10 Rose Alternatives to Consider for Valentine’s Day

Every February, retail stores flood with all things red, pink, and frilly. From heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates to oversized teddy bears, Valentine’s Day can be a bit commercialized. Call it kitschy or cute; these staples have been around for decades, and so has the tradition of giving roses to your love. However, other fabulous blooms deserve recognition, and here are our picks for rose alternatives in your Valentine’s Day bouquets. 

Why consider alternatives to roses? 

When Valentine’s Day rolls around this year, consider rose alternatives for your flower arrangements. Not only will it be unexpected, but you may find a new favorite bloom to represent February 14th. Sometimes holiday flowers can sell out quickly, so if you have a substitute in mind already, you won’t be disappointed. 

sunflower and rose bouquet for valentine's day

Rose Alternatives for Flower Arrangements

1. Sunflowers

No, they aren’t red. Sunflowers aren’t even pink or white, but it’s totally ok to break from the color norm and go with sunny blooms for Valentine’s Day. Sunflowers are one of the most popular flowers, and with regular trimming, they live long in water. You honestly can’t go wrong with these large, bright blooms, which will delight your love on February 14th. Take a peek at our collection of sunflowers. Gorgeous!

sunflower bouquet for valentine's day

2. Carnations

If you are searching for more traditional Valentine’s Day colors, carnations are alternatives to roses that come in tones associated with love. Choose pink, red, or white, but yellow and dyed and specially bred blooms are also popular. Another plus is that they can last up to three weeks when they receive proper care. We have several flower arrangements that highlight carnations. 

carnation bouquet for valentine's day

3. Eucalyptus

Do you like to buck tradition and give something truly unique? Opt for a bouquet of eucalyptus. Available in several varieties, such as seeded, silver dollar, and baby blue, these greens add texture while being monochromatic. They’re perfect for styling empty areas, such as counters and tabletops. Plus, eucalyptus can be hung and dried to increase its usage. Our Emerald Isle bouquet would be perfect. 

eucalyptus bouquet for valentine's day

4. Lilies

Although you can plant many lily species, a flower arrangement of cut stargazer or Asiatic lilies can be quite stunning. Plus, they come in Valentine’s Day-centric hues such as pink and white. A bouquet of lilies can be a pleasant surprise while creating a unique statement with their stately, star-shaped blooms. 

pink lily bouquet for valentine's day

5. Peonies

Another flower that grows from a bulb is the peony, which has a recognizable, fluffy, large head known for its delicate scent. Their planted bulbs thrive in May and June. However, these big blooms are available year-round to delight your sweetie as one of the best alternatives to roses. 

peony bouquet for valentine's day

6. Gerbera Daisies

There aren’t many flowers (ok, maybe sunflowers!) that evoke smiles like gerbera daisies. Their colors alone—pink, red, orange, yellow—offer feelings of joy. The flowers mean happiness and devotion. Plus, there’s no better day than February 14th to communicate those emotions through a stunning bouquet of gerberas

gerbera daisies for valentine's day

7. Calla Lilies

Even though lilies made our list already, there is a vast difference between traditional lilies and the calla lily. The calla has a single, waxy petal that twists to form a high impact bloom. There aren’t many flowers that have only one petal. Despite the lack of flower parts, this type of lily is high on style and can truly create a memorable bouquet

calla lily flowers for valentine's day

Potted Alternatives to Roses

8. Orchids

There’s just something impressive about orchids. Admittedly, they are intimidating to care for as the flowers are relatively picky about water and light. However, due to their delicate nature, they are highly revered. Orchids are also commonly found potted, rather than in flower arrangements, as they thrive better in soil. 

orchid for valentine's day

9. Tulips

Although tulips are available in flower arrangements, opt for potted ones alternatively. Their long-lasting bulbs can offer color for months instead of merely fading away when the bouquet is past its prime. Colors range from deep purples and reds to vibrant pinks and sunny yellows. Spring follows soon after Valentine’s Day, and potted tulips are one of the rose alternatives that will last for years when planted.

tulips for Valentine's Day

10. Succulents

These water-filled leaves are all the rage right now. Not only are they trendy, but they also have longevity and do well both indoors and out (in temperate climates). Whether you choose a single plant or a container garden filled with succulents, they can add a bit of life to a corner of your home or porch. 

succulents for valentine's day

What are your favorite alternatives to roses? Whether you love the tried and true (here’s our rose collection) or want to branch out and do something different this year, we wish you and your sweetie a happy holiday as you celebrate your love. 

Our online flower delivery makes choosing just the right bouquet simple. Send flowers directly to your Valentine, or have them delivered to yourself so that you can present them in person. Either way, flower arrangements are a beautiful way to communicate your love.