What Are Valentine’s Day Flowers? A Blooming Guide
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to send your significant other or friend some beautiful flowers, but choosing the right display isn’t always easy. Whether you’re going for a romantic gesture or just trying to make someone smile, flowers are the perfect way to express how you feel, and Freddie’s Flowers is here to help you say exactly what you mean. In this blooming guide, we’ll explore the history of Valentine’s Day flowers and how to choose the perfect bunch.
A History of Flower Gifting: Why Do We Give Flowers on Valentine’s Day?
While the history of Valentine’s Day itself goes back to ancient Rome, the custom of giving flowers on the holiday only became popular in the Victorian era. Floriography and the meaning behind different flowers became really popular during this time, and the exchange of flowers became a symbolic way to express feelings like love, adoration, and passion.
Over the years, new meanings developed, with elements such as the colours or number of flowers being given special importance. The tradition of giving 12 roses on Valentine’s Day, for example, became a way to send a message of perfect eternal love, while sending five roses became an expression of love and appreciation through the body’s five senses.
Today, flowers are one of the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts, symbolising love and affection. While roses hold a special place in the history of flower gifting, there are so many options for you to choose from, so let’s cover some of our favourites.
How to Choose Valentine’s Day Flowers: Our Top Tips
At Freddie’s Flowers, we know it can be tough to know which flowers to pick for Valentine’s Day. Do you choose a classic bouquet or go for something unique and original? We deliver exquisite bouquets no matter your preference, so let’s run through our top tips to help you make the right choice this Valentine’s Day.
Tip #1: Keep it Classic
There’s nothing wrong with a classic, and we know that roses say things that words sometimes can’t. As one of the best Valentine’s Day flowers for love and romance, these iconic flowers convey so much meaning when presented as a romantic gift. Red roses represent love and passion like no other flowers, communicating lifelong devotion and romance.
And just because you choose roses doesn’t mean you can’t mix things up when it comes to colour. Choose lavender roses for a bouquet of mystique and romance, or pick pink for a sweet display that reflects admiration and elegance.
Want to learn more about roses? Check out our full guide for everything you need to know.
Tip #2: Try Something Different
What are the best Valentine’s Day flowers other than roses? It’s a good question, and for those who want to break the mould and send their loved one a Valentine’s Day bouquet with personality and flair, we’ve got the perfect suggestions. Here are some of our favourite Valentine’s flowers that aren’t roses:
- Tulips: A favourite of royalty and poets alike, tulips have a long history of symbolism. Reflecting deep, true love, their array of soft, warm colours is ideal for expressing romantic dedication to someone special.
- Lilies: First used as ornamental flowers by the ancient Greeks and Romans, lilies can be used to curate a Valentine’s Day bouquet that says precisely what you want it to. Red lilies symbolise romance, yellow lilies express thankfulness, and pink lilies offer a blend of femininity and admiration.
- Peonies: As an omen of love, romance, and a happy marriage, peonies have been loved by cultures around the globe for centuries, and we know your special someone will love them too.
Tip #3: Take Extra Things Into Consideration
Convention and symbolism are great places to start when deciding what flowers to give for Valentine’s Day, but there are plenty of other factors you may want to bear in mind. Here are some things to consider when looking for the right bunch this Valentine’s Day:
- Your Valentine’s Preferences: Whether your special someone loves classic romantic gestures or prefers a subtler touch, we have so many options to choose from to curate a bouquet that they will appreciate.
- Colour Scheme: Flower choice is important, but so too is colour. Speak the language of love with red, passion with orange, or mystique with purple. Colour can convey a lot of meaning, so choose wisely to say exactly what you mean.
- Budget: A Valentine’s Day gesture doesn’t need to cost the world, and at Freddie’s Flowers, we have the variety to ensure you can find the flowers that work for your valentine and your wallet!
How to Keep Your Valentine’s Flowers Fresh
At Freddie’s Flowers, our expertise doesn’t stop at getting you the Valentine’s Day flowers to make your loved one feel special. We also know how you can keep your displays looking fresh for as long as possible. Here are our essential tips and tricks:
- Clean Your Vase: Before arranging your flowers, give your vase a scrub to remove any bacteria.
- Use Flower Food: Give your flowers the nutrients they need with a combination of fresh, lukewarm water and flower food.
- Trim the Stems: Cut your stems at a 45-degree angle to promote water absorption.
- Remove Leaves: Be sure to get rid of any leaves below the waterline to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Positioning: Keep your flowers out of direct sunlight to prevent premature ageing.
Order from Freddie’s Flowers This Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re planning a grand romantic gesture or a simple “I like you” moment, why not order flowers that say what words can’t at Freddie’s Flowers?
Subscribe to Freddie’s Flowers today or gift flowers to your loved ones and bring something beautiful and low-maintenance to their homes.
For some inspiration, check out our lookbook or take a look at our about us page to find out exactly how things work at Freddie’s Flowers.
Posted on 7th January 2025