Romance & Roses: How to Say I Love You with Flowers

05 February 2026

Flowers have always been one of the most timeless and heartfelt ways to express love. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to surprise someone special, the right bouquet can say what words sometimes cannot.

Roses are the ultimate symbol of passion and devotion, with red roses of love conveying deep emotion and commitment, but romance is not limited to roses. Other flowers carry their own meanings, and personalised arrangements can make your gesture truly unforgettable.

In this guide, we will explore how to choose flowers that speak from the heart, the meanings behind the blooms, and how to turn them into a gift that says “I love you” all year round.

Browse Valentine's Day Flowers or Contact Us

Why Roses are the Ultimate Flower of Love

Roses have long been celebrated as the most romantic of all flowers. Their timeless beauty and delicate fragrance make them a classic way to express love, admiration, and devotion. The rose symbol has been used for centuries to represent passion and deep emotion, appearing in literature, art, and even mythology as a token of affection.

Among all the varieties, red roses of love are the most recognised. They are traditionally given to convey heartfelt feelings, making them the perfect choice for romantic gestures. The colour red has long been associated with passion, desire, and commitment, which is why a bouquet of red roses instantly signals a message of love.

Understanding the meaning of red roses can help you choose the right number of blooms and even the right shade to match your sentiment, whether it is a first declaration of love or a lifelong commitment.

While roses are the ultimate symbol of romance, they also set the tone for thoughtful, meaningful gifting. A carefully chosen rose bouquet can express what words sometimes cannot, making it a timeless favourite for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or simply to surprise someone special.

Rose Colour Meanings & What Each Colour Says

Roses are not just beautiful - each colour carries its own message, allowing you to express love and emotion in a very personal way. Understanding the meanings behind the colours can help you choose the perfect bouquet.

Red Roses - The classic symbol of passion and commitment, red roses of love convey deep, heartfelt emotion and are perfect for expressing romantic devotion.
Pink Roses - Represent admiration, gratitude, and gentle affection, ideal for showing appreciation or sweet romance.
White Roses - Symbolise purity, innocence, and new beginnings, often chosen for weddings or fresh starts in relationships.
Yellow Roses - Bright and cheerful, yellow roses celebrate friendship, joy, and happiness rather than romantic love.
Orange Roses - Convey enthusiasm and desire, perfect for sparking passion or celebrating excitement in a relationship.
Lavender Roses - Represent enchantment and love at first sight, giving a magical and unique touch to your bouquet.

Other Romantic Flowers that Express Love

Tulips - Elegant and timeless, tulips represent deep affection and perfect love.
Lilies - Symbolising devotion and beauty, lilies make a striking and meaningful gift.
Orchids - Exotic and delicate, orchids convey admiration and lasting love.
Carnations - These charming flowers express fascination, admiration, and warmth.
Peonies - Full and lush, peonies are a symbol of romance, prosperity, and happy relationships.
Sunflowers - Bright and cheerful, sunflowers reflect adoration and loyalty.

Shop Valentine’s Day Flowers

Personalised Flower Arrangements That Say More

Flowers can do more than simply look beautiful. A carefully chosen bouquet can become a personal expression of love. Personalised arrangements allow you to tailor your flowers to the recipient’s tastes and the message you want to convey. Including classic red roses, long celebrated as a symbol of love, can anchor the bouquet while other blooms add variety and meaning.

Mixing Roses with Other Blooms

Red roses are often the focal point of romantic bouquets. Pairing them with tulips, lilies or orchids can create a richer, more meaningful arrangement. Combining flowers in this way celebrates different aspects of your relationship while keeping the rose at the heart of the message of love.

Choosing Colours Thoughtfully

The colours you choose can enhance the meaning of your bouquet. A single colour can make a strong statement while combining shades can express more complex feelings. For example, a bouquet of red roses for love with pink roses for admiration can show multiple layers of affection and make your gesture feel personal and heartfelt.

Arranging by Style

The style of the arrangement can reflect the personality of the recipient or the tone of the occasion. Classic, symmetrical bouquets feel elegant and timeless, while loose, natural arrangements create a relaxed and spontaneous impression. Choosing the right style ensures your gift feels thoughtful and intentional.

Adding Personal Touches

Small details make a big difference. Adding greenery, delicate fillers such as baby’s breath or a decorative ribbon can elevate a bouquet from beautiful to unforgettable. Personal touches show that you have considered every element of the gift and make your flowers a meaningful expression of care and affection.

Flowers as Part of a Romantic Gift

Romantic gifts become even more memorable when flowers are included. A bouquet can act as the emotional centerpiece, enhancing any gesture and making it feel thoughtful and heartfelt. Whether it is for Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or just a spontaneous surprise, combining flowers with other gifts creates a more meaningful experience.

Enhancing Gifts with Flowers

Flowers can elevate almost any romantic gift. Pairing a bouquet with a handwritten note, a box of chocolates, or a piece of jewellery adds layers of thoughtfulness. The flowers themselves draw attention and set the tone for the entire gesture. A carefully chosen bouquet of red roses or other meaningful blooms can make even a simple gift feel extraordinary.

Choosing the Right Combination

When combining flowers with another gift, consider the recipient’s preferences and the occasion. Red roses of love paired with a piece of jewellery conveys passion and commitment, while a mixed bouquet alongside a handwritten letter can show tenderness and admiration. Using symbolic flowers can reinforce the message you want to send, turning your gift into a meaningful expression rather than a purely decorative one.

Timing and Presentation

The presentation and timing of your gift can enhance its impact. Flowers delivered alongside a romantic experience, such as a special dinner or a thoughtful surprise, create lasting memories. Paying attention to details like arranging the flowers beautifully, including a personal note, or choosing a gift box that complements the bouquet makes the gesture feel intentional and heartfelt.

Key Takeaways for Romance & Roses

Roses are the ultimate symbol of love – The rose symbol has represented passion and devotion for centuries, with red roses of love being the most recognised way to express deep emotion.
Red roses meanings matter – Understanding what red roses and other rose colours represent allows you to personalise your bouquet and convey your feelings clearly.
Different colours communicate different messages – Red for passion, pink for admiration, white for purity, yellow for friendship, orange for enthusiasm, and lavender for enchantment.
Romance is not limited to roses – Tulips, lilies, orchids, carnations, peonies, and sunflowers all carry their own romantic meanings and can complement or replace roses in a bouquet.
Personalised arrangements make flowers more meaningful – Combining different blooms, colours, and arrangement styles creates a gift that reflects the recipient’s personality and the depth of your feelings.
Mixing flowers thoughtfully adds impact – Pairing roses with other romantic flowers or using colour combinations allows you to express multiple emotions in a single bouquet.
Small details elevate your gift – Adding greenery, delicate fillers, ribbons, or other personal touches makes your bouquet feel intentional and unique.
Flowers enhance larger romantic gestures – Including flowers alongside gifts such as jewellery, chocolates, handwritten notes, or experiences adds emotional weight and thoughtfulness.
Presentation and timing matter – Beautifully arranged flowers, paired with careful timing and presentation, turn any romantic gesture into a memorable experience.
Flowers communicate emotion year-round – While perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or special occasions, flowers can express love and care throughout the year.

FAQs

What do red roses symbolise in love?

Red roses are the ultimate symbol of love and passion. They convey deep emotion, devotion, and romantic commitment, making them the most recognised flower for expressing heartfelt feelings in relationships. Beyond romance, they can also signify respect, admiration, and lasting affection depending on the context of your bouquet.

Is a single red rose romantic?

Yes, a single red rose can be very romantic. Giving one red rose often represents love at first sight, a special gesture of admiration, or a meaningful way to show your affection without overwhelming the recipient with a large bouquet. It’s a simple but powerful way to communicate your feelings.

How many red roses for true love?

Traditionally, twelve red roses are given to symbolise true love and complete devotion. However, smaller numbers can also carry meaning: one rose represents simplicity and deep affection, while six roses can signify a desire to be loved. Choosing the number depends on the message you want to convey and the occasion.

How many roses to say I miss you and love you?

The number of roses can be tailored to express specific emotions. A single rose can mean “I miss you,” while a small bouquet of three to six roses can combine both love and longing. Twelve roses often communicate a deep, enduring love, making them ideal for expressing both affection and the desire to be together.

Say “I Love You” with Julie’s Flowers

Flowers can express emotions that words alone sometimes cannot. From the timeless romance of red roses of love to personalised arrangements that reflect your unique message, every bloom can speak from the heart. Choosing flowers with meaningful colours and combining them thoughtfully creates a gift that feels memorable, personal, and full of feeling.

At Julie’s Flowers, we offer a wide range of romantic bouquets and personalised arrangements for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any occasion where love is in the air. With same-day delivery available before 2pm across Newcastle, from Gosforth to Tynemouth, and Sunderland, from Cleadon Village to South Shields, you’re sure to find the perfect flowers for your loved one. Explore our Valentine’s Day flowers or browse our full flower range to find the perfect gift.

For tailored advice or to create a custom arrangement, visit our contact page and let our team help you craft a bouquet that says “I love you” in the most unforgettable way.