How to Say it with Flowers on Valentine's Day

Speak the Language of Flowers this February 14th

Feb 12, 2009 Gill Hart

Whether it's roses, lilies, orchids or tulips, if giving flowers as gifts of love this Valentine's Day, let the blooms do the talking. But, be careful which you choose!

According to the Greeting Card Association, on February 14th around 1 billion Valentine’s cards are exchanged annually worldwide. 188 million of them in are in North America, Hallmark cards research reveals.

Many of these cards will be accompanied by a gift of love such as a single red rose or a beautiful bouquet. Traditionally, red roses have become the language of love, as they are considered to be the universal symbol of romance and passion.

St. Valentine's Day Rose

The single stem rose framed with baby’s breath is also called a “signature rose” by florists and is the most preferred choice of most Valentine lovers. Mydearvalentine.com says that 73% of people who buy Valentine's Day flowers are men and 27% are women.

It isn't only red roses that are given on Valentine’s Day, however. Choose the rose color carefully as it depends on what message should be conveyed. White symbolizes purity whilst pink is a heady mixture of purity and passion. Yellow roses are a symbol of true friendship.

History of the Rose

According to Josh Grossman co-founder of American online florist Beyond Blooms.com, the rose is the second oldest variety of flower on the planet, with origins dating back over 200 million years. The red rose’s association with love first originated in Greek mythology. Says Grossman, "when Aphrodite cried about the death of her lover Adonis, she had red 'Adonis Roses' grown with his blood – thus red roses are the symbol of never-ending love."

Flowers as Gifts of Love

Nowadays not all flowers given on February 14th are roses. Tulips, orchids and lilies are other favored varieties. Red tulips also say “I am in love with you," and are associated with being a perfect lover.

How to Say It with Flowers

Eve magazine’s February 2007 feature “How do I say it with flowers?” highlights some other language of blooms. If buying flowers for a friend, Peruvian lilies represent friendship and devotion and Calla lilies say “you are sophisticated and beautiful.” Lilies are a perfect Valentine’s gift as not only are they beautiful but they give off a heady scent.

Exotic orchids, one of the most expensive flowers on the planet, are also associated with love and fertility. There are nearly 25,000 different varieties of orchid worldwide. Given as a gift they stand for preciousness and seduction.

Cheerful sunflowers can mean “I adore you,” and white carnations mean “I’m still available. However be wary of anyone who gives you asters – these say “I’m not sure whether you’ve been faithful to me!”

Saying it with flowers is a thoughtful loving gesture, not only on Valentine's Day. Any day is a day to tell someone they are loved or to let them know that their friendship is appreciated, especially for those who find words hard to express.

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