Blog Post
Top 10 Best Plants for Valentine’s Day for Garden Lovers
Feb
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to express love and appreciation, and what better way to do so than with plants that symbolize deep emotions and lasting connections? For garden lovers, gifting a meaningful plant can be a thoughtful and long-lasting gesture. If you want to go beyond the usual gifts and give something that truly speaks from the heart, why not consider a plant? Whether it’s a romantic gesture or a thoughtful surprise, these top plants for Valentine’s Day are sure to make your loved one feel cherished.
Whether you’re picking out a gift for that special someone, your best friend, or even treating yourself (because you totally deserve it), these plants make the perfect choice for both Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day celebrations.
Why We Celebrate Valentine’s Day
The origins of Valentine’s Day remain a mystery, with no clear consensus on its true beginnings. Some believe it dates back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, celebrated in mid-February to honor Faunus, the god of agriculture, and the legendary founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. During the festival, priests would perform fertility rituals, including sacrificing animals and blessing fields and women to encourage fertility.
Another theory links Valentine’s Day to early Christianity. There are three recognized saints named Valentine, but the most popular story tells of a Roman priest who secretly performed marriages despite Emperor Claudius II’s ban, which aimed to keep young men focused on military service. Other accounts suggest St. Valentine helped prisoners escape persecution. Regardless of the version, St. Valentine is seen as a symbol of love and selflessness.
Today, Valentine’s Day continues to be a celebration of love, with flowers, gifts, and heartfelt gestures marking the occasion.
Read more: 5 Cool Facts About Valentine’s Day Maybe Surprise You
Why Plants Make the Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Valentine’s Day is all about showing love, and what better way to do that than with a gift that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful? Plants bring a special touch with their lush greenery, vibrant colors, and natural charm—making them a gift that keeps on giving.
Not only are they stunning to look at, but plants are also a thoughtful way to show you care. They can boost mood, purify the air, and serve as a lasting reminder of your love that grows stronger with time.
And the best part? They’re easy to care for! Whether your Valentine is a seasoned plant lover or just starting their plant journey, there’s a perfect match for everyone. Plus, with expert support just a click away, keeping their new green friend happy and healthy is a breeze.
Do we have you convinced a plant can be the most lovable gift of all? Read on for our top five Valentine’s Day picks!
Top 10 Best Plants for Valentine’s Day
Giving a plant on Valentine’s Day is a refreshing, meaningful alternative to traditional cut flowers. Not only do plants last longer, but each variety carries a unique message. Let’s explore 10 plant favorites that bring romantic vibes and heartfelt wishes on this special day.
1. Tulips – Expressing Love and Admiration
Tulips are known for their minimalist yet captivating charm. Their petals come in a wide range of colors—red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and more. Tulips, with their simple yet elegant beauty, are timeless symbols of love and admiration. Red tulips convey deep passion, while pink ones symbolize affection and good wishes. These charming blooms make a romantic and thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift for any garden enthusiast.
Tulips often have a subtle, light fragrance (depending on the variety). They thrive in cooler climates, suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 3–7. If you live in a warmer region, you can grow them in controlled environments (containers, raised beds) or cooler high-altitude areas.
2. Ceropegia Woodii (String of Hearts) – A Symbol of Everlasting Love
Nothing says “eternal love” better than Ceropegia Woodii, commonly known as the String of Hearts, this plant captivates garden lovers with its trailing vines adorned with tiny, heart-shaped leaves. The topsides of the leaves are green and silvery, while the undersides often appear purple. With its cascading heart-shaped leaves, this plant represents connection and affection that grows stronger over time. It’s a unique and sentimental gift that garden lovers will treasure.
While it rarely flowers indoors, its tubular blossoms sometimes emit a light scent. Best grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–12 with warm, mild temperatures. Just keep it away from intense, direct sunlight.
3. Hoya – The Plant of Friendship and Devotion
Hoya is a symbol of sincere friendship and enduring love. Its waxy, fragrant flowers and low-maintenance nature make it a perfect gift for those who appreciate meaningful yet easy-to-care-for plants.
Also known as the Wax Plant, Hoyas have thick, dark-green leaves and clusters of star-shaped, waxy flowers. Colors vary from white and pink to red centers, creating an eye-catching contrast.
Many Hoya varieties produce a sweet, pleasant fragrance, especially in the evening. They flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11, making them suitable for warm, humid conditions.
4. Orchids – Grace, Beauty, and Elegance
If you’re looking for a gift that exudes elegance and sophistication, orchids are the way to go. These exotic flowers symbolize charm, love, and strength, making them a timeless choice for Valentine’s Day. Their long-lasting blooms make them a perfect reminder of your affection.
Orchids boast a regal elegance and come in various hues—pure white, soft pink, regal purple, or warm yellow. Their soft, symmetrical petals and exotic appearance make them a classic Valentine’s choice.
Some orchids, such as Cattleya or certain Phalaenopsis hybrids, have a gentle, sweet aroma. Orchids generally thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–12 with warm temperatures and moderate humidity.
5. Anthurium – Passion and Confidence
With its vibrant red, heart-shaped flowers, Anthurium is a perfect representation of passion and bold love. This striking plant is ideal for expressing deep emotions and makes a stylish addition to any plant lover’s collection.
Anthurium, sometimes called Flamingo Flower, features vibrant, heart-shaped spathes (often red, pink, or white) with a protruding spadix. The glossy leaves and showy blooms add a bold statement to any space.
Most Anthuriums have a mild scent or no noticeable fragrance, but their brightly colored spathes can last a long time. They do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–12, preferring warm, slightly humid environments.
6. Cyclamen – Hope and Lasting Commitment
Cyclamen’s delicate, upward-reaching petals symbolize hope and unwavering commitment. Their charming blooms in shades of pink, red, and white make them a heartfelt gift to encourage positivity and devotion in any relationship.
Cyclamen captivates with its distinctive, upward-curving petals in shades of pink, red, or white. The heart-shaped foliage, often with intricate silver patterns, further enhances its charm.
Certain Cyclamen varieties have a mild, fresh scent. They typically prefer cooler environments and thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11. If you live in a warmer climate, place them indoors where temperatures are more controlled.
7. Miniature Roses – Classic Romance in a Small Package
Miniature roses capture all the romance and beauty of traditional roses but in a compact, adorable form. They symbolize sweet love and appreciation, making them a perfect Valentine’s Day gift that can be cherished year-round in gardens or indoor spaces.
Miniature roses bring all the romance and elegance of traditional roses in a compact form. They come in various shades like red, pink, orange, white, and yellow, perfect for smaller indoor or outdoor spaces. Depending on the variety, some miniature roses offer a light, sweet fragrance, while others are nearly scentless. They do well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9 and love a spot with gentle morning sunlight.
8. Jasmine – Purity and Sweetness
Known for its intoxicating fragrance, Jasmine symbolizes purity, love, and sweetness. Gifting a Jasmine plant not only brings a delightful scent into any home but also serves as a reminder of love that fills the air with joy.
Jasmine plants produce clusters of small, pure-white blooms with a graceful, star-like shape. The lush, dark-green leaves and fragrant flowers are a favorite among gardeners.
The sweet, intoxicating scent of jasmine is beloved worldwide. Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7–10, jasmine thrives in warm climates with ample sunlight.
9. Myrtle – Eternal Love and Prosperity
Myrtle has been associated with love and happiness for centuries. Traditionally used in weddings, it represents eternal love and good fortune. This evergreen plant is a meaningful gift for those who cherish tradition and romance.
Myrtle features small, glossy green leaves and delicate white flowers with a subtle fragrance. Historically associated with weddings and celebrations, it often symbolizes blessings in love.
Myrtle’s blooms exude a faint, pleasant aroma. It flourishes in USDA Hardiness Zones 8–11, loving mild temperatures and moderate sunlight.
10. Lily of the Valley – A Token of Happiness and Good Luck
Delicate yet deeply symbolic, Lily of the Valley represents happiness and good fortune. Its tiny, bell-shaped blooms are said to bring joy and luck, making it a thoughtful gift for a loved one who appreciates the beauty of nature’s small wonders.
The leaves are broad and bright green, creating a lovely contrast with the delicate blossoms. This plant is cherished for its sweet, classic fragrance. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2–9, preferring cooler, shaded areas with moist soil.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day, consider giving a gift that grows with time—just like your love and relationships. Whether it’s the calming presence of a tulip, the sweet fragrance of Jasmine, or the enduring charm of Miniature Roses, these plants make thoughtful and meaningful gifts for garden lovers.
Celebrate love with the beauty of nature, and let these plants remind your special someone of your affection every day!
