The 23 Best Flowers for Valentine’s Day (Or a First Date!)
Red roses are the ultimate flower that symbolizes love, perfect for special occasions like first dates and Valentine’s. But if your date or partner prefers something more unique—just like mine—there are plenty of other colorful flowers you can choose from. Create a one-of-a-kind bouquet to express your affection for your special someone without saying a single word!
The best flowers to bring on Valentine’s day and a first date are
- Roses
- Zinnias
- Yarrow
- Heliotrope
- Forget-me-not
- Peonies
- Carnations
- Lavender
- Orchids
- Hyacinth
- Violet
- Jasmine
- Salvia
- Amaryllis
- Tulips
- Gardenia
- Morning glory
- Sunflower
- White clover
- Petunias
- Chamomile
- Lily-of-the-valley
- Calla lily
Want to give your loved one a more lasting gift than a bouquet of cut flowers this February? Consider giving them a pot of live flowering plants instead! I’ll even share with you care tips for them!
1. Roses (Rosa spp.)
In floriography, roses mainly symbolize love making it a good choice for dates and Valentine’s. Giving red roses, in particular, to someone means to say “I love you.”
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: Asia, Europe
Common Colors: Cream, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, white, variegated
Flower Size: 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
When people talk about flowers and love, the red rose is typically the first thing that comes to most peoples’ minds. It’s often mentioned in love songs and romantic poems.
Rosebuds are believed to represent a more innocent love that may be perfect for childhood sweethearts. By contrast, the crimson petals of mature roses embody the desire between lovers.
The number of roses you give your beloved can also have different meanings. A single stem will suffice to say that you love them. If you give them a bouquet of mature roses, however, it shows that you are also grateful to them.
Potted rose plants will do well with about 6 hours of full sun and well-draining soil that’s either slightly acidic or neutral.
It’s hardy from zones 5 all the way to 11. In other words, it’s quite resistant to both frost and heat.
2. Zinnias (Zinnia spp.)
Giving zinnias to a person signifies having lasting affection for them. They can be given with both romantic and platonic intentions in mind during Valentine’s day.
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: The Americas
Common Colors: Yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, white, variegated
Flower Size: 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
With a wide variety of vibrant colors to choose from, all kinds of zinnias have one thing in common—their meaning regarding love.
Zinnias represent always keeping someone in your thoughts. So these are perfect for family and friends as well. They’ll know that you always keep them in mind if you give them these.
If you’re going to buy live zinnias, make sure to place them in an area that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day.
You can keep them in acidic, neutral, alkaline soil so long as it stays evenly moist. They will thrive within zones 3 and 10 with very little maintenance needed.
3. Yarrow (Achillea spp.)
Aside from representing everlasting love, the aromatic yarrow also symbolizes healing. Hence, offering this during a date could represent the giver’s wish to maintain a long and healthy relationship with the recipient.
Other Names: Devil’s Nettle, Soldier’s Woundwort, Thousandleaf
Place of Origin: North America, Western Asia, Europe
Common Colors: Cream, yellow, orange, red, purple, pink, white
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
The flowers of yarrow commonly available in the market have more subdued colors of white, cream, and pale purple, so there rarely serve as a centerpiece. You’d more likely see them being used as fillers instead.
Personally, though, I think that they deserve to be arranged in a bouquet of their own not only because of their bright color and lasting scent, but also their meaning.
According to the language of flowers, yarrow blooms convey the love that lasts forever. I guess this meaning was ascribed to it since its floral fragrance stays long after it has dried.
The belief that yarrow has healing effects stems from the olden-day practice of applying it as a poultice on wounds to inhibit bleeding. Its other nickname, soldier’s woundwort, may have originated from this.
When kept at home as a live flowering plant, they need—at the very least—2 hours of direct sun exposure. Though they can survive in partial shade, they’ll grow best with full sun.
Grow them at home if you’re from zones 3–9. Just make sure to keep your yarrow in well-draining soil. Too much moisture can cause it to droop.
4. Heliotrope (Heliotropium spp.)
To signify eternal love and devotion for a special person, one can offer a bunch of heliotrope during regular dates or special events like Valentine’s day.
Other Names: Cherry Pie Flower
Place of Origin: America, Europe
Common Colors: Purple, blue, white
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
If your partner or spouse is a fan of blue and purple native flowers, give them a handpicked bouquet of heliotrope. Putting in that effort will prove just how devoted you are to them!
You don’t even have to wait for a special occasion before letting your other half enjoy these vibrant trumpet-shaped blossoms.
Provide them with a moist but well-draining fertile medium at home. They’ll grow well even if kept indoors as long as they are in a sunny spot, from zones 3 to 10. South-facing windows will be great for them.
Explore available options in our article on growing mediums.
5. Forget-Me-Not (Myosotis spp.)
The small blue flowers of forget-me-nots signify not only precious memories but also true love. As such, it is a good flower to give to one’s significant other for dates.
Other Names: Scorpion Grass
Place of Origin: North America, Europe, Asia
Common Colors: Pink, blue, white
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
As its name suggests, you will only typically give someone forget-me-nots if you want them to keep you in their memories.
It can also make them realize that you want to spend more time together so that you’ll have numerous experiences to reminisce about in the future when you grow older.
Most people say that true love is lasting. It should stand tall despite all the challenges you face in life.
So why not grow forget-me-nots in your home garden? You and your beloved can forever appreciate these delicate blue blooms for the rest of your lives as long as you care for them.
Let forget-me-not plants thrive by giving if full sun for about 6 hours each day. Then, on really hot summer days, protect it from harsh sunlight by moving it to the shade. Keep it moist throughout the year but avoid overwatering it.
6. Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
The perfect flower to give to one’s spouse during Valentine’s day as it stands for both a happy life and a happy marriage. Its big full blossoms with ruffled petals also have a strong sweet fragrance.
Other Names: Garden Peony
Place of Origin: Siberia, Tibet, China
Common Colors: Yellow, red, pink, white
Flower Size: 3–6 inches (7–15 cm)
If you’re looking for a flower that will signify your wish of spending many more years with your spouse, then look for peonies!
Even for newlyweds, It’s also a great choice. Give it to your partner to show how content and thankful you are to have them in your life. You can even match it with their favorite color—be it red or white.
Once established peony bushes can last for several decades. So if you grow them at home, you’ll be able to appreciate their beauty for every anniversary.
You can also cut as much flower as you want during its flowering period in spring and summer since it’s a prolific bloomer.
A single bush of peonies can produce 75–100 individual flowers each season!
It’s important to give them more or less 6 hours of full sun as too much shade can inhibit flowers from growing. They can grow almost anywhere in zones 3–8. However, peony bushes do best within zones 5–7, especially with moist fertile soil.
7. Carnations (Dianthus spp.)
Denoting admiration and love, frilly red carnation flowers are great gifts for someone who is either starting or are already in a serious relationship on Valentine’s day.
Other Names: Pinks, Sweet William, Gillyflowers
Place of Origin: South Africa, Europe, Asia
Common Colors: Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white, variegated
Flower Size: 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
The meaning behind giving someone carnations during a date can vary greatly depending on the color of the flowers.
For new couples, light red or white carnations may be a great choice for admiration and pure love. On the other hand, dark red carnation flowers convey a deeper love and affection for the receiver.
Since cut flowers won’t last as long as live ones, why don’t you consider giving your lover a pot of carnations instead?
Carnations prefer getting full sun and staying in well-draining moist soil. It’s resistant to deer and can withstand drought. This frilly-petal flower will thrive in zones 4–9.
8. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Although primarily a herb, lavender flowers are often added to Valentine’s bouquets because of their lovely scent and their symbolic meaning for devotion.
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: Europe
Common Colors: Purple, blue, white
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
Do you want to take things to the next step and enter a more serious relationship with a special someone you have been seeing for quite a while now?
Then prove your devotion and love for them by giving them a bunch of lavender flowers!
I would even recommend getting them a pot of flowering lavender plants instead. By doing so, they can also make use of their aromatic leaves even after the flower is spent.
Lavender isn’t that demanding to grow either, making it all the more perfect. Just give it at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure and make sure that its soil drains thoroughly after you water it.
They originate from the Mediterranean region. So in America, they are best grown in zones 5–9.
9. Orchids (Cattleya spp.)
A striking bouquet of orchids is a great gift for people who like vibrant colors and bold patterns for a date during Valentine’s day as it conveys both beauty and love.
Other Names: Cattleya
Place of Origin: South America
Common Colors: Green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, white, variegated
Flower Size: 2–10 inches (5–25 cm)
If you want to give your beautiful date a flower to match when you meet, then give them some stunning orchids. Their color and patterns range from subtle and delicate to refined and glamorous.
Just keep in mind that the meaning behind orchids is not limited or beauty and love. In some cultures, they may mean something more specific.
In Japan, for example, a native orchid (Havenaria radiata) means thinking dearly of someone in hopes of them seeing you in their dreams. Meanwhile, in China, orchids symbolize many children.
However, growing orchids at home is truly a labor of love since it is a high-maintenance plant that grows slowly. It even requires a specific kind of container to grow well.
Learn more about orchid pots in our article on terra cotta pots with side holes.
Orchids need bright indirect light for 6 hours every day to thrive. This should be provided consistently to induce flowering. It should be kept in an area with humidity levels above 50% and warm temperatures around 70–85°F (21–29°C) to grow prolifically in zones 10–12.
10. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Giving someone blue hyacinths during Valentine’s day is a promise of loving them constantly. For first dates, white hyacinths are more appropriate as they signify loveliness.
Other Names: Common Hyacinth, Garden Hyacinth, Dutch Hyacinth
Place of Origin: Europe, Asia
Common Colors: Yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, white
Flower Size: Less than 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
Hyacinth is another flower you have to take note of as its meaning according to the language of flowers can vary greatly depending on its color.
When giving hyacinths to a date, lover, or spouse, blue ones are the best choice. A close second is a white hyacinth which can either tell the receiver that you find them absolutely lovely or that you are praying for them.
Avoid giving someone a purple hyacinth unless you’re doing so to apologize as it generally means sorrow and “I am sorry.”
Now, if you plan on giving your special someone numerous live hyacinths, keep in mind that a single bulb will usually only produce an individual flower spike.
To ensure that they bloom and remain lush, keep their soil moist and slowly decrease watering after their blooms start wilting. You can place them in the bathroom or kitchen as they can serve as natural deodorizers thanks to their sweet scent.
For optimal growth, they need to get about 6 hours of bright direct sunlight. They also need fertile soil to produce their lovely bloom. Hyacinths are hardy to zones 3–8.
11. Violets (Viola spp.)
Blue violets, in particular, are a great flower to give during Valentine’s day as it symbolizes devotion and loyalty to a lover or spouse.
Other Names: Field Pansy
Place of Origin: North America, Europe
Common Colors: Cream, yellow, purple, blue, white, variegated
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
One thing many people seem to forget is that Valentine’s bouquet doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. The meaning behind the action as well as the flower itself would more than suffice.
Violets, for instance, indicate your faithfulness and devotion to your significant other if you are married or in a relationship. Blue ones also can express your intention of always being there for them.
Personally, my partner prefers receiving hand-picked flowers. So if you’re in a similar condition, consider doing this too. Then, you can use the money you saved on something else—a simple meal or a quick trip.
A bonus to getting potted violets is that they attract different pollinators. So if you have a vegetable garden, violets will be a beautiful and useful addition!
They don’t require much attention when cultivated at home. Place them in an area with 6 hours or more of full or dappled sun. Violets are hardier to zones 1–10.
12. Jasmine (Jasminum spp.)
Jasmine’s delicate and aromatic white flowers denote sweet love, as such, it is a good selection for bouquets to give on first dates and even Valentine’s day.
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: Asia, Europe
Common Colors: Yellow, pink, white
Flower Size: Approx.1 inch (2 cm)
Don’t underestimate jasmine because of its simple looks. Its scent is sweet and heavenly.
Give it to your partner to show them how dearly you think of them, even on the most uneventful mundane days. It can symbolize your comfortable and enjoyable bond.
As it is native to tropical areas, jasmine plants will grow quickly with little to no issues in zones 6–10. Ideally, they need full and direct sunlight for 6 hours or more to grow lush.
They also prefer moist and well-drained soil, though some varieties are more tolerant of dry soil.
13. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Blue salvia flowers can be given to a love interest during Valentine’s to tell them that the recipient often thinks about them. In comparison, red ones convey one’s wishes to forever be with the receiver.
Other Names: Sage
Place of Origin: Worldwide (except Antarctica)
Common Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, white
Flower Size: Less than 1–2 inches (2–5 cm)
There’s a drastic difference between the significance of giving someone salvia with blue flowers and red ones in floriography.
Giving salvias with blue blossoms to someone is a way to tell them that you think of them. It doesn’t necessarily have a romantic meaning to it, so this would be good for first dates when you’re still getting to know each other.
Red salvias, however, carry with them a more profound message. Straightforwardly, they mean “forever mine.” So if you want to officially ask someone out, this is the better option. They’re great for marriage proposals too!
But if possible, I recommend getting a pot of live ones instead as they are edible. You can use their flowers and leaves for garnish, seasoning, and teas—except for scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea).
It’s a low-maintenance plant that will thrive with 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure and soil rich in organic matter. You can grow it easily in zones 5–10.
14. Amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.)
Taking pride in one’s love for their lover or partner can be expressed with a bouquet containing amaryllis during dates or Valentine’s day.
Other Names: Belladonna Lily, Naked Lady
Place of Origin: South Africa
Common Colors: Red, pink, white
Flower Size: 2–6 inches (5–15 cm)
Pride is something that’s not usually celebrated as it’s commonly associated with selfishness, however, in the language of flowers love and pride can be good things.
So if your loved one needs some encouragement and acknowledgment, make them feel confident about themselves and their abilities.
You can tell them that you feel lucky to have them in your life and get the to call them your partner without saying it out loud by giving them a bright bunch of amaryllis.
An amaryllis bulb can produce a cluster of up to 12 gorgeous flowers!
If you live anywhere within zones 3–11, you can even keep several potted bulbs at home so you don’t have to buy cut flowers each time. Amaryllis will flourish with more or less 6 hours of full sunlight and well-draining soil.
15. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
Regardless of their color, tulips are a perfect flower to give during dates and special occasions like Valentine’s as it represents love and different charming qualities.
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: Southern Europe, Central Asia
Common Colors: Cream, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white, variegated
Flower Size: 1–6 inches (2–15 cm)
Do you think you have the perfect lover? Make sure to give them tulips so that they know that you greatly value them!
A clever friend of mine once even gifted his crush and long-time friend a colorful bouquet of cup-shaped tulips when he finally confessed to her.
He added red tulips to show that he is firm in his declaration of love; yellow since her smile was always warm and bright like the sun; and variegated ones because of her pretty eyes.
Tulips prefer warm dry days in summer and cool moist days in winter so they grow best in zones 3–8. Ensure good growth and regular flowering by providing 6 hours of full sun and fertile soil with good drainage.
16. Gardenia (Gardenia spp.)
Getting gardenias during Valentine’s day carries with it a message that the recipient secretly finds the receiver lovely. It’s also a common addition to bouquets for dates.
Other Names: Cape Jasmine
Place of Origin: Africa, Asia, Australia
Common Colors: Cream, yellow, white
Flower Size: 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
Even though gardenias carry with them a hint of secrecy in the language of flowers, their strong aroma will surely be difficult to hide. I guess this is why it’s perfect for confessions too!
If the person you have in mind prefers more lively flowers, then you could go for the yellow gardenias instead of cream and white ones. These tubular blooms are medium in size, either growing individually or in clusters.
Protect the delicate flowers of gardenias by growing live plants in partially shaded areas. It can only handle 2–6 hours of direct sunlight during the day.
Gardenias grow best with moist acidic soil that is fertile. They also prefer humid conditions so they grow best within zones 7–11.
17. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Offering someone morning glory flowers for Valentine’s day is a way to one’s affection. They can also be given during the first date.
Other Names: Cypress Vine
Place of Origin: The Americas
Common Colors: Red, pink, purple, blue, white
Flower Size: 1–3 inches (2–7 cm)
If you want to give someone flowers on the first date without seeming overeager and too serious, opt for a morning glory bouquet.
These elegant but lively blooms are great for making a good impression as they give a fun and bright impression.
Morning glories are a fast-growing flowering annual vine that can proliferate in various growing conditions as long as they get 6 hours of direct sunlight exposure. You can cultivate them in zones 2–11.
18. Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)
Big bright sunflowers are a good flower to give to friends, family, and a romantic partner during Valentine’s day as it denotes adoration for someone.
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: The Americas, Europe
Common Colors: Brown, cream, yellow, orange, red, white, variegated
Flower Size: 1–6 inches (2–15 cm)
Nowadays, people not only give out flowers during Valentine’s as a romantic gesture. It can also be done to express platonic and filial adoration, in celebration of all kinds of love.
In such instances, you can’t go wrong with sunflowers.
Discover more about this vibrant plant in our article on sunflowers with multiple heads.
Let your loved ones enjoy the cheerful blooms by growing them at home!
As their name suggests, sunflowers prefer being grown under direct sunlight for over 6 hours. They can grow with moist soil from zone 2 to 11.
Their addition to your garden will attract bees, butterflies, and songbirds. As such, they can be beneficial for fruiting plants and vegetables.
19. White Clover (Trifolium repens)
White clovers represent a wish to be thought of fondly when given during a first date or for Valentine’s day.
Other Names: Shamrock
Place of Origin: Western Asia, Europe
Common Colors: Brown, yellow, red, pink, purple, white
Flower Size: Less than 1–3 inches (2–5 cm)
Though they are an unlikely choice for flower giving, their dainty white petals make them all the more charming.
By giving your crush or partner white clovers in a bouquet—as fillers or centerpieces—you can express your hopes of always being in their mind, as they are in yours.
Have them handy at all times by growing them at home. Just monitor their growth as they can be quite the aggressive growers in zones 3–10.
This cute little flowering plant will grow well in moist sandy soil if it gets 2–6 hours of direct sun exposure during the day. White clovers will fix nitrogen into the soil which can be highly beneficial for other plants in your garden.
20. Petunias (Petunia hybrida)
Presenting petunias a one’s partner signifies a comforting love. It’s a good flower to give for events such as Valentine’s day and regular dates.
Other Names: Garden Petunia
Place of Origin: South America
Common Colors: Green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue, white, variegated
Flower Size: 2–4 inches (5–10 cm)
The softness of this delicate flower is perfect for indicating a calming love and peaceful relationship. More directly, petunias say “your presence soothes me” in floriography.
So if you view your partner as your refuge during times of challenges, let them know with petunias. You can even choose the favorite color of your beloved since it’s available in virtually all hues!
The nectar of petunia flowers provides food for pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds which can also help your other plants get fertilized and bear fruit.
In other words, potted live petunias are the perfect gift for a lover who has a green thumb!
Petunia bushes will flourish in zones 10–11 once they get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. They can withstand poor soils as long as it is moist and well-draining.
Pro Tip: Regularly pinching them back will encourage bushier growth. Also, deadheading petunias induce better flowering.
21. Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
During Valentine’s day, giving one’s lover chamomile signifies the sender’s appreciation of their patience. This can also be given to family and friends.
Other Names: Barnyard Daisy, Ground-Apple, Manzanilla
Place of Origin: Western Asia, Europe
Common Colors: Yellow, white
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
In the age of instant gratification and fast-paced lives, I have personally found my partner’s patience in me to be something I’m greatly thankful for.
Does that sound familiar? Then, consider getting a good handful of these aromatic daisy-like flowers for your special person.
Once they’ve dried, you can even steep the chamomile blossoms into a soothing cup of tea!
For optimal growth, cultivate chamomiles in zones 4–9 with over 6 hours of full sunlight exposure. Keep their soil moist so that it can develop a dense root system for firm anchorage.
22. Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)
With tiny bell-shaped flowers, the lily-of-the-valley is a beautiful choice for a gift during Valentine’s for a partner or spouse as it carries the message “you’ve made my life complete.”
Other Names: N/A
Place of Origin: Europe, Asia
Common Colors: White
Flower Size: Less than 1 inch (2 cm)
The showy and fragrant lily-of-the-valley never fails to bring a smile to my face. But I guess that’s to be expected as they indicate a sweet return to happiness—perfect for people in blissful relationships.
More importantly, giving lilies-of-the-valley to your significant other comes with a heavier meaning.
They evoke emotions of tenderness and gratefulness as having them in your company completes your life.
Avoid scorching these dainty white flowers by growing them in areas that receive dappled sunlight throughout the day in zones 3–7. They prefer getting some shade and having evenly moist soil.
23. Calla Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
The grand funnel-like flowers of calla lilies are perfect for dates and events such as Valentine’s as they are meant to show an appreciation for the receiver’s beauty.
Other Names: Arum Lily
Place of Origin: Africa
Common Colors: Green, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, white
Flower Size: 6–10 inches (15–25 cm)
A unique flower like the calla lily is fit for a lovely person with equally charming looks and personality.
It can also help you express your faithfulness to your loved ones. So it’s great for both young and old couples who wish to stay committed to each other.
Frankly, calla lilies aren’t the easiest plants to grow, especially in areas with really cold winters. But with proper care, all your effort will be rewarded by the stunning show of flowers that resemble trumpets.
Grow them in containers in zones 8–10 and place them in an area that gets 6 hours of direct sunlight. They will thrive will rich moist soils so it’s a good idea to mulch them.
FAQs
What kinds of flowers are good for first dates?
A bright-colored flower is great for first dates as it can lighten up the mood and make the flow of conversation move along smoothly. The recipient of such flowers is likely to also feel happy upon getting a flower picked especially to match their tastes—in color, style, and smell.
Are flowers more expensive on valentine’s day?
Most commercially available flowers generally fetch a substantially higher price in the middle of January up until February 14th due to high demand. They can easily cost twice as much during this time so one can save by growing cutting flowers at home or buying preserved flowers beforehand.
Summary of Best Flowers for Valentine’s or a First Date
Although roses are the most commonly given flower during dates and Valentine’s day, many other colorful and more uncommon choices also have meaningful messages according to floriography. These flowers can be offered not only to romantic interests but to friends and family as well.
Zinnias, yarrow, heliotrope, forget-me-not, peonies, carnations, lavender, orchids, hyacinth, violets, jasmine, salvia, amaryllis, tulips, gardenia, morning glory, sunflower, white clover, petunias, chamomile, lily-of-the-valley, and calla lily are also great for flower giving on Valentine’s and regular dates.
Sources
- “Flowers and Their Meanings: The Language of Flowers” by Ann Marie VanDerZanden in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
- “Plant Toolbox” by n/a in NC State Extension
