Seasonal & Holidays

Ask An Expert: Which Flowers Make The Best Valentine's Day Gift?

From dazzling hues to in-season blooms, local florist Fleur has all the tips on choosing the perfect floral arrangement this year.

Choosing a floral arrangement that is just as incredible as the special someone you're buying for can be tricky — especially on Valentine's Day, when the pressure is really on. That's why we've called in the experts to help us determine which blooms are the right blooms to wow significant others, best friends or even ourselves!

For Jennifer Page, general manager of Fleur Chicago, creating the perfect arrangement is really up to individual interpretation and should be based on "the energy and vibe of the person you are gifting the flowers to."

If classic roses are their thing, consider mixing it up by going with some fresh hues other than your typical red. Looking to express your love with something more off the beaten path? Page suggests gifting your partner with red, rich plum hues and verdant greens. "I think color reads more emotion than the flowers do actually," says Page.

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For even more guidance on how to ensure the perfect Valentine's Day arrangement, take a look at Fleur's insider tips and tricks below:


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Can you give us some advice on choosing the perfect flowers for your loved one this Valentine’s Day?

I really think that channeling the energy and vibe of the person you are gifting the flowers to is key. I know that sounds pretty hippy, but we always ask our customers who are placing their Valentine’s Day orders to describe who they are buying flowers for. Arrangements can have themes about them — are they soft and bubbly? Edgy and poetic? Wild and inspiring? Combinations of flowers can be as unique and individual as the person you are buying them for.


Which blooms are in season for Valentine’s Day?

Luckily the flower market is vast and international — we have so, so many options.


Are there specific meanings behind certain types of flowers?

There are, but we usually like to work outside the box rather than labeling certain flowers for specific occasions. It can make things really stifling if you try to match individual flowers to certain meanings all the time. I think roses can be romantic or platonic, celebratory or sad. I think all flowers can be! It’s like painting: Blue can be sad but it can also be the color of the sky if you let it.


What types of flowers are ideal for a romantic relationship? What about a platonic relationship?

I bet you think I’m going to say red roses! I think color reads more emotion than the flowers do actually. Want to gift your partner something decadent and passionate? Red, rich plum hues, verdant greens. All. The. Way. Want to gift your best pal something for being your bestie on Valentine's Day? Go for some playful yellows and whites with fresh bright greens.


For someone who wants to go the non-classic rose route, what are some other blooms that are on the rise?

Tropicals are on the rise, along with gold and terra cotta hues. Anthirium, unique colored roses (it’s amazing all the natural color varieties that are out there!), juicy parrot tulips. We personally love butterfly ranunculus!


Do you have any exciting offers coming up for Valentine’s Day?

We will be launching a line of curated gift boxes on our online web shop for this Valentine’s Day! These gift boxes will feature three to four unique products. Rather than give just a gift, they create a whole experience for you to give a special someone. Keep an eye out! We expect they will sell out quickly.


Do you carry or recommend any other gift ideas for Valentine’s Day? That’s the best part about the type of floral shop we are. Absolutely! We have a stunning selection of fine jewelry goods, so you can get your Valentine something sparkly if flowers just aren’t their thing. We also have a large selection of luxury bath & body products, home goods, plants, candles and more. Seriously, there’s a little something for everyone at Fleur.


Pro Tip: Seriously, the earlier the better! We fill the shop with blooms corner to corner every Valentine’s Day, and inevitably we sell out by the evening. Skip the line this year (and definitely don’t chance coming in after work!) To get the best and most varied selection, pre order with us (773.395.2770), and we’ll have it ready when you get here.


About Fleur

Fleur started in 2002. What began as a “floral bucket shop” over the last 17 years has expanded into a brand that offers floral as an experience. Now in 2019, our shop offers a curated selection of high quality products, from home goods to natural bath & body products and more. We love working with small, independent businesses both local and across the country to offer our customers unique products they may have not connected with yet. Our floral events studio creates works of art for weddings and celebrations across Chicago and the surrounding midwest, transforming spaces and making literal dreams come true.


Image Credit: Fleur Chicago

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