August isn’t just another hot summer month—it holds a lesser-known but significant celebration: Romance Awareness Month. Positioned perfectly six months after Valentine’s Day, it’s a chance to check in, reset, and re-ignite romantic energy. Whether you're in a long-term relationship, newly dating, or simply wanting to express more affection, August is the time to shoot your shot. And nothing says romance quite like thoughtfully chosen flowers and plants.
Why August Matters: The Roots of Romance Awareness Month
Writer and relationship coach Eileen Buchheim founded Romance Awareness Month as a gentle reminder not to let romantic gestures fade between anniversaries and holidays. With August 14th marked as Romance Awareness Day, it's the perfect opportunity to add spontaneity, sentiment, and sweetness to your connection. The goal isn't grand displays, but meaningful, intentional acts that say "I still choose you."
Over time, this mid-year celebration has evolved into a space for individuals to reflect on the emotional rhythms of their relationships. Unlike holidays marked by commercial expectations, Romance Awareness Month offers a quieter, more personal invitation to reflect on how love is given and received in everyday life. It's a reminder that romance is more than peak moments—it’s found in consistency, care, and thoughtful intention.
Why Flowers Still Speak Volumes
Flowers remain one of the most effective ways to communicate affection. Each stem carries symbolism—roses for passion, lilies for devotion, sunflowers for admiration. Whether you go for a classic bouquet or a quirky mix of seasonal favorites, flowers create a moment that feels elevated and personal. They're also perfect for love languages like gift-giving and words of affirmation.
If you're unsure what to choose, red or blush roses remain a timeless symbol of love and passion. Ranunculus, associated with radiant charm, is ideal for someone who leaves you breathless. Orchids, elegant and exotic, are suited for expressing refined or mature affection, while sunflowers represent bright, positive, unshakable love. You can deepen the gesture by adding a handwritten note or love letter tucked into the bouquet.
Incorporating seasonal or locally-grown blooms adds an extra layer of meaning, showing that you’ve put thought into the gesture. And for those in long-distance relationships, surprise flower deliveries remain a powerful way to bridge physical gaps and keep the emotional spark alive.
Long-Lasting Reminders With Plants
While flowers offer that immediate spark, gifting a plant adds a layer of commitment and care. Plants grow, shift, and require tending, just like a healthy relationship. They're a living reminder of shared growth, mutual support, and daily nurture.
Consider giving a Hoya Heart (Hoya kerrii), a single heart-shaped leaf symbolizing enduring love. Peace lilies make meaningful gifts for their symbolism of harmony and resilience. Anthuriums, with their heart-shaped spathes, quietly whisper affection, and jasmine adds a fragrant reminder of sweet memories. Make the moment more interactive by pairing the plant with a shared potting activity or a personalized planter.
Incorporating plants into your shared living space can also transform your environment into a co-created sanctuary. From creating a romantic balcony garden to adopting a weekly watering ritual, plant care can be a shared language of nurturing and presence.
Other Ways to Celebrate Romance Awareness Month
Romance Awareness Month isn't only about giving—it's about doing. Recreate your first date or relive a memorable shared moment to spark nostalgia. Plan a screen-free evening filled with candles, music, and real conversation. Surprise your partner with acts of service like tidying their workspace, prepping lunch, or running errands. Hide mini love notes around the house or cook together using romantic herbs like lavender, basil, or rosemary for a sensory-rich experience that also brings you closer.
You could also curate a shared playlist of songs that reflect your journey, or start a journal of love memories that you update each year in August. Little traditions created this month can evolve into cherished rituals that strengthen your connection over time.
Everyone gives and receives love differently, so use this month to lean into your partner’s love language. If their love language is words of affirmation, write them a heartfelt letter or offer daily verbal appreciation. For quality time, establish meaningful routines like morning walks or Sunday rituals. Acts of service could include handling a task or chore without being asked. If they value physical touch, they prioritize intimate moments such as hugs, hand-holding, or dancing in the kitchen. For those who enjoy receiving gifts, flowers and plants offer beautiful, symbolic surprises that speak volumes.
The more you align your actions with your partner's emotional preferences, the more you create a sense of being seen, heard, and deeply cared for. Romance is most powerful when it’s personalized.
Romance Awareness Month Isn’t Just for Couples
Romance Awareness Month can also be a time for self-love or platonic appreciation. Celebrate a friend, a sibling, or yourself. Send a single rose with a thoughtful note, start a plant journal, or indulge in a favorite romantic film. Romance is less about the label and more about the feeling of being valued and cherished.
Self-romance, in particular, can be a transformative practice. Taking yourself out to dinner, booking a solo getaway, or writing a letter to your future self are beautiful ways to foster inner love and reflection. This kind of personal celebration enriches your capacity to connect with others.
Romantic gestures shouldn't be quarantined to a single month. Let August be a reminder of how small, consistent acts of love shape deeper bonds. Whether you're building new love or nurturing an old one, flowers, plants, and heartfelt action are timeless tools to keep connection blooming.
As the month closes, consider writing a reflection on what you discovered about your relationship, or yourself, through these intentional acts. Carry those learnings into the rest of the year to make romance a rhythm—not just a highlight.
Happy Romance Awareness Month!
Header and feature image by @worldofsprayroses.
