Red roses have long been the agreed badge of all things love and passion. As far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans, they were symbols of Aphrodite and Venus, the respective goddesses of love. And later, medieval Christians linked their quintet of petals with Christ’s five wounds, subsequently using red roses as symbols for the blood of Christian martyrs. More passion, less romantic, no?
But the real foundations for our amorous relationship with roses were laid by those trusty Victorians, the ultimate in foundation-layers. It was they who devised floriography, AKA ‘the language of flowers’ - or, in Joe Bloggs speak, what each flower implies. In particular, floriography had red roses as emblems of ove, and yellow ones of friendship.
And, ever since, perfumes, skincare brands and so on have cemented this denotation, It’s gotten to the point now where behavioural psychologists say we automatically associate red roses with passion. And - kerching, if you’re a florist - with Valentine’s Day.
All of which explains why red roses are the romantic plant of choice. But there are alternatives – online delivered flowers which will work for the non-conformist, alternative, free-thinking romantic; botany for the left-field lover. Here are ten suggestions:
White Rose
Not much of a leap, admittedly, but (mostly) a clever choice. Partly because white roses are still, to state the obvious, roses, and therefore romantic, sweet-scented and pretty. But also because they have a symbolic resonance: they represent purity (you), virtue (you again) and good character (you once more!). Be careful, though - the white rose is also the bridal rose, so you’ll be running the risk of inadvertently encouraging nuptial thoughts…
Orange Rose
Ideal for a friend with benefits, a not-quite-girlfriend, or that flatmate in whose bed you seem to regularly end up. With (as above) yellow roses signifying platonic love and red ones obviously referring to all-out, gung-ho amour, the orange variety is seen as something of a halfway house: ideal, then, for situations where the romantic situation isn’t wholly clear-cut.
Tulip
The most common alternative to roses; like choosing an elegant independent coffee house over Starbuck’s. Red tulips are a dreamier, more velvety version of red roses, yet just as scarlet, and just as intense in terms of aroma. And they too symbolise all things amour: after he had killed himself having discovered the death of his beloved maiden, rouge tulips supposedly grew from each drop of Prince Farhad’s blood.
Orchid
Elegant, beautiful and - let’s be honest - sexy. Buying a small bouquet of orchids is the floral equivalent of splashing out on some racy lingerie: not only does it communicate passion and kindness, but it also makes clear that this isn’t a night for curling up on the sofa with a DVD. Particularly recommended are lavender orchids, such is their exotic and seductive scent
Lily
One of the most beautiful and delicate flowers around, and thus always a winner. White lilies are a metaphor for innocence, chastity and virtue - so skip those and go for pink stargazer lilies, which represent wealth and prosperity, and also a hint of passion. Be warned, though: lilies are also a funeral flower, so best avoid them if your lover has suffered any losses lately.
Daisy
We know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking: “Daisies? Those small things which I routinely run over on grass verges?” And yes, the very same. Because, you see, daisies epitomise love in its purest form - faith, loyalty, that sort of stuff. Nothing too pulse-racing, just good old-fashioned doting. You might also be surprised to learn that daisies don’t just come in white - red, pink, orange and yellow versions are also available.
Carnation
The cultured, classy options. Carnations are undeniably pretty, and also very elegant and deep, invoking intense feelings. Best of all, and especially appealing for the cost-minded Casanovas out there, carnations rank among the longest-lasting flowers sent online with flower delivery shops. This could be said to symbolise a great end to the night, but it also means they’ll still be lighting up the dinner table in three weeks’ time.
Anemone
Anemones are said to have been created from Aphrodite’s tears, when the Greek goddess mourned the death of Adonis. But while that’s not a hugely positive message for Valentine’s Day, the flower also more generally signifies magic and passion, and those are qualities welcome in any relationship. Most of all, anemones are just different. Who buys anemones? You do - and that’s why you’re special, you big winner.
Hailing from Asia, camellias can be seen as grander versions of roses, thanks to much larger, multi-layered petals. They’re most commonly seen in pink, a bloom of camellia which rather handily symbolises longing. This is a refined, upmarket and exotic alternative, perfect for the lady for whom roses just won’t do…
Chrysanthemum
An emergency option if some flattery is needed - in particular, when a guilty bouquet is required on February 15th - as chrysanthemums are used in Asia as a blessing to gods. To gods! Skip the white versions - associated with honesty and clarity - and bag a handful of the red variety, which, you guessed it, represent love.
