Flowers Help Moms De-stress and Offer a Proven Pick-Me-Up for Mother's Day

For over a hundred years, mothers in the United States have been honored on Mother's Day, traditionally celebrated with beautiful bouquets of flowers. New research suggests that the positive power flowers have on feelings may be the real reason mothers prefer to be given beautiful blooms on their special day. According to a behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, when fresh-cut flowers are in the home, people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety and feel less depressed.

"Without question, mothers appreciate flowers for their natural beauty," said Augusto Solano, president of Asocolflores, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters. "And beyond the emotional excitement of receiving flowers, there are proven benefits that flowers provide on human behavior. Moms have long recognized the power of flowers, and now we know why! For over-stressed moms, it's no wonder they look to flowers for a proven pick-me-up."

Solano suggests treating moms to flowers not only on Mother's Day, but throughout the year. Flowers are not only great to look at, but have powerful "atitude-adjusting" qualities that can be enjoyed by busy moms, too.

To help moms get the most enjoyable experience with flowers, experts from Colombia, Land of Flowers offer no-stress suggestions on how to care for their Mother's Day bouquets:

* Temperature - Display the blooms in a cool place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

* Cleanliness - Vases, floral clippers and knives should always be clean.

* Flower Food - Commercial flower food solution is a must. Follow the mixing instructions on the flower food packets.

* Remove Leaves - If the leaves on the stems fall below the water line, remove them. Leaves in water will promote bacterial microbial growth that may limit water uptake by the flower and affect their longevity.

* Re-Cut Stems Often - When you receive them, cut the stems by removing one to two inches with a sharp knife and re-cut every other day.

* Replace Water - Replenish the water in the vase every other day with fresh water treated with flower food.

Colombia, Land of Flowers

Just in time for Mother's Day, millions of flowers will be shipped to the U.S. from Colombia, The Land of Flowers. Two out of every three flowers sold in the U.S. are grown in Colombia's rich, fertile soil and the country's beautiful year-round climate. Established in 1973 to represent the interests of the Colombian flower growers in world markets, the Association of Colombian Flower Exporters (Asocolflores) represents more than 70 percent of total Colombian flower exports. For more information: asocolflores.org.

Produced for Asocolflores