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Learn the language of flowers this Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day, learn the true message of what you're sending
Various cultures have assigned meanings to flowers throughout history. This custom reached its height during the Victorian era, when lovers would indicate feelings and send messages through the type of flower they sent, wore or carried.
The rose is the flower traditionally associated with Valentine's Day, with an estimated 103 million roses sold for last year's love fest, according to the Society of American Florists. Red roses, long considered the symbol of true love, remain the most popular flower given on Feb. 14.
"The idea of the red rose signifying true love goes back to Greek and Roman times," says Rocky Pollitz, vice president for industrial marketing at Teleflora. "It's something we've inherited, and most men give red roses because they feel they have to."
However, doing so limits the possibilities and meanings inherent in floral gifts.
"Roses come in almost every color, except blue and black. Different roses have different colors, shades and aromas," she says.
Pink roses, for example, indicate perfect happiness. White roses signify charm and innocence. Orange roses define passion, and yellow roses express joy.
"Ninety percent of the roses we sell for Valentine's Day are red, about 8 percent are white, yellow or peach, and the rest are mixed arrangements or in such colors as lavender and orange," says Rich LoPresti, president of Lubin and Smalley Florists, Downtown.
Yet sometimes, men purposely stay away from red roses for Valentine's Day because of the implied message of deep passion.
"A guy might be dating someone and wants to send her flowers for Valentine's Day. He knows that red roses mean true love and doesn't want to be in that situation, so he'll send something else," says LoPresti, adding that some flowers aren't as popular as they used to be for Valentine's Day. "We used to do a lot of red and white carnations, but don't anymore. They seem to have a stigma, but I don't know why."
One reason might be their meaning. While some sources indicate that carnations stand for true love or a woman's love, others list the white carnation as a sign of disdain.
"The gladiola also isn't popular anymore, probably because people associate it with funerals," LoPresti says of the flower that Victorians considered to represent generosity.
Symbolism aside, roses sometimes aren't the Valentine's Day flower of choice, due to cost. Most roses must be imported from overseas this time of year, which translates into a price of $60 to $70 for a dozen long-stemmed roses.
As a result, more consumers are opting for seasonal flowers as a way of expressing their love.
"While roses are always the most popular, we do get orders for some mixed bouquets for Valentine's Day," says Robin Repp of Shackelford & Maxwell's Flowers, Downtown.
In addition to a few roses, such a bouquet often includes carnations, lilies and orchids, Repp says. According to the Victorians, orchids represent love and beauty, while different lilies have different meanings. A calla lily stands for maiden modesty or beauty, the white lily for purity and sweetness, the day lily for coquetry and the tiger lily for "I dare you to love me."
Mixed flower arrangements provide an attractive and affordable option for Feb. 14, says Jennifer Sparks, director of marketing for the Society of American Florists.
"Mixed flower arrangements have that just-picked-from-the-garden look and can be made with a variety of flowers and looks. More budget-conscious consumers can look for a mix," she says. "Some people think they have to get a dozen long-stemmed red roses, but an arrangement gives them more flexibility. You can also include roses in an arrangement."
Bouquets of seasonal flowers also are popular because of what they say, Pollitz says.
"We have cold winters, and when certain flowers just begin to show in the earth, we are attracted to them because they speak of the promises of spring," she says. "Anything that looks fresh and alive is most welcome."
The flower industry is seeing women becoming enamored with flowers such as sweet peas (which signify a departure or "remember me"), peonies (bashfulness) and hydrangea (thank you for understanding me), Pollitz says.
"Women seem to love sweet peas because of the transparency of their petals and their wonderful smell," she says. "They like the delicate appearance of other flowers, even if they aren't in season for Valentine's Day."
Pollitz says she has noticed more spring flowers at wholesale markets, including daffodils and tulips.
"You see those flowers and say 'It's spring!' " she says.
LoPresti agrees. "There are a lot of flowers in season that are available, such as tulips, irises and snapdragons, that make nice, fresh arrangements that can cost between $35 and $50, as opposed to $60 or $70 for a dozen roses," he says.
To the Victorians, those flowers represented more than the season. Daffodils mean "You are the only one," while the message of tulips depends upon the color. Red tulips are a declaration of love, variegated tulips stand for beautiful eyes, and yellow ones ask, "Are you true, my love?"
Irises have multiple meanings, including "Your friendship means so much more to me," "My compliments," eloquence, faith and wisdom.
Even though Valentine's Day conjures up images of extravagant gestures, most romantics still want their money's worth.
"Consumers expect to see perceived value, which is why many will send an open bouquet or arrangement, so they can see the flowers," Pollitz says.
But no matter what message a person hopes to send on Feb. 14, flowers remain the most popular way to express it, according to the Society of American Florists' Jennifer Sparks.
"That's the great thing about flowers," she says. "They provide many different ways to express your love."
| Bouquet of love |
If you're looking to say it with flowers this Valentine's Day, here are some of their hidden messages:
Sources: "Vera Wang on Weddings" (Harper Collins, 2001, $60); www.flowerguys.com; www.weddingflowersandmore.com; and www.weddingsgalore.com
| Valentine's contest |
As if choosing the right message in flowers isn't enough, now the pressure is on to put it into words.
Creative lovers can compete to win jewelry, roses and a vacation at an all-inclusive Sandals resort in the Caribbean by entering the "Hand Us a Line for Your Valentine" card message contest.
Participation is easy. Just log on to www.1800flowers.com, click on the "Hand Us a Line for Your Valentine" banner, and follow the guidelines to submit a message that's romantic or platonic in nature, just as long as it's less than 150 characters. The deadline to enter is Wednesday.
Recent messages include:
A complete list of contest rules and prize information can be found at www.1800flowers.com.
Photos by Tribune-Review and Netherland Flower Bulb
