For generations, flowers have been a symbol synonymous with love and devotion.
King Charles II in the 17th century first introduced Sweden to the “Language of Flowers,” a study deriving from Persia that designates a special meaning to each variety of flower and even blossoms of particular colors. In later years, Victorian-era beaus communicated with their loved ones using the special language through single flowers or bouquets.
According to floriography, a white lily symbolize purity, lavender can mean mistrust, a marigold is a sign of grief and the Valentine’s Day staple, a red rose, signifies true love.
Today, few people remember the flower language, but the tradition of giving them on days devoted to love is still popular. For most florists, this makes Valentine’s Day the busiest day of the year.
“Obviously jewelry and candy are popular, great gift options, but flowers are more significant when you look at what they truly mean,” said Frank Gallo Jr., owner of Frank Gallo and Son Florist based in Schenectady.
Although the symbolism of most flowers is lost on the typical customer, some hold special meanings for other reasons.
Tim Healy, a designer at the Posie Peddler in Saratoga Springs, said husbands often ask for the same flowers their wives carried on their wedding day, or an exotic flower that might hold special meaning for the couple.
“I would suggest ordering early if there’s a certain flower you know they like,” he said. “We usually have a huge variety, but just to make sure we can get it in.”
But roses are still the most popular order, by far.
According to Gallo, about 17,000 roses are sold during the week of Valentine’s Day in his three shops in the Capital District, compared to just 1,500 sold on a typical day.
Florists spend weeks to prepare for Valentine’s Day by processing flowers, taking on extra staff and calling in special orders.
Katie Pietrykowski, the designer at Delmar Florist in Bethlehem, said the majority of customers on Valentine’s Day continue to be men.
“It’s one of the easier things for guys to pick out,” she said, explaining almost 90 percent of customers on the day are men. “(Flowers) are a no brainer. They don’t have to put a ton of thought into them and it’s a nice gift.”
Pietrykowski said when men are in doubt, they should leave choices up to the designer.
“We know what we’re doing,” she said.
Gallo and Healy agreed, but said purchases by women are on the rise.
“Women are becoming more proactive with buying flowers for men,”said Gallo, adding many women also buy them for their mothers, sisters and other women in their life. But it’s the men who are guilty of ordering at the last minute.
The Schenectady-based florist said ordering in a timely fashion equals a better product. “My advice would be if you do order same day, is to be flexible with your order,” he suggested. “You might have your heart set on a certain color but we might not have it any more. Let the designer take care of you. It will have the same quality still, not just exactly what you want.”
Healy said the gift of flowers has stood the test of time, at least on the east coast, because of February’s seasonable weather.
“It’s normally so cold and snowy, to have something that makes you think of spring is great,” he said. “It’s something living and beautiful right in front of you.”
According to Healy, accessorizing floral arrangements is now in fashion. Feathers and flowering branches are being added to orders, as are animal prints and “bling” like fake diamonds. Healy said special designs usually need to be asked for specifically, and customers should remember to mention any other gifts they may want to pair with the flowers, like balloons, candy, candles or stuffed animals.
“We like to be able to offer something different and more personal than what can be found in your typical supermarket,” he said.
All three florists advised those looking to purchase flowers for Valentine’s Day to work with a local, reputable floral business, rather than relying on a website or calling a 1-800 number.
“Those places can be problematic,” said Gallo. “We can usually assure a better product.”