Here are 25 ways to express your love

Flowers and plants have a language all to themselves with meanings we don’t always expect, so don’t be offended if your Valentine presents you with a cactus or a pineapple. It means they are pretty hot for you.

This year, rather than spending the equivalent of the economic output of a small country on red roses, take it one step further and tell your Valentine exactly how you feel through a bunch of well-selected flowers, a pot plant or even a bowl of fruit. It is far more creative and a lot easier on the pocket.

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we have found 25 different plants to help you convey all those complex emotions you want to communicate. If your perfect plant is not in season, buy a gift of seeds to sow as your love grows. Remember too that you can use plants to say “I love you” all year round.

A bunch of flowers
If you want to put together a big bunch of flowers, make sure you include some of the following.

» Agapanthus – love letter (can also be given as a plant)
» Baby’s breath – everlasting love
» Daffodil – new beginnings
» Lilac – first emotions of love
» Ranunculus – you are radiant with charms
» Tulip – declaration of love
» Gladiolus – you pierce my heart

Pots of love
A pot plant usually lasts longer than cut flowers, although assure your Valentine that you won’t hold it against them if the plant dies! Put several of these plants into a large planter. It is as good as a love poem. Ask the nursery for gardening tips to include with the gift.

» Fuschia – humble love
» Cactus – ardent love
» Phlox – our souls are united
» Pink dianthus – pure love
» Moss rose – confession of love
» Virginia stock – you will always be beautiful to me
» Orchid – refined beauty

A plant for the garden
Give your Valentine a gift of love that will grow as your love grows. If they have a garden, consider one of the following as your Valentine’s gift.
» Acacia – secret love
» Bougainvillea – passion
» Peach tree – its blossom means, “I am your captive”
» Potatoe vine – you are delicious

A fruit basket
For those Valentines who do not have green fingers, use fruits to convey your emotions.
» Pineapple – you are perfect
» Quince – temptation
» Strawberry – perfection
» Peach – your charms are unequalled
» Pear – affection
» Sachet of cloves – I have loved you and you have not known it

– Source: The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenby