The Top 15 Flowers Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Recommended by Professional Florists

Discover a variety of stunning blooms beyond the traditional red roses…

Express Your Love with Beautiful Flowers

Unlike a traditional box of chocolates, a bouquet of flowers offers a versatile gift that can transition seamlessly from a thoughtful gesture to a stunning piece of seasonal home decor. If you want to show someone special in your life how much they mean to you on February 14 without compromising style, consider surprising them with some of the finest flowers for Valentine’s Day. While flowers may seem like a typical choice, florist Gena Winter emphasizes that it is a “timeless tradition.”

Thoughtful Gestures and Handwritten Notes

“Expressing your thoughts through a handwritten note is a romantic gesture, especially when paired with a thoughtful gesture,” states one of the co-owners of Marigold, a florist based in the Bay Area. Aubriana Kasper, Marigold’s co-owner, emphasizes the significance of receiving flowers, which are often seen as a special treat that people don’t often buy for themselves.

Diverse Options for Valentine’s Day

Whether you choose to visit a high-end florist or create a bouquet from local flowers, there is a plethora of options available for Valentine’s Day gestures. With numerous choices to consider, where should one start?

Expert Tips for Creating Stunning Floral Arrangements

“When selecting florals, start with your favorite flower or hero flower, then build around that,” advises Tabia Yapp, the founder and creative director of Bia Blooms. She suggests choosing bunches that complement each other well in terms of color palette and arranging them at different heights for a more dynamic display. This simple technique can add dimension and personality to your floral arrangement.”

Top 15 Flowers for a Memorable Valentine’s Day Gift

Whether you’re gifting someone special in your life or treating yourself, explore the 15 best flowers for Valentine’s Day. From classic favorites to unique alternatives, these selections will help express your love beautifully.

Garden Roses

If you enjoy the beauty of red roses but desire a unique option for February 14, consider garden roses as an elegant alternative. With their opulent, velvety petals, they exude a feeling of luxury and romance, serving as a delightful blend of peonies and traditional roses. Moreover, their exquisite scent is truly captivating, offering a delightful gift for every sense to enjoy.

Sweet Peas

Sweet peas hold a significant meaning in Greek mythology, symbolizing eternity, making them a perfect gift for a long-lasting love. Apart from their symbolic value, they also offer visual appeal. According to Winter, sweet peas possess a delicate beauty with graceful movement and a delightful fragrance. The floral scents they emit have the power to evoke nostalgia and bring back cherished memories or associations with particular individuals or locations.

Anthuriums Redefined

Consider anthuriums as the top choice for the trendsetter in your circle. These exotic flowers have gained popularity in recent years, evoking images of a tropical getaway and featuring vivid heart-shaped leaves. (Ideal for Valentine’s Day!) While anthuriums are tropical in nature, they can thrive even in colder climates with proper care.

Anemones

Anemones, adorned with cup-shaped petals, are a sophisticated flower that adds elegance to any floral arrangement. They come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile choice that is easily accessible even in colder seasons. Anemones are also known to symbolize love, with roots tracing back to Greek mythology where they are believed to have bloomed from the blood of Aphrodite’s beloved, Adonis.

Darby Creek Trading Daffodils

Daffodils might not be the most traditional choice for Valentine’s Day flowers, but according to Winter, they truly shine during this season. Known for their vibrant yellow colors, these flowers are highly valued for their ability to symbolize happiness, joy, and new beginnings. In essence, they are ideal for budding relationships. The trumpet-shaped daffodil blooms emanate feelings of warmth and optimism, perfectly capturing the positive sentiments linked with love.

Carnations

Seeking an affordable flower option? Carnations prove to be a budget-friendly choice for your Valentine’s Day floral arrangements. With their delicate ruffled petals and a diverse array of hues, including the classic Valentine’s Day colors of red, pink, and white, carnations symbolize devotion, love, and fascination. Similar to your affection, these blooms are designed to endure for an extended period.

Ranunculus

For a delightful burst of warmth and sunshine in your floral arrangements, consider incorporating ranunculus, as suggested by Yapp. Known for their charm and allure, these lovely blooms resemble roses, adding a touch of romance and sophistication to any setting. Available in a variety of vibrant hues, you can easily find the ideal shade to complement your Valentine’s unique personality.

Peonies

Peonies are adored for their frilly petals and delicate floral fragrance, reminiscent of roses but with a more ethereal touch. While they may be challenging to come by during colder seasons, gifting a bunch of these coveted blooms can express your deep affection for a loved one.

Tulips

Opt for simplicity with tulips, featuring tapered petals that exude both minimalism and beauty. According to Kasper, these flowers shine on their own or within bouquets. Being in season now, tulips boast longevity and require minimal maintenance.

Calla Lilies

If you’re looking for a sleek and elegant option, consider Calla lilies. Known for their unique fluted shape and long stems, these flowers exude a timeless beauty. According to Yapp, they are ideal for creating a sophisticated and moody floral arrangement with a more architectural feel. Explore the various colors available and choose a bunch that suits your taste.

Daisies

Who doesn’t adore a bunch of daisies? These blooms with sunny centers and delicate white petals never fail to bring a smile to people’s faces. However, beyond their cheerful appearance, daisies hold deeper meanings. In Victorian times, these beloved flowers were seen as a symbol of loyalty, making them a delightful choice for Valentine’s Day bouquets.

Orchids

If you’ve discovered the perfect gift for your loved one and wish to give them enduring Valentine’s Day flowers, consider opting for an orchid plant instead of the traditional bouquet. Orchids boast intricate and varied shapes, striking colors, and flowers that last a long time, making them a stylish declaration of love. It’s important to note that orchids need substantial care and attention. By providing them with the proper nurturing, your orchid can flourish beautifully, much like your bond with your partner.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas demonstrate that simplicity can be impactful. With their cluster of petals, they bring a sense of fullness and visual appeal to any floral arrangement without the need for many stems. These versatile flowers hold various meanings, from heartfelt emotions to gratitude, making them a perfect choice to express deep appreciation for loved ones.

Beautiful Blooms

For individuals seeking a unique touch, The Home Designer suggests creating a striking arrangement with blooming branches as a gesture of affection. According to Winter, the season for blooming branches has commenced, with quince, forsythia, and tulips magnolia branches being popular choices. These branches are not only visually appealing but also have a remarkable longevity, often lasting up to three to four weeks.

Red Roses

Throughout history, red roses have been synonymous with February 14, creating a classic symbol of love and romance. However, the traditional dozen red roses can sometimes feel cliché and overdone. To bring a fresh twist to this timeless flower, consider pairing red roses with unexpected blooms like sweet pea, ginestra, and ranunculus. Alternatively, mixing red roses with a subtler color scheme such as peaches, pinks, or lavender can add a unique touch to your floral arrangements,” suggests Winter. This innovative approach can inject a sense of sophistication and individuality into your Valentine’s Day gestures.