The colours that are said to be unlucky in China, and best avoided when planning a gift of flowers for Chinese New Year are:
Black flowers - represent evil and sadness, as well as bad luck, irregularity, and illegality.
Green flowers - the shade is associated with infidelity.
Yellow flowers - symbolise the colour of mourning for Chinese Buddhists, and is regularly said to be unlucky in Chinese culture.
However, the yellow chrysanthemum is a sign of good luck and is often associated with the Chinese New Year.