Valentine’s Day is here, and it’s time to celebrate the love you have for your significant other, family, or friends.
While chocolates and cards may hold their own charm, there’s nothing quite like the timeless elegance of flowers to show your affection. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 250 million flowers are produced for Valentine’s Day, with roses taking up a third of that.
But there are many other, often overlooked flowers that also symbolise love, and David Denyer, Flower Expert at flower and gift delivery service, Eflorist, has detailed the most romantic rose-alternative flowers to send this Valentine’s Day.
Often deemed as the ‘ultimate symbol of love’, the red rose is a traditional, and popular way to show your love to someone, but if you don’t fancy following tradition, or simply want to send some different flowers, there are many different alternative flowers you can send to your special someone.
Tulips
Signifying a perfect and undying love, tulips are another great flower to gift to someone special on Valentine’s Day.
Again, red tulips stand for love – a common theme across Valentine’s flowers whereas white tulips symbolise forgiveness so if there’s an apology on the cards, this may be a good idea.
White tulips can also, however, stand for ‘thank you’ so are a great way to express your thanks to someone special.
David Denyer, Flower Expert at Eflorist comments: “Tulips are a great choice for Valentine’s Day, and are a unique addition to any bouquet.
“If you don’t want a bouquet full of tulips, you can easily mix these in with other flowers, and add colour and depth.”
Carnations
Carnations are another popular flower to send on Valentine’s Day, but different colours can symbolise different things.
A red carnation stands for deep love, whereas a pink carnation symbolises the idea of never forgetting about someone, providing a deeper and more thoughtful meaning to your bouquet.
On the other hand, a yellow carnation may not be a suitable choice for Valentine’s Day, with this colour symbolising rejection, and disappointment.
Denyer says: “Carnations are another great choice for your Valentine’s Day bouquet, and are perfect if you want some longer-lasting flowers.
“Carnations can last for up to two to three weeks with proper care, such as topping them up with fresh water, and keeping them away from sunlight.”
Chrysanthemums
Another option for your bouquet is chrysanthemums, typically representing happiness and friendship – a perfect flower to send to your friends for galentines.
Again, different colours have different meanings, with red symbolising, you guessed it, love, whereas white chrysanthemums stand for loyalty and honesty.
You may want to steer clear of another yellow option here, as yellow chrysanthemums represent neglected love.
David Denyer comments: “You may think chrysanthemums aren’t a typical Valentine’s Day flower, but the deeper meanings behind each colour make them a perfect choice.
“These flowers are also so long-lasting, and can bloom for up to 4 weeks, and in some cases, years.”
Lilies
Red lilies are a bright addition to any bouquet, with the flower symbolising love and affection.
As well as traditional loving red, pink lilies symbolise admiration, with yellow standing for friendship and joy – some more great choices for your galentines.
Denyer says: “Lillies are another very romantic flower to send to your significant other.
“They also can last up to 2 weeks, and are a popular flower to mix with others, making them a long-lasting and versatile choice.”
Alstroemeria
As with the other choices, different colours have different meanings, but one thing stays consistent through all alstroemeria’s – friendship, devotion, grace, and love.
Of course, if you want your alstroemeria bouquet to truly mean love, red is an obvious choice.
David Denyer says: “The literal meaning of alstroemeria is to express a compliment, so it’s a thoughtful addition to your Valentine’s bouquet.
“They are a good choice for any relationships, friendships, and just showing you care on Valentine’s Day”
David Denyer also shares ways you can make your bouquet even more special: “Traditional flowers are a great way to spread love on Valentine’s Day, but there are some key points to consider when selecting a bouquet for your special someone.
“First, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to stick to one flower, as some of the most beautiful, flourishing bouquets incorporate different types of flowers, different colours, and extras such as foliage, or even berries.
“Spice up your bouquet by adding some eucalyptus or laurel as foliage, or incorporate different varieties of flower to make your bouquet more full and vibrant.
“A hugely important part of selecting a beautiful bouquet for your someone special, is to think of their likes and dislikes.
“If they don’t like the colour red, opt for another colour, or if you know they don’t like roses, opt for tulips – the decision is yours.”
