There are two typical situations in which flowers can be useful to businesspeople. One is to help establish a good relationship with a secretary. The other is when an executive is invited to someone's house. Here are some flower-giving guidelines which should keep you from falling foul of local taboos. The appreciation and arrangement of flowers is a complex art in Japan.
Every flower has a legend.
And be sure to bring only cut flowers to a sick person. U.S.A. Gladioli and lilies are associated with funerals, although lilies are also given at Easter. Red roses usually have romantic connotations. Apart from that, for most Americans there are no flower taboos. It is a rare honor to be invitied into a Swiss home.