Roses are Red – and Orchids Are Too

Red roses are a Valentine’s Day staple – and there’s nothing wrong with that. A dozen long-stemmed roses are utterly breathtaking and are quite the sentiment. 

According to Joseph Delarge, owner of eco|stems, red roses mean love. Whereas white roses typically mean purity and yellow ones mean friendship. Who knew?

Delarge says that even though they are the most popular flower to give on the special day, it depends on the person’s preference. Giving a bouquet of flowers that they like would be more preferable. If that special someone – a wife, mother, girlfriend, daughter or teacher – finds daisies beautiful, then roses wouldn’t be an appropriate choice. 

“If you want something that lasts longer than a week, potted orchids are a great alternative to roses,” says Delarge. He says they last longer, ranging from a month to a month and a half, depending on how they’re cared for. Orchids are a gorgeous flower and they do come in the Valentine’s Day pink and white colours, which Delarge says will probably be the most popular colour palettes. 

Delarge says to not be afraid of mixing it up. He expects to make compilations of oranges, yellows, purples and blues, playing up vibrant colours for the big day.

Sunday will mark eco|stems’ first Valentine’s Day. Delarge just celebrated the nine-month anniversary of his shop this week and is beginning to stock up for Sunday. eco|stems being a new destination for an environmentally and socially sustainable retail flower shop, he adds that people should consider buying eco-friendly and organic flowers. 

If you would like to visit Delarge, his flower shop is located at 267 Queen St. East in Toronto.

— Sarah DiVito