Valentine’s Day flowers: Meaning of roses, carnations and bouquets & how to make them last longer
We visited Bayport Flower Houses - a florist, nursery and landscape center that has been making life more colorful since 1932.
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Nothing says “I love you” like fresh flowers on Valentine’s Day. While red roses remain the staple, there is so much more available. The bouquets at local florists are cut and crafted with care. Not only do they last longer, but they also include personalized touches that make them memorable.
Each flower has a different meaning: some for friendship, others for longevity. At Bayport Flower Houses, each bouquet is made to say what you want them to say. Founded in 1932, Bayport Flower Houses has spent decades helping Long Islanders express emotions through floral design.
Why do we exchange flowers on Valentine’s Day?
Exchanging flowers on Valentine’s Day is a romantic tradition that originates from Victorian times. The concept of Valentine’s Day can be traced to Ancient Rome, but the invention of the postal stamp in 1840 made it possible for valentine cards to become widespread, but flowers come in when you have more to say then words.
“Flowers have a language all to themselves,” says Christine Saroka, fourth-generation co-owner and floral shop manager at Bayport Flower Houses. “Ever since Victorian times, people have used flowers to communicate feelings.”
Floriography, the language of flowers, also dates back to early human civilization. It was first put into Western dictionaries in the early 1800s and Victorian women would use these dictionaries to understand what the flowers mean.
What different Valentine’s flowers mean
Understanding flower symbolism can help personalize a bouquet:
Red roses: romance and passion
The classic Valentine’s Day flower. Red roses symbolize deep love and romance, often combined with baby’s breath to represent purity. This is the most popular choice for Feb. 14.
Yellow roses: friendship and joy
Yellow roses convey warmth, happiness and friendship. It’s an ideal choice for friends or loved ones you appreciate.
Carnations: long-lasting love
Carnations are among the longest-lasting cut flowers, and Christine says this feature has been adopted into the flower’s meaning. Carnations don’t have to be traditional, check out “green trick” in the photo below. Christine says it looks like something from Dr. Seuss, and I agree!
Mums (chrysanthemums): versatility and cheer
Chrysanthemums aren’t just for autumn, they’re becoming incredibly popular for bouquets. They are available in many shapes and colors and are one of the most reliable plants for florists.
Incorporating scent
Christine uses herbs like rosemary to add a special touch to bouquets that make them unforgettable!
Why do florist flowers often last longer?
Buying Valentine’s flowers from a professional florist can significantly improve longevity compared with mass-market bouquets. At Bayport Flower Houses, they go the extra mile to hydrate flowers before adding them to bouquets. Christine says their customers are surprised how long the blooms last.
How Bayport Flower Houses keeps their flowers fresh
Stems are cut diagonally. This adds surface area for better water absorption.
Warm, nutrient-rich water conditions the flowers. This opens up the vascular bundles in the plant stems.
Proper hydration techniques extend vase life.
“It takes skill and care,” Christine explains. “That really is why we do what we do. To bring joy to people.”
Valentine’s Day Flower Event at Bayport Flower Houses
If you want to go beyond buying flowers this Valentine’s season, Bayport Flower Houses is planning a bouquet-making event around Feb. 15. The workshop, called the Sweetbox Workshop, gives participants a chance to learn floral design basics from professionals.
