The Hidden Meanings Behind the Most Romantic Valentine’s Flowers

Valentine’s Day may be known for red roses and heart-shaped boxes (unless you’re this writer, whose husband tends to stick to his tried-and-tested bunch of daffodils each year), but some of the most romantic flowers of the season bloom quietly in late winter.

Think about it: February sits on the cusp between winter and spring, and many of the flowers available at this time of year symbolize hope, devotion, and enduring love – all of which are fitting themes for a holiday centred on connection.

Choosing seasonal blooms is not just a great way to bring fresher, longer-lasting flowers into your home, then, but also to add deeper meaning to your Valentine’s bouquet.

The Most Romantic Valentine’s Flowers

For US gardeners and flower lovers, Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to look beyond tradition and explore flowers that thrive in winter conditions or are naturally available from late winter growers. From early-blooming bulbs to cold-hardy perennials, these flowers offer romance with a sense of seasonality… and many can be grown at home, too.

With that in mind, then, here are some of the most romantic Valentine’s flowers, their hidden meanings, and why they shine in February.

Roses – Passion and Devotion

Shakespeare knew exactly what he was doing when he shone a spotlight on roses in Romeo & Juliet, because these classic blooms remain the ultimate symbol of love – especially red varieties, which represent deep passion and devotion.

Pink roses convey admiration and gratitude, while white roses symbolise sincerity and new beginnings. And, while most Valentine’s roses in the US are imported and greenhouse-grown, their symbolism is deeply ingrained in romantic tradition, February is bare-root rose season in many regions, making it a fitting time to plant roses that will bloom for many Valentines to come.

Tulips – Perfect Love

Tulips are one of the most seasonally appropriate Valentine’s flowers, naturally blooming from late winter into early spring. In floral symbolism, they represent perfect love, making them an elegant and meaningful alternative to roses.

Red tulips echo classic romance, while pink suggests affection and care. Many US growers produce tulips in greenhouses during winter, and forward-thinking gardeners can plant tulip bulbs in fall for dependable Valentine-season blooms in milder climates or indoor displays.

You can also bag yourself some live flowering tulip plants from The Three Company (via Amazon) if you haven’t planned ahead this time.

Ranunculus – Radiant Charm

With their tightly layered petals and soft, romantic colours, ranunculus flowers are increasingly popular in Valentine’s arrangements. They symbolize attraction, charm, and admiration, all of which are emotions that are often felt but not always easily expressed.

Ranunculus are a cool-season flower, making them especially well-suited to February availability. In warmer USDA zones, they can be grown outdoors from fall-planted corms, while gardeners elsewhere often enjoy them as cut flowers or potted plants indoors.

There’s still time to plant something like these ranunculus bulbs from the CZ Grain Store via Amazon, so long as you do so roughly 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date, as soon as the soil can be worked.

Hellebores – Quiet, Enduring Love

Hellebores, sometimes called Lenten roses, bloom in the depths of winter, even through snow in some regions. Their symbolism reflects serenity, resilience, and lasting affection.A quieter, more enduring form of love, then.

Their muted tones of blush, plum, cream, and green bring sophistication to winter bouquets. For gardeners, hellebores are a long-term investment, returning year after year with minimal care in USDA Zones 4-9.

Hyacinths – Sincerity and Constancy

Hyacinths are prized for both their rich fragrance and their symbolism of sincerity and unwavering affection, and their dense flower spikes make them a striking addition to Valentine’s arrangements – especially if you pair them with tulips or ranunculus.

Hyacinth bulbs are often forced indoors in winter, making them easy to enjoy in February even in colder climates. Once finished blooming, they can be planted outdoors to return in future springs.

Try Daylily Nursery's Hyacinth Delft Blue Mixture (via Walmart).

Heather – Admiration and Protection

Though less commonly associated with Valentine’s Day, anyone who's ever watched Brigadoon will know that heather carries meanings of admiration, protection, and good fortune. Its fine texture and soft pink or purple hues make it a lovely accent flower in winter arrangements, too.

Heather is a hardy, low-maintenance plant for gardens in suitable zones, offering year-round interest and late-season blooms that support pollinators.

Daffodils – New Beginnings & Hope

It turns out this writer's husband has been bang on the money with his offering of daffodils each year; these cheerful, early-blooming flowers represent new beginnings, renewal, and optimism.

Their bright yellow petals instantly lift the mood and make them a playful, heartwarming alternative to classic roses, and, perfect for gifting as potted plants or bulbs, they bring a touch of fresh hope to the season of love.

Try the Rip Van Winkle Daffodil from Nature Hills for something a little different to your usual daff.

Peonies – Romance Worth Waiting For

Peonies are lush, layered blooms that symbolize happy marriage, prosperity, and deep affection. Their dramatic flowers add elegance and romance to any arrangement, making them a timeless choice for Valentine’s Day.

While they typically are best planted in spring, when the soil is moist but warming, giving peonies as a gift carries a message of enduring love. Or you could give the gift of (ahem) thinking ahead; pre-order something like the Kansas Peony from Nature Hills for the promise of bold pink blooms in the future.

Of course, February blooms like irises and violets are also wonderful choices, representing hope, devotion, and enduring affection. And if you’re feeling ambitious, there are plenty of flower seeds you can plant this month – a Valentine’s gift that keeps on giving well into spring and summer.

Whatever you choose, and whoever you gift it to, just be sure to do so with love in your heart. After all, that is the best way to imbue any bloom with meaning.