10 Non-traditional Flowers for Valentine's Day

The air gets thicker with love as February 14th approaches, and with it comes an abundance of red and pink hearts, arrows, and roses. As you prepare yourself for the barrage of red roses about to fill your office and Facebook feed, we invite you to consider the less traditional but just as romantic flowers to woo your loved one this Valentine's Day.

Valentine's Flowers That Aren't Roses

Roses are a beautiful and very romantic standard, but if you want to go the non-traditional route and surprise your lover with a bouquet that is just as charming as a dozen red roses, you may want to consider these 10 lovely alternatives. Valentine's Day is the perfect time of year to show the person you love how much you care. And, while you might use small gestures here and there throughout the rest of the year to tell them how you feel, Valentine's Day is the one day you can go all out. Read the article 'Last Minute Valentine's Inspiration' to get an extra dose of V-day hype for the upcoming days.

*A pinky Lisianthus and Ranunculus bouquet*

*Photo: @montana_lisianthus*

1. Orchids

When you're looking for flowers to give your loved one, roses are not the only flowers that symbolize love. Exotic and gorgeous, the orchid is a flowering plant that represents luxury and strength. Light purple-toned orchids, or more of hot red tones are classic and elegant colors, and universal flowers that carry a lot of emotional weight, perfect for this day. There's no better gift to show that special someone how much they mean to you.

Krisztian Kover - Decorum design phalaenopsis and rose on Thursd — *Design by Krisztián Kövér and Phalaenopsis orchids by Decorum*

2. Carnations

These gorgeous flowers have a similar shape to roses with a denser texture of petals. It’s no wonder carnations symbolize beauty, making them the perfect Valentine’s Day gift to give your significant other or even to show your adoration and love for your closest friends and even yourself. Along with your partner’s beauty and the beauty of your relationship together, carnations celebrate the love you share.

Apricot toned carnation arrangement for Vday — *Carnations design gift by @flories.co*

3. Anemones

A symbol of undying love, Anemones have a striking appearance with defined petals and a dark center. They make the perfect addition to wildflower bouquets, ones with Eucalyptus for greenery, and anything with soft, pastel colors.

Anemone colors by Floraprima for Vday — *Red, purple, and white Anemone flowers by Floraprima make an ideal option as a V-day gift, very different from traditional flowers*

Anemones are a popular wedding bouquet choice, so if your partner carried these flowers down the aisle, call back to when your life began together by including them in a Valentine’s Day gift.

4. Sunflowers

Show your sweetheart how much you care with an arrangement of beautiful sunflowers. While they aren't your typical romantic flowers, sunflowers (a.k.a. Helianthus) are cheerful and uplifting. The wide, open faces of these yellow flowers symbolize the sun, happiness, adoration, and longevity, making an arrangement of these more romantic than you think.

Sunflowers bouquets are non traditional flowers for Vday — *Sunflowers are a non-traditional Valentine's flower but make a bold and brightly colored gift for your loved ones on this special holiday*
*Photo: @narsisflorist*

5. Ranunculus

Give the gift of precious flowers to your just-as-charming significant other. Ranunculus are perfect for a partner who enjoys and deserves something on the luxurious side. As romantic flowers that aren’t roses, they show a similar shape to the traditional flower, but with a swirl of petals. The flowers come in shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow, with some having a lighter color in the center than the outer petals.

Elegance Cioccolato placed in a vase — *The perfect dark-toned reddish brown Elegance Cioccolato Ranunculus flowers by Floraprima*

Light pink ranunculus by Floraprima — *Delicate light pink Ranunculus flowers make the perfect gift*
*Photo and flowers by Floraprima*

6. Chrysanthemums

While these flowers are popular in the fall, you can often get any type of flower year-round. Choose Chrysanthemums, also known as mums,for their rounded and textured look. With an abundance of small petals, they have a special place in any romantic bouquet.

deep red chrysanthemums from Royal Van zanten — *Dark red-flowered Chrysanthemum Barolo which are ideal for Valentine's.*
*Photo by Royal Van Zanten*

7. Alstroemeria

A symbol of devotion and friendship, the Alstroemeria is a relative of the lily and possesses and subtle scent that your loved one will adore. Also known as the Peruvian lily, these beautiful flowers come in a wide variety of colors including white, lavender, apricot, and yellow - and arrangements. Mix them with pink roses to express your love or order a bouquet of these gorgeous flowers all on their own.

Tesselaar-Alstroemeria-Alstro-Special — *Miss Alstroemeria's own Alstro Special concept, perfect to match the romantic colors*

Dubai and Stephanie alstro varieties by Konst — *Alstroemeria Dubai and Stephanie varieties by Könst Alstroemeria*

8. Tulips

A brilliant bouquet of pink tulips is the perfect gift to give to your true love. While every color of tulip has a different meaning, pink ones are adorable and filled with care and affection. They are an adorable way to express your love for your special someone.

Red tulips for Valentines Day — *Photo: @countryhouseflowersholt*

9. Calla Lilies

Graceful and modern, calla lilies are a sophisticated choice for Valentine’s Day. Their smooth shape and minimalist beauty make them a perfect symbol of refined love and devotion. Calla lilies come in a variety of colors, from classic white to romantic shades of pink, red, and purple. A bouquet of these flowers is an elegant way to convey your admiration and appreciation for someone special.

Special dark red callas for Vday — *You can surprise your loved one by giving them something really out of the ordinary such as these dark red callas*
*Photo: @futureflowersbv*

10. Lisianthus

Soft and romantic, Lisianthus is a delicate alternative to traditional Valentine's flowers. These dainty florals, which resemble roses, symbolize gratitude, charisma, and a lasting bond. Available in pastel colors such as lavender, blush pink, and cream, Lisianthus adds a dreamy and loving touch to any bouquet.

Lisianthus Alissa Rose — *Lisianthus Alissa Rosé by @montana_lisianthus*

Which of these 10 non-traditional flowers will be accompanying you on this year's Valentine's Day celebration?

FAQ

Are non-traditional flowers really appropriate for Valentine’s Day?

Absolutely. Valentine's day is about intention, not one specific bloom. A Valentine's day flower can be any of many flowers that feel personal, from potted plants to flowering plants and seasonal stems. Choosing different flowers shows you noticed your partner's favorite flower, and that thoughtfulness adds deep meaning to the gift. If you're hunting the best flowers for Valentine's, think message first: romance, affection, gratitude, or friendship. A bright tulip bundle, an anemone mix, or an orchid plant can feel just as romantic as red roses. Across the world, Valentine is celebrated in many styles, so the best Valentine's day flowers are the ones that fit your story.

Which flower is best if I want something elegant but not a rose?

For an elegant look without the usual rose, calla lilies and orchids are top picks. Both have clean lines and a modern feel, so a Valentine's day gift looks refined rather than predictable. Choose white or blush lilies for softness, or go for vibrant colors like deep purple callas for an eye catching finish. If you want a Valentine's day flower that still nods to tradition, use one of those long stemmed red roses and echo classic roses, then build a unique arrangement with lisianthus, tulips, or ranunculus. They express admiration and strength while keeping Valentine fresh, whether you choose cut stems or orchid plants. These romantic flowers also photograph beautifully.

Do these alternatives last as long as roses?

Often, yes. Vase life depends on variety and handling, but many flowers outlast standard bouquets. When Valentine's day flowers arrive, trim stems, refresh water, and keep blooms cool to extend freshness. Orchids, chrysanthemums, and alstroemeria are reliable choices for flowers for Valentine's day because they hold up well when delivered. A good florist will condition stems before they leave the shop, so if you send flowers a bit early, they can still look great days later. Flowering plants can last even longer, making them some of the best flowers for this holiday.

Can I mix several of these flowers in one bouquet?

Definitely. Mixing textures is one of the easiest ways to upgrade Valentine's day flowers. Combine ranunculus with lisianthus for softness, or pair anemones with eucalyptus for contrast; these combinations suit both cut flowers and giftable plants. For flowers for Valentine's day, you can also tuck in a few plants for a longer-lasting surprise, or add peonies when available for a garden-style look. If you worry the bouquet feels too far from tradition, add a few roses as a quiet nod to Valentine while keeping the overall look modern. Pros often build balanced arrangements by repeating one color in three places, which helps romance feel intentional. If you're also sending chocolates, choose blooms in the same palette for a cohesive moment.

What if my partner still expects roses?

If your partner expects roses, you can meet that expectation without losing originality. Start with red roses (two or three) and surround them with tulips and carnations so the Valentine's day flower story feels personal. This approach keeps the rose meaning while showing you chose the best flowers for Valentine's with care, and it still reads like the best Valentine's day flowers to someone who loves tradition. Ask your florist to simply place the focal blooms high and the fillers lower for a tidy gift that makes the day unforgettable. If you send flowers for Valentine's, confirm it will be delivered, or add small plants for lasting impact. Add chocolates for a classic touch and finish with happy Valentine's day.

What team is yours?