What “im russischen” means, with a guide to flowers in Russia

“Im Russischen” is German for “in Russian” when it refers to the Russian language; it is not itself a Russian expression. In a longer phrase, the words can instead introduce something described as Russian, so the surrounding sentence matters. If your search concerns flowers, greetings or gift customs in Russia, the practical guide below explains how to choose and send a thoughtful bouquet.

When you are sending flowers from abroad, several small decisions deserve attention: the number of stems, the tone of your card and whether the recipient will be available. Start with the person and the occasion, then settle the delivery details. A bouquet that suits someone's taste, accompanied by a clear personal message, is usually a better choice than one selected solely from a list of supposed flower meanings.

Understanding the phrase and choosing your message language

German capitalises language names used as nouns, which is why you will often see “im Russischen” written with a capital R. In a language discussion, it means “in Russian”, as in a question about how an expression works in that language. It does not identify a flower variety, a bouquet style or a particular Russian celebration.

For a flower card, use the language in which you normally speak to the recipient. English is perfectly suitable if that is your shared language. If you want a Russian greeting but cannot confidently check it, keep the wording short and have someone who knows the language review it. Names, affectionate forms of address and the relationship between you deserve particular care.

Write the meaning plainly before translating anything: “Happy birthday, Anna. Thinking of you and wishing you a lovely day. Love, Kate.” That gives a reviewer a clear intention to preserve. Avoid copying a long verse whose tone you cannot assess; a simple, accurate greeting leaves less room for an unexpectedly formal or romantic message.

Stem numbers and the customs that matter

In Russia, an odd number of flowers is the customary choice for a celebratory gift when individual stems are counted. Even numbers are traditionally associated with funerals and remembrance. This distinction is particularly noticeable in a small bouquet of one flower type, so it is worth considering before you choose a specific number of roses or tulips.

A mixed bouquet raises a different question: are you counting the main flowers, smaller flowering stems or every branch? Botanical details can make a visual arrangement difficult to count. If following the custom is important to you or the recipient, explain that when choosing the bouquet and ask the manager to clarify its composition before you confirm the order.

Treat etiquette as a way to show consideration, rather than a reason to ignore personal taste. Someone may love a flower you would otherwise overlook, or have strong preferences about fragrance and colour. For a colleague or a person you do not know well, a balanced arrangement and a straightforward greeting help keep the gesture appropriate to the relationship.

Bouquets we can deliver

Bouquet of 1 yellow sunflowers

$13

Bouquet of 1 white lilies

$19

Bouquet of 1 pink lilies

$19

Bouquet of 3 gerberas mix

$21

Choosing flowers and colours without overreading symbolism

Red roses commonly suggest romance, particularly when presented on their own with an intimate message. They can be a good choice for a partner who enjoys that association. For a friend, relative or professional contact, start with their favourite colours or a mixed arrangement if you want a less explicitly romantic gesture. The card helps explain your intention.

Yellow flowers sometimes carry associations with separation in Russian popular culture, but those associations are not universal. Many people simply enjoy their bright colour. If you know the recipient likes yellow, that preference is useful guidance; if you are unsure and concerned about the interpretation, choose a different colour instead of relying on a symbolic explanation.

White and pale flowers can look restrained and suit many personal occasions, but no colour has one fixed meaning in every setting. Think about the whole bouquet, the occasion and your relationship. Browse the Bouquets catalogue with those details in mind, then ask about the flowers in the arrangement if scent or a particular variety affects your choice.

Timing a gift when you are in another country

Use the recipient's local date and time when arranging delivery, especially if you are ordering from a different time zone. Decide whether the flowers should arrive on the occasion itself or before a planned visit or gathering. A work address may suit a working day, while a home delivery needs a time when the recipient is likely to be there.

We deliver flowers across Russia. In large cities, express delivery is available within 1–2 hours after the order is confirmed. You can also arrange delivery at an exact time with a tolerance of plus or minus 30 minutes, choose a window of 09–12, 12–15, 15–18 or 18–21, or pre-order 1–30 days ahead. Allow for that timing tolerance when planning around an event.

The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival, so a surprise still involves a practical phone call. If the recipient is absent, we agree a second delivery the same day or handing the flowers to a neighbour or concierge with your consent. Provide a usable recipient phone number and consider their schedule before settling on a delivery time.

Ordering flowers to Russia and agreeing the details

Choose a bouquet, then gather the recipient's name, phone number and complete delivery address, including any flat or office details needed to find them. Prepare your preferred local delivery date and time, plus the exact card text. Checking these details together makes it easier to spot a missing building number or a date that differs between your time zone and theirs.

Contact a manager on WhatsApp for help choosing the bouquet and agreeing the time, address and card text. You can also arrange a photo of the bouquet before delivery. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs, the operator confirms the delivery price when confirming your order.

Delivery is anonymous by default: the courier does not name the sender. A card with your text is free, so include your name there if you want the recipient to recognise the gift. Online checkout uses CloudPayments; check the payment options displayed there for your card. You can find the relevant order information on our Delivery and payment page.

Helping the bouquet last after it arrives

Once the flowers are unwrapped, use a clean vase and fresh water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline, then trim the stem ends with a clean, sharp tool before placing them in water. Keep any care instructions supplied with the bouquet, because a mixed arrangement may include flowers with different needs.

Place the vase away from direct sunlight, radiators and ripening fruit. Check the water daily, replenish it as needed and change it if it becomes cloudy; wash the vase when changing dirty water. If flower food is supplied, follow the packet's dilution instructions. Adding extra powder does not replace regular attention to the water and vase.

Remove fading blooms and fallen leaves as you notice them so they do not sit in the water. If the flowers arrive arranged in floral foam or another prepared base, keep the arrangement intact and ask how to water it instead of transferring it straight into a vase. For someone receiving flowers at work, a short care note can also remind them to tend the bouquet when they get home.