In most countries, especially in the west, irrespective of the occasion, location, time, or person to whom a gift is thought of, for that matter, flowers are a perfect bet for gifting.

In Rwanda, gifting flowers is a growing practice, and many florists have seized the opportunity to make a living. Sharon Kantengwa asked what the right occasion to gift flowers is and why Rwandans are embracing the culture.

I gift flowers to a new mother, a friend’s birthday whom I am sure loves flowers, alongside other gifts, and to the sick. In Rwanda, women have mostly embraced the culture and I don’t think it is a men’s thing yet, in fact I have seen some men get surprised when one receives flowers.

Axelle Umutesi, public relations officer

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Flowers work for all occasions including birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and homecoming. Rwandans have embraced this culture widely and so I think in our culture it symbolises love.

Hope Annet, marketing officer

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I know so many friends, who love flowers and I wouldn’t mind giving them flowers but in my opinion I wouldn’t want someone to buy me flowers, because they wither and are thrown away, more so, I wouldn’t appreciate them if they came from a man. I would love a gift that can give me lasting memories.

Melvin Ayebare, businessman

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Flowers are a great gift idea but again, they are girly and requires hard work, because you need to know which colours represent what flower type is suitable for different occasions. I would rather save myself the hustle and buy something else that the recipient likes.

Steven Nkotanyi, photographer