Today is St Valentine’s Day – the day that celebrates love. The problem is there were several St Valentines and no one is sure which one the day is attributed to.

image by Jill Wellington via pexels

‘According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. This is the basis of why we celebrate lovers and love on this day.

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage. – Lao Tzu

Valentine’s Day is still a day to declare your love for someone special although we should remember there are many kinds of love too.

How did the tradition of giving red roses on Valentine’s Day come about?
Today giving red roses may be an obvious romantic gesture, but it wasn't until the late 17th century that giving flowers became a popular custom. In fact, the practice can be traced back to when King Charles II of Sweden learned the "language of flowers" on a trip to Persia, and subsequently introduced the tradition to Europe.

image by picjumbo.com

The Victorians sent messages via flowers; so most flowers have a secret meaning and this is one of the reasons that red roses became one of the most popular love symbols for Valentine’s Day. But other flowers/plants also mean love; for instance tulips a great spring flower mean 'unconditional love'.

Tulips, image by Julia Filirovska via pexels

My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep; the more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite. —William Shakespeare

We did our own poll, questioning mostly girls/women between the ages of 19 and 70, and here are our results.

We found that in the over 60’s group, houseplants (and garden plants) won hands down. One explanation we particularly liked was ‘houseplants for long time love’. What better reason? But some of this group would prefer a plant for the garden as they struggle with houseplant care.

image via pixabay

"What about a Peace Lily for Longtime Love?' 

Our small group of under 25s surprisingly were split equally for flowers and houseplants. While in the middle group houseplants just won.

Long time love
Let’s big up houseplants after all they definitely represent ‘long time love’. Which one would you send as Valentine’s gift to show your love?

• Anthurium – heart-shaped leaves

image via pexels

image via pixabay

• Orchid – meaning admiration and love

image via pixabay

• Rosemary – meaning remembrance, love, and fidelity
• Tulips (planted bulbs) – representing unconditional love and cheer

What about some more obvious ones such as Hoya kerrii with its heart shape leaves? Or Hot lips (Psychotria elata) or the delicate Ceropegia linearis with its strings of heart-shaped leaves?

Hoya Kerri, image via pexels

String of Hearts (Ceropegia linearis) image via pexels

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. – Helen Keller

Let us know which houseplant you would send – or like to receive – to celebrate this day of the year using the hashtags #loveplants #ValentinesDay