Better Than Chocolate

An American survey on the best gift to give your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day reveals that women much prefer flowers to chocolate, perfume, and lingerie. The most common reason given? Flowers are “more romantic”! Of course, we don’t always know if American surveys apply to Canada… but if I were you, gentlemen, I would opt for flowers!

Fortunately, it’s not too late. Florists have planned ahead and their shops are filled with beautiful fresh-cut flowers. And they’re even open tomorrow, Valentine’s Day, if you’re a last-minute shopper.

But which flowers should you buy? Here are a few suggestions:

The rose: a classic

The classic flower for Valentine’s Day is the red rose. The rose is the universal symbol of love, and the red rose specifically signifies passion and ardent love. If it’s a new love, give it as a bud: this signifies budding love. If your relationship is really in its infancy, a mix of red and white roses (white roses signify purity) will demonstrate your good intentions. Pink roses are also a good choice: they signify a vow of love. But avoid yellow roses, which some people associate with jealousy or even infidelity. (However, you can give yellow roses to a casual acquaintance: in this case, they signify “friendship.”)

Other flowers

In the language of flowers, every bloom carries a meaning, and offering them is a way to send a message. Here are some examples, listed in alphabetical order:

Ageratum: trust

Amaranth: everlasting love, immortality

Anemone: perseverance, affection, trust

Anthurium (Orange): invitation to an adventure

Anthurium (Red): invitation to love

Aster: trusting love

Azalea: joy of loving

Carnation: I am your slave

Chamomile: affection

Common Daisy: affection

Cornflower: shy love, timidity

Daisy (Marguerite): seduction

Forget-me-not: true love, faithful remembrance

Geranium: feeling of love

Honeysuckle: secret love, bonds

Hyacinth: deep happiness

Iris: love and tenderness

Jasmine: happiness, sensuality, voluptuousness

Lavender: respectful tenderness, virtue

Lily: pure feelings

Lilac (Purple): friendship

Lilac (White): promising love

Narcissus: selfishness

Orchid: refined and mysterious love

Passionflower: fidelity

Snapdragon: desire

Sunflower: joy of loving

Sweet William (Poet’s Carnation): admiration

Tulip (Red): declaration of love

Veronica (Speedwell): fidelity

Violet: hidden love, innocence, modesty

Wisteria: tenderness

With these meanings in mind, you can create a bouquet that expresses your feelings precisely.s.

And for the gentleman?

Despite popular belief, men also love receiving flowers (and there are surveys to prove it). Here too, the red rose is a classic and suits men’s tastes well, as we know they prefer bright colors such as red, orange, and yellow. Other studies show that men prefer contemporary or linear arrangements… and don’t disdain unusual or exotic flowers, such as green flowers or birds of paradise.

Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!

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Larry Hodgson has published thousands of articles and 65 books during his career, in both French and English. His son, Mathieu, has made it his mission to make his father’s writings accessible to the public. This text was originally published in the newspaper Le Soleil on February 13, 2010.