Zara Larsson’s Signature Flower Accessory Looks Just as Perfect in the Garden as Worn Behind the Ear – and It’s Allergy-Friendly
The singer is often seen with a soft pink flower tucked behind her ear – here’s everything you need to know about the bloom.
Zara Larsson is having what many are calling her “main pop girl” moment. Her 2010s hit Lush Life has come full circle, once again plaguing radio stations (in the best way), while sending TikTok into a frenzy of choreographed dance routines.
And while scrolling through her Instagram, I couldn’t help but stop to admire the delicate flower she often tucks behind her ear. It’s a signature touch she returns to time and again, whether she’s on stage or posing for a photoshoot.
If you’re as obsessed with the singer as I am, you may have noticed it too – and wondered what it means. To find out more, I spoke to Althea Wiles, founder and creative director of Rose of Sharon Floral, to dive into all things Zara’s flower: what it is, what it could symbolise, and why it makes such a striking accessory. Here’s what Althea had to teach me.
What is Zara's Flower Accessory?
Zara has been pictured with different flowers, but the one that stands out the most is a pink oriental roselily. With stunning layers of petals and a light fragrance, the bloom appears simultaneously feminine and elegant.
Althea explained to me that oriental lilies like this are often worn behind the ear – particularly in tropical, coastal, or island locations – because they don’t produce pollen.
"Compared to traditional oriental lilies, such as the well-known Stargazer, roselilies are slightly smaller and produce no pollen," says Althea. "This makes them ideal for use as accessories, as they reduce allergy concerns and eliminate the staining issues typically associated with lilies. They are available in pure white, deep pink, and various soft pink shades."
Shop Roselilies
A richly fragrant roselily that pairs show-stopping beauty with impressive scale, producing blooms up to 12 inches wide as it matures. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, it’s a summer standout that earns its place as the one lily to plant.
This double white lily features gently curled petals and long-lasting blooms that open gradually for a prolonged early-summer show. Less fragrant than other Oriental varieties, it stands out for its refined, understated beauty.
With richly layered, double blooms in pink and white and a subtly sweet scent, Magic Star shines in mid- to late-summer plantings. Thriving in sunny to semi-shaded spots and reaching up to around 4 ft, it makes an unforgettable garden focal point.
What Do Lilies Symbolize?
Flowers are worn behind the ear across many parts of the world, both for pleasure and as part of long-standing cultural traditions. The practice is particularly common in Hawaii, where it’s traditionally used to signal relationship status.
In Hawaiian culture, a flower worn behind the left ear typically means you’re taken, while the adornment is known as a sei in Samoa and a tiare in Tahiti.
Flowers are also worn as a natural form of adornment, expressing respect for the beauty of the natural world – something that feels more in line with how Zara may be using hers. Bloom accessories are dainty yet visually impactful, reflecting the concurrent sense of strength and serenity found in nature.
Certain flowers, including lilies, are often associated with peace and purity, and evoke images of tropical settings – much like the one Zara appears to be standing in within her Instagram photo.
Roselily Facts
Althea also explained that roselilies weren’t commercially produced until 2008, making them a relatively new addition to the world of cut flowers.
She adds: “First offered commercially in 2008, this new type of lily is highly regarded for its long vase life. Thanks to their manageable size, a single bloom creates a striking visual impact while remaining light enough to tuck comfortably behind the ear.”
Roselilies come in a wide range of shades, from soft pastel pinks to deep magenta and crisp white. Some feature plain petals for a softer, more understated look, while others are more extravagant, with multiple hues and intricate patterns across each petal.
