GARDEN GURU: Ultimate Love Bouquet
Everyone knows that red roses mean romantic love but you may not know that if you’re declaring your love then a bouquet of red tulips says it loud and clear. At least, it used to in Victorian Britain where the velvety red of a tulip was considered the closest match to a lover’s heart.
This year the RHS have teamed up with Interflora to bring back the floral language of love in a special, ‘Ultimate Love Bouquet’ – which will speak volumes to your Valentine. Here’s a bit of help to break the code:
Amaranth – unfading love. The name amaranth also owes its name to ancient Greece, deriving from the Greek ἀμάραντος (amarantos) for ‘immortal’ or ‘unfading’. This flower represents the everlasting nature of love.
Chrysanthemum (red) – I love. Arrived in Britain in the 19th century and due to its vivid red colour established itself alongside red roses as the ultimate floral representation of love. Careful though, in France these flowers are associated with death.
Ivy – fidelity and friendship. Ivy is a climbing plant that is strong and binding. These qualities help to explain its meaning of friendship and fidelity.
Lilac – the first emotions of love. This fragrant flower has been intoxicating lovers since it was introduced to Britain in the 1500s.
Myrtle – love. Myrtle and roses were considered sacred to Aphrodite and often feature in depictions of her. Myrtle was included in the wedding bouquet of the Duchess of Cambridge.
Red rose – beauty. A rose has long been considered a symbol of love and beauty with its early association with Aphrodite, goddess of love.
Red tulip – declaration of love. A gift of red tulips is regarded as a declaration of love, with the tulip’s velvet-like dark centre representing a lover’s heart.
