Whether you’re planning to give—or hoping to receive—flowers this Valentine’s Day,
brushing up on the meaning behind the blooms will likely inform your
choices or heighten your appreciation of your sweet-smelling gift. Think
a rose is just a rose? Read on to find out what 10 popular Valentine’s
Day flowers really symbolize.
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| Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Roses
Not surprisingly, this classic bud is “the
most popular choice for Valentine’s Day,” says Kate Law, Product Design
Manager at ProFlowers.com. It could be because red roses symbolize love,
romance, beauty and perfection. The iconic flower is also known for
being pricey—according to Michael Gaffney, Director of the New York
School of Flower Design, “flower growers hold back their rose bushes for
months in order to have them bloom in time for February 14th—and then
they raise the prices, giving roses that sought-after reputation.”
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| Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Gerbera Daisies
Daisies are known for symbolizing beauty,
innocence and purity, says Law. The Gerbera variety, recognizable by
their large flowering heads, is available in an assortment of peppy
hues, which gives them the additional meaning of cheerfulness. The happy
buds are “always a favorite to receive,” she says.
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| Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Tulips
“Tulips stand for perfect love,” says Gaffney. The elegant and
easily identifiable blooms are one of the most popular flowers in the
world but are most often associated with the Netherlands,
where they flourished in the 17th century. They convey comfort and
warmth, says Law, and are a good Valentine’s Day pick since they’re
classic and affordable. |
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| Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Alstroemeria
Otherwise known as Peruvian lilies, these
long-lasting, attention-grabbing petals represent friendship and
devotion, says Law. They’re native to South America and feature multiple
blooms per stem, which make for voluptuous arrangements. Perhaps best
of all, they’re easy to find in most neighborhood supermarkets.
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| Photo credit: iStock |
Casa Blanca Lilies
These white Oriental lilies typically stand for “beauty, class and
style,” says Gaffney. “A man who creates a bouquet with these
dramatic—and expensive––lilies is sophisticated and knows his partner
well.” And, notes Law, people love these stunning blooms’ heady
fragrance.
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| Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Orchids
According to Gaffney, these rare blossoms symbolize
love, beauty, luxury and strength. Plus, they send the message of exotic
seduction. “If someone gives you orchids, they’re a little wilder than
the person who goes for a dozen roses.” Orchids also hold up well over
time, says Law, both in bouquets and pots.
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Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Carnations
These ruffled blooms stand for fascination and new love. “For
some reason, carnations get a bad rap,” says Gaffney. “But I love them;
they’re marvelous flowers.” Even better, these cheerful blooms are
hearty and very affordable.
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Photo credit: Shutterstock |
Sunflowers
Like the sun they’re named for, these blossoms represent warmth
and happiness, says Law. They also stand for loyalty, according to
Gaffney. Though the bright yellow blooms scream summertime, these
spirit-lifting flowers are available all year round.
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| Photo credit: iStock |
Irises
In some parts of the world, dark blue or purple irises indicate
royalty, according to Law. No matter their color (they’re most commonly
seen in blue, white and yellow), they stand for faith and hope, says
Gaffney. Mix them up with red tulips or daisies for a “striking
combination,” suggests Law.
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Photo credit: iStock |
Gardenias
Loaded with fragrance, these elegant flowers signify purity and
joy, and connote deep, old-fashioned love, says Gaffney. “The man who
buys these likely has a history with the woman he’s buying them for.”
Because they’re pricey and are sold as single blooms, they’ll definitely
make a statement on the holiday.
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