Amy’s Advice
Which Flower Is Traditionally Given On Valentine's Day?
The red rose, hands down. It's also the most purchased flower on February 14th, and honestly that surprises nobody who's been in this industry as long as I have.
The association goes back centuries to Greek mythology, where roses were linked to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Red specifically communicates romantic love in the language of flowers, so when someone hands you a dozen red roses, there's no room for interpretation. They're saying exactly what you think they're saying.
What Are The Top 3 Flowers Purchased For Valentine's Day?
Here at The Hidden Garden, we see the same patterns every February. Our top sellers are:
- Red roses (they dominate our cooler all week long)
- Tulips (pink and red fly out the door)
- Ranunculus (brides love them, but so do Valentine's shoppers)
Alternatives To Roses This Valentine’s Day
I've been watching the 2026 trends closely, and our florists are leaning into blooms that feel softer and more intentional this year. Garden roses give you that lush, romantic look with an incredible fragrance that standard roses can't match. Ranunculus have those layered petals that photograph really well and feel slightly unexpected.
Tulips symbolize perfect love and come across as fresh rather than overdone. Anemones with their dark centers add just enough edge for recipients who prefer bold over predictable.
If you're tired of the same February routine, read our full breakdown of the Valentine's flowers florists are recommending this year for more inspiration on what's trending in 2026.
Which Flower Means "I Love You Secretly"?
Gardenias carry this message in the Victorian language of flowers, which makes them perfect for secret admirers building courage. The heavy fragrance and waxy petals became associated with hidden feelings because giving them openly announced what you hadn't yet spoken.
If you're sending flowers anonymously this Valentine's Day, pair that gardenia with a bouquet of twelve blooms. The dozen communicates "be mine" in flower language, so you're sending two layered messages at once.
For more ideas on making your Valentine's bouquet stand out, take a look at our Valentine's Day bouquet ideas.
What Flower Means "I Love You Forever"?
For couples who've been together long enough that the initial spark has deepened into permanence, red carnations represent eternal devotion. They last longer than most cut flowers, which feels symbolically appropriate.
Another option is nine tulips arranged together. The number nine in flower language means "I will love you forever," and tulips already represent perfect love. Stack that symbolism for a partner who notices those details.
Flowers Not To Give On Valentine’s Day
Stick with reds and pinks for this holiday. Colors that communicate the wrong message include:
- Yellow (signals friendship, not romance)
- White (reads as formal or sympathy-related to many recipients)
- Black (too closely associated with mourning)
And avoid these flowers entirely on February 14th:
- Yellow roses
- Yellow carnations
- White lilies
- Chrysanthemums (particularly for recipients with Asian cultural backgrounds)
- Gladioli
Other Gifts Which Pair Well With Flowers
Candles pair well, and we carry a candles range specifically because customers kept asking for that combination. The scent extends the experience after the petals have faded.
Chocolate remains a safe choice, though I'd suggest going for quality over quantity. A handwritten note also matters more than people realize.
Men And Valentine’s Day Flowers
Most men respond well to arrangements with visual impact and clean lines rather than soft, layered petals. Orchids and sunflowers are the two blooms I see men react to most positively. Anthuriums and bird of paradise also register as interesting rather than uncomfortable.
The key is avoiding pastels and anything that looks ruffled. Deep reds, bright yellows, and architectural shapes read as bold.
I wrote an entire guide on Valentine's flowers for men if you want specific recommendations and examples of arrangements that actually land with male recipients.
What Is The Best Website To Order Flowers From?
For Valentine's Day delivery in Los Angeles, The Hidden Garden. We design an exclusive range specifically for February that you won't find anywhere else. Our in-house couriers handle every delivery personally rather than outsourcing to third parties who treat your gift like a package.
We've been doing this for over 25 years, so we know how to handle the chaos of the busiest flower holiday on the calendar. Place your order before 1 PM and we'll deliver same-day anywhere in LA, from Beverly Hills to the Valley to Santa Monica. The difference between us and a national service is that when you order from us, I can tell you exactly who designed it and who's driving it to the door.
Custom Orders
If you're looking to give someone a custom arrangement then please contact us here. Or, take a look at our unique Valentine's flower collection for more options.
