Love and Romance Flowers

Red roses and beyond

The red rose has meant love for centuries, and there is no reason to change that. A rose bouquet works for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or an engagement. If you want to surprise, though, think about what your partner likes. Peonies are romantic and their scent is hard to forget. Tulips are light and cheerful, good for a new relationship. Pink and peach roses speak of tenderness rather than grand declarations. For someone who is not keen on cut flowers, try a plant with a romantic hint, such as a red anthurium, whose flowers are heart-shaped.

Early on, do not overdo the size. A few carefully chosen stems make more of an impression than an enormous bouquet. In Poland, keep the number odd: three, five or seven, or a single rose, a simple gesture everyone understands.

Flowers for no reason

The flowers people remember most arrive on an ordinary Tuesday. Send them to the office to brighten the day, or home for the evening. Roses in a box need no vase, so they work on a desk as well as on a dining table. Polish couples also mark Women's Day on 8 March, when flowers for your partner are almost expected.

Before Valentine's Day and Women's Day florists are at their busiest and delivery windows fill up quickly. Order a day or two ahead and add a note for the courier if it is meant to be a surprise.

A few words

You do not need a poem. A short line that recalls a shared moment means more than a quote from the internet, and the card takes up to 200 characters. A sign-off only the two of you use, a pet name or an in-joke, works wonders. For flowers on a set date, see anniversary flowers.