Written by Madalene Chu
The red rose is a symbol of love for Valentine’s Day dating all the way back to the Victorian era as a way to express feelings of love through the secret language of flowers. It’s no secret these days as to what a bouquet of red roses means as it’s paraded through the office towards its recipient. We asked our favourite florists across Australia what flowers they would like to receive this Valentine’s Day which went beyond the red rose.
Here are some of their responses on the flower lover’s choice for the modern day romantic.
Blooms on Darby
A self described wild rambling romantic at heart, Natalie Hart, the daughter part of Blooms on Darby’s mother and daughter team brings the same spirit in her floristry. Which is why Natalie dares you to “go bold and let your florist create something as unique and vibrant as your love with seasonal ingredients. We are in 2025 – let go of the picture perfect flower trend and embrace nature – give me all that texture and the weirdly wonderful focal flowers!”
Newcastle, NSW
@bloomsondarby
Limetree Bower
Helen from Limetree Bower is all about celebrating high voltage love in a myriad of colours. “I adore a classic red rose, but my dream Valentine’s bouquet? It’s got to be a vibrant rainbow of blooms. Why choose one colour when you can have a whole garden of happy joy? I feel like traditionally, “romantic love” has been typically associated with either classic red roses or soft pastel colours… but bold vibrant colours bring another level of high energy and passion, particularly when designed artistically! Each flower adds its own magic to create something truly spectacular – perfect for someone who lights up your world with their own unique colours and vibes.”
To shop their Valentine’s range hit the links below
https://limetreebower.com/products/rainbow-romance-valentines-day-flowers
https://limetreebower.com/collections/valentines-day-flowers
Northbridge, NSW
0493257504
@limetreebower
Architecture in Bloom
Director of Architecture in Bloom Simone Bennet explores all forms of love from its purest form with a white bouquet to more bold and passionate palettes. “For me, the perfect Valentine’s bouquet is something unexpected—pushing beyond the traditional red rose. I love incorporating rich textures, interesting shapes, and layered details to give depth and character. Whether it’s a dramatic mix of natives, a punchy colour palette, or classic whites, every arrangement we create reflects a unique love story—one that speaks to flower lovers looking for something special this Valentine’s Day,” says Simone.
North Kellyville, Sydney, NSW
@architectureinbloom
Prospector Studio
The mind behind Prospector Studio Geraldine Mills comes from a fine arts background. She now uses florals and nature as her canvas and each creation has a story to tell. Her Valentine’s Day 2025 collection draws inspiration from love stories in cult films including her Sweet Dreams arrangement which looks to Sofia Coppola’s Virgin Suicides. “Sweet dreams was inspired by first love, discovery, wonderment and the dusk gloaming light. Think lying in a field dreaming of your crush. Colourway inspired by the film visuals of “The Virgin Suicides” The florals chosen are scented and soft tones of dusky pinks.”
Sydney, NSW
@prospectorstudio
Hansford Flowers
The opening banner of Hansford Flowers website states proudly that they are “not your typical florist”. So expect to be surprised with every arrangement that they craft. The same goes with every single bouquet that goes out this Valentine’s Day. Annette Jovanovic says, “This Valentine’s Day, let your love blossom with our top picks. From dreamy pastel arrangements to vibrant romantic hues, each bouquet is a masterpiece of elegance and emotion. Perfectly wrapped to impress, these blooms radiate charm and passion, making every moment unforgettable.”
Gold Coast, QLD
0414914215
@hansfordflowers
East End Flower Market
Phoebe from East End Flower Market says, “This year we are particularly loving roses incorporated into something a lot more fun and vibrant. Our customers have been going bright and big this year and we couldn’t be happier. Big impact, local stock and fun free flowing shapes. We are loving that alternative flowers are being the stars of the show this year, in particular these dahlias and rudbeckia.”
Adelaide, SA
www.eastendflowermarket.com.au
(08) 8225 6477
@eastendflowermarket
Wild Forager
For curated floral designs in Freshwater and its surrounding suburbs, locals know to go to Wild Forager. But according to manager Melissa it’s unanimous amongst the team, “we are all in favour of receiving just one delicious bunch of a single flower en masse. The simplicity after creating such unbridled designs all day is the main appeal…. Lotus Flowers, an armful of flowering gum or an abundance of opal hydrangea all being the flowers on our wishlists.” And while receiving mixed bouquets is always artful, flowers en masse makes quite the statement.
Freshwater, NSW
0405338615
@wild_forager
Christine and Rose Flowers
Gemma Metha of Christine and Rose Flowers likes to ask a bit about the person receiving her bouquets and arrangements. “They might be an artist or an architect or have a favourite colour or flower that I try to incorporate to make it unique or special for them.”
With her signature combination of soft blooms in contrast to textual elements she says,
“I love mixing natives and floral and combining different colours, that’s why each bouquet is different, none are the same. I’ll include something romantic like roses or anthuriums but then add something a little funky for interest.”
Christine and Rose Flowers have limited quantities for Valentine’s Day this year. Be sure to place your orders early.
Five Dock, NSW
www.christineandroseflowers.com.au
0452447462
@christineandroseflowers
Maud and Ivy
Monique Rameau at Maud and Ivy creates bouquets that celebrate individuality. For Monique “the most meaningful bouquets are those that reflect the recipient’s personal tastes and personality.” She recommends you, “think about their favorite flower, the ones that bring them joy or remind them of a special memory. Whether it’s the elegance of roses, the cheerful spirit of sunflowers, or the abundant beauty of hydrangea, choose blooms that will make them smile.”
Her other key advice is to not “forget about colour! Does your loved one adore pastel pinks and whites, or are they drawn to vibrant hues like purple, orange, or even blue? Arranging a bouquet of the colours and blooms they love shows thoughtfulness and makes the bouquet feel more personal and meaningful.”
Gold Coast, QLD
https://maudandivyflowers.com.au
0468329998
@maudandivyflowers
We love the idea of looking beyond the traditional red rose. If they are your lovers fav’, then absolutely! But if your lover is all about those vibrant hues or native blooms – don’t let tradition stand in your way of a good time!
Love The FQ xx
