The Impact of Flowers on Perceived Stress Among Women
Women who lived with flowers for a few days reported significantly lower stress than women given a luxury candle or nothing. Erin Largo-Wight, Ph.D.
Health benefits & research
Do flowers really make us feel better? Here's the science.
Florists have always known flowers make people happy. Researchers at the University of North Florida, Rutgers, Harvard and Texas A&M have put numbers to it.
Quick answer
Yes. Studies show fresh flowers can lower stress and lift mood. In a 2018 University of North Florida study, women who had flowers at home for about a week reported significantly less stress than women who got a candle or nothing. In a 2005 Rutgers University study, every woman who received flowers responded with a genuine smile, and they reported better moods several days later.
Sources: University of North Florida (2018); Rutgers University (2005). Updated .
The findings at a glance
5.5 pts
average drop in perceived stress for women who lived with flowers for a few days
Largo-Wight, University of North Florida, 2018
100%
of women who received flowers responded with a "true" or "excited" smile
Haviland-Jones, Rutgers University, 2005
68%
of U.S. adults say they feel stressed at least once a week; 32% every day
Context: Wakefield Research survey of 1,004 U.S. adults, July 2018
81%
of seniors who received flowers reported feeling less depressed; 72% scored very high on memory tests compared with seniors who didn't get flowers
Haviland-Jones, Rutgers University, 2001 study
Featured study
Flowers eased stress. A luxury candle was the comparison.
170 women aged 18 to 65 were randomly assigned to receive flowers, a luxury candle of the same value, or nothing. All three groups answered daily stress surveys for 12 days. The women who received flowers reported an average 5.5-point drop on the Perceived Stress Questionnaire, a statistically significant and meaningful reduction.
“When life seems to be in a constant state of frenzy, flowers can provide us with a much-needed moment of calm.”
The research library
Eight studies on flowers and well-being
University researchers led each study. SAF worked with the Rutgers and Texas A&M research teams.
Emotional Impact of Flowers Study
Every woman who received flowers showed a true smile, and reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated afterwards. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.
Flowers & Seniors Study
In a six-month study of more than 100 seniors, flowers eased depression, refreshed memory and encouraged social contact. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.
Home Ecology of Flowers Study
People who lived with fresh flowers for less than a week felt more compassionate and less worried, anxious and depressed. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.
Flowers & Morning Moods
Seeing flowers first thing in the morning left people happier and more energetic, a lift that carried through the day. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.
The Impact of Flowers and Plants on Workplace Productivity
In an office with flowers and plants, people generated more ideas and more original solutions to problems. Roger Ulrich, Ph.D.
Employee Commitment & Productivity Study
Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found trust, purpose and good relationships drive workplace commitment. The study's practical advice includes adding flowers to your workspace. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.
Power of Giving Flowers Study
People who give flowers, compared with other gifts, are seen as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.
Put it to use
Seven ways to stress less with flowers
- Walk into a local flower shop and look around; the sight and scent are a quick way to slow down
- Color your world: many people find orange flowers cheerful and uplifting
- For a bad day, choose soothing blues, lavenders and pale greens
- Put a small arrangement on your nightstand or in the bathroom
- Split one bunch into several small vases around the house
A real-world reminder
Petal It Forward
Every October, floral industry members in all 50 states hand two flowers to a stranger, one to keep and one to share. It's a simple way to share what the research shows.
Bring the research home
Send flowers from a local SAF member florist
Every result is a local SAF member florist you order directly from.
Florists: join SAF (Society of American Florists membership) →