Flowers are one of the most common gifts today. Maybe you have received flowers, maybe you have given flowers, or maybe you have stood in a flower shop completely lost, trying to figure out what any of them actually mean. We all like flowers, but which ones are worth loving?

Most Affordable

Living on only CSN can be hard. Most likely, flowers are not at the top of your priority list between rent, coffee, and overpriced grocery store snacks. But not every bouquet needs to cost your entire monthly budget. Sometimes the best flowers and plants are the ones that look expensive without actually being expensive. If you want to add a little greenery to your life while keeping most of your money, these are perfect choices.

Spider Plant

They are cheap, easy to find, and grow surprisingly quickly. It looks fresh and lively without demanding much attention from you. It is also one of those plants that somehow makes a room feel more put together instantly. You can usually find one in Sweden for around 60–150 kr, which is not bad considering how fast they grow.

• 60 – 150 kr

Aloe Vera

A plant and free skincare? Aloe Vera is affordable, practical, and kind of cute sitting on a windowsill. It barely asks for anything besides sunlight and occasional watering, making it ideal for students who can barely keep themselves alive during exam season. Most Aloe Veras usually cost somewhere around 50–120 kr, depending on size.

• 50 – 120 kr

Pothos

One of the easiest and cheapest plants to own. It grows long vines that make your room look Pinterest worthy with minimal effort. Even better, it survives small mistakes, which is comforting for beginners. You can normally get one for around 70–180 kr.

• 70 – 180 kr

Best Investment (longevity)

As previously mentioned, flowers do not usually make the official list of necessary expenses, so when you finally decide to treat yourself, you probably want something that lasts longer than a week. If you want something long-lasting and worth the investment, these are for you.

Orchid

These are elegant, timeless, and they bloom beautifully when cared for properly. Orchids look expensive without an outrageous price, and they instantly make a room feel more sophisticated. They do require a little patience, but once you figure them out, they last for years. These are also pollen-friendly if that is an issue for you! Usually they cost around 150–400 kr, depending on how big and fancy they are.

• 150 – 400 kr

Monstera

The internet’s favourite plant for a reason. Big dramatic leaves, fast growth, and it gives your room that cool “I definitely have my life together” look, even if you absolutely do not. Most Monsteras are around 200–700 kr, depending on size.

• 200 – 700 kr

Pollen Friendly

Did you know that around 30% of Swedes suffer from pollen allergies? So there is a chance that the person you gifted with flowers starts sneezing instead of smiling. Luckily, some flowers are much more pollen-friendly and they still look beautiful.

Rose

A flower that is classic, romantic, and generally low in airborne pollen. Roses are popular for a reason, they work for almost every situation and rarely disappoint. A single rose is usually around 25–60 kr, however a proper bouquet can quickly end up at around 300–600 kr.

• 25 – 60 kr/stem

Hydrangea

These are large with dramatic blooms without being too irritating for allergy sufferers. Hydrangeas look soft and elegant while still having a huge visual impact. These usually cost around 150–350 kr.

• 150 – 350 kr

Best flower per occasion

Flowers are usually part of most major life events. Birthday? Flowers. First date? Flowers. Wedding? Flowers. Someone moved apartments after carrying thirty boxes up four flights of stairs? Also flowers. The right flower can completely change the vibe, so here are some safe choices depending on the situation.

Date (romantic)

Love is terrifying sometimes. Flowers can help make it slightly less terrifying.

• Red Rose: The classic symbol of love and romance. Dramatic, timeless, and impossible to misunderstand. If someone gives you red roses, they are definitely not trying to “just be friends”. A romantic bouquet usually lands somewhere around 300–800 kr, depending on how dramatic you want to be.
• Peony: They are soft, elegant, and associated with romance and good fortune. Perfect if you want something romantic without looking too cliché. Peonies also look ridiculously expensive in bouquets. They are usually around 40–90 kr per stem, which explains why peony bouquets suddenly become terrifyingly expensive.

Great news (friendly, celebratory)

Maybe you finally passed that exam you thought would destroy you. Maybe your friend got their dream apartment after ten apartment viewings and three emotional breakdowns. Either way, celebration flowers are necessary.

• Peony: Peonies are soft, full, and very “good things are happening” coded. They are often linked to happiness and prosperity, and they immediately make any moment feel more special. The downside is the price builds up quickly since they are usually around 40–90 kr per stem, as I pointed out before.
• Tulip: Tulips are simple but sweet. Tulips symbolise affection and comfort, making them ideal for newer relationships where showing up with fifty red roses might feel slightly intense. Tulips are thankfully a little cheaper, usually around 150–350 kr for a bouquet.
• Cherry Blossom: Delicate and symbolic of new beginnings, cherry blossom branches or arrangements are perfect for fresh starts and exciting news. They are a bit more seasonal and decorative, which is why they tend to sit around 200–600 kr depending on how they are arranged.

Bad news (condolences)

Sometimes flowers are there to comfort, not to celebrate. In difficult moments, simple and respectful flowers often mean the most.

• Lily: A flower representing peace and remembrance. Lilies are calm, elegant, and commonly used to show support. Arrangements with lilies are usually around 300–700 kr.
• White Rose: Simple, respectful, and associated with purity and sympathy. White roses feel thoughtful without being overwhelming. Similar to red roses, they are usually around 25–60 kr per stem.
• Chrysanthemum: In many cultures, chrysanthemums are connected to mourning, remembrance, and support. They symbolise loyalty and care during difficult times. Bouquets are often around 200–500 kr, depending on the arrangement.

Best for people without green fingers

Some people can keep a plant alive for decades. Others somehow manage to kill a cactus. No judgement. If watering schedules sound stressful to you, these plants are probably your safest option.

Snake Plant

Basically impossible to kill. It survives small amounts of light, lack of watering, and pure neglect. If plants were solely judged on survival skills, the snake plant would win every time. They usually cost around 120–350 kr.

• 120 – 350 kr

ZZ Plant

A low maintenance, stylish plant that thrives even when you forget it exists for two weeks. Its glossy leaves also make it look far more expensive than it actually is. You can usually find one for around 150–500 kr.

• 150 – 500 kr

Cactus

The definition of low effort. Water it occasionally and leave it alone. Perfect for people who want the idea of being a plant person without the actual responsibility. Small ones can honestly be very cheap, around 40 kr, while larger ones can go up to around 200 kr.

• 40 – 200 kr

Lund’s favorite flowers

Spring in Lund reminds us of why we decided to study here, the sun and flowers wake us from the cold and darkness of winter. While walking through the city, it almost feels like the flowers are competing for attention but which flowers win this competition?

Magnolia

Magnolias are big, soft, and dramatic in the best way. They do not stay for long, but when they bloom, the entire city feels different. Depending on whether you buy branches or small trees, they usually cost around 250–900 kr.

• 250 – 900 kr

Cherry Blossom

Probably the most photographed flowers in the whole city during spring. They are delicate, slightly romantic, and impossible to ignore once they bloom. Decorative branches or arrangements are usually around 200–600 kr.

• 200 – 600 kr

Crocus

The crocus might be small, but still important. Crocuses appearing are a clear cut sign of winter finally being over. They are the signal that everyone is waiting for. They are simple, bloom early, and are usually very affordable at around 40–120 kr for bulbs or small pots.

• 40 – 120 kr

The next time you are unsure what flowers or plants to get someone, you will have this guide to help you choose the perfect one. Whether you want something affordable, long-lasting, allergy-friendly, or nearly impossible to kill, there is a flower here for everyone. And honestly, even if flowers do not last forever, they still somehow make people feel remembered, which is probably why we keep giving them in the first place.