15 Types Of Flowers For Valentines Day
As Valentine’s Day approaches, couples around the world are looking for ways to express their love and affection. While roses remain a timeless classic choice, there are many other beautiful flowers that can add depth and variety to your bouquet or serve as a thoughtful surprise for your loved one.
From lush peonies to bright gerbera daisies, here’s a selection of 15 stunning flowers that make perfect gifts on this special day: Peonies, Roses, Red Chrysanthemums, Matthiola Incana or Stocks, Asters, Ranunculus, Gerbera Daisy, Daffodils, Alstroemeria, Tulips, Orchids, Casa Blanca Lilies, Sunflower, Carnations, and Gardenias. Whether you’re looking to make a romantic gesture or simply want to add some color and beauty to your celebration, these flowers are sure to bring joy and happiness.
Peonies
The peony’s rich symbolism is deeply rooted in mythology and history. This majestic flower is often linked to prosperity, romance, riches, compassion, honor, good fortune, and a happy marriage. Its unique charm also allows it to convey bashfulness, as a bouquet of pink peonies can express admiration for one’s mate while highlighting their charming qualities.
The flower’s name is said to be derived from the Greek physician Paeon or the nymph Paeonia, reflecting its historical significance in medicine. According to legend, peony roots have been used to cure over twenty diseases, including snake bite venom and epilepsy, as well as alleviate pain caused by teething. With its Chinese origins and imperial palace connections, the peony is deeply revered for bringing good luck.
Roses
The rose is often considered the ultimate symbol of love and romance, but its significance extends far beyond just expressing affection. In ancient Roman culture, roses were hung in banquet halls as a way to signal to guests that what was being shared within those walls was meant to remain confidential and only amongst the group. This tradition dates back to Greece, where Adonis is said to be the origin of these iconic flowers.
When it comes to sending roses online, it’s worth noting that the color you choose can hold different meanings. For instance, a pink rose represents admiration, gratitude, and joy, while yellow symbolizes friendship. When giving roses to your loved one, stick to classic colors like orange, red, and pink for husbands and wives.
Interestingly, the number of roses in a bouquet isn’t as important as it is often thought to be.
The most significant aspect is that you’re showing your love and affection through the gift itself, rather than the quantity. Roses have been cultivated globally and were even once considered England’s national flower.
Red Chrysanthemums
The symbolism surrounding chrysanthemums has evolved over time, with its meaning adapted to suit various cultural contexts. While Victorians used these flowers to convey well-wishes and friendship, in Chinese tradition, they’re exchanged between friends and family to represent good luck and fortune within the home. Today, the chrysanthemum is often seen as a symbol of fidelity, longevity, optimism, and joy.
However, its red hue takes on a deeper significance, representing love and profound passion. In contrast, yellow chrysanthemums are associated with sorrow or neglected love, while purple blooms carry a get well wish. Interestingly, the inclusion of white chrysanthemums in a bouquet can signify honesty and loyalty within a relationship. Originating from China, these flowers have been imbued with cultural significance, earning them the distinction as the official birth flower of November.
Matthiola Incana or Stocks
The Matthiola Incana, often attributed to Pierandrea Mattholia, an Italian doctor and botanist who cultivated these flowers for medicinal purposes, is said to emit a strong scent that stimulates human emotions of love and desire. This unique trait makes the stock a popular choice as a symbol of devotion, wishing for a loved one’s life to be filled with contentment, happiness, and enduring beauty.
In regions with mild winters, stocks typically bloom late winter to early spring.
Interestingly, they are more often consumed as a food item than cultivated as a plant. Raw in salads or paired with Italian dressing, their sweet flavor is surprisingly enjoyable.
The Matthiola Incana’s soft colors make it an excellent addition to bouquets, allowing its subtle hues to blend seamlessly with other flowers. Its natural charm also lends itself well to being paired with greens and herbs.
Native to South Africa and the Mediterranean, stocks come in a range of colors, including purple, red, pink, and white, offering versatility in arrangements and uses.
Asters
In Greek mythology, the aster flower holds a special significance, with Astraea, the goddess of justice, said to have created them from her tears. This celestial connection is reflected in the flower’s name, ‘aster,’ which means star and represents Venus, the zodiac sign associated with love and the Virgin. While purple asters are the most well-known variety, they symbolize wisdom and royalty, making them less suitable for a romantic Valentine’s Day gift.
For a more conventional expression of love, consider pink or red asters, which represent passion and devotion. Alternatively, white asters can be used to convey innocence and purity, making them a thoughtful addition to mixed floral arrangements. Asters are native to North America and have the remarkable ability to thrive in arid conditions, often growing wild with minimal care.
Ranunculus
While buttercups and ranunculus share a rose-like appearance, the latter’s ruffled petals and thornless stems set it apart. The meanings associated with ranunculus are often tied to their vibrant hues, conveying messages of attraction, charm, and radiant beauty. When presenting a bouquet, express your bewilderment at your loved one’s captivating qualities. With over 10 colors to choose from, sticking to classic red, pink, or white shades ensures a romantic gesture is understood.
However, a Bloomingdale ranunculus, with its array of colors, can hold multiple meanings; avoid yellow and purple unless you intend to signify friendship or a morning mood. Interestingly, the ranunculus originated in the Middle East but has also found significance in Native American legends.
Gerbera Daisy
The gerbera daisy, a standout among tropical plants, boasts an impressive array of colors, including orange, yellow, pink, white, and red. Its popularity is evident, ranking as the 5th most sought-after commercial flower globally. It’s no surprise why – this bloom embodies innocence, purity, and beauty, while also conveying youthfulness and joy. Moreover, it’s said to have healing properties for broken hearts.
When choosing a gerbera daisy to represent your sentiments, consider the symbolic significance of each hue. Pink and red varieties are particularly noteworthy for their association with love, passion, and admiration, making them ideal for expressing affection. Yellow gerbera daisies, meanwhile, symbolize joy, vigor, and happiness, ensuring a bright and uplifting gesture.
Fortunately, all colors possess a positive connotation, so you can’t go wrong with this versatile flower.
Native to South Africa, Asia, and Africa, the gerbera daisy measures approximately 7cm in width, making it an eye-catching addition to any arrangement.
Daffodils
The daffodil’s significance extends beyond its striking appearance, as it is often referred to as the 10-year anniversary flower. According to tradition, receiving a bouquet of daffodils on Valentine’s Day grants the recipient 12 months of good fortune. This symbolism is deeply rooted in ancient Greek mythology, where Narcissus’ tragic tale unfolds.
In this narrative, Narcissus perishes while attempting to capture his reflection in a pool of water, and the daffodil’s bent stem serves as a poignant reminder of his introspective gaze. Despite its melancholic undertones, the daffodil has come to represent new beginnings and a fresh start, making it an apt choice for those seeking to heal and move forward after a tumultuous period. As the flowers bloom around Chinese New Year, they are often linked to prosperity, good luck, and fortune.
Conversely, in many Western cultures, the daffodil is synonymous with happiness, joy, and cheerfulness. Interestingly, this multifaceted symbolism is further underscored by the fact that daffodils originate from Spain and Portugal, with March serving as their official birth month.
Alstroemeria
The Peruvian lily, also known as the alstroemeria, is an unmistakable symbol of devotion and friendship. Its unique appeal lies in its ability to convey this sentiment without inadvertently reducing your partner’s significance from that of a loved one to that of a friend. This flower boasts over 50 species, all sharing the same profound meaning.
The symbolism behind alstroemerias is multifaceted.
White blooms signify strength, love, purity, and support, while yellow varieties convey vibrancy and playfulness. For a romantic twist, opt for pink and red hues, which represent eternal love, passion, and romance. Presenting a pink alstroemeria to your date serves as a declaration of devotion.
Interestingly, these flowers are native to Peru and possess no discernible scent, making them an ideal choice for those with allergies.
Tulips
In the world of flowers, tulips hold a special significance. While often seen as a symbol of deep or perfect love, their early blooming in spring also represents rebirth and renewal. This dual meaning is rooted in ancient Persian and Turkish legends, such as the tragic tale of Shirin and Farhad’s star-crossed lovers. Red tulips are particularly associated with everlasting love, while pink varieties embody confidence and happiness, making them a great choice for romantic partners.
In contrast, purple tulips evoke royalty, while yellow ones cultivate cheerful thoughts. However, it’s worth noting that white tulips should be avoided as gifts to loved ones on good terms, as they’re often linked to forgiveness. Interestingly, despite originating in Central Asia, the Dutch have adopted the tulip as their own national flower.
Orchids
The orchid, an exotic flower with over 20,000 species globally, has garnered a reputation for its association with beauty, love, strength, luxury, elegance, fertility, and seduction. This is largely due to the suggestive appearance of certain species, such as the moth orchid, which gets its name from locals mistaking it for a group of moths. The pink orchid, in particular, holds significance on 14th and 25th wedding anniversaries, symbolizing love and elegance when paired with white orchids.
Alternatively, yellow orchids are a thoughtful choice for Valentine’s Day gifts, representing eternal friendship, new beginnings, and accomplishment. Interestingly, orchids can be found in diverse climates and rely heavily on fungus to survive, showcasing their remarkable adaptability.
Casa Blanca Lilies
When it comes to lilies, few realize that Casa Blanca varieties stand out from the rest in terms of price. If you incorporate these stunning flowers into a bouquet, you’re making a statement about your financial flexibility and sophistication. The recipient will not only be impressed by your style and class but also perceive the beauty and celebration surrounding the arrangement. With their pure white petals and powerful fragrance lasting up to a week, Casa Blanca lilies embody purity and grace.
Their easy dryability after blooming adds another layer of convenience. Moreover, these flowers are versatile and can effortlessly complement any home decor, thanks to their spotless appearance and ability to thrive in various vase or container settings. Native to the northern hemisphere, Casa Blana lilies belong to one of 90 genera, making them a unique addition to any bouquet or arrangement.
Sunflower
The sunflower’s distinctive characteristics, including its vibrant yellow petals and heliotropic behavior – where it adjusts its blooms to face the sun – have led to a rich cultural significance. While Greek mythology associates the flower with loyalty and devotion, Chinese culture perceives it as a symbol of good fortune, long life, and vitality. Native American traditions, meanwhile, view the sunflower as an emblem of the harvest.
Beyond these cultural associations, sunflowers are often given as gifts during special occasions, such as the 3rd year wedding anniversary, to represent strength and resilience. The flower’s yellow hue also makes it a popular symbol of friendship and spiritual pursuits, representing the quest for truth and light. As a plant native to North America, sunflowers have additional practical uses in food and medicine.
Carnations
In a world where flowers convey emotions and sentiments, carnations stand out as one of the most versatile and romantic blooms. With an array of natural colors to choose from, they have become a popular choice for expressing love, fascination, and admiration. The origin of their name is rooted in Greek mythology, although the debate surrounding which god or goddess bestowed the scientific label remains.
As the second most sought-after cut flower globally, after roses, carnations are an ideal way to convey one’s feelings on Valentine’s Day. A red carnation, whether light or dark, embodies admiration and love, making it a thoughtful gift for your loved one. Pink carnations symbolize gratitude, while white ones represent purity and good fortune.
Interestingly, yellow and purple carnations carry different connotations – the former signifies rejection, whereas the latter is associated with mourning in French culture. In terms of geographical origins, carnations hail from Eurasia and are also the official birth flower for January.
Gardenias
The enchanting white gardenia exudes an aura of joy, purity, and timeless passion. Its symbolic significance is often tied to the color rather than the flower itself, with white blooms representing new love and red petals embodying respect, admiration, and secret adoration between two individuals. When given as a Valentine’s gift, gardenias convey a deep desire for a lasting connection.
Conversely, this mystical bloom is also associated with spiritual realms, including pure attraction and positive energy that circulates through our bodies. Native to Asia, gardenias are a popular choice for wedding celebrations, underscoring their role in marking significant life milestones.
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