Roses or carnations: Types of flowers and what they mean (tips for Valentine’s Day)

Did you know that flowers speak – sometimes more convincingly than you do?

On February 14, each petal on a flower blossoms with a word of love, appreciation, and happiness.

On Valentine’s Day, not every bouquet of flowers is a good fit for everyone you want to gift. It is not everybody you should give red or yellow roses. This is because different types of flowers have different meanings. But most men can hardly differentiate a carnation from a rose flower! Here’s a guide to getting your flowers gift right this season:

Roses remain the most evocative of flowers. For a long time, they have been considered the symbol of true, genuine love. They come in different colours, shades, and scents.

• Red Roses: they are widely acknowledged as symbols of love and romance. They indicate beauty and perfection and perfectly serve well in saying ‘I Love You.’
• White Roses: They signify charm, purity, and innocence. In most cases, they are associated with marriages and new beginnings. For instance, if you have recently made up with your spouse or have started a new phase of life together, these are the flowers for you.
• Yellow Roses: They express joy and friendship, warmth and happiness. These are the flowers that will do the trick if offered to a close friend. They are also a good way to wish a sick acquaintance a quick recovery.
• Pink Roses: These flowers show perfect happiness and contentment. They are a symbol of grace and elegance and are offered as an expression of admiration.
• Orange Roses: They define passion and energy and are the embodiment of deep romantic desire and interest.

You may also choose to present a mixed bouquet that includes lilies, orchids, and carnations. Orchids symbolize love and beauty. On the other hand, different lilies have different meanings. "The white lily will mean purity and sweetness while the tiger lily will romantically challenge your partner on Valentine’s Day," says florist Grace Karuri.

“Tulips depend much on their colours. Red tulips for instance are a declaration of love. Yellow tulips ask whether your mate is really the one,” says Grace. By offering Yellow tulips you may come across as one wishing to review the direction your relationship is taking. It is also a polite way of showing appreciation and moving on! Variegated tulips on the other end symbolize beautiful eyes.

While you can deliver the flowers yourself, it is a good idea to get creative. For instance, you may ask her close friends to help you deliver them, one at each stage during the day. You can send the bouquets to her workplace in the morning, around the coffee break, lunch, and so on. Attach an original short love poem. While she's getting all mushy and excited, call and tell her that you are going to be taking her out for a truly special dinner later that evening.

According to Grace, there are certain types of flowers you shouldn’t send to your lover on Valentine’s Day.

Daffodils: they are members of the Narcissus family. They are usually used to represent narcissistic behaviour, such as self-absorption and vanity.

Yellow carnations: they are used to represent hatred, rejection, and disgust. If you must go the carnation way, choose white and red variants which symbolise admiration, desire, and kind wishes and love.

Yellow chrysanthemums: they are used to represent deep sorrow, regret, and sympathy.

Petunias: they are considered to be the flowers of anger and resentment.