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Unlike a box of chocolate, a bouquet can seamlessly transition from a thoughtful gesture to seasonal home decor. If you're looking for a way to tell someone in your life just how much they mean to you come February 14—but aren't exactly ready to forgo style—consider wowing them with some of the best flowers for Valentine's Day. Flowers might seem like a no brainer, but there's a reason why florist Gena Winter calls it a "timeless tradition."
"It’s a romantic gesture to let someone know you’re thinking of them, and even more significant when paired with a thoughtful, handwritten note," says the co-owner of a Bay Area-based florist called Marigold. Aubriana Kasper, who co-owns Marigold with Winter, agrees and adds, "Flowers are often thought of as a splurge or something you don’t regularly buy yourself, so receiving them always feels special." Whether you're springing to a high-end florist or assembling a bouquet of bodega bloom from scratch, there are a lot of options to choose from this Valentine's Day. So, where to begin?
"While shopping for florals, first pick a flower that is your favorite—or your hero flower—and then build around that," explains Tabia Yapp, founder and creative director of Bia Blooms. "Buy a few bunches that you find exciting and play nicely together from a color palette perspective." From there, she recommends trimming and placing the stems at varying heights for a dynamic setup. "This simple trick will add a little dimension and personality to your arrangement," Yapp adds.
To create a memorable gift for the special person in your life—be it your significant other, family member, friend, or yourself— read on for the 15 best flowers for Valentine's Day. From tried-and-true favorites to creative alternatives, these ideas will put your love in full bloom.
If you like red roses, but find them a bit too mainstream come February 14, garden roses are an elegant alternative. Not only do their lush, velvety petals evoke a sense of luxury and romance—think of them as a happy medium between peonies and roses—but they also smell amazing. The light, floral aroma makes this pick a gift for all of the senses.
Sweet peas are considered a symbol of eternity in Greek mythology, so they are an excellent to gift your long-term love. (Bonus points: They look good, too!) "It’s delicate, has beautiful airy movement and the sweetest fragrance." Winter says. "Floral scents can feel nostalgic and often remind people of fond memories or a specific place or person."
Think of anthuriums as the ultimate option for the tastemaker in your life. These tropical flowers been trending over the past few years—conjuring up visions of a beachy vacation in the process—and their vibrant leaves resemble a heart. (How perfect for Valentine's Day!) Anthuriums might be tropical plants, but don't worry: Under the right conditions, they can hold up nicely in the colder months.
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Decked out with a cup-shaped petal, anemones are an elevated bloom that can look good in a bouquet or on their own. They're available in a bunch of colors, readily available during the colder months, and symbolize love. In fact, according to Greek mythology, anemones are believed to have sprung from the blood of Aphrodite's lover, Adonis.
Daffodils may not be an obvious choice for the best flowers for Valentine's Day, but Winter says they're "standout this time of year." These flowers are cherished for their bright yellow hues and symbolize happiness, joy, and the promise of a new beginning. (Translation? They're great for a new relationship.) The trumpet-shaped blooms of daffodils exude a sense of warmth and optimism, making them a perfect representation of the positive emotions associated with love.
Looking for a budget-friendly bloom? Carnations are a great, affordable option for your Valentine's Day flowers. Known for their delicate ruffled petals and a wide range of colors—including the traditional V-Day palette of reds, pinks, and whites—carnations represent devotion, love and fascination. And, just like your love, carnations are meant to last for a long time.
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Yapp recommends to opt for "an explosion of sunny, warm flowers"—including ranuculus. With a reputation of charm and attraction, these pretty petals have a rose-like appearance that offers a romantic and elegant aesthetic. But, since they're available in a bunch of bright colors, you can find the perfect match to suit your Valentine's personality.
What's not to love about peonies? The frilly petals and light floral scent bears a striking resemblance to the elegance of roses—with an airy, ethereal twist. Though peonies are notoriously difficult to find in the colder months, getting your hands on this covetable set can show your special someone just how much they mean to you.
Why not keep it simple? With tapered petals, tulips are pared-back and undeniably pretty in equal measure. "They are wonderfully displayed on their own, or incorporated into arrangements," Kasper notes. "They’re in season this time of year which means they’re longer lasting and easy to care for."
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Another streamlined species you to consider? Calla lilies. These flowers create a timeless sense of beauty with their distinct fluted shape and long, elegant stems. Yapp says they're perfect for "a more architectural, rich, and moody arrangement." Go ahead and grab a bunch in its myriad of colors.
Who wouldn't love a bouquet of daisies? With a sunny center and thin, white petals, daisies are bound to put a smile on everyone's faces. But while these beloved blooms are undeniably cheery, there is more to them than meets the eye. In Victorian times, daisies symbolized loyalty, which makes them a lovely option for Valentine's Day flower.
If you've found "the one" and want to get them Valentine's Day flowers that are built to last, sidestep tradition and trade in the bouquet for an orchid plant. Intricate and diverse shapes, vibrant colors, and long-lasting blooms—these exotic flowers will say "I love you" in style. Remember: Orchids require a lot of maintenance. With some tender, loving care, their orchid can bloom in full glory—just like your relationship.
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As hydrangeas prove, less is more. You don't need a bunch of stems to make a statement: The cluster of petals on each one will do all the heavy work for you, creating a sense of fullness and a visually striking addition to any floral arrangement. Hydrangeas have a range of meanings—from heartfelt emotion to gratitude—so they're a great way to show your deepest appreciation for the special people in your life.
For those who are more unconventional, Winter says a beautiful gathering of blooming branches is an impressive and stunning display of adoration. "Blooming branch season has just begun and we have been getting our hands on quince, forsythia, and tulips magnolia branches," she adds. "They are also incredibly long lasting, sometimes up to three to four weeks."
From what seems like the beginning of time, red roses and February 14 have gone together like you and your Valentine. But, after seeing a dozen red roses everywhere, the flower can easily feel expected and uninspired. The solution? "Pair red roses with other unexpected flowers like sweet pea, ginestra, and ranunculus or they can be combined with a more nuanced color palette like peaches, pinks, or lavender," Winter says. "These unexpected color palettes can create a softer approach that feels elevated and more personal."
Kelsey Mulvey
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
