A rose can be red
A tulip, bright blue;
All kinds of flowers can say “I love you” ~ Me.

Despite being the daughter of a former florist, I have a thing about red roses for Valentine’s Day. I’m kind of not into them. The sea of red rose in stores is stifling, I don’t care for the jacking up of red and pink rose prices for the holiday, nor do I enjoy seeing the desperation on men’s faces when they shop for the things at the last minute. I have told my husband on most of our Valentine’s Days to get me flowers other than red roses, or to get me some type of interesting plant; he’s smart and creative–I’d rather see his personality shine through his choice than see him give me something pre-chosen that’s being pushed onto the public.  I know people say that yellow flowers symbolize friendship and white ones mean purity, and that this flower means this and that flower means that. But ultimately, doesn’t something have whatever meaning you choose to assign it? With so many choices out there, why do so many people confine themselves to one type of flower and two colors? I love flowers (even red roses have a spot in my heart–before and after Valentine’s Day), and think they’re always a beautiful gesture from the heart, but we can show just as much love to some other pretty petals. And should your significant other show creativity in choosing flowers, and surprise you with stems other than red or pink roses: 1.) appreciate the gesture 2.) don’t obsess about the meaning of alternative florals, and 3.) don’t let your friends, relatives or co-workers belittle the gift and convince you that there’s something wrong with it–aesthetics and personal taste probably had more to do with the choice of flowers than hidden messages.

Here are five flowers that I love to see on Valentine’s Day (and on any other day, for that matter). I’ve included some of the traditional beliefs as to what they symbolize.

(1.) Ranunculus; some varieties of this flower are known as “buttercup.” Such a sweet flower. Symbolizes charm. As in the giver of the flower finds you charming.

Ranunculus

(2.) Gerbera daisies; their brightness always makes me smile. They can mean innocence, but also mean cheer. I already know the love and affection is there–adding cheer to the mix is swell.

Gerbera Daisies

(3.) Roses…in other colors; an orange rose conveys desire. My husband often chooses orange for flowers because that’s his color, and that’s fine by me. Lavender roses tell the recipient that the giver has “fallen in love” or “is enchanted” by her/him. Yellow says “friendship,” which in my mind has never been a bad thing between significant others. I love all of these roses.

Yellow-orange Roses

(4.) Tulips; traditional but always dazzling, tulips shout “Get happy.” Yellow ones symbolize “joy,” while red ones represent “perfect love.” White tulips allude to forgiveness, blue ones mean loyalty and unity, and purple says “royalty.” In hoping for a joyful perfect union, wherein lovers forgive each other their wrongs, are loyal to one another, and treat each other like royalty, maybe a multicolored bouquet of these would be best?

Tulips

(5.) Sunflowers; I feel like these flowers are smiling at me. They’re also a symbol of adoration, loyalty and longevity. All great qualities in a relationship.

Sunflowers

I challenge the die-hard Rose Party members of the world to change their red-and-pink-rose-colored views of V-Day, but I know roses remain a must for many. Does your significant other get into trouble if the traditional long-stemmers are a no-show? Do your Valentine’s Day flowers have to be red or pink roses?

***Photo credits***
Ranunculus at the Farmers’ Market by Kthread
Gerberas by Marco Raaphorst
Yellow Orange Roses by Kaz Andrew
Sunflowers “Sunshine Daydream” Arrangement by FTD.com