Top 10 Romantic Flowers That Express Your Love

The most romantic flowers aren't always red roses, though red roses are hard to beat. Peonies, tulips, lilies and even sunflowers all have a place in romantic flower bouquets, depending on the person and the moment: Valentine's Day, an anniversary, a proposal, or a Tuesday when you just want to say it. Here are ten that do the job, what each one is said to mean, and when we'd send it.

1. Red roses: the classic symbol of romantic love

Red roses are the flower everyone recognizes as "I love you". Nobody has to look up the meaning.

Meaning: passionate love, deep affection, commitment.

Best for: anniversaries, proposals and Valentine's Day. A dozen is the classic; fifty or a hundred is a statement. If you want a red rose bouquet for Valentine's Day, order early, because that week the whole city wants the same flower. See our roses and the Valentine's Day collection.

2. Pink roses: sweet and gentle romance

Pink roses say something softer: admiration, sweetness, affection that's still growing.

Meaning: grace, joy, admiration.

Best for: early dating, a first anniversary, or a partner who finds red a bit much. Pale pink reads gentle; hot pink reads playful. Our guide to rose colour meanings covers the full range.

3. White lilies: pure and devoted love

White lilies stand for purity, devotion and lasting love. They're also strongly scented, so make sure your partner likes that.

Meaning: pure love, respect, commitment.

Best for: a wedding anniversary, or a quieter, more serious gesture. One warning: true lilies are toxic to cats. If there's a cat at home, pick something else. See our lilies.

4. Tulips: perfect love

Tulips are simple, but they're one of the more romantic flowers in the old flower language, where red tulips were said to mean perfect love.

Meaning: perfect love, comfort, warmth.

Best for: spring, and "no reason" surprises. They keep growing and curving in the vase after they're cut, which gives them a relaxed look. See our tulips.

5. Orchids: luxury and deep admiration

Orchids are linked with luxury, strength and refined beauty, and a potted orchid can flower for weeks.

Meaning: luxury, strength, admiration.

Best for: a partner who likes clean, modern things and doesn't want a vase to look after. Orchids aren't part of our current range, so if you have your heart set on one, call us at (437) 291-5605 and ask.

6. Carnations: lasting affection and love

Carnations get dismissed as filler, which is unfair. They're ruffled, often lightly scented, and they last for ages.

Meaning: long-lasting love, devotion, admiration.

Best for: mixed romantic bouquets and everyday "thinking of you" flowers. A bouquet of deep red carnations alone looks far better than most people expect.

7. Sunflowers: bright and joyful romance

Sunflowers aren't the obvious romantic choice, and that's partly the appeal. They stand for happiness, loyalty and warmth.

Meaning: happiness, loyalty, warmth.

Best for: cheerful surprises, long-distance partners, and anyone who'd roll their eyes at red roses. See our sunflowers.

8. Peonies: romance and prosperity

Peonies are soft and full, with a scent that fills a room. They're tied to romance, prosperity and a happy marriage.

Meaning: romance, prosperity, good fortune.

Best for: weddings, engagements and anniversaries, if the timing works. Their season is short, roughly late spring into early summer. See our peonies.

9. Baby's breath: pure and lasting love

Baby's breath usually plays a supporting role, filling the gaps between roses. On its own, in a big cloud, it can be lovely.

Meaning: pure love, eternity, innocence.

Best for: softening a rose bouquet, or a large all-white bouquet for someone who loves a light, airy look.

10. Mixed romantic bouquets: several meanings at once

A mixed bouquet lets you say more than one thing. Roses with lilies, or pink roses with carnations and baby's breath, mix passion with tenderness and a bit of fun.

Meaning: a blend of the meanings above.

Best for: anniversaries, proposals and surprises when one flower feels too narrow. A good mixed bouquet sticks to two or three colours so it doesn't look busy.

Choosing romantic flowers in the GTA

If you're sending flowers in the GTA, we deliver across Toronto and York Region, seven days a week. Every order is designed by hand in our studio in Oak Ridges, at the north end of Richmond Hill, from that day's flowers.

Order by 1 pm for same-day delivery to most postal codes, with an anytime, morning or afternoon window. For a big gesture, our luxury collection has rose bouquets of 50, 100 and 150 stems.

Why flowers work as a romantic gift

Flowers say something without you having to find the words, which is half the reason people send them. They also arrive at the door, so the surprise is built in, and they stay on the table for a week, reminding the other person every time they walk past.

A bigger box or a pricier wrap won't change the message. The flower, the colour and the card do.

Tips for choosing a romantic bouquet

1. Think about the occasion

An anniversary can take something grand. A random Wednesday suits something small and casual. Valentine's Day is the one day red roses are almost expected.

2. Know your partner's taste

Some people love roses. Others think they're a cliché and would much prefer tulips or sunflowers. If in doubt, think about the colours they wear and decorate with.

3. Focus on freshness

Fresh flowers last longer and smell better. A good florist will swap a tired stem rather than send it out. We replace any weak stem with one of equal or higher value in the same colours.

4. Make the card count

You can add a gift message, and it's tucked in with the flowers. A specific memory beats a generic "love you" every time.

5. Get the delivery right

Check that someone will be home, or send it to the office. Prices are never included with a delivery, so the surprise stays a surprise.

Picking the flower for your person

Start with the person, then the flower. A partner who loves red gets red roses. One who laughs at clichés gets sunflowers. For more help, read our guide on how to choose a romantic flower bouquet, or have a look through love and romance.