Most Popular Valentine's Day Flowers
Americans were expected to spend about $1.7 billion on Valentine's Day flowers in 2011, according to the National Retail Federation. Mixed bouquets inched out traditional red roses as the top choice in the Society of American Florists' 2011 survey of customer preferences. But customers were given more than one pick, and when all colors are considered, roses are still the most popular flowers for Valentine's Day.
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Red Roses
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Traditional red roses remain the top choice for the most popular type of flower given and received on Valentine's Day. The Society of American Florists estimates that 198 million roses were produced for Valentine's Day in 2010. According to florists and flower experts, red roses are the universal symbol of romance and love and have played that role in literature and art for centuries. Red is a traditional color of strength, passion and excitement in many cultures.
Pink, Yellow, White and Coral Roses
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Roses in others colors are also big sellers on Valentine's Day. Pink, white and yellow roses are favorites among 29 percent of consumers. Different colors carry different meanings; pink and coral are often associated with gratitude and thanks. Yellow roses signify warmth and affection and are often given on Valentine's Day as a sign of platonic love. White is usually a color associated with purity and innocence, and white roses, chosen often for weddings and funerals, can carry a message of new or spiritual love.
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Tulips, Carnations and Lilies
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According to the Society of American Florists, 23 percent of consumers picked other flowers as a top choice for Valentine's Day, and tulips, carnations and lilies topped the list. Professional florists say tulips are a traditional symbol of perfect love and marriages. Carnation growers suggest the fragrance of carnations of all shades has made them another popular symbol of romance. The one exception is the yellow carnation that expresses disappointment. Lilies have also played a role in the ceremonies and imagery of many cultures. White lilies are often associated with purity, pink lilies signify prosperity and multicolored Peruvian lilies, or alstroemeria, are a recognized as a gift of friendship.
Flowering Plants
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Flowering plants are also big sellers on Valentine's Day. Potted rose plants are popular choices. Potted orchids, azaleas, lilies and hydrangeas are also among the top picks. Florists says potted plants allow people to give traditional flowers on Valentine's Day without connotations of romance.
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References
- National Retail Federation: Love is in the Air This Valentine's Day, According to NRF
- About Flowers: Valentine's Day Foral Statistics
- Rose Gardening Made Easy: Meaning of a Red Rose
- ProFlowers: History and Meaning of Pink Roses
- ProFlowers: History and Meaning of Yellow Roses
- ProFlowers: History and Meaning of Tulips
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
