Valentine’s Day is the season of roses, romance, and thoughtful gifts. Across the U.S., red roses reign supreme as the most beloved Valentine’s Day flower. Experts estimate that more than 250 million roses are grown for Valentine’s Day every year, and surveys show that about 65% of Valentine florists’ orders include red roses. In Plainview, NY, local florist DaVinci Flower (our homepage) carries on this tradition: every February we prepare dozens of classic red-rose bouquets and other romantic arrangements for lovebirds in the area.

So, what flower is most gifted on Valentine’s Day? Without question, roses – especially red roses – top the list. Industry statistics confirm that roses lead the pack: in a recent consumer survey, 83% of Valentine’s Day flower buyers purchased some kind of rose (with 65% buying red roses). Red roses symbolize deep love and passion, making them the quintessential Valentine’s flower. (White roses are also popular for their meaning of purity, while pink roses signal admiration and gratitude.) Florists in Plainview and beyond report that Valentine’s arrangements featuring rich red roses are their best-sellers each year, reflecting a nationwide trend.

The History and Symbolism Behind Valentine’s Flowers

Valentine’s Day flowers carry centuries of romantic symbolism. The custom of exchanging flowers as secret messages dates back to Victorian England, when “the language of flowers” became a popular art. In 1819, Charlotte de Latour’s Language of Flowers codified flower meanings (floriography) for European audiences. In her book, Latour explicitly defined the rose as meaning “love”. She even romanticized the rose itself: “Who that ever could sing has not sung the Rose!” she wrote, praising its beauty and fragrance as unmatched. This Victorian romance craze helped cement the rose’s image as the flower of the heart.

Long before the Victorians, even ancient cultures linked roses and love. According to a Greek myth, the first red rose sprang from Aphrodite’s blood. When the goddess of love rushed to save her wounded lover Adonis, legend says a thorn pricked her foot and a drop of her blood stained a white rose, turning it bright red. From then on, the red rose stood for passionate, eternal love. Romans and Greeks adorned lovers and brides with rose garlands in marriage ceremonies, further tying the bloom to romance. Over millennia, poetry and tradition consistently celebrated the rose as love’s symbol.

Color symbolism also plays a role: red is the color of passion and desire, used in many love cultures (even Chinese New Year celebrates red for good fortune). A red bloom blushes the face in attraction, as one writer observed, so pairing the rose’s rich hue with love feels natural. In the U.S., Valentine’s Day – with its conversation hearts, chocolates, and roses – has become the top holiday for flower giving. In fact, Valentine’s is the biggest revenue event for most florists, second only to the winter holidays in sales volume. No wonder the red rose bouquet is the go-to gift: it carries centuries of devotion, desire, and romance in every petal.

Popular Valentine’s Flowers and Their Meanings

Beyond roses, several other blooms are popular on Valentine’s Day, each with its own romantic symbolism. Here are some favorites and what they represent:

• Tulips: Often associated with spring and perfect love, tulips are a favorite Valentine’s flower in many gardens and shops. Red tulips in particular are said to mean “eternal love and passion,” making them very popular for couples. (Pink tulips symbolize caring affection, while white tulips hint at forgiveness and new beginnings.) Since tulips bloom in mid-February in mild climates, they’re a timely choice and look lovely mixed with roses or lilies in a romantic bouquet.
• Carnations (Dianthus): Long known as the “flower of the gods,” carnations carry meanings of fascination and devotion. They have appeared in art and wreaths since ancient Greece and Rome. Carnations are surprisingly versatile: a bouquet of red carnations literally means “love and affection,” while pink carnations symbolize gratitude and motherly love. Carnations also last a long time in water, making them a budget-friendly alternative to roses. A mix of red carnations and roses can deliver a lush but affordable Valentine’s gesture (and even pastel carnations can add a touch of sweetness to a custom arrangement).
• Lilies: Elegant and fragrant, lilies add an exotic touch to Valentine’s arrangements. White lilies often represent purity and commitment, suitable for weddings or new engagements, while pink lilies symbolize admiration. Importantly for Valentine’s, red lilies carry connotations of passion and deep love. As one flower guide notes, “the red lily is vibrant and passionate with its fiery petals,” making it a fantastic alternative to red roses for romantic occasions. (In Chinese culture, lilies also symbolize 100 years of love, which is why they’re frequent in wedding flowers.) At DaVinci Flower, pink and white oriental lilies mixed with roses make for a luxurious Valentine’s bouquet.
• Orchids: For something truly exotic, orchids convey luxury, love, strength, and beauty. Unlike cut blooms, live potted orchids can last for months with care, serving as a long-lasting Valentine’s gift. Florists often note that orchids’ exotic appearance and colors send a special message of admiration. As a nursery blog explains, orchids are “delicate and graceful, a symbol of luxury, love, strength and beauty”, perfect for someone you view as one-of-a-kind. In arrangements, a few orchid sprays (white, pink, or purple) mixed with roses or tulips can make a statement bouquet that stands out.

Each of these flowers—roses, tulips, carnations, lilies, orchids—brings its own sentiment. What they share is a popularity around Valentine’s Day due to their romantic meanings. Florists (including ours in Plainview) often incorporate multiple varieties into “everyday” love bouquets and custom arrangements. For example, our Valentine’s bouquets frequently combine red roses with pink tulips or white lilies, blending the symbols of love, affection, and purity. (Visit our collections page to see some examples of seasonal bouquets featuring these blooms.)

Red Roses: The Ultimate Valentine’s Bouquets

It’s worth underscoring why red roses get so much attention on Valentine’s Day. As covered above, a single red rose means love; a dozen means deep devotion. This message is universal and immediate. Many couples in Plainview and on Long Island specifically request “a dozen red roses” each year. Beyond symbolism, roses are aesthetically ideal: their velvety petals, classic shape, and unmistakable fragrance make them the star of any arrangement. Florence’s Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden curator even notes that the 19th-century American Beauty rose – nicknamed the “millionaire’s rose” – was virtually synonymous with luxury romantic gestures in its day.

At DaVinci Flower, we lean into this tradition. Our signature Valentine’s bouquets often feature dozen-long stems of premium red roses accented by baby’s breath or greenery. We also offer modern twists: for example, a “Red Passion” arrangement (a mix of red roses and lilies), or a single-rose presentation in a keepsake vase. No matter the style, red roses are always prominent. (We also carry pink and white roses for customers who want a softer or more unique palette.) In short, red roses remain the default Valentine’s gift – in Plainview and around the globe – because nothing says “I love you” quite like that timeless bloom.

DaVinci Flower’s Valentine’s Day Collection in Plainview

When shopping for Valentine’s flowers in Plainview, NY, locals trust DaVinci Flower to deliver fresh blooms and artistry. Our store – located at 385 S Oyster Bay Rd, Plainview, NY – specializes in both ready-to-go bouquets and fully custom floral designs. This Valentine’s season, we’ve curated several special offerings: from classic roses-only bunches to mixed “Love & Luxury” arrangements with orchids and tulips, to gift baskets that pair flowers with chocolates. (For instance, our “Eternal Love” bouquet features a dozen red roses, while the “I Love You” gift basket adds a decadent chocolate box.) You can see these Valentine’s Day specials on our website or in store.

Need something custom? Our expert florists are happy to create a unique Valentine’s arrangement tailored to your style. We encourage customers to inquire through our Floral Services page for events and custom orders. Whether it’s the size of the bouquet, a special ribbon, or adding personal touches (like preserved roses or fresh greenery), we design each Valentine’s order with care. Local companies and brides also tap our expertise for romantic décor—think rose petals on a table, heart-shaped wreaths, or corsages for a Valentine’s party. In every case, red roses and lush greens set the tone for romance, but the final creation is personalized to express your love story.

Local Valentine Delivery and Why DaVinci Flower

Living in Plainview and Nassau County means you don’t have to settle for a chain florist on Valentine’s Day. DaVinci Flower is your hometown florist, and we provide same-day delivery in Plainview (zip 11803) and nearby areas. In fact, our delivery radius covers all of Plainview, Hicksville, Syosset, Woodbury, and other towns within about 10 miles. So if you need a last-minute Valentine bouquet delivered to your sweetheart’s door, just give us a call or order online by the morning of Feb 14. We ensure every arrangement is hand-delivered fresh – no wilting or delays.

Being local also means we understand the community’s style. Our arrangements tend to reflect Long Island tastes: elegant but vibrant. We keep plenty of premium red roses, pink tulips, and exotic lilies in stock leading up to Valentine’s Day. Customers often tell us they appreciate seeing the flowers in person before ordering, so you can visit our shop or check photos on our Homepage or Instagram. Plus, supporting DaVinci Flower means supporting a neighborhood business that has served Plainview for years. Our florists pour heart into each Valentine’s design, matching the holiday’s affectionate spirit.

Ready to celebrate love? DaVinci Flower makes it easy. Browse our Valentine’s selections on the Collections page to see bouquet prices and styles. You can also order by phone at 516-987-7679 or stop by the shop. Remember to include local delivery when checking out if you need flowers delivered within Plainview. (We can also package arrangements for shipping if you have an out-of-town recipient.) Our goal is to take the stress out of Valentine’s shopping: just pick your favorite blooms and we’ll handle the rest.

This Valentine’s Day, let DaVinci Flower in Plainview make your bouquet extraordinary. Red roses and other popular Valentine’s flowers are ready to go from our shop to your loved one’s hands. Whether you want the classic dozen red roses or a unique mixed arrangement, order early to ensure availability. From romantic classics to modern twists on Valentine’s bouquets, we have options to suit every style and budget.

Make it a Valentine’s Day to remember – place your order now with DaVinci Flower!