When it comes to romance, red roses are a classic.
We’ve seen them everywhere, in movies, at proposals, during weddings, and in pretty much every romance novel ever written. After all, red is the colour of passionate love, and roses? Well, they’re the go-to symbol.
But sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a little. Red roses may fly off the shelves on Valentine’s Day, but why not surprise your special someone with something a little more unexpected? There’s a whole garden of gorgeous blooms out there, ready to be picked and brighten up someone’s day.
Create a bouquet of hidden messages and meanings. Be selective with the flowers you choose, it makes it that much more thoughtful.
Ready for some floral inspiration? We’ve rounded up 7 gorgeous alternatives to the classic red rose, because every flower is beautiful and unique, just like the one you love.
Tulips
for a fresh start in love
Tulips are bursting with charm! They represent perfect, undying love, and what could be more romantic than that?
These beauties have elegant, smooth petals and come in various pops of colours, from passionate reds to soft pinks and purples. They’re a cheerful way to say “I adore you!” and are tied to the magic of spring, making them feel like a fresh start in love. Whether you gift a single tulip or a colorful bouquet, they’re sure to create a sense of warmth and brighten even the darkest days. Want to show someone how much they mean to you? Tulips are the timeless, fun, and thoughtful way to do it.
Gardenia
for a fragrant love
Add a sprinkle of magic to your love story with a whiff of graceful gardenias!
With creamy white petals and a dreamy fragrance, they’ll whisper “I love you” in the most elegant way possible. These blooms offer a sense of calm and tenderness while symbolising purity, sweetness, and deep love. They are also associated with the idea of a secret love… how mysterious! Their intoxicating scent is a love potion in bloom, adding a dash of romance and surprise. Express yourself with these blooms, they’ll scream admiration, respect, and devotion.
Orchids
for the sophisticated
Ooh la la. Want to make things a little racy on Valentine’s Day? This is the flower for you.
Orchids are exotic. Striking. Timeless. Bold. They’re known for their beauty, rarity and symbolism of strength, love and luxury. If you want your lover to know you have a deep, enduring love, a bouquet of orchids are the way to go. They are also perfect for someone who appreciates the finer things in life. Gift an orchid and it’ll say, “I think you’re sexy”.
Lilies
for the hopeless romantic
Lilies have long been associated with love and devotion. Oriental lilies are renowned for their heady fragrance and come in a multitude of colours. However, white lilies represent innocence and pure love, while pink ones mean love and compassion.
Ranunculus
for the multi-faceted
Ranunculus flowers are like little bursts of sunshine, perfect for sparking up romance.
With their delicate, layered petals and soft, dreamy colors, they’re all about showing just how much you care. These beauties scream “radiant charm” and “I’m totally smitten,” and the intricate, layered petals are a metaphor for a love that’s beautiful, deep, and full of surprises. Give a ranunculus, and you’re not just handing over a flower, you’re giving out your heart!
Peonies
for a happy marriage
Peonies are the true romantics of the flower world. Big, bold, and oh-so-beautiful!
These vintage vibes are packed with love, prosperity and all the good stuff that makes a marriage thrive. Who knew these blowsy blooms were a secret symbol of “happily ever after”? Whether you’re gifting them to your spouse or a favorite couple, peonies are the ultimate way to celebrate deep commitment and future happiness. With their full, lush petals and sweet fragrance, they’re like a love letter in bloom, rich in meaning and timeless in beauty. Peonies aren’t just flowers; they’re a promise of love that lasts!
Carnations
for complicated relationships
Carnations, with their sweet, spicy scent, symbolise love and romance if they’re deep red, while pink ones indicate admiration. Colour is important here – striped carnations are said to mean a refusal, while yellow ones indicate disdain or rejection. It’s the break-up flower!
Lisianthus
the more affordable ‘rose’
Dreamy and dainty in pastel shades such as lavender, blush pink and cream, lisianthus has a similar shape to a rose, so it’s an ideal Valentine’s Day dupe. It represents gratitude, charisma and an everlasting bond. Red blooms mean passion and love and pink ones appreciation and romance.
Anemones
for the new blooms
Anemones are little love bombs, exploding with vibrant colours and carrying all good vibes.
They aren’t just loyalty and adventure wrapped in a pretty, petal-filled package, but they’re full of love, protection and fresh starts. Whether you’re celebrating a new chapter or just want to show someone you care, anemones have your back. They’re the perfect way to say, “You’re my ride or die.”
Daisies
for the simplistic, playful and pure
Tell your loved one they’re as pretty as a daisy, and give them some, too!
Daisies, with their beauty and bright white petals, are the ultimate feel-good flower. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the simple things in life (and let’s be real, who doesn’t?). These playful little blooms are all about a love that’s sweet, honest, and fun! Daisies are the perfect way to say, “You’re my one and only” in the most lighthearted, heartwarming way. Give a daisy, and you’re giving a whole lot of pure, happy love
Sunflowers
to represent enduring love
Bright and cheerful sunflowers can’t help but bring joy, positivity and energy. They have a sweet, earthy scent and are said to represent loyalty, longevity, happiness and adoration. They’re an excellent choice for expressing a steadfast and enduring love.
How to care for cut flowers
Follow these tips to ensure your bouquet or posy lasts as long as possible!
- Cut stems to fit your vase and at an angle to allow water to go up the stem.
- Remove any foliage that will sit in the water.
- Fill a clean vase with tepid water, then add 1/2 teaspoon each of bleach (to prevent algae) and sugar (for energy).
- Place flowers away from direct sunlight, heaters, air-conditioners and fruit, especially bananas. Fruit releases ethylene as it matures, which ages flowers.
- Change water at least every two days, at the same time trimming the stems
by a few centimetres.
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