Valentine’s Day is the biggest flower-giving day of the year, and for good reason: few gifts say “I love you” like a beautiful bouquet. This guide covers the best Valentine’s flowers and what their colors mean.

Best flowers for valentine’s day

Red roses are the classic, but there are many romantic choices:

• Red roses — the ultimate symbol of love and passion
• Tulips — red tulips are a declaration of true love
• Orchids — exotic, elegant, and long-lasting
• Ranunculus — for radiant charm, in romantic shades
• Carnations — an affordable, meaningful classic

What rose colors mean on Valentine’s Day

Red roses mean love and passion, pink means admiration and gratitude, and white means purity and new beginnings. The number of roses carries meaning too: a single rose says love at first sight, while a dozen means complete and perfect love. See our rose meaning guide for the full breakdown.

Tips for Valentine’s Day flowers

• Order early — Valentine’s is the busiest flower day of the year
• Red roses are classic, but tulips and orchids stand out
• Match the color to your message using flower meanings
• A dozen roses is the traditional romantic gesture
• Consider a potted orchid for a gift that lasts

Valentine’s Day flowers FAQs

How many roses should I give for Valentine’s Day?

A dozen red roses is the traditional Valentine’s gesture, symbolizing complete and perfect love. A single rose says ‘love at first sight,’ making it a sweet, simpler option.

What are good alternatives to roses for Valentine’s Day?

Red tulips (true love), orchids (elegance), ranunculus (radiant charm), and carnations all make romantic Valentine’s alternatives to roses.

What do rose colors mean?

Red roses mean love and passion, pink means admiration and gratitude, white means purity, and yellow means friendship, so choose the color that fits your message.

Explore more

See more flowers by occasion, browse flower profiles, or learn about flower meanings.