The Meaning Behind Popular Valentine's Day Flowers, From Roses to Sweet Peas (2024)

8 Best Flower Delivery Services

Roses

When you think of Valentine's Day, the first flower that comes to mind is likely the rose. While a red rose is known to symbolize true love, the bloom is available in other colors that convey various meanings. White roses convey purity and everlasting love, yellow symbolize friendship, pink symbolize elegance, and lavender symbolize love at first sight, says Tina Merola ofBlooms by the Box.

Tulips

Although they're known for being a spring bloomer, tulips are very popular during Valentine's Day. "Pink tulips signify love and friendship, purple tulips represent power and royalty, and yellow tulips symbolize joy and happiness," says Merola. "The white tulip represents forgiveness as well as purity. The yellow tulip symbolizes happiness, and the red tulip expresses love."

Lilies

Lilies have bold, eye-catching blooms that are a great addition to any Valentine's Day bouquet. "Representing purity and refined beauty, this fragrant flower conveys different messages depending on its color," says Abhay Patel, brand president of 1-800-Flowers.com. "For example, orange lilies symbolize passion and white lilies indicate modesty." Additionally, yellow stands for joy and health, red for romance, and pink for elegance.

Orchids

An orchid is something your Valentine can care for well after the holiday has ended, making it a beautiful and thoughtful gift. "Always thought of as rare, exotic and exceptional, they represent unity, love, beauty, and unbridled passion," says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist withFlowerBulbs.com. "Other meanings include love, luxury, and strength. Pink orchids in particular, symbolize pure affection."

Hydrangeas

Depending on color, hydrangeas can represent many emotions. "Pink hydrangeas specifically express love, romance, and an emotional connection, which resonates with the Valentine’s Day holiday," says Patel. "However, gifting blue hydrangeas often means you have something to apologize for."

Gardenias

A fragrant white bloom known to symbolizelove and trust, gardenias are a great flower to give during Valentine's Day. "Gardenia's were used during Victorian times as a way to send messages of secret love between two people," says Rachel Bridgwood and Lauren Anderson, owners of Sweet Root Village. "They are still a great gift flower and are also tied to meanings of trust, renewal, clarity, and hope."

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a refreshing bloom to give for Valentine's Day because they symbolize admiration, commitment to your partner, longevity, friendship, and loyalty, says Merola. Their vibrant yellow color and radiant blooms express joy and happiness, making them perfect for giving your significant other, as well as friends and family members.

White Daisies

For a more understated Valentine's Day flower, consider white daisies. "White daisies convey a range of sentiments, making them an Valentine's Day gift," says Merola. "Symbolizing loyalty and sincerity, these flowers signify an unwavering commitment. White daisies are heartfelt symbols of innocence and pure love, making them a great way to express your feelings."

Carnations

Don't underestimate the beauty carnations have in a Valentine's Day bouquet. "Carnations, overall, represent devotion and affection," says Patel. "However, a carnation's meaning can also be broken down by color. Pink represents thankfulness, white carnations often symbolize purity and friendship, and deep red means romantic love." Avoid sending yellow carnations, since they symbolize rejection and disappointment, says Merola.

Peonies

Peonies represent happiness, shyness, romance, good fortune, honor, and bravery, says Montgomery. During Valentine's Day, pink peonies are the most popular choice. "Pink peonies symbolize prosperity, good fortune, and happiness," says Merola. "Their rich symbolism makes them ideal for conveying deep emotions and creating cherished moments on this special day of love."