Decoding the Flowers

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and soon guys (and girls maybe?) will soon flock the flower shops in order to get the best looking flower for their loved ones. Along with chocolates and teddy bears, flowers (most especially roses) have been one of the staple items during the heart’s season.

Ever wondered why?

Here is a list of the top 10 popular Valentine’s Day flowers and what they actually mean, as compiled by Amanda Greene Kelly:

• Roses

Definitely topping the list is the classic Rose. They come in at a price most especially during the love season. The iconic flower represents love, romance, beauty, and perfection.

• Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera Daisies are automatically associated with beauty, innocence and purity. They are easily identified because of their large flowering heads and lively colors. They also connote cheerfulness—perhaps the reason why it is said that these blooms are the always a favourite to receive.

• Tulips

Considered one of the Valentine’s Day classics for their elegance and affordability. These flowers stand for ‘perfect love’ and they also convey warmth and comfort.

• Alstroemeria

Also known as Peruvian lilies, these South American native is among the popular choices because not only they are very eye-catching, they are relatively easy to find. And because one can see multiple blooms per stem, they are a good choice for creating voluptuous flower arrangements.

• Casa Blanca Lilies

Here’s an expensive bloom. A man who gives a girl a bouquet of this white Oriental lilies surely knows his partner well. These flowers also represent beauty, class, style, and sophistication.

• Orchids

Love, beauty, luxury, and strength. These are the words that are commonly associated with Orchids. They also send an air of exotic seduction—so if someone gives you an Orchid, expect that that person is a bit wilder than you expect, compared to someone who chooses to give a dozen roses. By the way, Orchids are also great for bouquets and pots for they hold up well over time.

• Carnations

Carnations are popular for they are one of the cheapest in the bunch. However, for some reason, these ruffled beauties carry a not-so-pleasing connotation. Perhaps because they also stand for fascination and new love—something that we can also associate with excitement and instability.

• Sunflowers

Just like sun, from which these blossoms are named after, Sunflowers are sure-fire indicator of warmth and happiness. These spirit-lifting flowers are available year-round and they also stand for loyalty.

• Irises

They come in a number of colors, but mostly seen in blue, white, and yellow, and they are automatically associated with royalty. These flowers also connotes faith and hope. When in an arrangement, they are best paired with red tulips or daisies because of the pleasing color combination.

• Gardenias

These flowers are very fragrant and they represent a deep, old-fashioned love. They also mean purity and joy. These flowers are a bit pricey and they are usually sold per single bloom. You might also want to take this piece of insight (for point of conversation in the future)—it is said that a man who buys this flower might have a previous experience of giving this to someone else. Because of the premium price, it doesn’t belong to the default choices of most guys.

So girls, come Valentine’s Day, you might want to visit this post again to check what your guy is really saying. It’s time to decode that flower! Here's a list of romantic places to spend Valentine's in. Enjoy!