Birthday
Hydrangeas14 February is when flower shops run at full stretch and choosing a bouquet becomes a small test. Here is which flowers to give on Valentine's Day, what their colours say, how many stems to choose, how to present them creatively and why it pays to order in advance.
Ready-made bouquets for the holiday are in our red roses, roses in a box and tulips sections.
Which flowers to give on Valentine's Day
- Roses — the main symbol of the holiday. Red means a declaration of love, pink and peach mean tenderness, spray roses feel light and relaxed.
- Tulips — greenhouse tulips are already available in February and bring a sense of the coming spring.
- Peony-shaped roses — a romantic peony-like silhouette in winter, when real peonies are hard to find.
- Ranunculus, hyacinths, lisianthus — for those who want to move away from the classics.
- Chrysanthemums and gerberas — bright and long-lasting, good for friendly "valentines".
What the colour means
Colour meanings come from the tradition of the language of flowers, not strict rules: if your loved one adores yellow tulips, give yellow tulips.
How many flowers to give
In Ukraine it is customary to give an odd number of flowers when there are fewer than 10–15, because even numbers are associated with funerals. In large bouquets this rule no longer applies.
- 1 flower — a simple sign of attention, especially together with a gift or a card.
- 11–25 — a classic bouquet that is easy to carry and hold.
- 51–101 — a grand gesture for a special occasion, such as a proposal.
Creative presentation ideas
- Heart-shaped arrangement — flowers in heart-shaped floral foam that only needs watering now and then.
- Flowers in a box — no vase needed, handy for giving at work or in a restaurant.
- Single-variety bouquet — many stems of one kind and colour look restrained and stylish.
- Bouquet with a card — a few handwritten words are often valued as much as the flowers; see "DIY Valentine cards" for ideas.
- Surprise delivery — a courier brings the bouquet to work or home at a time you choose.
Why order in advance
13–14 February are among the busiest days of the year for florists. Demand for roses rises many times over, so the closer to the holiday, the smaller the choice, and delivery at a specific time may no longer be available. Ordering a few days ahead is the most reliable way to get exactly the bouquet you wanted.
Keeping flowers fresh in winter
- Carry the bouquet wrapped: even a short time in frost can damage the petals.
- At home, leave the flowers in their wrapping for 15–20 minutes so they adjust to the warmth.
- Recut the stems with a sharp knife and put the flowers in clean, cool water.
- Keep the vase away from radiators and fruit.
If you want to do more
Flowers go well with a handmade gift — see "DIY Valentine's gifts". For inspiration, read love stories in which flowers played a leading role.
FAQ
Which flowers should I give my girlfriend on 14 February?
Red or pink roses are a safe choice, but consider her taste: many people will be just as happy with tulips, peony-shaped roses or a bright mix.
Can I give flowers to a man on Valentine's Day?
Yes. Restrained single-variety bouquets, arrangements in a box or potted plants work well.
When should I order a bouquet for 14 February?
A few days before the holiday, especially if you need delivery at a specific time.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
