Flowers aren’t a mere representation of romance, but they express the term love in a bigger picture. As such, floral arrangements are appropriate for birthdays, Mother’s Day, bridal showers, and graduations. Numerous different floral arrangements and bouquets can serve as a powerful expression of sympathy for a family that has just lost a loved one, or as a celebratory gesture for a couple welcoming a new baby.
But despite the many flower-friendly occasions, floral bouquets are still deeply and most frequently associated with love and romance. Leading us to the question: if there are different flower arrangements for different occasions, what would be the most romantic flower?
What flower should you give to remind a close friend or family member how much you love them, or express your feelings for them?
Unveil the most romantic flowers and floral arrangements crafted by Ode a la Rose – one of the best options for personalized floral arrangements that speak up for the love you can’t express verbally.
The 17 Most Romantic Flowers
“Love planted a rose, and the world turned sweet.” – Katharine Lee Bates
But is the rose the sole floral symbol of romance, love, and passion? In addition, we will discover that there are other flowers that whisper “I love you” as loudly as roses.
Roses
Virtually no conversation about romantic flowers will ever start with anything other than roses.
The rose has a long association with love, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times. Roses were associated with both Aphrodite and Venus — each a goddess of love. Ever since, the sophisticated, beautiful blooms of the rose have been linked with romance, attraction, passion, and love.
The red rose is the most iconic flower for its associations with love, but white, pink, and even orange roses are often given to express loving feelings like admiration, desire, and enchantment. Long-stemmed roses are a classic for a reason, and any variety of colors can depict your deep affection through a poetic gesture.
Carnations
Although the rose is the most famously romantic flower, it certainly isn’t the only one that can convey your feelings. Carnations are a cuter, less serious, and less expensive romantic gesture than roses. Carnations symbolize fascination and love, and they are an appropriate gift for your first date with a romantic partner or a more casual romantic occasion.
White carnations are among the most popular choices to symbolize new beginnings. Light pink and red blooms can portray your adoration or admiration for a significant other. These carnations are a softer way to say “I love you,” and many new couples can show their feelings with these arrangements.
Tulips
Tulips are the symbols of spring, but they also have a long association with love. According to Turkish legend, the first red tulip sprung up after a Turkish prince rode his horse over the brink of a cliff, so heartbroken over the loss of his lover that he felt he could no longer live.
Like many other flowers, tulips come in an array of colors, and each has a different meaning. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips embody confidence and positivity. White tulips can be a gesture of apology and a loving way to say sorry to your partner. No matter which you choose, rest assured knowing you’re expressing your devoted love with a magnificent array of vibrant colors.
Tulips can express your passionate love or convey your joy. Either way, a bouquet of tulips is a fitting romantic gift.
Peonies
The fragrant peony gets its name from Paeon, a student of the Greek god of healing and medicine. Stories detail Paeon healing Zeus with one of these delicate blooms, leading him to become the healer of the gods. When Paeon went to meet his end, Zeus turned him into the very same bloom, and we now know peonies have medicinal properties. They can ease chest pain, prevent blood clotting, and act as an antioxidant.
Peonies have a sweet fragrance that makes them impossible to resist. Choosing an arrangement of peonies can show your deep love and romantic feelings for your significant other. These flowers are a common choice among brides-to-be and are considered a positive omen for a happy marriage.
Orchids
Orchids are the type of flower that, after roses, are among the most romantic flowers gifted among glovers. The orchid is often represented as a symbol of love and fertility. They have a delicate beauty and a sense of sophistication that makes them perfect for showcasing in a home. If you want to express to someone in your life how stunning you find them to be, a romantic flower bouquet that incorporates orchids would be a fitting gift.
These blooms can typically last longer than other flowers, making them the perfect way to keep your loved one thinking of you for days to come. You can select a bouquet of fresh-cut orchids or send a potted orchid to your loved one so they can enjoy their flowers for longer.
One of the most popular varieties, pink orchids have a playfulness to them that makes them excellent for celebrating new love. White orchids bring traces of spirituality, purity, and elegance, and they’re especially popular for weddings and engagements. Other orchid colors you might encounter include green, yellow, and purple.
Dahlias
Dahlias gained popularity in the Victorian era as symbols of love and devotion and were popular for wedding celebrations. Today, Dahlias are still a fantastic bloom to celebrate love and romance. Coming from a hardy plant that can survive longer than many other flowers, Dahlias also symbolize steadfastness, commitment, and kindness.
You can find Dahlias in shades like yellow, orange, pink, magenta, and red. These colors represent happiness, kindness, and love, so any variety is sure to be the perfect gift to share your love for someone.
Lilies
Lilies, the cherished flowers of love, hold a special place in the hearts of many people.
These exquisite flowers, known for their long, open petals and grace, symbolize not only love and romance but also open communication and renewal.
Blooming in the late spring and summer, lilies display a wide range of captivating colors, including pure white, passionate red, and soft pink, offering a palette of emotions to express one’s deepest affections.
With origins across the globe, from Asia to Europe and North America, lilies have been celebrated throughout literature in romantic tales and vivid representations of geographical locations.
The lily is a representation of love, because just as a lily unfolds its petals, revealing its innermost beauty, love too unfolds within our hearts slowly, but fills our lives with radiant warmth.
Moreover, as further proof of the flower’s association with femininity and love, Lily is a popular name for girls.
Gardenias
Can a flower carry the essence of passion within its delicate petals? In the enchanting world of gardenias, romance unfolds in the most exquisite manner.
The discovery of gardenias traces back to the captivating landscapes of Asia, particularly China, and Japan, where these exquisite flowers first graced the earth with their presence.
Revered for their elegance and enchanting fragrance, gardenias have come to symbolize purity, grace, and secret love.
From ancient times to the modern era, gardenias have been cherished in gardens and used in various artistic expressions, from literature to perfumery, and of course – poetry. But their fragrance that lingers long after their presence fades is the most unique trait of gardenias.
This alluring perfume has the power to transport us to a realm where time stands still, where the beauty of love is preserved forever.
Thus, gardenias can represent a strong bond of romance, because, like the gardenia’s perfume that lingers, true love will prevail against the tests of time.
Daisies
Daisies, with their unassuming charm and delicate petals, have long been a symbol of love and romance in our society.
Originating from Europe, these blossoms found their way to the shores of America, where they thrived and became intertwined with the landscape. Moreover, the innocent beauty of these flowers slowly grew to become an inspiration of a common girl name across many countries around the globe.
Native to meadows and fields, daisies evoke a sense of innocence and purity, reminiscent of young love blossoming amidst nature’s embrace.
Throughout history, daisies have been featured in romantic poetry and artwork, immortalizing their association with tender affection. Like the daisy’s petals that unfurl to reveal its heart, love, too, unfolds with vulnerability and beauty. Just as daisies awaken across the countryside in springtime, love spreads its magic, sprinkling the world with moments of joy and enchantment.
The Iris
In the tapestry of domestic and international cultivated flora, the iris emerges as an emblem of love and devotion.
With its vibrant bloom, this exquisite flower embodies not only passion but also eloquence and inspiration. The iris “awakens” and blooms in springtime, painting the landscape with an array of colors.
Its name finds its roots in Greek mythology, where it personified the goddess of the rainbow, symbolizing the vast palette of colors the Iris flower may paint. The curious shape and the majestic colors have left their mark throughout history, adorning the pages of books and many canvases as one of the most romantic flowers ever.
Gladiolas
The mesmerizing gladiolas are the flowers that embody the essence of romantic love from afar. With their tall stems and captivating presence, these stunning blooms demand attention, just as love demands devotion and care to exist.
Blooming during the summer, they enrich the hot weather with a vibrant array of colors, from fiery reds and passionate pinks to bold purples and innocent whites.
Derived from the Latin word “gladius” meaning “sword,” their name pays homage to their distinctive blade-like shape. However, gladiolas offer more than visual appeal; they hold deep symbolic meanings associated with love and passion, instead of war and violence.
Each of their blossoms becomes a fervent messenger, whispering words of affection and desire.
Lilac
The lilac crowns the spring awakening in a time where we are still not too close to the warm summer breeze, and not too far away from the short winter days. In such circumstances, the lilac represents hope – that the long days of summer await. Similarly, the lilac represents that the devotion of the person gifting them isn’t fading, but it has rather become unnoticed.
The numerous small flowers are here to remind you that this person still cares for you, though you may have forgotten this!
Despite the name itself derives from the famous color, lilacs can also be found in rich white colors, but their natural color is soft purple. Despite their colors, these bushy plants make for an excellent yard garment, a quiet whisper of love, and a tender inspiration for continuing the effort of romance throughout our lives.
Chrysanthemums
If we’re discussing floral elegance, chrysanthemums stand as a living masterpiece, with their intricate petals resembling a kaleidoscope of shapes.
Blooming in various seasons, from late summer to fall, these flower species showcase a diverse color palette: yellow, orange, red, white, and occasionally, even purple.
The name “chrysanthemum” derives from the Greek language, meaning “golden flower,” which echoes their original golden hues, mostly visible during sunlight.
Beyond their captivating appearance, chrysanthemums hold deep symbolic meaning. They represent love, affection, and devotion, making them a common choice for romantic expressions.
So don’t doubt the choice, but let these captivating blooms serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love’s embrace.
Camellias
Camellias are captivated by their refined beauty and rich, deep red color. They have long been revered as symbols of love and affection due to their size and burgundy color, which have been used as a symbol of deep, empowering romantic love since the dawn of time.
Originating from East Asia, these exquisite flowers don’t always come in red. They can also be found in a range of colors, including shades of white, pink, red, and even yellow.
The name “camellia” pays homage to botanist Georg Kamel, who first introduced these flowers to the Western world. With a blooming period that typically spans from late winter to early spring, camellias grace us with their presence during the colder months.
One of the remarkable features of camellias is their longevity, as their flowers can last for several weeks in a vase when properly cared for.
Buttercups
Delicate yet charming, buttercups bring a touch of whimsy to floral arrangements that speak of love and affection. These dainty flowers, belonging to the Ranunculus family, are found in various parts of the world – from meadows to gardens.
Buttercups are most commonly associated with shades of bright yellow, resembling the warm glow of the sun. Their name originates from the Old English word “buttercup,” as their vibrant hue is reminiscent of the color of butter. Buttercups lend their cheerful presence to the season of new beginnings as they bloom in early spring and sometimes even during early summer.
While each flower petal may not last long, the neverending blooms create a majestic scene that resembles the beauty of love – especially when found in wild, untacked nature. Buttercup flowers symbolize joy and happiness, while adding a touch of delight to any romantic floral arrangement.
Azaleas
Azaleas, known for their breathtaking beauty, have rightfully earned a place as one of the most romantic flowers on Earth. Legends and native stories speak of their enchanting allure, adding to their appeal.
According to a native legend, the Azalea flower symbolizes the eternal love between a young couple who were separated by a great distance. As their love endured, the gods transformed them into vibrant azalea blossoms that bloom simultaneously every year, despite their physical separation.
This tale highlights the everlasting love and devotion associated with these exquisite flowers.
Freesias
With a unique elegance and grace, freesias have established themselves as one of the most romantic flowers among dozens of floral arrangements. Native to South Africa, these blossoms come in various colors, offering a broad palette to express our endless palette of emotions.
With freesias, you can have both red (the color of passion) and purple (the color of wisdom) in a single bouquet.
The name of the flower derives from the German physician Friedrich Freese, who is considered the fan who discovered the freesia, by first describing it in books in the mid-19th century.
Freesias bloom during the late spring and early summer, infusing the air with their delicate fragrance.
The longevity of the petals of the freesia is one of its many qualities. These flowers can last up to two weeks in a vase when properly cared for. Their thin stems and recognizable petals make them a popular choice for a romantic floral arrangement that is a symbol for the love that endures.
Show Your Romantic Side With a Bouquet From Ode à la Rose
As marriage is crowned with a ring – every romance should be delighted with one of the most romantic flowers found in nature. If you need help sending a romantic message with your floral gift, Ode à la Rose is here to help!
Our professional floral designers are always happy to help you craft the perfect bouquet. When you order through us, you can feel confident that your loved one will receive a picture-perfect arrangement every time. Regardless of the occasion, we’ll choose the best blooms to display your true intentions and feelings.
We are a nationwide flower delivery service. We deliver to every city in the country. Same-day flower delivery is available in select areas, including Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., NYC, Miami, and Austin. Next-day delivery is available everywhere else in the continental U.S., so you can send the most romantic flower arrangements no matter where you are.
