Holiday Planning & Ideas Valentine's Day The Meaning Behind Popular Valentine's Day Flowers, From Roses to Peonies Whether you're giving flowers to a friend, loved one, or romantic interest, the bouquet you choose conveys a specific message. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 12, 2024 Close Jessica Holden Photography/Getty Images. We give flowers on Valentine's Day as a way to show our love and appreciation for those special people in our lives. While flowers often signify romantic interest, you can certainly give a beautiful bouquet to friends and family. Just remember that the flowers you give convey different meanings, ranging from admiration to eternal love. That's why it's helpful to understand the symbolism of the flowers you send on Valentine's Day before choosing a bouquet. 8 Best Flower Delivery Services Roses Cavan Images/Getty Images 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 of Blooms by the Box. Tulips Cavan Images/Getty Images 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 Mayehem/Getty Images 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 Getty Images 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 with FlowerBulbs.com. "Other meanings include love, luxury, and strength. Pink orchids in particular, symbolize pure affection." How to Care for an Orchid So It Thrives for Years to Come Hydrangeas Panga Natalie Ukraine / GETTY IMAGES 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 Inna Pankratieva / GETTY IMAGES A fragrant white bloom known to symbolize love 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." What Do Your Favorite Flowers Mean? Our Guide to Flower Symbolism, From Asters to Zinnias Sunflowers Penpak Ngamsathain/Getty Images 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 ninavartanava/Getty Images 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." How to Grow and Care for Daisies Carnations Yuji Ozeki/Getty Images 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 Iliana Mestari/Getty Images 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." Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit