Valentine’s Day need not be a single bouquet that will probably wilt away in a corner, forgotten. A living gift keeps on giving, quietly symbolising love where it sits. If you’re anything like Phoebe from the beloved sitcom, Friends, then you’ll have to sit through a funeral for the fallen plants, and who has time for that?
Whether you are hunting for romantic plants, styling a snug corner with romantic indoor plants, or choosing the best plants for Valentine’s Day, a potted specimen says I am thinking of you in a way that lasts.
Below you will find the familiar classics, each with its own symbolic meaning woven into the description, and a handful of less obvious choices that still whisper romance. Expect practical care notes and pairing ideas so your present looks thoughtful and thrives long after the cards are put away.
Roses
The obvious choice for a reason, roses are the shorthand of passion. Red blooms speak of deep desire and romantic devotion, pink petals convey admiration and gentle affection, and white roses suggest purity and new beginnings. A potted rose bush brings the drama of the garden indoors and rewards attention with fragrant flowers. Sure, a stemmed rose can make a good gift, but a potted one implies long-term - and isn’t that more romantic?
Tulips
Tulips are elegant and uncomplicated, symbolising perfect love and the promise of spring. A pot of tulips feels hopeful and fresh, ideal for someone starting a new chapter. Their simple cup-shaped flowers are cheerful without being fussy, and they suit a bright, cool spot where they will last longer. A little expensive, sure, but well worth it.
Orchids
Orchids stand for refined beauty and strength. Their long-lasting blooms suggest admiration that endures, and their exotic appearance reads as a luxurious, considered gift. An orchid in bloom is a statement of esteem and a reminder that beauty can be quiet and resilient. Just like… yep, you guessed it. Your Valentine.
Lilies
Lilies carry meanings of devotion and purity. Their dramatic flowers and heady scent make them a theatrical present for someone you hold in high regard. White lilies in particular suggest reverence and sincere intentions. Bonus points if you’re giving llies to someone named Lily.
Carnations
Who said romantic flowers have to be expensive to matter? Carnations are quite affordable, and they are generally not expensive. Carnations are versatile and long-lasting, with meanings that shift by color. Pink carnations often represent gratitude and a motherly kind of love, while red carnations can signal admiration. A great gift to imply one’s feelings to someone, don’t you think?
Best Plants for Valentine’s Day: Extra Credit
String of Hearts
This trailing succulent is literally romantic, with tiny heart-shaped leaves that symbolise enduring affection. It looks delightful spilling from a hanging pot and suggests a playful, modern kind of love that grows over time. Put that on a card.
Gardenia
Gardenias are intensely fragrantand symbolise secret love and joy. Their scent is intoxicating, and the plant reads as a luxurious, intimate gift. Because they can be fussy, gifting a gardenia may be best for partners who have green thumbs. It takes a plant lover to know a good romantic indoor plant when they see one.
Violets
Violets are modest and faithful, symbolising loyalty and devotion. Their small, delicate flowers suit a bedside table or a study shelf, and they make a quietly romantic statement for someone who prefers subtlety.
Peonies
Peonies are lush and celebratory, symbolising prosperity, romance and a happy marriage. Their full, ruffled heads look like a soft embrace, making them perfect for a grand gesture. A potted peony is a seasonal treasure that rewards patience and care.
Final Floral Flourish
Guys, gals, and everyone, don’t just hand your partner a romantic plant and call it a day. There’s nothing romantic about handing someone something like you’re passing a football. Give it some effort!
Tie a bow around it, pair it with a card or a stuffed doll. Heck, smile. Being romantic is not about doing things because you have to. Do things because you love the person you’re buying the gift for.
Wilt You Be Mine?
Pun intended - and that’s just a pun. Don’t let your plants wilt! Choosing a living gift is a personal and very romantic thing indeed. Whether you opt for the timeless language of roses or the cheeky little plants we suggested, Bloombox Club can help you find the perfect plant for your perfect partner. If you don’t want to gift an actual plant, we get it. But we do also offer supplies and tools that will please the gardener in your life.
