Sunday (March)

In the UK, Mother's Day — traditionally known as Mothering Sunday — falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, typically in March. This tradition dates back centuries to when domestic servants were given the day off to visit their "mother church" and reunite with their families.

If your mum is in Britain, remember to adjust your ordering calendar accordingly. Send flowers to the UK through our network of British florists, who craft stunning traditional English arrangements featuring roses, peonies, tulips and seasonal garden blooms.

New Zealand – Second Sunday in May

Good news for Aussies with Kiwi mums: New Zealand celebrates Mother's Day on the same date as Australia. Our neighbours across the ditch share our timing, so your order planning stays simple. Send flowers to New Zealand with confidence, knowing our Kiwi florists will craft beautiful arrangements in time for the big day.

United States – Second Sunday in May

The US also celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, the same date Australia follows. It's actually the original — President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a national holiday in 1914, and the rest of the world largely followed suit. If your mum lives in America, send flowers to the US and know that your timing will align perfectly.

France – Fête des Mères (Late May or Early June)

In France, Mother's Day (Fête des Mères) is celebrated on the last Sunday in May — unless it coincides with Pentecost, in which case it moves to the first Sunday in June. French flower traditions are some of the most romantic in the world. Send flowers to France and treat your mum to an authentic Parisian-style bouquet.

Italy – Festa della Mamma (Second Sunday in May)

Italy celebrates Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May, aligned with Australia and the US. Italian floristry has a beautiful tradition of generous, lush arrangements — think roses, lilies, peonies and lush seasonal greenery. Send flowers to Italy and delight your mum with an arrangement crafted in true Italian style.

When Should You Order International Flowers?

One of the most common mistakes Aussies make when sending flowers overseas is leaving it too late. While Interflora offers same-day delivery across Australia (with order cut-offs of 2pm weekdays), international orders work slightly differently.

Order at least 2–3 days in advance for most major international destinations. This gives the receiving florist time to source specific blooms and ensures you can choose from the full range of options.

For peak occasions like Mother's Day, order a week ahead. Local florists abroad get just as busy as Australian florists do on Mother's Day. Ordering early means first pick of the freshest stems and guaranteed delivery on your preferred date.

Always provide a local phone number for the recipient. This is mandatory for all international deliveries so the florist can make contact if needed.

Choosing the Right Flowers for Her Country

When choosing blooms for an overseas delivery, it pays to think about what's locally in season. Mother's Day in the UK and Europe often falls during early spring, when tulips, daffodils and cherry blossoms are at their finest. In the US, late spring brings peonies, roses and hydrangeas into their glory. Your florist will select the best of what's available, but you can guide them by choosing a colour palette or style.

Colour meaning also varies across cultures. Pink is universally associated with maternal love and gratitude, making it a safe and beautiful choice almost anywhere. Yellow suggests friendship and cheerfulness in most Western cultures, while white flowers symbolise purity and reverence. For a more passionate statement, red or purple blooms are excellent choices.

Add a Personal Touch

Because international delivery cuts off the chance of a face-to-face moment, your card message becomes especially important. A few ideas:

"Mum, the miles between us don't change how much I love you. Happy Mother's Day."

"I wish I could be there to hug you today. These flowers are a stand-in until I can."

"Thinking of you this Mother's Day, and every day. With all my love from Australia."

Many of our overseas partners also offer add-ons like chocolates, wine or hampers. If you want to make the moment extra special, ask about adding a gift to your flower order.

Why Interflora for Overseas Delivery?

Not every florist can deliver internationally, and of those that do, few have the track record and network that Interflora offers. Our global florist partnerships date back to the early 1900s, and we remain Australia's most trusted name for international flower delivery.

Ready to make your mum's day, no matter where she is in the world? Browse our full flower range or head straight to our Mother's Day flowers collection to get started. Distance may separate you, but flowers have a way of closing the gap — beautifully.