Baltimore Sun Store

Some cost much more. Former President Ronald Reagan traditionally sends displays of three dozen roses to hospitalized friends. Huge bouquets of orchids, and elaborate carousels constructed entirely of flowers, are delivered regularly to celebrities at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Some patients there have been known to receive 300 arrangements during their stay.

"Hospitals complain about the size of some arrangements," says Mr. [Lee Wilhide], the Maryland florist. "Nurses refer to the big ones as `funeral pieces.' The flowers get in their way.

If you're visiting a sick friend but forgot to bring flowers, relax. Many hospitals sell them on the premises. Simple bouquets are available in many gift shops. Some hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital, have regular florist shops in the lobby.