Be a bold romantic
The amorous gift of flowers stems from Victorian days, when passions were hinted at in coded bouquets. What better way to win your sweetheart?
Homegrown bouquets are the perfect token to give a loved one, and with Valentine’s upon us these romantic recommendations are sure to render cupid’s arrow redundant – especially if you master the language of flowers, or floriography, beloved by Victorians.
ROMANTIC ROSES
Planting for a love is the ultimate gift of passion. Growing something together, to enjoy as the year unfolds, is truly romantic and there’s a whole world of plants to show your affection.
Single-stemmed roses are traditionally given on Valentine’s day and the timing could not be more perfect – because now’s the time to get them planted to flower by summer.
If you’re limited on space, miniature roses work well in containers for patio growing and can also be planted now.
Roses love soaking up the rays so put cultivars like Anna Ford ‘Harpiccolo’ in a sunny spot. In shaded gardens, plant climbing roses like Nice Day ‘Chewsea’ against a wall or trellis.
For a great effect, buy romantically named cultivars like “happy memories”, “lovestruck” and “valentine heart” to grow at home – it will be the cherry on top of this very-romantic cake.
Get these into nutrient-rich soil and prune dead foliage in March for a year of roses at your loved-up fingertips.
LUCKY LILIES
Lily of the valley is a brilliant rose alternative, signifying luck in love and often peering out of wedding bouquets, as with Kate Middleton’s.
Plant in partial shade – under a tree is perfect as they love being dressed with Autumn leaves. Bellshaped flowers will spring into life in April and they’ll produce red berries in summer.
FEBRUARY FAVOURITE
Look no further than uplifting Galanthus (snowdrops) to give to your loved one now. Traditionally they are
pressed in books to give as a token of affection. Buy in pots just after flowering, while leaves are green.
BAY TREE TRADITIONS
Though not known for their colour, bay trees make fantastic garden features – but they’re also steeped in romantic mythology. It is often said
Look no further than snowdrops to give to your loved one now
that couples who break bay twigs in two and each take half will ensure the continuance of their love.
Mature specimens flower in delicate yellow buds in spring, and the leaves of the Laurus nobilis cultivar can of course be used for cooking.
They’re best grown in containers, so pop them on your patio to grab a handful to season your cooking with.
SYMBOLS OF LOVE
Flowers make great love symbols and sentimental gifts because of personal connections we form with them.
For instance, Myrtus communis (myrtle) is a charming aromatic shrub that flowers in autumn. It has no affiliations with romantic gestures, but sticks in my mind because it was used in the late Princess Diana’s wedding bouquet. This unassuming evergreen is brilliant to grow in the garden and supplies a subtle floral display once summer favourites have died off.
AROMATIC OPTIONS
Grow Jasmine in the home for an amazing indoor aroma. Research suggests scents can summon memories for years to come – this one is found in most perfumes because it is said to produce a euphoric response.
You’ll find charming jasmine hoops in garden centres now because, though they’re typically summer flowering,
jasmine are set for a cool six weeks or so in autumn to spur buds into early February blooms. Jasminum nudiflorum (winter jasmine) produces delightful bright yellow flowers 2.5cm in width, and a burst of fragrance.
INDOOR OPPORTUNITIES
For long-lasting displays, orchids will persist longer than any cut flowers
you can buy. These exotic ornamental houseplants symbolise love, luxury, beauty and strength and come in a spectrum of dyed and natural colours. Contrary to their reputation for being fussy, they’re very easy to care for once you know how. A clear pot and regular misting will see these treasures thrive, as they don’t enjoy having covered roots submerged in water. Position in a bright room, but not on a windowsill as direct sunlight and drafts cause damage. So, for flowers that speak volumes, look to these sentimental sensations and delight your Valentine with something far sweeter than chocolates.