Valentine’s Day and the language of flowers

Our guide to choosing a bouquet that speaks from the heart

14th February – Valentine’s Day – is round the corner and we have been busy preparing a beautiful selection of bouquets for you to express your love and appreciation to that special person in your life. Nothing shows affection in quite the same way as a gorgeous armful of sumptuous blooms and  seeing the smile on your loved one’s face when their delivery arrives is truly special. (Plus it will earn you major brownie points!) But how to choose the perfect bouquet of flowers that says what you really feel? Floriography, or the language of flowers, might be the place to start…

What is Floriography?

Floriography is the cryptic way of communicating feelings and intentions through flowers. Often known as the “language of flowers”, it is thought to have begun in the Ottoman Empire during the 17th and 18th centuries in Constantinople, now Istanbul in modern day Turkey. Women in the Sultan’s harem would use flowers, fruits, spices and various objects to send secret messages to loved ones outside of their lodgings without raising suspicion amongst guards. Over time, flowers developed specific meanings, for example, during the Tulip Mania of 1718 – 1730, when red tulips came to represent perfect love, springing from the blood of a heartbroken prince according to the tale!

But it was the Victorians who took floriography to new levels, using the language of flowers to get around the uptight social and emotional conventions of the day. Showing restraint and repressing intense feelings was often expected and so using flowers to convey messages around love and longing became a popular way of communicating. Books were written and shared and various rules emerged. Before long, each flower, colour and even the way a bouquet was presented had a specific meaning. So if you handed over flowers with your right hand, you were saying “yes”, while with your left hand, it was a “no”. And if you held your posy upside down while presenting it, you were, in fact, reversing the whole message.

Here are the meanings Victorians gave to some of my favourite flowers:

Sweet pea – thank you for a lovely time

Zinnia – everlasting friendship

Tulip – perfect or sincere love

Peony – bashfulness or a happy marriage

Lilac – first love

Anemone – forgotten love or anticipation

Jasmine – kindness, grace or sensuality

The tradition of giving roses on Valentine’s Day became firmly established during the Victorian era and the flower had a range of meanings depending on colour. Red roses symbolised love and passion, dark pink roses sent messages of admiration, gratitude and appreciation and pale pink roses stood for grace, admiration and innocence. Orange roses were used to show enthusiasm while yellow roses symbolised jealousy – although fortunately, are now used to symbolise friendship and warmth.

So through careful thought over which flowers and colours to include and how to present them, bouquets came to convey strong emotions and important messages without those restrained Victorians ever having to utter a word!

The sentiment behind your Valentine’s bouquet

Unlike the Ottomans and Victorians, we are now free to express our true feelings in words but nothing says “I love you” quite like a beautiful bouquet. Fortunately for you, we have carefully curated a range of Valentine’s Day bouquets that include flower varieties and colours that scream love, affection, romance and gratitude.

Here’s the line-up:

12 Red Roses Valentine’s Day Bouquet

A traditional favourite and the epitome of Valentine’s bouquets. Luxury, rich, red long-stemmed roses, nestled with gorgeous foliage. Beautifully gift wrapped and a classic symbol of pure love.

18 Red Roses Valentine’s Day Bouquet

Adding an extra touch of luxury, and when a dozen roses isn’t enough! Gorgeous, rich, red long-stem roses are combined with beautiful foliage.

Mixed Rose Valentine’s Day Bouquet

A stunning selection of the finest long stem roses in rich reds, soft pinks and peachy tones, symbolising true love and affection.

Blushing Romance Valentine’s Day Bouquet

A bouquet of romance and frills with a soft and pretty look, including a delicate mix of seasonal flowers and blush pink roses.

Bold & Beautiful Valentine’s Day Bouquet

For those who favour seasonal, spring flowers such as anemones and tulips over traditional roses. With its bold splash of colour, this posy doesn’t just sit quietly – it sings! Perfect for making a statement and lifting spirits.

As you can see, we really can help you say it with flowers on February 14th. Just visit peshflowers.co.uk/product-category/valentines-day to order or get in touch at  info@peshflowers.co.uk or on 020 7703 9124. I can’t wait to help you make your loved one feel truly special this Valentine’s Day!

Elaine x

Owner/Creative Director