Are you struggling to choose the ideal valentines day flowers for your loved one this year? The huge selection offered by many florists can be bewildering. However, there are a number of classically romantic flowers that are steeped in the traditions of Valentine’s Day, having been given as valentines day gifts for generations.
Here are 10 valentines day flowers guaranteed to win the heart of your special someone on February 14th:
1. Roses
The historic association between romance and the rose dates back over 2000 years to ancient Rome. Ever since Cleopatra’s romantic tribute to her lover Marc Anthony saw her fill a room two feet deep with rose petals, this elegant flower has been known for its power to seduce. In 1794, Scottish poet Robbie Burns affirmed the rose’s dominance in the hierarchy of romantic flowers by writing the line: “My love is like a red, red rose.”
2. Daisies
Daisies are the flower many of us grew up with. Found in fields and gardens all over the world, daisies have for centuries been made into chains and worn around people’s necks or given as gestures of affection between children and adults alike. While common daisies, Bellisperennis, can be beautiful valentines gifts, the Asteraceae, or Aster Daisy, with its long stem and beautiful variety of coloured flowers are a more common choice.
3. Tulips
Though typically associated with The Netherlands, the tulip originates in the Ottoman Empire, with the name being originally derived from the Turkish word ‘tulbend’, meaning muslin or gauze, which is in turn derived from the Persian word ‘dulband’, meaning turban. The romantic history of tulips, which are very popular valentines day flowers, can be traced back to a 13th century Persian poem by Gulistan, who described a garden paradise featuring “bring, multi-coloured tulips and fragrant roses”.
4. Lilies
Lilies have a connection with love and romance in a history that dates back into ancient myths and legends. Roman legend says that the goddess Venus rose from the sea and, upon seeing a lily, became filled with jealous envy at its beauty. It has ever since been associated with lustful ardour, making it a classic valentines day gift.
5. Carnations
Carnations have long been given as gifts that signify fascination, distinction and love. In fact, its scientific name dianthus roughly translates to ‘flower of love’, making it an obvious choice on Valentine’s Day.
6. Gardenias
Before the growth and delivery of roses became widespread, the creamy-white gardenia was the flower of choice for millions on Valentine’s Day. Still at weddings, a gardenia corsage is traditional, confirming its strong, historic connection with love.
7. Orchids
Beautiful and exotic, the orchid has always been seen as a romantic flower. Long-lasting and colourful, these luxurious flowers make wonderful gifts on Valentine’s Day.
8. Lilacs
Sweet, carefree bouquets of lilacs smell wonderful and light up even the coldest February day. The American poet Walt Whitman once wrote: “O ever-returning spring! Trinity sure to me you bring; lilac blooming perennial and drooping star in the west, and thought of him I love.”
9. Sunflowers
Greek myth tells us that Clytia, a beautiful water sprite, stood for nine nights straight and tall, trying to catch the attention of her beloved sun god Apollo. He failed to see her and she was turned into a sunflower, symbolising love and devotion to this day.
10. Wildflowers
The vast array of wildflowers found in fields, woodland and hedges around the world all have their own backstories. But one thing is certain, they have blossomed alongside romance for as long as man has walked the earth.