FLOWER STORIESFlower Stories
What the Number of Flowers Means: 1, 3 and 100 Stems
The secret of flower numbers, from a single stem to 100
The secret of flower numbers, from a single stem to 100
It is said that the number of flowers changes the message they carry. This is a long-standing custom rather than any law or rule, so the interpretations differ a little between sources and families. Even so, the meanings of one, three and 100 stems are fairly widely shared.
A single stem is read as 'only you'. Choosing just one from among many flowers says that you have eyes only for the person receiving it, so your feelings come across clearly without putting any pressure on them. It suits the moment of first showing someone how you feel, or a light, friendly hello.
Three stems are said to come from the fact that 'I love you' is three syllables in Korean. It is a three-syllable confession turned into flowers. Easy to hold in one hand, it is often chosen as an everyday gift between sweethearts or a small present for an anniversary.
The number 100 carries a sense of wholeness and a long span of time. For that reason, 100 stems has become the number that stands for a promise to spend a lifetime together, in other words a proposal. The bouquet is so large that it is a real armful, so the impression of receiving it stays with a person for a long time.
Here is an overview of the meanings attached to each number. These are only commonly used interpretations, so please bear in mind that the person receiving the flowers may not know these customs.
| Number of stems | Commonly attached meaning | Suited to |
|---|---|---|
| 1 stem | Only you | Showing first feelings, a friendly hello |
| 3 stems | I love you | Everyday moments for couples, small anniversaries |
| 99 stems | Eternal love | Anniversaries of long-standing couples |
| 100 stems | Proposal | Marriage proposals, a lifelong promise |
If 100 stems feels like too much, you can send fewer flowers and write your feelings at greater length on the card instead. The number is only a symbol, and the care you put in will come through just as well in the wording and the arrangement.
The 1,000th day falls at about two years and nine months after you first met. Sending 1,000 flowers is not realistic to carry or deliver, so people usually borrow part of the number. You might send one stem, the first digit of 1,000, to say 'still only you', or choose three stems to match the years you have spent together.
For birthdays, there is a custom of matching the number of flowers to the person's age. If the age would make the bunch too large, you can swap in another meaningful number, such as the month of birth or the day of the birthday. What matters is not that the number is exact, but that there is a reason behind it.
The surest way to share your reason is to write a line about it on the card. At Arrive in Bloom (이름꽃), we write ribbon and card messages by hand free of charge, and you can also use the free flower card tool on our site (/card/). A short note such as 'Dear Gil-dong Hong, I am sending three flowers for the time we have shared' conveys the meaning nicely.
The number of stems is not decided by price alone, but also depends on the type and size of the flower. For the same budget, large flowers mean fewer stems and small flowers mean more. Our flower baskets and bouquets start from around 45,000 won, with delivery included in the price.
Same-day delivery applies to orders placed before 5 p.m., though this may vary by region and product. We deliver flowers nationwide across Korea and send a photo of the actual flowers after delivery, and you can also order from abroad by paying in US dollars through PayPal.
Yes, it is. A single stem is read as 'only you', so it is a gift that makes your feelings all the clearer. Adding a short message to the card makes it even better.
Not at all. It is best known as a proposal gift, but it can also be used for a wedding anniversary or to express special thanks. Because it is so large, though, we suggest checking beforehand that the recipient can carry it comfortably.
There is no set number. Since 1,000 stems is not realistic, many people choose one stem, or three stems to match the years spent together. Writing the reason for your chosen number on the card helps the meaning come across.
We offer nationwide flower delivery in Korea with delivery-inclusive prices, and send a photo of the actual flowers after delivery. Ribbon and card messages are handwritten for you free of charge.
Published July 26, 2026 · Updated October 8, 2026 · by Arrive in Bloom · Flower Editor
