Think of Valentine’s day and you’ll automatically think of cards, chocolates and bunches of flowers. There’s no doubt that a bouquet always makes an impression, but is there an alternative to the beautiful, but short-lived, bouquet?
If you have a garden lover in your life, or anyone who appreciates something a little longer lived, there are several romantic plant options that will remind your loved one how much they mean to you year after year. After all, there’s nothing more romantic than watching something beautiful grow over time, just like your love for each other.
For hundreds of years plants have represented the many different facets of love. Classics like the ‘Forget Me Not’ which is associated with true love and memories, Gardenia, a symbol that you are secretly in love and the Camellia which represents longing.
When it comes to romantic plants there’s plenty to choose from, but it would be hard to start anywhere else than with a classic red rose. There are many varieties to choose from, depending on how much space you have.
For those with a larger garden and fancy a rambler, try ‘Rambling Rosie’, this crimson red rose repeat flowers with small individual heads held in large groups and creates a magical effect. Perfect for all soil types it enjoys full sunlight.
A medium shrub rose to consider is the very romantic looking ‘Benjamin Britten’ by David Austin Roses. A glowing deep red- pink, with pretty rosette shaped blooms and an intense fruity fragrance with hints of wine and pear drops!
If you want something that will put on an impressive show a little faster than a Rose, then you might want to try a Dicentra or ‘Bleeding Heart’. These delicate pinky-red heart shaped flowers fill your garden with thousands of little hearts year after year. ‘Dicentra Spectabilis’ is the one to present to your sweetheart!
If impact is your thing, a Salvia ‘Hot Lips’ is a fantastic addition to your garden. An evergreen perennial that produces a mass of bright red and white flowers from early summer to December. The flowers are brilliant lipstick red in early summer and grow deeper in colour before going bi-coloured and eventually pure white. Thrives in full sun, drought tolerant and low maintenance. Perfect for beds, borders and containers.
Lastly, there can’t be a more romantic looking or “instagrammable” plant than the Peony. Blowsy and pretty and the epitome of cottage core and shabby chic, the variety ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ will give you dreamy looking beds and delightful cut flowers. Expect blooms in early summer, with large showy ruffled heads and a beautiful pink pepper fragrance. Full sun to part shade and a south, west or east facing position in moist but well drained soil.
Hopefully, this can inspire some Valentine’s offerings with as much longevity as your love for each other!
Happy Planting!
“O my Luve is like a red, red rose
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune”
Robert Burns ,1794
Written By: Nina Motylinski| Home & Garden Editor
Instagram: @pottering_with_nina_and_jon
