Flowers have long been a symbol of love and devotion, and the Victorians perfected the Language of Flowers—a way to express emotions through floral arrangements. Today, roses remain the go-to Valentine’s flower, with an incredible 220 million roses imported through Heathrow in February 2024 alone!
But why limit your floral romance to a bouquet? This Valentine’s Day, bring love into your garden with plants that bloom with meaning. From passionate reds to delicate pinks, here are some beautiful choices to create your own love-inspired outdoor space.
This deciduous shrub is covered in masses of soft pink flowers from late spring until mid-autumn. Its dark green foliage makes it ideal for informal hedging or border planting. A long-flowering beauty that thrives in full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
A bushy, drought-resistant plant with aromatic green leaves and bright red flowers, this Salvia transforms through the seasons. The blooms turn red and white in late summer and become fully white in autumn. Growing 0.5-1m in height, it’s perfect for cottage gardens and sunny spots.
This evergreen clump-forming shrub is a stunning year-round addition to any garden. Its slender, ovate leaves are deep red and purple in autumn and winter, turning green in summer. In summer, clusters of white, cylindrical flowers add an elegant touch. Low maintenance and perfect for edging, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.
A compact evergreen shrub with fiery red foliage in spring and autumn, maturing to deep green in summer. This plant is perfect for year-round color, and its delicate white flowers in summer add extra charm. A great choice for containers, borders, and low hedging.
This evergreen shrub is a true garden showstopper! In early spring, it produces cascading clusters of deep pink flowers that contrast beautifully against glossy, dark green leaves. It thrives in partial shade and is a must-have for a romantic garden setting.
A small deciduous tree or shrub, ‘Heart Throb’ bursts into life in late spring with large deep pink bracts, resembling a floral display of love. In autumn, its foliage turns a stunning crimson-red, making it a striking seasonal feature.
With green leaves edged in cream, turning pink in colder weather, this low-maintenance evergreen shrub brings year-round color. Lavender flowers in summer make it a great choice for patios, containers, or city gardens.
A clump-forming perennial with heart-shaped silver leaves and delicate pale blue flowers in spring, this plant is a romantic addition to cottage gardens and borders. It thrives in full to partial shade.
Known as the Butterfly Bush, this variety features vibrant magenta flowers that attract butterflies and bees, making your garden both visually stunning and eco-friendly!
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the traditional bouquet and plant a garden that celebrates love year-round! Whether you choose passionate reds, delicate pinks, or long-lasting blooms, these plants will bring beauty, texture, and meaning to your outdoor space.
Posted 3rd Feb 2:45pm
