Sending Valentine’s Day flowers is a well-worn tradition, which is why the choice matters more than ever. Anyone can send flowers. The point is to send the right ones—the ones that feel like they were chosen for them, not chosen because the internet said “Valentine = red roses.”

Red roses are the obvious romantic flower, but many others also symbolise love, devotion, loyalty, admiration, gratitude, and even reconciliation. The Victorian language of flowers turns bouquets into messages, and once you know the symbolism, choosing becomes much more intentional.

To make it easy, here are 14 flowers with romantic meanings. Pick the one that matches what you actually want to say.

Red Rose

The red rose is the ultimate symbol of eternal love—the clearest answer to “what flower means eternal love?” It represents passion, devotion, and desire with zero ambiguity.

Roses have been linked to love for centuries, but Victorian floriography made the red rose the undisputed shorthand for romance. It’s bold and classic, which is exactly why it still works: the message is instantly understood.

A single red rose can mean love at first sight or “you’re still the one.” A dozen says committed love, and two dozen says you’re all in. If you want a romance-forward gift that doesn’t feel generic, curated designs can elevate the message—especially when the arrangement is made to last.

Pink Rose

Pink roses are romantic with softness. They symbolise admiration, joy, appreciation, and affection, making them perfect when you want to be romantic without going full dramatic declaration.

They’re ideal for new relationships, early-stage love, or partners who prefer sweet, thoughtful gestures over intense grand statements. Pink roses say, “I really like you,” in the most flattering way.

Rainbow Rose

Rainbow roses don’t belong to traditional floriography because they’re created by dyeing white roses into multiple colours. But symbolically? They scream personality—joy, fun, individuality, and “you make life brighter.”

This is the choice for someone who hates predictable gifts. It doesn’t whisper romance—it celebrates them loudly. If your partner is playful and expressive, rainbow roses can feel more personal than the classic red.

Peach Rose

Peach roses symbolise gratitude, sincerity, and modesty—a romantic choice for a partner who shows up for you quietly and consistently.

They’re perfect when your message is “thank you for being you” rather than “I’m trying to impress you.” Peach tones feel warm and tender, and they’re especially meaningful in long-term relationships where appreciation matters more than theatrics.

Black Rose

Black roses (usually dyed) are unconventional and dramatic. While they’re often associated with grief, they can also represent new beginnings, transformation, and bold individuality.

Not every romance is soft and pastel. If your partner loves gothic style, alternative aesthetics, or simply hates anything standard, black roses can be a romantic “I see you” gift. And honestly? Feeling seen is one of the most romantic things you can offer.

Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums carry different meanings depending on culture and colour, but for romance, pink chrysanthemums are the best choice. They symbolise faithfulness and longevity—love that lasts, not love that flares up and disappears.

They’re underrated, which makes them feel more thoughtful. If your relationship is steady and proven, this flower communicates commitment without needing cliché romance signals.

Germini

Germini are cheerful, daisy-like blooms that practically force a smile. They represent happiness and appreciation, making them a great romantic choice for couples who thrive on everyday warmth rather than dramatic intensity.

This is the flower equivalent of “thank you for making my life better in a hundred small ways.” It’s romantic because it’s real.

Waxflower

Waxflower symbolises enduring love—a meaning that punches above its size. It’s delicate-looking, but surprisingly resilient, which is exactly why it works as a romantic symbol.

It suggests loyalty, steadiness, and love that holds up under real-life pressure. If your relationship has depth and staying power, waxflower reinforces that message beautifully.

Snapdragon

Snapdragons symbolise strength and grace under pressure, and they’ve also been used historically to express apology. That makes them perfect for relationships that have survived challenges—or for moments when you’re trying to make things right.

Colour shifts the tone: red for passion, purple for mystery, white for sincerity. If your romance is complex, snapdragons feel more honest than overly sweet flowers.

Lavender

Lavender is known for calm and healing, and that ties directly to its romantic symbolism: devotion, serenity, grace, and care.

This is a thoughtful gift when your partner is stressed, overloaded, or emotionally tired. It says, “I want you to feel safe and supported,” which is far more romantic than a performative bouquet.

Alstroemeria

Alstroemeria symbolises qualities that keep love alive long-term: respect, patience, empathy, humour, and understanding.

It’s commonly labeled a “friendship flower,” but in a romantic relationship, friendship is the foundation that makes passion sustainable. This flower says your love isn’t just chemistry—it’s partnership.

Carnation

Carnations represent fascination and admiration—that feeling of being genuinely captivated by someone. They’re romantic without being intense, and they carry a classic softness.

Red carnations show deeper affection, while pink carnations feel tender and sweet. Carnations are especially good if you want romance that feels sincere, not over-the-top.

Lily

In Victorian symbolism, lilies meant you were beloved. That’s a strong romantic message, and different colours shape the tone.

Warm-toned lilies suggest passion and confidence. White lilies convey devotion and admiration. If you’re gifting someone you truly respect and adore, lilies say it with elegance and impact.

Lisianthus

Lisianthus symbolise lifelong love—the kind of romance that isn’t impulsive, but intentional. They’re refined, graceful flowers that communicate devotion without needing dramatic intensity.

They work well for long-term partners or for meaningful relationship milestones when you want the message to be about the future, not just the holiday.

Ranunculus

Ranunculus symbolise attraction and charm. Their layered petals feel luxurious and modern, making them a great choice when you want something romantic that doesn’t look like every other Valentine’s bouquet.

They’re perfect for expressing admiration and desire in a way that feels curated and personal—not copy-paste tradition.

Preserved Flowers: A Romantic Gift That Actually Lasts

If your message is “forever,” sending something that fades in a week is… not the strongest logic. Preserved flowers are real blooms that go through a careful preservation process to maintain their natural beauty and softness for a year or more. That longevity makes them a meaningful symbol of enduring love, not a short-lived gesture.

For romance-focused preserved designs, start with Romantic Preserved Arrangements—they’re designed specifically to communicate love with a luxury finish.

If you prefer a softer, dreamier romantic tone, the Lilac Haze Preserved Flower Arrangement offers a more poetic mood while still feeling unmistakably romantic.

For something truly personal—based on your partner’s style and your relationship story—Custom preserved arrangements let you design a gift that doesn’t look like everyone else’s.

And if you need it fast, Same-Day Flower Delivery helps you deliver the gesture on time without defaulting to something rushed and forgettable.

FAQ