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With Valentine’s Day drawing near, it’s time for us to start thinking about what Valentine flowers we’ll be giving to the loved ones in our lives. Many of you will already have an idea of the kind of Valentine’s flowers you’d like to give, but some of us – hopefully, very few – will be grimacing, remembering how our well-intentioned gift Valentine flower bouquet went over more like a Vinegar Valentines than a profession of undying love. Never fear; we feel your pain. You’re among friends here. Read this post, follow our advice, and prepare to bask in the resulting smiles and goodwill.
Let’s start with the traditional; you will rarely go wrong presenting your loved one with a beautiful bouquet of red roses on Valentine’s Day. But what if the florist (or grocery store, or road-side merchant) is out of red? What do red roses, and roses of other colors, say?
Red roses send a very clear and direct message: “I love you.” Fiery red expresses passion, while the colors cardinal (think plum or reddish-violet) and coral mean desire. Around this time of year, though, florists can’t keep red roses in stock, and so you’ll pay more than usual for this message than you would at any other time of year.
Red roses send a very clear and direct message: “I love you.” Fiery red expresses passion, while the colors cardinal (think plum or reddish-violet) and coral mean desire. Around this time of year, though, florists can’t keep red roses in stock, and so you’ll pay more than usual for this message than you would at any other time of year.Note: Our favorite online florist sells many beautiful bouquets that include red roses, and offers same day delivery in the US and Canada.
- If it’s a new relationship, lavender or lilac may be appropriate. This color indicates the sender is enchanted, or has fallen head over heels in love. If the lavender tends towards purple, you’re suggesting royalty, or majesty. Conversely, a more blue the rose is – a color that roses do not naturally grow – sends a message of mystery and unattainability. That might need some explaining.
- Pink roses are lovely, and symbolize much the same thing as red roses, but in a more light-hearted manner. These roses would be appropriate elegantly to express a sweet thought, without being a romantic overture. Dark pink shows appreciation and gratitude, while light pink expresses sympathy or friendship.
- Yellow roses are for friendship – and for freedom. Don’t buy these for a long-term love interest; the recipient may think you’re telling them it’s all over. You might get away with it if they’re Texan, or an old, valued friend. But your spouse is going to have some questions…
- White roses on their own are usually reserved for brides, and indeed are called “flower of light” for this reason. They express unity, loyalty, purity, and so are ideal for wedding flowers. On Valentine’s Day, you could give a mixed bouquet of fiery red and pure white roses, to send a message of unity and long-held passion.
If it’s a new relationship, lavender or lilac may be appropriate. This color indicates the sender is enchanted, or has fallen head over heels in love. If the lavender tends towards purple, you’re suggesting royalty, or majesty. Conversely, a more blue the rose is – a color that roses do not naturally grow – sends a message of mystery and unattainability. That might need some explaining.
Pink roses are lovely, and symbolize much the same thing as red roses, but in a more light-hearted manner. These roses would be appropriate elegantly to express a sweet thought, without being a romantic overture. Dark pink shows appreciation and gratitude, while light pink expresses sympathy or friendship.
Yellow roses are for friendship – and for freedom. Don’t buy these for a long-term love interest; the recipient may think you’re telling them it’s all over. You might get away with it if they’re Texan, or an old, valued friend. But your spouse is going to have some questions…
White roses on their own are usually reserved for brides, and indeed are called “flower of light” for this reason. They express unity, loyalty, purity, and so are ideal for wedding flowers. On Valentine’s Day, you could give a mixed bouquet of fiery red and pure white roses, to send a message of unity and long-held passion.Whatever you do, make sure your roses are fresh. Never give dead roses – it doesn’t matter what the original color was, dead roses always mean one thing: “it’s over.” And be very, very careful if you give black roses, as they are a symbol of death and may be received as an omen by some people. Some roses have a dark-red, almost black, bud and yet blossom into crimson red. These signify change, rebirth or rejuvenation, but you should be sensitive to your recipient’s feelings and beliefs if you decide to make a gift of these.
You’re not restricted to a bouquet of just one color. Try combining colors to combine messages; sometimes your love can’t be adequately expressed with just one simple color or message. Be true to your feelings and have fun with your selection.
We recommend the online florist that we personally use for our own celebrations and occasions; they sell many beautiful bouquets that include a variety of Valentine’s Day roses, in single or mixed colors. We greatly appreciate that, in the US and Canada, they can deliver the same day.
