9 heartfelt alternatives to roses for Valentine’s Day

Is your beau not the rose type? Roses may be the most popular flowers for Valentine’s Day (according to the British Florist Association, it’s estimated that 250 million stems of flowers are sold on Valentine’s globally, with one third being roses) but they’re not for everyone. But if your significant other isn’t a fan of roses, there are so many other alternatives – so don’t believe that roses are the only option!

I’ve put together a list of nine perfect alternatives to roses, including some really surprising and unconventional plants! Browse your options below and surprise your other half with something that will make them fall in love with you all over again!

 

Hoya Kerii (Sweetheart Plant)

Hoya Kerii, also known as the Sweetheart Plant or Valentine Hoya, is a charming succulent vine that features heart-shaped leaves. Its lush, glossy foliage cascades elegantly from hanging baskets or climbs trellises. As an alternative to roses, Hoya Kerii offers a unique and enduring symbol of love. Its heart-shaped leaves signify affection and devotion, making it a thoughtful gift for Valentine’s Day. This low-maintenance plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it a lasting reminder of your love and care.

 

Anthurium (Flamingo Flower)

Anthurium, commonly known as the Flamingo Flower, boasts vibrant heart-shaped blooms that come in various shades of red, pink and white. Unlike roses, which may wilt after a few days, Anthuriums can bloom for several weeks with proper care. Their exotic appearance and long-lasting flowers make them a distinctive alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day roses. Anthuriums thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light, making them an excellent choice for indoor plant lovers seeking a unique and enduring expression of love.

 

Variegated Philodendron

The Variegated Philodendron is a striking tropical plant characterised by its glossy, heart-shaped leaves adorned with vibrant patterns of green and white or pink. As an alternative to roses, this resilient plant is perfect for spots that need ‘just a little something’. Its trailing vines can be trained to climb or allowed to cascade gracefully from hanging baskets, creating a romantic and lush ambiance. Variegated Philodendrons thrive in moderate to bright indirect light and require minimal maintenance, making them a thoughtful and enduring gift for Valentine’s Day.

 

Alocasia (Elephant Ear Plant)

Alocasia, commonly known as the Elephant Ear Plant, features large, heart-shaped leaves with intricate patterns and striking veins. Unlike roses, which may fade quickly, Alocasia leaves remain vibrant and eye-catching year-round. This exotic plant adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any indoor space, making it a memorable alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day gifts. Alocasias thrive in warm, humid environments with bright, indirect light and regular watering, symbolising enduring love and admiration.

 

String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

String of Hearts, also known as Ceropegia woodii, is a charming trailing succulent with delicate heart-shaped leaves cascading from slender vines. As an alternative to roses, this dainty plant offers a whimsical and romantic gesture that symbolises enduring affection and devotion. Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or adorning shelves and windowsills, adding a touch of natural beauty to any space. String of Hearts thrives in bright, indirect light and requires minimal watering, making it a heartfelt and long-lasting gift for Valentine’s Day.

 

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a charming flowering plant known for its delicate heart-shaped petals and vibrant colours, including shades of pink, red and white. Unlike roses, which may wither quickly, Cyclamen blooms persist for several weeks, providing a lasting reminder of love and admiration. This elegant plant thrives in cool, well-lit environments and requires moderate watering, making it an ideal alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day gifts. Cyclamen’s graceful blooms and heart-shaped petals evoke feelings of romance and tenderness, making it a thoughtful and enduring expression of affection.

Want to know how to care for cyclamen? Read this article.

 

Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heart Fern (Hemionitis arifolia)

The Heart Fern, scientifically known as Hemionitis arifolia, is a charming fern species prized for its delicate heart-shaped fronds and lush green foliage. Unlike roses, which may wilt after a few days, Heart Ferns thrive in humid, shaded environments, making them a long-lasting and symbolic alternative for Valentine’s Day. Their graceful foliage is a little surprising for a fern, and some might say the heart shapes evoke feelings of love and tranquillity. Heart Ferns require regular misting and well-draining soil to thrive, symbolising enduring affection and care.

 

Artichoke Hearts (Cynara scolymus)

While not a plant in the traditional sense, artichoke hearts symbolise culinary romance and indulgence. A gourmet selection of artichoke hearts offers a savoury and decadent expression of love. Whether incorporated into a romantic dinner or presented as part of a gourmet gift basket, artichoke hearts make a thoughtful and unconventional choice for Valentine’s Day.

 

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

Bleeding Heart, scientifically known as Dicentra spectabilis, is a captivating flowering plant admired for its unique heart-shaped blossoms adorned with droplets resembling tears. Bleeding Hearts offer a poetic and sentimental expression of love and longing. Their graceful arching stems and delicate blooms create a romantic atmosphere in a garden or floral arrangement. Bleeding Hearts thrive in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, symbolising the beauty and fragility of love on Valentine’s Day.

 

What’s the most unique gift you’ve received on Valentine’s Day? Leave a comment below!