Best Flowers to Use in a Valentine's Day Bouquet

When purchasing flowers for Valentine's Day, or any occasion, it may be helpful to understand what traditions and symbolism the type of flower and the arrangement you choose conveys. While red roses are the traditional pick for Valentine's Day, they are becoming less common as more options are widely available at your local florist or online. If you buy the same old dozen of red roses every year, maybe you should look into one of these alternative picks.

Red Roses. The traditional choice as the Valentine's day standard, the red symbolizes romantic love. This option is still a viable one, but can be seen as boring and unoriginal, not to mention more costly (especially right before Valentine's day or Mother's day).

Other rose options. There are various types of roses including the colors of the roses. According to a flower industry survey, men prefer bold colored flowers, while women prefer pastel colors. The different colors represent different meanings that are based in traditions. Pink shows that you are grateful and shows appreciation, Yellow roses represent friendship and are more appropriate in a longer relationship or marriage. As far as the types of roses you can get a rose bud, which represents youth and beauty, rose blooms which represent gratitude, and tea roses.

Tulips. The second most popular option after roses, tulips are much less expensive and red tulips are also a symbol of love. If you want to get fancy, french tulips are much more flashy, and also represent love. The black center of the tulip is said to represent a lover's heart, darkened by the heat of passion.

Freesia. Used in many perfumes, lotions, and bath salts, this flower is known for its appealing fragrance. It is symbolic of innocence and also come in varying pastel and romantic light colors.

Hydrangeas. Popular flowers used in wedding ceremonies in conjunction with roses, this ornamental flower that can be found in varying colors is great to use in flower arrangements.

Sweet Peas. These feminine, romantic flowers are used in arrangements to soften strict lines and hard edges of other flowers. Much like the Freesia, it is also known for it's sweet and fragrant smell.

Lillies. These flowers are traditionally given on 30th wedding anniversaries for their symbolism of devotion. This sweetly fragrant, star shaped bloom also conveys pride and beauty.

Agapanthus. If you are looking to send flowers to a secret admirer or a crush, these are the flowers to send. Also called the "Lilly of the Nile" they represent secret love (This may work for a mistress as well).

Sources:

BRANDY HILBOLDT ALLPORT "Romance 101 A guide to preparing for Valentine's Day - at every stage of your relationship." Florida Times Union. Jacksonville, Fla.: Feb 10, 2008. pg. G.1
N.A. "FLOWERS: LOVE'S LANGUAGE." New Mexico Woman. Albuquerque: Feb 2006. Vol. 19, Iss. 2; pg. 25
Reidy, Chris"THE BLUSH IS OFF ; TRADITIONAL VALENTINE FAVORITE NOW 'BORING; [THIRD Edition]."Boston Globe. Boston, Mass.: Feb 11, 2005. pg. E.1