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- Instead of words: what flowers do Russians give on March 8 and how much do they cost in 2026
Instead of words: what flowers do Russians give on March 8 and how much do they cost in 2026
According to marketplaces and flower services, it is bouquets that most often become a gift on March 8 — both in personal greetings and in corporate orders. At the same time, customers' tastes are gradually changing: along with traditional tulips and roses, seasonal flowers and sweet gifts like bento cakes are growing in popularity. What flowers are given to women on March 8 in 2026 and how flower trends are changing — in the Izvestia article.
How International Women's Day came about
Today, March 8 is perceived as a warm spring holiday, when it is customary to give flowers and say words of gratitude to women. However, initially this date had a different meaning.
In 1857, workers in New York textile factories took to the streets demanding better working conditions and higher wages. Several decades later, similar protests were repeated: in 1908, employees of cotton factories came out to demonstrate.
Clara Zetkin. 1924
Two years later, in 1910, at the International Socialist Conference in Copenhagen, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed the establishment of a women's solidarity day. The idea was supported by the conference participants, and over time, March 8 became the date of the international holiday.
In the Soviet Union, this day was long called the International Day of Female Workers and was accompanied by celebrations and awards for industry leaders. It was only in 1965 that the holiday officially became a state holiday and a non-working holiday, turning into a day of sincere congratulations and gifts.
Why do they give flowers on March 8th?
The tradition of giving flowers on International Women's Day was formed in the second half of the 20th century. After the holiday became a weekend, the political component gradually faded into the background, and March 8 became the day when it is customary to express attention and gratitude to women.
Mimosa and tulips became one of the first symbols of the holiday. Mimosa gained popularity due to its accessibility: in Soviet times, it was actively grown in the southern regions and supplied to other cities. Bright yellow twigs were associated with the sun, warmth and the onset of spring.
In the 1970s, tulips gradually began to displace mimosa and turned into the main "spring" flower. With the spread of greenhouse cultivation, it has become easier to deliver them to cities in early March. The publication in the Izvestia newspaper in 1973 brought additional popularity to tulips: an employee of the Riga flower factory with a large armful of bright tulips was captured in the photo. The picture was widely distributed in print and became one of the symbols of the spring holiday, after which the tradition of giving tulips on March 8 became even stronger. Tulips in neutral shades — orange, yellow and bicolor — were considered universal and suitable for congratulating colleagues, teachers and relatives.
Other flowers were also popular, such as carnations, roses, and irises. Some of them are experiencing a renaissance today thanks to modern floral trends.
The main trend of 2026 is tulips
According to the Flowwow flower and gift marketplace, in 2026, tulips remain the most popular bouquet for March 8.
— Tulips are the clear leader. They are given on average twice as often as other flowers. The average receipt for such bouquets is about 3,600 rubles," Polina Voronina, director of b2b marketing at Flowwow marketplace, told Izvestia.
The expert explains the popularity of these colors by their versatility. Tulips are associated with the beginning of spring, easily combine with other flowers and are suitable for gifts to all women — from colleagues to close relatives.
At the same time, corporate clients often choose the simplest possible solutions.
— Corporate customers prefer simple bouquets without complex floristry, most often these are unprocessed flowers from local producers. Such solutions are a little cheaper — about 3 thousand rubles per bouquet," Voronina explained.
Zoomers choose minimalism
The younger generation of buyers is increasingly abandoning traditional lavish bouquets. Light compositions of wildflowers are popular among zoomers.
— Zoomers prefer bouquets of daisies, as well as white and pink chrysanthemums. Usually without wrapping paper, the flowers are simply tied with ribbon. This is not only an aesthetic choice, but also a way to slightly reduce the cost of a bouquet," Voronina said.
According to the expert, the average receipt for such bouquets is about 2,825 rubles for chrysanthemums, 3,125 rubles for daisies and about 3,265 rubles for alstroemeria.
Young people are also actively buying unusual gifts.
— Young customers often choose customized gifts. For example, bento cakes with funny inscriptions or popular memes. The average receipt for such desserts is about 1,895 rubles," the expert added.
The older generation votes for the classics
Customers over the age of 45 are more likely to adhere to classic floral traditions. They prefer lush bouquets of roses, irises and other status flowers.
— Generation 45+ chooses classics with a touch of status: these are large bouquets of red roses or irises. The average cost of a bouquet of red roses is about 4,228 rubles, and irises — about 3,518 rubles, — said Voronina.
Such flowers are traditionally given to spouses, mothers, or female executives.
According to the observations of the marketplace, millennials occupy an intermediate position between generations.
— Russian millennials have not formed a single floral style. Among their orders, you can find both light bouquets, popular with zoomers, and more expensive compositions. Most often they choose alstroemeria and irises. On average, millennials are willing to spend about 4,315 rubles on a bouquet," the expert noted.
This generation most often buys flowers for several recipients at once — spouses, mothers, relatives and colleagues.
What flowers are given on March 8th most often?
In addition to tulips, roses, chrysanthemums, irises and alstroemeria are traditionally popular. According to florists, interest in carnations is also gradually returning. Modern varieties are distinguished by unusual shades — cream, purple or pale yellow - and are often used in designer bouquets.
At the same time, the trend towards environmental friendliness is becoming more noticeable: customers are more likely to choose seasonal flowers, minimalistic packaging or bouquets without plastic. Experts note that in the coming years this trend will only intensify, and floristry will become more "natural" — with an emphasis on simplicity, naturalness and individuality.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
