To make sure none of us sends the wrong message on Vals, here is a brief primer on what popular flowers signify.
Red roses mean passionate, romantic love, while pink roses mean a slightly more temperate love. White roses mean virtue and yellow roses signify friendship.
Daisies mean innocence or friendship. Pansies mean thought. Daffodils mean mild affection. Ivy means fidelity.
Tulips are a declaration of love. (The tulip is said to look like the eager, amorous face of a swan.) Amaryllis means pride. Baby's breath, so often tucked into a bouquet, means everlasting love.
Carnations mean affection, but this is tricky. Pink means I’ll remember you forever, while yellow carnations signify rejection. A striped carnation, and these are common, means rejection. Likewise, lillies mean hatred if they’re orange, or purity if they’re white. Be careful there!
When it comes to grouping your pick of posies, take care with roses, especially. A single rose means, simply, “I love you.” Red and white roses together signify togetherness. Wilted roses are a threatening gesture.
For a can’t-go-wrong Valentine’s Day, purple violets mean faithful. Tiny white violets are even better; they say, “Let’s give happiness together a try.”
Happy Valentine.
