Someone walks into the shop and asks for “the white ones, for a funeral”. They mean lilies. Nine times out of ten.
Lilies carry more meaning than almost any other flower we sell. That’s great when you pick the right colour. And a bit awkward when you don’t (white lilies on a first date is a bold move).
So here’s what each colour says, the way we explain it at the counter on Biashara St.
White lilies: sympathy, respect, a fresh start
White is the colour people come in for most. In Kenya, white lilies belong at funerals and memorials. They say “I’m thinking of you” without needing a long card.
They also show up at weddings and christenings, where white means a new beginning. Same flower, completely different mood. The arrangement does the talking: a tight white wreath reads as sympathy, a loose bouquet with greenery reads as celebration.
Sending sympathy flowers? See our funeral and sympathy flowers. We deliver to churches, funeral homes and family homes across Nairobi.
Pink lilies: admiration
Pink stargazers are the ones with the big scent. They suit birthdays, mothers and anyone you look up to. Stuck on a birthday bouquet? Pink lilies with roses are hard to get wrong.
Yellow and orange lilies: happy and loud
Yellow says joy. Orange says energy. Both work for a congratulations, a new job or a get-well bouquet that has to cheer up a hospital room. Neither says romance, so keep them away from anniversaries.
Red lilies: love
Red lilies are a less common choice than red roses, which is exactly why they work. Want romance that doesn’t look like everyone else’s Valentine’s order? Go red lilies, or mix them into a rose bouquet.
Calla lilies: weddings
Callas are the slim, elegant ones you see in bridal bouquets. Clean lines. No fuss. Planning wedding flowers? Ask us about callas early, and book three to six months ahead for the busy wedding months.
Two things nobody tells you about lilies
Pull the pollen. The orange dust on the stamens stains clothes, tablecloths and hands. Pinch the anthers off as each flower opens. The flowers last longer too.
Keep them away from cats. Every part of a lily is toxic to cats, even the water in the vase. If the person you’re sending to has a cat, tell us and we’ll swap the lilies for something safe.
Looking after them is easy. Cut the stems at an angle, change the water every two days, and the closed buds keep opening for a week or more.
Order lilies in Nairobi
People overthink the colour. The card message matters more.
Our lilies are Kenyan-grown and arranged fresh every day at the shop on Biashara St, with same-day delivery across Nairobi. Browse our lily bouquets, or call or WhatsApp 0724 906221 and tell us the occasion. We’ll pick the colour for you.
