Pink is the new red. That?s what national trends observed by the flower industry for this year?s Valentine?s Day show.
“We?re noticing a trend toward pink roses and floral arrangements with mixed colors,” said Fiona Posell, vice president of corporate communications for Teleflora, the international floral network.
The February holiday is the busiest day of the year for florists. Last year, more than 783 million roses were sold in the United States on Valentine?s Day, bringing in nearly $2.4 billion insales, she said.
Locally, red roses are still the most popular at Blue Iris Flowers in Catonsville.
“I like to add greens and caspia or baby?s breath for a light, airy look,” said manager Patsy Lough. “For a truly romantic touch, I can include hearts, teddy bears, chocolates or balloons.”
Roses have been used for hundreds of years to convey messages without words, and each color and scent has a separate meaning.
According to Teleflora, yellow roses indicate friendship and freedom, and perhaps that one is looking for a long-lasting, romantic relationship. Pale pink roses convey grace, gentleness and admiration, and deeper pink roses say “thank you.” Lilac roses indicate that the sender has fallen in love at first sight and is enchanted ? but a little cautious. Orange roses communicate enthusiasm and desire. The white rose, or bridal rose, symbolizes humility, purity and innocence.
A mixed bouquet has special meaning too. A combination of red and yellow roses conveys happiness, while red and white roses symbolizes unity, according to Teleflora.
To ensure that roses stay alive for senders and recipients to get their $2.4 billion worth, pay heed to floral maintenance.
“Snip the bottom of the stems at a 45 degree angle and put them in fresh water,” Lough said. “Don?t put flowers on top of a television or near another heat source. Hot water will kill your roses.”
Be wary of roadside vendors who may not have kept their merchandise in water; these flowers may wilt in a few hours. That?s a message one will not want to send to a valentine. Dead roses mean “I don?t love you anymore.”
