Sending Flowers to a NYC Hospital: The Complete Delivery Guide

We deliver to NYC hospitals every single day from our shop on York Avenue, so we know the rules that trip people up. Here's how to make sure your flowers actually reach the patient — and brighten the room instead of getting turned away at the desk.

What information do I need to send flowers to a hospital?

• Patient's full legal name (as admitted).
• Hospital name and campus — many NYC systems have multiple locations.
• Room number or unit if you have it (delivery is faster and more reliable).
• A backup: a cell number for the patient or a family member, in case the patient has been moved or discharged.

Don't have the room number? That's normal — a good local florist works with the front desk and patient services to get it delivered.

When are hospital flowers NOT allowed?

This is the part most people miss. Flowers and plants are commonly restricted in:

• ICU and critical care units
• Many oncology, transplant, and immunocompromised units (live plants and soil especially)
• Some maternity/NICU areas

If your recipient is in one of these, the kind move is to send the arrangement to their home for when they're discharged, or to a family member in the waiting area. When in doubt, call us at (212) 628-1214 — we'll help you figure out the best option.

What kind of flowers are best for a hospital room?

• Low or no fragrance — strong scents bother patients and roommates. Skip heavy lilies; ask for low-pollen.
• A stable, self-contained vase — no water to spill, easy for staff to move.
• Compact size — hospital tray tables and sills are small.
• Cheerful, bright color — the whole point is to lift the room.
• An orchid is ideal — no pollen mess, no strong scent, and it lasts for months (often longer than the stay). See our orchid collection.

Which NYC hospitals do you deliver to?

From our Upper East Side location we deliver same-day to the major Manhattan hospitals, including Lenox Hill Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) — plus rehab and care facilities across the city. Because we're physically nearby, our get-well deliveries are fast and hand-carried, not boxed.

FAQ

Can you deliver flowers to Lenox Hill Hospital?
Yes. TJ Flowers is on the Upper East Side, minutes from Lenox Hill, and delivers there same-day when you order by 1 PM. We also deliver to Weill Cornell, MSK, Mount Sinai, NYU Langone, and HSS.

What do I need to send flowers to a hospital patient?
The patient's full name, the hospital and campus, and ideally the room or unit. A backup phone number helps in case the patient has moved or been discharged.

Are flowers allowed in every hospital room?
No. Flowers and live plants are often restricted in ICU, oncology, transplant, and some maternity units. In those cases, send the arrangement to the patient's home or to a family member instead.

What are the best flowers for a hospital room?
Low-fragrance, low-pollen, compact arrangements in a stable vase. Orchids are an excellent choice — no pollen, no strong scent, and they last for months.