Flowers have always been a symbol of remembrance, and on ANZAC Day, they are an important way to honour those who served. From wreaths placed at memorials to rosemary sprigs worn on lapels, flowers help us pay tribute to the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
At Olivieri’s Florist, we create fresh ANZAC Day wreaths, bouquets, and arrangements for schools, businesses, RSLs, and individuals looking to honour their memory.
ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th, marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops at Gallipoli in 1915 during World War I. While the Gallipoli campaign is a key event in shaping national identity, ANZAC Day has evolved into a day of remembrance for all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions.
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The Significance of ANZAC Day Flowers
The Red Poppy – A Symbol of Remembrance
The red poppy is an international symbol of remembrance, worn on ANZAC Day to honour fallen soldiers. Each year, bright red poppies are seen on the chests of those marking the occasion, although the story behind them is not always well known.
The poppy became associated with remembrance thanks to a Canadian doctor and poet, John McCrae, and the battlefields of the Western Front during World War I.
During the war, the Western Front stretched from the North Sea to the Swiss border. Allied forces—including soldiers from Great Britain, Ireland, France, Australia, New Zealand, India, Italy, Newfoundland, Canada, the United States, and Russia—fought along this line as German troops pushed into France. The conditions were brutal, with trenches often filled with mud and water, making life incredibly difficult for soldiers.
Despite the destruction, red poppies began to bloom in Flanders, a region where many soldiers lost their lives. Inspired by this, John McCrae wrote the famous poem In Flanders Fields to remember a fallen friend, bringing worldwide attention to the poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
However, fresh red poppies are not available in Australia, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with this. Instead, artificial poppies are typically used in ANZAC Day or Remembrance ceremonies.
Rosemary is another flower with special significance for ANZAC Day. It has been used in remembrance for centuries, but in Australia, it is especially meaningful because it grows wild on the Gallipoli Peninsula, where Australian and New Zealand soldiers fought in 1915. A sprig of rosemary is often worn on ANZAC Day or included in wreaths to remember those who served.
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Laurel wreaths have been used to symbolise victory and honour since ancient times, and they are often included in ANZAC Day floral tributes. The circular shape of a wreath represents eternity, reflecting the ongoing remembrance of those who gave their lives in service.
Australian native flowers and greenery, such as eucalyptus, are increasingly popular choices for ANZAC Day wreaths and arrangements. These native plants are often included for their natural beauty and resilience, qualities that reflect the ANZAC spirit.
Using native flowers is not only a beautiful tribute but also a reminder of Australia’s natural environment and the strength and determination of the ANZACs, who fought in some of the harshest conditions. These Australian native florals have deep ties to the land and are an increasingly popular choice for wreaths and floral arrangements on ANZAC Day.
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It is common for schools, businesses, and community groups to request wreaths in colours that reflect their branding or uniforms. Schools often choose flowers that match their official colours, while RSL clubs may opt for wreaths in their emblematic shades.
At Olivieri’s Florist, we offer custom ANZAC wreaths in a range of colours to suit different organisations, ensuring each tribute feels personal and meaningful.
To finish our ANZAC wreaths, we add a purple Lest We Forget ribbon, an important and traditional element to honour those who served and sacrificed.
At Olivieri’s Florist, we create our ANZAC wreaths on a base with floral foam that holds water. While the foam isn’t designed to be a long-term water source it provides enough hydration to help keep the flowers fresh for the duration of the memorial service. This means you can feel confident knowing your wreath is in water, helping it last throughout ANZAC Day ceremonies and beyond. Plus, it’s a handy feature if you plan to pick up your wreath the day before—perfect for attending a dawn service the next morning!
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When choosing flowers for ANZAC Day, there are two main options:
Both options are meaningful tributes, but wreaths are the most traditional choice for public ceremonies.
Given the high demand for ANZAC Day flowers, we recommend pre-ordering your wreaths and arrangements early to ensure availability.
We offer:
ANZAC Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and paying tribute to those who served. Flowers have become a powerful part of this tradition, providing a meaningful way to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
If you need an ANZAC wreath or arrangement, contact Olivieri’s Florist to place your order and ensure your tribute is ready for ANZAC Day.