What Flowers Beat Roses on St Valentine’s Day
The almighty rose can easily be called the queen of all flowers for Valentine’s. It’s one of the most popular plants to give but also an easy way out of the flower shopping hassle around St. Valentine’s Day. However, there is a diverse selection of beautiful Valentine’s Day flowers for any celebration.
Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate love through thoughtful floral arrangements. Especially if you consider that various flowers, depending on their colour or people’s culture, carry a different hidden meaning. Let’s put moods and tastes to the side, while we talk about the most popular Valentine’s Day flowers for St. Valentine’s and their meanings.
White lilies
With the perfect arrangement of these flowers, you can say it’s a joy being with your Valentine. The white lily has long been linked to religious symbolism, but beyond that, it’s admired for its natural beauty and elegance. No need for over-the-top sentiments – its charm speaks for itself.
Carnations
Carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years and it’s no wonder that they are discussed regarding their symbolism and hidden meaning. While their name origin is shrouded in Greek and Roman history, carnations are connected with incarnation and royalty.
Today you can find carnations in an extensive variety of colours and each colour is associated with a unique meaning. As one of the many flower types, dark red carnations show deep love and affection for a special someone, white ones symbolise luck, while paler reds will say that your Valentine admires you.
Irises
With its intricate beauty, the iris comes in more than 200 colour variations. Its name comes from the Greek word for “rainbow”. It’s widespread around the globe and commercially and domestically grown. The iris also is the national symbol of France, as the Fleur-de-lis is present on the country’s crest. Unlike garden irises, which are available in a variety of colours, bouquet irises are usually white, yellow or blue, the latter being the most preferred choice.
Due to their popularity around the world and the different colours, iris may come with different meanings, too. Dark blue ones symbolise royalty, while yellow iris conveys passion. This wide spectre of symbolic interpretations makes the iris an appropriate and perfect bouquet for many occasions, especially St. Valentine’s. Irises can be part of the most elegant bouquet for Valentine’s Day.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria was found in the mid-18th century when a Swedish baron collected its seeds while hiking in Spain. This flower is known by many names, such as Lily of the Incas or Peruvian Lily. It comes in a wide range of colours, from orange to red rose, to golden, and from pink to purple.
Alstroemeria is a symbol of devotion and friendship. Therefore, it is suitable for couples who have passed the beginning stage of their relationship and are already feeling very comfortable with their spouse. Alstroemerias have one curious peculiarity – their leaf bottoms always face upwards. They twist and turn while growing, which resembles the many twists in relationships. Alstroemeria can be part of the most suitable arrangement for devotion and friendship.
Orchids
Orchids are a highly sought-after bouquet during St. Valentine’s, as they carry a multitude of symbolic meanings. Those Valentine’s flowers have long been connected with fertility and ancient Greek people thought orchid bulb consumption could define the baby’s sex.
Due to this widely believed statement, orchids became a popular gift for couples who are expecting a baby. Like velvety red roses, orchids symbolise passion and romance.
Gardenias
Gardenias are widely appreciated because of their cream-like colours and easiness to grow. As an indoor plant, it fills the air with a distinctive sweet scent. Gardenia got its name from American botanist Alexander Garden after travelling to the Far East. Traditionally, the flower was used as a food additive or boiled into tea in India and China.
Gardenias symbolise mutual understanding, love and harmony and can be a natural remedy for those feelings and experiences. Intense, sweet, and with a flowery hint – whispering its symbolic meaning into your partner’s ear. Gardenias are often crafted by a local florist to ensure freshness and quality.
Tulips
Tulips are widely considered love flowers all over the world. There are many elegant and romantic flowers around, or extremely romantic ones, too big or too small, but the good old tulip is one of the best. From playing a significant role in Persian culture, art and history, to becoming a major economic factor in Europe soon after their introduction, tulips have remained a symbol of love, forgiveness and respect.
Red and pink tulips symbolise a fresh start. Therefore, if you’ve just started a relationship, this is the right time to surprise someone with a gift of tulips. Yellow tulips send cheerful thoughts while white tulips indicate you need forgiveness. Sending flowers like tulips can convey love and appreciation on Valentine’s Day.
Sunflowers
When passing through the countryside, it’s hard to imagine the vast fields without sunflowers. One of the most widespread agricultural plants, sunflowers can also be grown as decorative plants. They are a symbol of trust and persistence. If you’d like to show your partner you are loyal, this is one way to express it.
Plus, sunflowers are associated with warmth and happiness due to their close resemblance to the sun. Sunflowers can also be hand delivered, directly to your loved one’s door to brighten their day.
Gerber daisies
As a top five most popular flower worldwide, the gerbera daisy symbolises purity, happiness and innocence. A bouquet of fresh flowers sends positive thoughts to the person receiving them and brightens their day. Yellow daisies resemble small sunflowers.
However, daisies come in a variety of shades, which directly connects with their cheerfulness. Given to someone special, daisies will leave a lasting impression. Gerber daisies can be ordered with next day delivery to ensure they arrive fresh and on time.
Lisianthus
Lisianthus flowers are a charming and delicate addition to any Valentine’s Day bouquet. With their ruffled petals and soft colours, they add whimsy and romance to any arrangement. Lisianthus symbolize gratitude and admiration, making them a thoughtful choice for expressing your appreciation for your loved one.
Whether you choose a bouquet of lisianthus alone or pair them with other flowers, they are sure to bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Calla Lilies
Calla lilies are a classic and elegant choice of Valentine’s flowers. With their sleek, trumpet-shaped blooms and slender stems, they add sophistication and refinement to any bouquet.
Calla lilies symbolize beauty, love, and strength, making them an ideal choice for expressing your deepest feelings to your loved one. Whether you choose a single stem or a bouquet of calla lilies, they make a lasting impression.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria, one of the floral world’s best-kept secrets, dazzles in vibrant jewel-like colours and has an impressive lifespan, making it a Valentine’s gift that keeps on giving! It symbolizes wealth and prosperity, but also stands for devotion and friendship, making it an ideal choice for Valentine’s celebrations.
Lilacs
These charming purple flowers carry a delightful fragrance that will fill your Valentine’s home (and heart) with happiness. Their soft petals represent something equally tender – the early stages of love, making them an ideal choice for a blossoming relationship.
Consider the meaning behind the flowers
When choosing flowers for Valentine’s Day, it’s not just about the colour or type of flower, but also the meaning behind them. Different flowers have different meanings, and choosing the right ones can convey your feelings and intentions to your loved one.
For example, red roses symbolize love and passion, while pink roses symbolize appreciation and admiration. Consider the meaning behind the flowers you pick, and make sure they align with your feelings and intentions.
Create a memorable Valentine’s Day gift
Creating a memorable Valentine’s Day gift is about paying attention to the details. Consider pairing your flowers with a special message or gift, such as a heartfelt letter or a box of chocolates.
You could also choose an original and personalised bouquet that reflects your loved one’s interests and preferences. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s thoughtful and reflects your love and appreciation for your loved one.