Love-themed and romantic plants
Love is in the air and Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Living plants make a great Valentine’s Day gift and by buying these for your loved one, you’re giving something that will grow all season and give enjoyment all year round.
Here are our picks of romantic plants that you can gift on Valentine’s Day and beyond to tell someone how much you love them.
Roses
The tradition of giving roses for Valentine’s Day is rooted in Greek tradition where Aphrodite was scratched by a white rose’s thorn, causing that rose to turn red with her blood.
Roses are synonymous with beauty and perfection and are a timeless way to say “I love you.” Plant your rose in winter or early spring in a sunny spot and remember to feed with a high-potash fertiliser to keep them blooming throughout summer.
Carnation
Also known as Dianthus caryophyllus, the different colours of the carnation flower are also symbols of love. Popular in the garden and as a cut flower, carnations are positive symbols of love, fascination, and gratitude.
Carnations are the second most popular cut flower in the country and are ideal for Valentine's Day as a sign of lasting love and undying commitment.
Cyclamen
With its delicate heart-shaped flowers, people have associated the cyclamen plant with matters of the heart, making it a perfect Valentine's Day choice. Perceived as a symbol of devotion, they can be grown from November through to March, making it a colourful wintertime flower that is sure to brighten that special someone's day.
Tulips
Tulips in the garden or as cut flowers are said to mean perfect love. The colours of tulips can represent your true feelings for the person who received them. Yellow tulips declare that you are hopelessly in love, red tulips are said to be a “declaration of love” pink is caring white tulips symbolise forgiveness.
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
The Dicentra spectabilis, also known as the Bleeding-Heart plant and appears in early spring. The heart-shaped blooms come in ruby red, lipstick pink, and pure white. The myth behind the plant states that a young man fell in love with a beautiful maiden, making her a series of gifts, each depicted by a different part of the flower. In modern-day culture, the plant has come to represent a symbol of true love.
Forget-me-not
Dating from Victorian times, the forget-me-not was used to make a declaration of love. It was believed that lovers who exchange bouquets of forget-me-nots on parting will eventually be reunited.
Forget-Me-Not varieties are often blue, but they also can produce white and pink flowers too. Delicate and pretty, it is the perfect plant for border fronts, rock and cottage gardens.
Anthurium
The anthurium is another great plant to gift a loved one. Originally a tropical flower, the flower comes in a passionate deep red and is shaped like a heart, making it the ultimate expression of love for your Valentine.
Hoya kerrii
Also known as the Sweetheart Plant, this Hoya has big heart-shaped leaves and makes a fantastic houseplant gift for your loved one. Easy to care for, water when soil is dry and keep in medium, bright light to maintain its romantic display.
Moth Orchid
What to give that special person for Valentine’s Day this February? Why not an orchid? The Phalaenopsis is one of the most popular to give a loved one and is a wonderful long-lasting gift which is a great alternative to a fresh flower bouquet.
Heartleaf Philodendron
If romance is on your mind then this trailing philodendron with its heart-shaped leaves will convey your feelings of affection The lush, green foliage is the perfect addition for any houseplant lover as its leaves and vines cascade and trail in a romantic fashion.
