Choosing the Perfect Valentine’s Day Flowers. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Haskins Garden Centre’s Senior Plant Buyer, Richard Lockwood, draws on 25 years of horticultural experience to provide expert advice on selecting the most romantic flowers for your special someone.
The tradition of exchanging flowers as a symbol of love has deep roots dating back to Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Recognizing the enduring importance of this custom, especially around Valentine’s Day, Lockwood shares his top floral recommendations to make your gift truly unforgettable.
Lockwood suggests exploring the world of traditional cottage garden perennials for a delightful bouquet. He recommends combining the lush blooms of peonies with the elegant lily of the valley. The pairing not only brings joy but also releases an enchanting scent. To enhance this romantic bouquet, Lockwood suggests adding the lime-green flowers of ‘Ladies Mantle’ for an extra touch of foliage, creating a heartwarming display.
When it comes to timeless romantic flowers, Lockwood emphasizes the undeniable charm of Roses, particularly the traditional English Rose. Highlighting modern varieties like ‘Olivia Rose,’ he points out their gorgeous scent, abundant color, and long-lasting flowering, making them an ideal Valentine’s gift. The elegant pink hue and light fruity fragrance of ‘Olivia Rose’ add a delightful touch. For an extra romantic touch, Lockwood recommends pairing roses with fragrant honeysuckle and freshly cut foliage in a vase for a truly special display.
For those looking to capture the spirit of spring, Lockwood recommends Lenten Roses (Hellebores), hardy perennials that showcase a stunning array of colors, including white, pink, and dark purple. The long-lasting display of Lenten Roses becomes a beautiful representation of enduring love.
Creating a flower arrangement using the contrasting Polyanthus and Sweet Box ‘Sarcococca’ is another suggestion from Lockwood. The evergreen sweet box produces tiny white flowers that complement the colorful, long-stemmed Polyanthus, offering a thoughtful and caring gesture this Valentine’s Day.
Haskins Garden Centre, with over 140 years in the horticultural industry, operates five garden centers across the South of England. For more information, visit www.haskins.co.uk or follow @HaskinsGarden on Twitter and @HaskinsGardenCentres on Facebook.
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