Roses are the traditional flower gift given on Valentine’s Day. They symbolize love and passion, particularly the color red. It stands to reason that many wives and girlfriends will receive red roses on February 14th. That being said, all you guys getting ready to purchase flowers might want to consider other color choices. Heck, you might even want to consider a different kind of floral gift altogether.
What kind of message might you send with another color choice? Every rose color conveys a different symbolism. White roses signify innocence, yellow roses signify friendship and joy, 
and pink roses signify gratitude, admiration, and appreciation. A little less common, but still appropriate, are purple or lavender, which signify enchantment and/or love at first sight, and orange, which signifies enthusiasm and desire. If you want to cover all of your bases, try getting the mix of pastels. It’s stunning.
However, if you or your “sweetie” is the practical type, you might want to invest in a flower that has more staying power. I have to admit that as much as I like roses, I hate the fact that the short life span of roses doesn’t equate with the expense. If someone is going to spend $20-30 on a floral gift for me, I would much rather receive something that lasts more than a week. Here are some long-term options for you to consider.
Hydrangeas
I love hydrangeas in the garden. They are a beautiful, showy bush-type plant that comes primarily in white, pink, or blue. Picking out a hydrangea from the garden center would definitely rate high on the satisfaction scale for a woman who loves to garden or have a beautiful garden. Since this plant is not currently available for local purchase, you might have to order one online and let the company deliver it when planting times are appropriate. You could purchase a cheap silk hydrangea to give on Valentine’s Day, with the information in a card about the “real deal” coming later in the spring.
Daffodils, Hyacinth, or Tulips
I know what you’re thinking. These don’t last much longer than cut roses. But the bulbs can be dried and saved to plant outside, thereby generating spring beauty for years to come. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Also, spring bulbs that have been forced to bloom early can help abolish the winter doldrums. Bringing daffodils or tulips into the house in mid-February sends a promise of warmer weather to come. If you want scent mixed along with beauty, go for the hyacinth. Their perfume is even better than roses, in my humble opinion.
Floral Houseplants
Violets are always a good choice, inexpensive (as low as $2-3), and relatively easy to maintain. They like indirect light and come in different colors, although dark purple is the most common. Cyclamen is inexpensive and a pretty choice. Anthurium (flamingo flower) produces a tropical-looking flower that comes in a variety of colors and grows large and showy. I have a Peace Lily (spathiphyllum) in an urn in my dining room and have found that it is much easier to grow than a fern (and a lot less messy). It is one of the Top 10 plants for naturally cleaning the air and helps eliminate “sick building syndrome.” Hint: You could buy the plant AND an urn for less than what you would pay for a dozen roses.
These are just a few suggestions to get you started. My advice is to just go to the garden center and look around. It is a warm, wonderful way to spend a lunch break or a few minutes after work getting ideas. The staff will be glad to answer questions about the care and feeding of whatever plant you purchase. And remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the amount spent. In these tough economic times, you can be thoughtful and frugal. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Written by:
Donna Green
Family and Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension
