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Alternative Valentine's Day Flowers

18th November, 2024

The classic red rose is a safe bet for your special someone on Valentine’s Day, but love comes in all kinds of varieties, and we think you deserve the flowers to match.

There are plenty of options for this year’s bouquet if you’re thinking of mixing things up. Whether you’re feeling the excitement of a new romance or the deep devotion of a long-standing partnership, here’s a run-down of our favourite alternatives to the standard red rose.

Gerbera Daisies

A bunch of these vibrant blooms is sure to brighten anyone’s Valentine’s Day. Gerbera daisies look a bit like sunflowers, and with their gorgeous colour palette they’ll bring hints of the spring to come.

Pink gerberas, in particular, are said to symbolise adoration – perfect if you’re after something a bit more subtle than shouting 'I love you' from the rooftops. Alternatively, a bright bunch of yellow gerberas will really show them you’re ready to light up their life.

gerbera-daisy-pink-flowers

Tulips

You could go for a beautiful bouquet of vibrant red tulips instead of roses this Valentine's Day. These ever-popular springtime blooms (although they're available all year round) in shades of red symbolise passion and romance – the perfect accompaniment to a cosy evening together.

Pink tulips are another solid choice as they're said to convey affection and care, as well as being very pretty.

tulips-red-flowers

Carnations

A staple in many a bouquet, carnations can really shine in their own right.

Pink carnations mean gratitude, so tell your partner that you're thankful for them and all that they do with a bunch of these blooms. Or you could opt for red carnations which, of course, mean affection and love – and with a super long vase life, they'll keep on spreading the love long after the bubbly’s all gone.

Carnations-pink-flowers

Dahlias

Since the Victorian era of corsets and big skirts, dahlias have symbolised lifelong commitment and lasting bonds. Back in the 19th century, they did love to send messages with flowers and it's safe to say we’re keeping up the tradition today.

Send a bouquet of these big, joyful pom-poms to let them know you're not going anywhere. If you're wondering which colour of dahlia to choose, guess what? Red is here for you as always, and it’s a particularly strong choice for dahlias as this combination represents strength as well as love and passion.

dahlia-purple-white-flowers

Lilies

Wonderfully different and a little exotic, lilies will make an impression no matter what stage your relationship is at. Plus, the sweet aroma of these flowers will add an extra dimension to your gesture of love.

We're huge fans of stargazer lilies, with their vibrant pink colour palette and delicate freckled petals. Red lilies of any variety also symbolise love and passion – perfect for showing your feelings in all their joyous individuality. Just be careful if there's a furry feline around – they’re poisonouns to cats, so you might want to opt for one of our lily-free bouquets instead.

lily-red-flower

Protea

Is your partner a lover of all things quirky? Then skip the usual suspects and go for protea flowers. These striking, other-worldly blooms are sure to win them over. Cricket fans won’t be surprised to learn that proteas are the national flower of South Africa, and they’re so resilient they can even survive bushfires - what better flower to show your partner you can take on anything together?

These flowers also symbolise diversity and courage, so if you’re celebrating everything that’s uniquely brilliant about your loved one or even taking your relationship to the next level, proteas are the flowers for you.

Protea-pink-white-flower

Lisianthus

These delicate flowers look a little like roses but they carry a slightly different meaning. Symbolising thankfulness, these blooms can show your Valentine how much you appreciate them.

Pink lisianthus can symbolise love and affection but we're also big fans of the striking purple varieties that represent beauty (no question about that) and royalty – perfect for showing your partner how important they are to you..

pink-lisianthus

Orchids

These ornamental blooms can be enjoyed all year round, long after they've been received – a hopeful symbol of your love’s staying power. Cymbidium orchids are a popular choice and are available in a range of stunning colours from blush pinks to crisp whites and steal the show in any bouquet.

Cascading orchids are a firm favourite here, with their dramatic shape and stunning flowers. These blooms themselves represent beauty and love, making them a strong contender for an alternative Valentine’s favourite.

Orchid-pink-on-branch

Alstroemeria

We love the tiger-striped petals of alstroemeria flowers. These relations to lilies are sweet and delicate blooms that symbolise friendship, love and devotion. Give these to your partner on Valentine's Day to show you're serious about your relationship.

Alstroemeria grow in every colour imaginable, from vibrant shades of orange to deep lusty reds, giving you a good chance of finding a flower that suits your partner’s tastes. Mix and match these blooms with gypsophila and waxflowers for a sophisticated bouquet.

red-Alstroemeria

Viburnum

Fill out your bouquet with some sprigs of sweet pink viburnum for a delicate finish. Viburnum flowers can bloom when all others have gone to sleep for the winter, so give these to show your love will last no matter the season.

These flowers represent pride, so are great for letting your loved one know that you're proud of them and all they've achieved. Mix them into a bouquet of white chrysanthemum and carnations for a simple but striking display.

Viburnum-flowers

With all these options to choose from, we know you’ll be able to show your unique feelings to your special someone this Valentine’s Day – and if it all feels a bit overwhelming, remember there’s always one romantic flower you can always fall back on.