How to choose your Valentine’s Day flowers?

Ah, the traditional gift of flowers for Valentine’s Day. Everyone loves to receive them, and a lot of people enjoying giving them. But how to choose what flower to give? Do you prefer traditional roses or do you want something more unique? What is the message behind different types or colours of flowers? Did you even realize that there were flowers to give beyond the grocery store rose bouquet on your way home from work that evening?

Historically speaking

Have you ever heard the origin story of Valentine’s Day? In third century Rome, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men so that joining his army would be more appealing. A young priest by the name of Valentine continued to perform marriage ceremonies in secret until he was found out and imprisoned. Shortly before his execution on February 14, 270 AD, he sent a red rose and a note signed “From Your Valentine” to his love who happened to be the jailer’s daughter.

A rose is a rose

Let’s start with the most obvious choice. There is a reason these are a classic. But think about branching out from the standard long stemmed red variety. Those are certainly an elegant choice, but keep in mind the recipient. Is their style more prim and proper or more enthusiastic and wild? If they tend towards the latter, why not consider a special arrangement of spray roses or a collection of the cabbage-like variety? You can also consider a different colour such as soft apricot or pristine white for something different.

• Long stemmed roses
• Cabbage roses
• Spray roses
• Tea roses
• Cottage rose
• Miniature roses

Eau de flower

Have you ever seen someone receive a gift of flowers? What is the first thing they do? They hold it to their nose and inhale deeply. Yes, roses have a distinct perfume, but what about the other uniquely scented flowers? Perhaps there is a particular fragrance that the recipient is fond of or one that provokes a special memory. There are a number of fragrant flowers at almost any florist, but here are some of the most popular.

• Freesia
• Lilies
• Lavender
• Jasmine
• Hyacinth
• Carnations
• Tuberose
• Garden phlox

The meaning behind the petals

Did you know that certain flowers traditionally have different meanings? Perhaps selecting a special flower or an eloquent arrangement to express something specific? Take a look through the list and see what you would like to express. Make sure to tell your Valentine what the meaning is behind your choice or choices.

• Alyssum – worth beyond superficial beauty
• Baby’s Breath – everlasting love
• Daisies – innocence
• Forget-me-nots – memories
• Jasmine – cheerful and graceful
• Lilies (white) – sweetness and purity
• Zinnia (burgundy) – lasting affection
• Camellia – perfected loveliness

A rainbow to choose from

And do not forget that certain colours of flowers also have corresponding meanings. Perhaps combine a specific colour from the list below for its meaning with a certain flower from the list above for a truly unique and memorable message to your loved one.

• Red – love, romance, and passion
• Pink – love, gentleness, and happiness
• Blue – openness and serenity
• White – purity and innocence as well as humility
• Yellow – happiness, friendship, and joy
• Lavender – youth, grace, elegance, and refinement
• Orange – bold, exciting, and enthusiastic
• Purple – dignity, tradition, and success

The Freudian bouquet

What sort of personality does your intended have? Did you know that certain flowers correspond very well with specific personality types? Stop for a moment and consider the characteristics of your intended. What type of plant or flower would best fit them?

• Natural – Is he more earthy and casual? Then perhaps a selection of greenery or meadow flowers accented with woodsy touches.
• Romantic – Soft pastel colours and gentle fragrances decorated with lace compliment this personality perfectly.
• Expressive – Exotic orchids or unique colours and textures are great for this unconventional personality.
• Traditional – Classic is the key here. Lush collections with extensive variety really make this personality smile.
• Contemporary – Think outside of the box on this one. One of the best choices is a variety of different flowers but in a monochromatic arrangement, something like four or five different types but all in a similar shade of apricot or blush.

Here today, here tomorrow

Perhaps give the gift that will keep giving. A potted plant such as an African violet or a distinctive orchid can really set you apart. And the best part of the potted plant versus the cut flowers is that they continue to add beauty long after the cut flowers will have wilted. What a lasting gift that will serve as an enduring reminder of your love. Some of the best choices for a potted plant include:

• African violet
• Begonias
• Bamboo
• Bonsai trees
• Amaryllis
• Paperwhites
• Potted herbs
• Tulips

A little extra something

For a truly unique gift, combine the flowers you have chosen with a special accompaniment. It will make you stand out and show that you have really put thought into the gift this year. And that’s the ultimate message – to tell the person that you are thinking about them.

• If you love a gardener, perhaps a beautiful potted ivy with a pair of new gardening gloves.
• If she loves lavender, maybe an arrangement including the fragrant flower alongside a corresponding scented hand cream.
• If your intended is a chef in the making, consider a small potted herb garden with a cookbook so they can put to use their hand grown goodies.
• If your recipient likes her beauty products on the natural side, maybe a nice aloe plant along with a book full of suggested uses and recipes.

And by all means, definitely shop the assorted arrangements. While a bouquet of matching flowers is pretty, often a variety can be quite eye catching and meaningful. So broaden your perspective and keep your options open when browsing the florist shop or website. You can narrow the field down by any of the options here or by a combination of factors. But anything you choose will truly bring a smile to the face you love this Valentine’s Day.

Check our large selection of flower bouquets and arrangements for Valentine's Day online at https://spearwoodflorist.com.au/valentines-day-flowers.html