February the 14th, better known as St Valentine's Day, is the best time of year to be a florist. It is the traditional occasion on which men (and an increasing number of women) send flowers to their partner as an expression of romantic love. Compared with cards and chocolates, flowers are the most delicate declaration of deep sentiment. Being presented with a bouquet of finely scented and naturally beautiful flowers is the ultimate homage to the love between two people.

Valentine's Flower Facts:

• On Valentine's Day, the UK spends around £30 million on flowers and plants. 99% of this total is on flowers alone
• Fresh flower sales increase by half on the average sales
• About 90% of the flowers on Valentine's Day are bought by men

While the myths surrounding St Valentine and Valentine's Day are still much debated, it is generally accepted that the giving of flowers is a tradition that started back in the 1700s, when Charles II of Sweden introduced Europe to the Persian "language of flowers". Since that time, the rose has become firmly established as the flower of Valentine's Day, particularly the red rose, symbolising the deep passion and love that its colour now instinctively conveys to us.

Flowers are no longer used to convey complex messages through their own special language, and instead they are now generally only given on particularly happy, sad, or romantic occasions. Due to this, one might argue, the significance of giving flowers on Valentine's Day has increased. It is a once-a-year opportunity to really say how you feel with some stunning blooms dedicated to the one you love.

Roses

The ever popular rose is still the nation's favourite flower to give on February the 14th. Over 9 million are given in the UK, and many countries worldwide celebrate Valentine's in a similar fashion, so it is no wonder that their price goes up. The more aesthetically pleasing long-stemmed, large headed roses are more expensive than short-stemmed, small headed roses.

Dark red roses with thorns are the pinnacle of Valentine's roses. The deep colour suggests a deep love, while the thorns serve as a reminder that love and happiness can follow from suffering. The red rose also has associations with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, and as such has further bound the flower to symbolising ultimate romance.

While red roses convey passion and a deep connection, you could also send yellow roses; another emblem for love. White roses symbolise innocence, and could be a charming gift for a burgeoning romance. Pink roses are also a good choice for a new relationship. They convey happiness with the relationship, but none of the pressure associated with the depth of feeling expressed through red roses.

Alternatives To Roses

If you think that roses are a cliche or are just too expensive, express your feelings in a more original and thought-out way.

Looking at the meaning of flowers, purple lilac for example, is a flower that you can give once in a lifetime as it symbolises the first flushes of first love. Orchids are stunning flowers and also signify romantic love, as well as refined beauty. These are perhaps a good gift in a long-established relationship. Acacia flowers connote beauty in retirement, and as such are a lovely gift between elderly couples who may usually ignore Valentine's Day. Red carnations are a passionate flower, but don't give pink, as this is the flower for Mother's Day. Forget-Me-Not offers a loud and clear message of love that you hope remains; a good idea for couples who may be parted on Valentine's Day.

Or of course, you can ignore the supposed language of flowers, and choose attractive shapes, colours and scents that you know your partner will like. Anthurium or the flamingo flower is a striking glossy tropical flower that ranges from hot pinks to deeper reds. For a seasonal selection, tulips are available in an array of colours and shapes and hyacinths are renowned for their beautiful scent. Deep pink and purple are particularly exciting hyacinth colours. The large heads of the amaryllis are eye-catching and are also good value for money as you can get three or four heads to a stem. Calla lilies are elegant and simple, exceptionally so in white. They are a sophisticated expression of love.

Men And Flowers

Many women look forward to Valentine's Day as being the only time of year when they receive flowers from their male partners. This is a little unfair however, as how often do men get flowers?

Men tend to buy Valentine's Day flowers for romantic reasons, whereas women often buy for female friends and relations as well, as a platonic affectionate gesture. If women find it so easy to buy flowers, why do so few men receive any? Men enjoy flowers as much as women and they have the ability to lift anyone's mood and bring some colour into a room. Show your man that you care and select some flowers especially for him. About 5% of Valentine's Day flowers are bought for men and this number is growing. Get your man some flowers that express his personality and show him that you love him.

Remember

Valentine's Day is the busiest time of year for florists, so don't leave your choice till the last minute. Ordering online in time is particularly important. Many florists do next day delivery, but stocks may run out. Ordering early can get you the best selection of flowers chosen especially to suit your love.