Ever wondered how Valentine’s was created? Who invented Valentine’s? Or when Valentine’s started? Let us give you some back story to this romantic day…
Legend has it that Valentine’s Day can be traced back to Saint Valentine, believed to have been a priest or bishop in Rome during the third century. Although the precise origins are debated, some accounts suggest he defied Emperor Claudius II by secretly performing marriages for young soldiers, leading to his martyrdom. Over time, his legend merged with various traditions, including the medieval custom of courtly love, eventually evolving into the holiday we now celebrate worldwide each February.
By the 14th century, Valentine’s Day was increasingly associated with romantic love, popularized by poets such as Geoffrey Chaucer who referred to it in his work, The Parliament of Fowls. From there, it spread throughout Europe, gaining momentum and taking on new cultural nuances in each region.
Though in the UK the tradition began to flourish during the Victorian era, when Victorian women would use flowers to communicate secret messages with their suitors. That’s right, women were the OG sender of flowers. Known as a practice called floriography—meaning the language of flowers—it became so popular that whole dictionaries were created to decipher the meaning of each flower.
Floriography was not just a novelty; it was a genuine form of coded communication in an era bound by strict social rules. Through specific flower choices, arrangements, and even the way the bouquet was handed over, individuals could express everything from admiration to secrecy or hope. Flowers like lisianthus often symbolised appreciation or gratitude for the recipient, while tulips—especially red ones—commonly signified a declaration of deep, passionate love.
As you can see, sending flowers on Valentine's Day has long been a timeless romantic gesture - and lovers have always ruminated on the best flowers to convey their specific feelings.
Whether you want to send the classic - Roses or something a bit more meaningful to your individual Valentine we’re confident there’s a bloom for everyone.
1. Red Roses
They’ve symbolised love throughout history and have become synonymous with Valentine’s Day cementing their place as the classic flower to say “I love you”. In the Victorian language of flowers, red roses have one of the least ambiguous meanings - they're a declaration of love, romance, devotion, and passion. To show someone how much you adore, desire and love them you simply can’t go wrong with a bouquet of red roses.
Want to send roses, but find find Red Roses a bit intimidating, check out these alternatives;
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Pink Roses, a great option when you want to show someone you care without the intensity of red roses. Deeper pink roses symbolize appreciation and admiration, whilst soft pink roses symbolize happiness, sweetness and grace
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Yellow Roses, great for early days or long loves. Yellow roses symbolize joy and friendship.
2. Freesia
Our best seller for a reason. Freesias just can’t be beaten on scent. Their alluring sweet, citrusy fragrance fills up a room. They convey complete trust in someone. Red freesias are most commonly associated with Valentine’s representing romance and passion. They’re also the most fragrant of the Freesia family.
3. Carnations
Understated and at times misunderstood. Carnations are known for their vibrant colours, long-lasting beauty, and deep symbolism. Much like roses, red carnations in particular are associated with passionate love and romance. With an impressive vase life, these flowers will keep your message longer than most.
4. Lisianthus
Drastically underrated in our opinion. Lisianthus symbolize appreciation and a lifelong bond - perfect for long term relationships. White symbolizes purity, innocence and elegance whilst pink symbolizes grace, femininity and romance. Each stem has several flowers so they own their space as they bloom.
5. Tulips
More commonly known as a sign spring is on its way; they actually have deep roots in meaning associated with love and romance throughout history. Red tulips convey deep love and passion making them a perfect choice to express love to your Valentine.
Browse all Valentine's bouquets here.
Author - Stephen Crowther
