Flowers for Your Valentine

By Dr. Leonard Perry, Extension Professor
University of Vermont

Although traditional, red roses aren't the only way to say "be mine" this February 14. Tulips, carnations, azaleas, and exotic flowers such as cineraria are catching up with roses in popularity as flowers for St. Valentine's Day.

If you want to give roses, but can't afford the high price tag for long-stemmed reds, why not choose sweetheart or miniature roses. They're less expensive, just as lovely, and are available in the same range of colors including red, pale pink, white, lavender, yellow, and peach.

Or select red and white carnations or a mixed bouquet of red, white, and pink flowers. For example, you could ask your florist to make up a bouquet of white tulips, pink carnations, and a few red roses with sprigs of baby's breath for the finishing touch. Or include a few specialty flowers such as red anthurium, ginger, alstroemeria, and freesia.

If you select your own blooms, choose ones that are just beginning to open. Wrap the flowers well to protect them from the cold on your way home. Once you arrive home, recut the stems and immediately place in warm water with floral preservative.

A flowering potted plant will provide enjoyment for many weeks to come. Potted tulips, azaleas, chrysanthemums, and cyclamens are all easy to care for and are available in shades of pink, white, and red.

For something a bit more unusual, choose a kalanchoe with its small clusters of scarlet red flowers set on spikes high above the leaves. Or how about a cineraria with its fuzzy leaves and mound of vivid red, blue, or purple flowers.

When buying a flowering potted plant, look for one with many buds about to open rather than one already in full bloom. Inspect buds, flowers, and undersides of leaves for signs of disease or insect pests.

You may want to enclose a note with your gift to ensure that the plant will be given proper care. Mention that the plant needs to be kept well watered, but not overwatered, and out of drafts. And that the foil or paper covering the pot should be removed to allow adequate drainage.

Tulips, cyclamens, azaleas, cinerarias, and kalanchoes all like it cool at night (45 to 55 degrees F) and warm (70 degrees F) during the day. Finally, don't forget to say "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Source: UVM Extension