Easy Ways To Send Flowers to a Hospital

A hospital stay can be a stressful time for both the patient and their loved ones. While you might not be able to be there in person, sending a thoughtful gift can offer a much-needed boost of comfort and cheer. 

Flowers are a timeless pick-me-up, and the best part? Through Instacart, you can have a gorgeous bouquet delivered to the hospital so your loved one gets a little sunshine, even if you can't be there in person.

This guide will walk you through how to send flowers to a hospital, from picking the perfect blooms to making sure they reach your loved ones without a hitch.

1. Check the hospital’s flower policy

Some hospitals may have restrictions on flowers or live plants due to allergies or hygiene concerns. Intensive care units, oncology departments and transplant units often ban all flowers and gifts to limit the risk of infection. 

If flowers aren't allowed, don't worry! There are still plenty of ways to send a thoughtful gift. Consider a small stuffed animal, a cheerful balloon or a gift basket filled with yummy snacks and personal care items.

2. Get the patient's delivery information

While on the phone, ask for the full street address, hospital name, ward name, and room number to make sure your delivery reaches the right place. This saves your flowers from sitting at the reception desk, where your friend or family member can’t appreciate them. 

If the patient requests a private stay, hospital employees won’t be able to provide you with their room number or ward. Instead, ask your friend or family member about their room number and ward location to confirm before delivery. 

3. Choose the right type of flower

Hospital flowers should be bright, compact, and low-scent to accommodate staff members and other patients. 

Here are some of the best flowers for hospital patients:

• Sunflowers: These cheerful, sunny blooms bring cheer, happiness, and a pop of color to a hospital room. 

• Daffodils: Daffodils represent hope, new beginnings and rebirth, offering encouragement during recovery.

• Lilies (Asiatic varieties): These elegant flowers symbolize purity, get-well wishes and devotion and make perfect gifts for a new mom. 

• Carnations: Affordable and long-lasting flowers that come in a variety of colors and represent love, affection and gratitude.

• Hydrangeas: These luxurious, bushy blooms symbolize perseverance, understanding and gratitude. 

• Roses: As a timeless symbol of love, care and appreciation, pink roses convey get-well wishes, while yellow roses symbolize friendship and cheer.

• Tulips: These cheerful spring flowers represent perfect health, happiness and confidence. 

• Orchids: A symbol of strength, luxury and longevity that offer a sophisticated and elegant get-well message. 

4. Order flower delivery on Instacart

Sending flowers through Instacart is a convenient and thoughtful way to show a loved one you’re thinking of them. Here’s how to get them on their way:

• Enter the hospital’s address: Enter the hospital’s address, the patient’s full name, the ward location, and the room number. Some hospitals might have additional requirements you can include in the instructions.

• Browse the flower selection: Filter your search by flower type, color, price and occasion. Think about the patient's taste and the sentiment you want to convey. 

• Add items to your cart: Click the “add to cart” button, and it’ll move to your digital cart. Maybe even pair it with a heartfelt get-well card or their favorite type of nuts for an extra special touch!

• Place your order: Double-check all the information you've entered. Once you're confident it's all correct, review your order total and select "Place Order." 

Instacart will help connect you with a local Shopper who will carefully select your chosen blooms or basket and ensure a smooth delivery to the hospital. You can even track your order in real time within the Instacart app, so you'll know exactly when your thoughtful gift arrives.

Tips for sending flowers to a hospital

Sending flowers to brighten a hospital stay is a great way to express your well-wishes, but there are a few things to consider to make sure your gift arrives safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Consider allergies: Select hypoallergenic flowers, such as carnations, orchids or hydrangeas, in case staff or other patients are allergic. 

• Pick a sturdy vase: Go for plastic, wicker or metal containers to minimize breakage risk.

• Include a heartfelt note: Add a personalized message in a card to express your well-wishes.

• Consider timing: Do not send flowers on the day of a major surgery or procedure. Instead, wait until they’re in the recovery room. 

• Consider alternatives: If the hospital completely restricts flowers, consider alternative gifts or sending them on the day they get home. al.

Ease the hospital blues with Instacart

Sending flowers to a hospital patient is a beautiful way to express your love and support, even when a physical visit isn't possible. But calling around to find the right florist can be a pain.

Instacart helps you find fresh-cut flowers and bouquets through its website or app, with delivery or same-day pickup (where available) in as fast as 1 hour. So even if you can’t get to the hospital yourself, you can still send a thoughtful gift that your friends and family will appreciate while recovering.

Hospital flower delivery FAQ

Still have some questions about hospital flower delivery? Here are some answers to help you on your way

Can I get flowers delivered to a hospital room? 

Absolutely! Sending fresh-cut flowers to brighten a hospital stay is a thoughtful gesture, and many flower shops offer direct delivery to hospitals. It's an easy way to send a gift when you can't visit yourself. 

What are the benefits of using a flower delivery service?

A flower delivery service saves you time spent sourcing florists while still sending that “I’m thinking of you” message to those in recovery. You can also see more options from florists in your area, so you can pick a bouquet that your friends and family will really appreciate.

Can I pick up the flowers myself with Instacart?

Instacart supports same-day pickup from flower shops in your local area. That way, you can bring the flowers to the hospital yourself and see their happy face in person. 

Can I get chocolates delivered to a hospital room? 

As long as the hospital accepts them, you can get chocolates and other tasty snacks delivered to regular hospital rooms through services like Instacart. Just be sure the patient isn’t undergoing a procedure that limits what they can eat, as that can be pretty disappointing. 

Can I send flowers to the ICU?

Most hospitals won’t let you send flowers to the ICU because live plants carry bacteria, mold, and pollen that could cause infections. As long as the hospital allows it, consider sending over a thoughtful card instead.

When is the best time to send hospital flowers?

The best time to send flowers to the hospital is when the patient is fully settled in and recovering. Stick to the middle of the day and keep it far from any procedures, giving the staff time to handle your delivery without disrupting evening or morning shift changes.