Not Just Roses! Find the Best Valentine’s Flowers for Everyone on Your List

Feb. 14 presents a genuine way to make a loving connection. Traditionally,red flowerscolor the day, symbolizing happiness and romance with hot, stimulating hues. ButValentine's Dayis not just about celebrating your significant other: It is an opportunity toconnect with all the important people in your life. And the flowers aren't limited tored roses. (But those are nice, too!)

“Valentine's Day encompasses more than celebrating romantic relationships," says Renato Cruz Sogueco, vice president of digital strategy and education atBloomNet. Mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, grandparents, neighbors, administrative assistants, lab partners, and co-workers all could use a little Valentine appreciation.

Valentine's flowers for parents

Tulips, with their variety of colors and forms, are the perfect bouquet for parents. Tulips are likechocolate chip cookies— universally loved for their cheerfulness and broad appeal.

Tip: With tulips, and any other flowers in a bouquet,snip an inch from the base of the stemand refresh the water in the vase every few days. As the flowers get shorter, you might need a different vase.

Valentine's flowers for children

Thought to signify a perfect and deep love, tulips honor the love and devotion parents have for their children — and they also let adult children know their mom and dad are thinking of them. Select amixed bouquetof tulips in spring colors to brighten a February day.

Young children also enjoyplush toysandchocolate, says Valerie Ghitelman, vice president of product development, design, and sourcing at 1-800-Flowers.com. Ananimated plush lion with chocolate covered Oreoswill be a well-received gift for this age group.

Another option that signals the holiday, and teaches kids about gardening, is arose plant. Children love caring for plants, Ghitelman says.

Valentine's flowers for friends

Mixed bouquetshave gained popularity, Sogueco says, as a heartfelt, non-romantic message for BFFs, co-workers, and others. Acknowledge the Galentine's and bromance friends in your life with beautiful arrangements featuringlilies,daisies,carnations,delphinium, and more.

Valentine's flowers and gift combos

Stuck on whether they'll appreciateflowers,gifts, orcandy? Give a combination of presents, Ghitelman says, which is appropriate forGalantine'sandPalentine'sgift giving.Gerbera daisies,orchids,lavender roses,andyellow roses— thesymbol of friendship— are all great choices. For your bromance pal, selectbirds of paradise, daisies, orsunflowers.

Potted flowers for lasting love

For something different and just as lovely as a bouquet, consider apotted hydrangeaorazaleafor friends. These long-lasting dwarf shrubs have been grown under conditions that force them to bloom at certain times, such as Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and other special holidays.

Move potted plants outdoors to the patio or balcony for summer enjoyment. In southern climates, hydrangea or azalea can even be planted outdoors. Most are not hardy enough to make it through the winter in northern locations.