What flowers should you give for Valentine's Day?
What flowers should you give for Valentine’s Day? You’ll likely choose a bouquet of flowers to express your love to the person you cherish most in the world, but you may not know which flowers to choose. While roses may be the first thing that comes to mind, there’s a whole range of flowers that can convey love and its many nuances. The Sessile editorial team is here to help you figure it out!
Why give flowers for Valentine's Day?
Flowers are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful symbols of love. They convey a multitude of emotions, from fiery passion to tender affection. Giving a bouquet is a way to convey a sincere message, whether it’s a passionate declaration or a more subtle expression of love. Each flower has its own meaning, so let yourself be inspired to choose the one that perfectly expresses your feelings.
Flowers That Symbolize Love
To celebrate Valentine's Day, here are a few must-have flowers that are sure to melt your partner's heart.
1/ Roses: the classic
Without a doubt, the rose will be the undisputed star of most of your bouquets. And for good reason: this flower, so beautifully praised by Ronsard for its voluptuous forms, is a vibrant ode to passion.
Its color can add many nuances to the message you want to convey. The red rose, in particular, symbolizes intense passion and is perfect for a passionate declaration. The pink rose, on the other hand, conveys tenderness and gentleness. As for the pristine white rose, it symbolizes purity. This is why it’s often included in wedding bouquets—to express the sincerity of the commitment.
I'm finding my Valentine's Day bouquet
2/ Violets: An Original Choice
The violet, a small, delicate flower, has been popular in Europe since ancient times for its medicinal properties. When it comes to love, it has an illustrious precedent, since the violet was Napoleon’s favorite flower ever since he met Joséphine de Beauharnais!
The violet carries a profound message of modesty and restraint. By extension, it reflects the hidden love we don’t dare admit. If you choose violets, make sure the person you secretly love knows their meaning if you want the message to get across! Another advantage: the violet is a seasonal flower and is widely grown in France.
3/ Tulips: a sure bet
The tulip is also a highly prized flower for expressing love. Imported from Turkey, it quickly became very popular in Europe. While it is not as sought-after as it was in the 17th century—when its bulbs could be bought for the price of a house—it remains a popular flower for saying “I love you.”
While the rose symbolizes passionate love, the tulip adds a touch of reason to one’s feelings and evokes a more stable, sincere, and lasting love. You can therefore give it to your significant other to promise them unwavering commitment.
4/ Lilies: purity and elegance
The white lily, with its elegant form, exudes an air of luxury and splendor. Considered the queen of flowers in ancient Greece, the lily has long been the symbolic flower of the kings of France. As a symbol associated with the Virgin Mary, it represents purity and harmony. Giving white lilies, then, is a way of declaring the purity and sincerity of one’s love!
5/ The buttercup: a thousand shades of love
Native to Central Asia, the buttercup made its way to Europe following the Crusades. It immediately became very popular due to its long blooming season, which means it’s often available for your bouquets.
The buttercup is the quintessential flower of seduction. Just like the rose, its colors convey different nuances: the red buttercup symbolizes carnal love, while the pink buttercup expresses more timid feelings.
6. The Anemone
The anemone was imported to Europe from Constantinople in the 17th century. Thriving in temperate climates, the anemone found an ideal environment in Europe to flourish. Even today, it is widely cultivated in France.
According to some legends, the anemone was born from the tears of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It symbolizes the desire to be close to the one you love and is a token of unwavering sincerity.
How to Choose the Perfect Flowers for Your Valentine?
While all of these flowers are commonly given to express love, keep in mind that the one that says it best is the one you choose. Our partner florists can, however, help you make your choice.
For a passionate love: go for vibrant ranunculus or red roses!
For a tender and sincere relationship: choose tulips or white lilies.
For a shy but sincere declaration: violets and anemones are perfect.
Seasonal Flowers for an Authentic Valentine's Day
Choosing seasonal flowers for Valentine's Day means opting for a more natural and eco-friendly bouquet. In February, instead of traditional roses, go for fresh, colorful flowers!
Ranunculus and anemones add a soft, romantic touch, while mimosa brightens the arrangement with its vibrant yellow color and delicate fragrance. For an even more personalized arrangement, you could include tulips, hyacinths, or daffodils, which gently herald the arrival of spring.
Sessile's Take on Valentine's Day Flowers
At Sessile, we know that every love story is unique. That’s why our artisan florists create custom arrangements tailored to every emotion and every personality. When you choose a bouquet of fresh, seasonal flowers, you’re giving much more than a gift —you’re giving an unforgettable experience.
The entire Sessile team wishes you a wonderful Valentine's Day, filled with love and beautiful flowers!
Who are we?
Sessile champions the independence of artisan florists online. Founded in 2019 by six friends, Sessile brings together 500 florists committed to transforming the industry and enables flower delivery throughout France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. By breaking away from the traditional online catalog model, the network highlights each florist’s expertise and helps keep the art of floristry alive. Florists can pursue their passion and create more creative bouquets because they have greater freedom to offer seasonal flowers and, whenever possible, locally sourced flowers.
