For centuries, people have been giving flowers to the objects of their affection on Valentine’s Day. This tradition began when Charles II introduced the Person language of flowers to Europe in the 1700s, and has continued throughout the years as a means for expressing love and appreciation on the holiday. In fact, along with chocolate, flowers are the most popular gift to give Feb 14. According to CNN, 64 percent of men are buying flowers for Valentine’s Day. So which blossoms are the best for showing your affection?
It’s important to consider the preferences of your valentine before choosing a bouquet. If you need a little inspiration, here are the top five flowers given on this holiday:
Valentine’s Roses
Unsurprisingly, roses are at the top of the list for lovers. CNN reported that an overwhelming 51 percent of people buy red roses for Valentine’s Day, and it makes sense – they have a heavenly aroma and are associated with romance, passion and beauty. Red isn’t the only option, either, if you think a different hue would suit your sweetheart. There are actually more than 150 varieties of roses, meaning there’s bound to be an option that would fit your valentine perfectly.
Carnations
These playful ruffly blossoms are right behind roses in popularity, likely due to their feminine appearance and affordable price tag. Carnations have been linked with fascination, making them a great pick for a relationship in its early stages. Plus, there are a multitude of different colors to choose from, so you can certainly find one that will match your valentine’s style and personality. As an added bonus, carnations are a long-lasting cut flower.
Valentine’s Lilies
Whether pink, white, orange or red, lilies are an ideal blossom for an elegant recipient. While you can’t go wrong with any variety, Michael Gaffney, director of the New York School of Flower Design, told Woman’s Day magazine that Casa Blanca lilies are an especially dramatic choice that are sure to please a person with sophisticated tastes. Plus, these Oriental white lilies have a breathtaking fragrance.
Alstroemeria
Alstroemeria, also known as the Peruvian Lily or Lily of the Incas, the alstroemeria is also a popular flower on this holiday. These buds are also a fitting selection for a bouquet as they complement other blossoms nicely, particularly pink and red roses and lavender waxflower. Not only do alstroemeria feature delicate, eye-catching petals, but they are also one of the longest-lasting cut flowers. Additionally, they can represent devotion, so they’re a perfect way to express your undying love to that special someone. Additionally, alstroemeria have multiple blooms per stem, so they can really help to fill out a bouquet to make it look more extravagant and voluminous.
Valentine’s Tulips
Though tulips may have a simple appearance, they are still an excellent choice for a valentine with understated style and traditional tastes. These flowers may not look elaborate or complex, but they come in almost any color you can imagine, so you can surely find a hue that’s custom matched to your sweetheart’s personality. It’s worth noting though, that red tulips are a declaration of love in the Victorian language of flowers, so they could be the best selection for this holiday.
Tulips have been popular for Valentine’s Day for many reasons. For one, they are easily identifiable and therefore, convey a certain comfort. Plus, they are a very affordable blossom, meaning you can give them to your valentine no matter your budget. Tulips are a hardy cut flower, and can continue to flourish in water. As they last longer than most other flowers in a vase, they can represent your deep-rooted, eternal feelings for someone.
Source: Teleflora – 5 Most Popular Flowers to Give on Valentines Day
