Feng Shui Innovation What Flowers to Use (and Avoid) for Chinese New Year
February 19, 2025
What Flowers to Use (and Avoid) for Chinese New Year
Flowers play an important role in Chinese New Year traditions and Feng Shui. In Feng Shui, everything is connected to the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Flowers belong to the Wood element, which represents spring, growth, vitality, new beginnings, and good fortune. Because Chinese New Year welcomes a fresh cycle, choosing the right flowers is especially important.
However, not all flowers are suitable for this time of year.
Flowers to Avoid During Chinese New Year
White flowers
In traditional Chinese culture, white flowers are associated with funerals and mourning. Because Chinese New Year symbolizes joy, renewal, and prosperity, white flowers are generally avoided.
Dried flowers and potpourri
Dried flowers represent lifelessness and stagnant energy. In Feng Shui, they are considered “dead flowers” and do not support growth or new beginnings.
Azaleas
Historically, azaleas were used in temples and associated with monks who practiced celibacy. Because of this symbolism, azaleas are not recommended for anyone who wants to start a family, get married, or invite relationship growth.
Orchids
In Chinese, orchids are pronounced “Lan Hua.” The word “Lan” can symbolize obstacles or difficulties at the beginning. For this reason, orchids are traditionally avoided during the New Year.
Fig plants
Figs are pronounced “Wu Hua Guo” in Chinese, meaning “fruit without flowers.” Symbolically, this represents working hard but seeing no results—an unfavorable omen for the new year.
Cactus
Cactus plants have sharp thorns, symbolizing conflict and harm. Traditionally, they were placed outside homes for protection. Using them indoors—especially in offices—can suggest poking others or hurting yourself energetically.
Flowers That Are Auspicious for Chinese New Year
When choosing flowers, color and shape matter.
Best colors
- Red
- Orange
- Pink
- Purple
- Yellow
These colors represent happiness, love, wealth, and prosperity.
Flower shape
Flowers should be full, round, and abundant, symbolizing completeness and good fortune. Flowers that later produce fruit are especially auspicious, as they represent growth and successful outcomes.
Recommended flowers
- Peonies – wealth, honor, and romance
- Hydrangeas – abundance and unity
- Chrysanthemums – longevity and stability
- Cherry blossoms – renewal and protection
The Special Meaning of Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are one of the most symbolic flowers used during Chinese New Year.
According to ancient legend, thousands of years ago in the East, there was an island with a thousand-year-old cherry blossom tree. Beneath the tree, thousands of evil spirits were sealed by two guardian gods. During winter, people placed two cherry blossom branches on each side of their doors to represent these guardians and protect their homes.
This tradition later evolved into the paintings of Door Guardian Gods you often see at village homes and temples today. Taoist practitioners also used cherry blossom wood to craft ritual swords believed to repel negative energy and aid in exorcism.