We're not entirely sure how a holiday that takes place in the middle of February became the number one date to give fresh flowers to loved ones, but Valentine's Day is intrinsically associated with bouquets and buds.
Alright, we have some idea — flowers, of course, are traditionally given to symbolize love, and even if you're in the midst of Canada's frostiest season, it's possible to find blooms cut exactly to your specifications (thank you, Colombia). What you may not know, even if you give flowers out on the regular, is the hidden meanings behind the colours you choose.
You're likely aware that red means love, or passion, but with so many options beyond red roses, this might be the year you discover a whole new way to show your emotions via petals.
“The beauty of flowers as a Valentine’s Day gift is that they can easily be personalized depending on how you want to make someone feel,” says Dejan Kristan, marketing director at Flowers Canada based in Ontario. “You want to send out the right message to your Valentine, whether it's ‘I love you’, ‘I care for you’, or simply, ‘you are a great friend’.”
So in honour of Feb. 14, Kristan went through the various options for colours and flowers to give — check them out, no matter what you're celebrating.
Flower Colour Meanings
Red(01 of08)
Open Image ModalPink(02 of08)
Open Image ModalThis is a softer way to say "I love you." Although red flowers mean love and passion, pink flowers can show your gentle, yet deep love for someone, says Kristan. Pink flowers can also indicate appreciation, joy and happiness. Try pink ranunculus (shown), calla lilies or potted azaleas. (credit:glyn_nelson/Flickr)
Yellow(03 of08)
Open Image ModalThis one strikes a middle ground between friendship and love, and are popular for workplaces and family gatherings. "These convey meanings of sympathy, thoughtfulness and friend-like love," Kristan adds. Try daffodils, yellow tulips, chrysanthemums or potted begonias (shown). (credit:theJIPEN via Getty Images)
Orange(04 of08)
Open Image ModalThe colour of friendship and community, orange flowers send feelings of happiness and joy, with a hint of adventure, spontaneity and a passion for life. Try orange parrot tulips, gerberas or Asiatic lilies (shown). (credit:Chris Burrows via Getty Images)
Green(05 of08)
Open Image ModalGreen is the colour of health, youth and prosperity. By giving this flower or plant, you are telling your friend or loved one that you’d like your relationship to grow and continue to do well, Kristan says. Try an arrangement with lots of green ball chrysanthemums, or give a lucky houseplant such as jade (shown) or pachira. (credit:chooyutshing/Flickr)
Purple(06 of08)
Open Image ModalThis could just replace red flowers in your life. "Purple flowers show a very romantic gesture as they carry with them feelings of elegance and charm. These can express feelings of love at first sight and say ‘I admire and adore you,’" Kristan says. Try purple iris, campanula, or an elegant potted orchid (shown). (credit:Swami Stream/Flickr)
Blue(07 of08)
Open Image ModalIf you're in a long-term relationship and want to try something new, blue could be for you. Blue flowers are often used by longtime couples to communicate their never-ending love, trust and loyalty in a relationship, Kristan notes. Try soft blue hydrangeas, or a bouquet of delphinium (shown) and muscari. (credit:Jeanene Scott via Getty Images)
White(08 of08)
Open Image ModalNot just for weddings, this flower colour represents purity, innocence, sympathy and humility, but can also mean new beginnings. And when it's given to a long-term partner, Kristan says, they could show you want to move forward and think about marriage. Try white daisies, roses (shown) or gardenias. (credit:VvoeVale via Getty Images)