SAY IT WITH FLOWERS

What do you think about giving your Valentine red roses as tradition dictates?

This probably comes as news to precisely no one, but red roses are some of the most romantic flowers out there. These are the perfect bloom for Valentine's Day, representing love and desire. The quantity of blossoms in a gift bouquet substantially alters the meaning of red roses. Here's a quick explanation of what those numbers signify and the significance behind them if you need help selecting the right amount:

Roses

   

RoseThe purest symbol of new love, love at first sight, or a “one and only love,” giving someone a single red rose symbolises the giving of your heart.

2 Roses - A pair of red roses equals bonded or mutual love and affection — being two of a kind or two halves of the same bunch.

3 Roses - A traditional one-month anniversary gift, three red roses represent the three syllables in the phrase “I love you.”

6 Roses A sign of wanting to take things to the next level, six red roses are often meant to signify the feeling of “I want to be yours.”

10 Roses - In many sports or ratings systems, 10 is a perfect number — and it is with roses, too. Ten red roses are considered the way to tell someone you feel they are perfect and number one in your heart

12 Roses From a dozen doughnuts to a dozen eggs to 12 months on the calendar, the number “12” has a long history of representing “completion” or “wholeness” — and so it is with love, too. A dozen red roses means your love is complete or whole, and that you couldn’t ask any more from the person whom you are gifting your roses.
   

If red roses aren't your thing, let the language of flowers help you choose an alternative.  Here are a few popular blooms with surprising meanings

Yellow Roses - Based on its meaning, you might second-guess giving this rose colour to a loved one. Yellow roses have a hidden symbolism of jealousy and infidelity. However, gifting them to a friend can mean warmth and affection.

White Roses - Do you know someone looking to make changes in their life? White roses represent a new beginning. They also symbolise purity and innocence.

Tulips

Is there someone you've connected with spiritually and physically? If so, orange tulips are a thoughtful gift, as they symbolise understanding and appreciation.

Send good wishes to family and friends with a delightful arrangement of pink tulips.

While they're not as passionate as red blooms, they also symbolize love.

Bring cheer to anyone's day with yellow tulips. Victorians even gave them the literal meaning, “there's sunshine in your smile," making them the perfect flower to convey happiness.

Lily

Lily bouquets are some of the cheeriest ones available — and they have a bright symbolism too. Keep in mind that different coloured lilies have different meanings: the pink ones signify prosperity, the orange ones signify pride and the yellow ones signify gratitude.

Pink Carnation

These ruffly flowers may be the stuff of high school secret admirers, but they work for a lover on a budget. If you pick up one of these blooms, choose pink to say "I will never forget you."

Magnolia

These stunning blooms often festoon the trees as spring arrives, getting everyone who sees them excited for the season to come. That's why it's only logical that they signify a love of nature.

Iris

These regal blooms have long stood for royalty, but also for wisdom and respect. And their opulent-looking blooms sure suggest the same. That means it's definitely a compliment if you receive a bouquet of irises.

If you still need ideas for this valentines day have a look at our Valentine's selection, as well as flowers there are chocolates, balloons, teddies and wine.  We also have a subscription service with the option of sending flowers over 3, 6, or 12 months

For someone who loves their flowers but needs inspiration for arranging them, how about gifting a stunning book by Swallows and Damsons florist, Anna Potter called the flower fix.

She shows how simple it is to incorporate a little bit of nature's wonder into daily life by using readily available seasonal blooms, found objects like twigs and dried fruit, and any variety of containers. There is something for everyone wishing to explore, experiment, and create an atmosphere with flowers. The 26 projects span all seasons and include both larger installations and smaller, easier tasks.

The floral projects in this book provide step-by-step directions as well as a list of the tools, flowers, and greenery required to begin the project. A vocabulary of flowers that lists each flower's colour, the season of availability, and vase life is also included. There are also notes on colour palettes and how to employ colour.

 

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS