Roses for Valentine's Day have special significance

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Undeniably the busiest day of the year for florists is Valentine’s Day. If you want to ensure that your true love receives a token of your affection in a timely fashion, then it would be best to order the flowers well in advance.

The variety of flowers is plentiful, but for the day that symbolizes love, roses are traditionally given. The color of the rose is also significant, so give it careful consideration.

Red is associated with the color of the heart, so it’s only appropriate that red roses are the color of choice for Valentine’s Day. Some say it’s symbolic of St. Valentine’s martyrdom, and thus the reason that red roses are sent.

Red roses symbolize romantic love; deep red roses signify passion. Select the red roses wisely or more will be read into their presentation by the recipient. Even the stage of the bloom has significant meaning. A bouquet of red rose buds is an expression of new love, whereas fully-opened roses say “I’m still in love with you.”

“The red rose is the classic Valentine rose,” said Becky Sherman of The Blooming Idea in The Woodlands. “The 'Freedom' rose is the dominant rose because it lasts so long, but a lot of customers request specific colors, so we have a wide variety of colors on hand for this occasion.”

Plan ahead and why not have them delivered a day ahead. Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year. Why not have them arrive a little earlier so that they can be enjoyed longer?

What if the roses are for someone other than your significant other? The following guideline is intended to provide insight and appropriateness for all others that are deserving of flowers on that special day.

White roses signify innocence and purity. The white rose is best reserved for the bride on her wedding day, as it is tradition for the groom to provide the bridal bouquet.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the black rose. Never appropriately given as a display of affection, black roses symbolize death and sorrow, and are most often used for funerals.

The myriad of colors available in roses ensures there’s a color for every relationship and every occasion. Pink roses symbolize beauty, elegance, joy and admiration, an excellent choice for a daughter. To show thanks or appreciation, send peach-colored roses in lieu of a thank you note. If congratulations are in order, than send orange roses which indicate pride and enthusiasm. Orange roses are typically given at graduations and for job promotions.

Yellow roses originally represented jealousy, but rarely did one send roses to someone they were jealous of. They’ve now become a way of saying “I’m sorry,” but a more popular significance is ‘friendship’. The popularity of the story the ' Yellow Rose of Texas’ and the state’s motto…'Friendship,’ has given the yellow rose new meaning. This is the rose of choice for a BFF (best friends forever.)

It’s interesting to note that Jacqueline Kennedy was given yellow roses everywhere she and the late President John Kennedy toured on that fateful trip to the Lone Star State, with the exception of Dallas where she was presented with red roses.

More rare, but with just as much symbolic purpose are the green and lavender roses. The green rose is deeply rooted in life, nature and abundant growth. Their meaning is symbolic with fertility and is a wonderful choice for a loved one who is with child.

Lavender roses are more rare and considered mystical. If someone gives you a lavender rose it means love at first sight… the beginning of true love. If the rose is a deeper purple color, it means that you found someone majestic and special, as purple is a royal color.

“Blue roses haven’t evolved yet, so to get a blue rose, they have to be stem-dyed,” said Sherman. “They aren’t all that aesthetic since they’re not natural.”

Blue roses have become synonymous with ambiguity. Sending blue roses would indicate that someone is a figment of the imagination, or something unobtainable.

Each of the colors has many different varieties with unique names which could personalize the floral gesture to a greater degree. Names like Angel Face, Big Fun, Dancing Queen, Guardian Angel, Irish Eyes, Morning Jewel, Sugar and Spice; endearments you might call a loved one. Some roses are named after gestures or events like Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary, Greetings, Happy Retirement, Helping Hand, Thank You, Three Cheers, and Warm Wishes. There’s a rose for every occasion and every sentiment, and many with personal names, but allow more time if ordering a unique variety of rose.

“Whatever rose or arrangement you prefer, the Blooming Idea will be able to accommodate you,” said Sherman. “We have four floral designers, all are Texas Master Florists and certified through the National American Institute of Floral Design.”

The quote, “A rose is a rose is a rose.” by Gertrude Stein, is often interpreted as ‘things are what they are,’ but it doesn’t have to be. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just a handful of posies presented out of obligation. It can be a bouquet of beautiful roses specifically selected for that specific person. A gift of flowers should be a thoughtful gesture given considerable thought.

For more ideas for your special day visit our Valentine's Day Guide.