Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We know that romance is alive and well, as plenty of studies confirm the popularity of this celebration of love. Are you curious to learn some interesting Valentine’s Day flower facts Australia has to offer? Keep reading because we gathered lots of fascinating data that might surprise you. From the whooping sums that people spend to show their love and affection to trends in the most popular flowers and gifts, you will find all you need to know about Valentine’s Day in the following paragraphs.
Wondering how many Australians celebrate Valentine’s Day? According to a survey conducted by Finder, 32% of respondents plan to make this day special. It means that 1 in 3 people, or approximately 6.4 million makes a warm gesture for the person they love.
For most, flowers will be the go-to gift. Mostly red roses, pink roses, mixed bouquets, lilies, tulips, carnations, and orchids are the top of their list of preferences. This goes to show that the practice of offering flowers will never go out of style.
Are you looking for inspiration and more information? Let’s take a look at a few interesting facts and statistics about the world’s most romantic celebration:
How did Valentine’s Day start? A brief history of the world’s most romantic celebration
Valentine’s Day is a fascinating celebration. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, derived from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, which was held in mid-February. Lupercalia was a great festivity that celebrated the coming of spring and was associated with romantic traditions such as fertility rituals and matchmaking. It is believed that Pope Gelasius I forbade Lupercalia at the end of the 5th century and replaced it with a celebration of St. Valentine.
For a few centuries, the celebration of St. Valentine did not have any romantic connotations, but that, according to Britannica, changed at the end of the 14th century. People started sending Valentine’s Day Cards in the 1500s, and the first commercially printed ones appeared throughout the 1700s and the 1800s. Once the celebration became more widespread, people started associating it with the Roman god of love, Cupid and other romantic symbols such as hearts and flowers.
When did the tradition of giving roses as a romantic gift first begin?
People have been offering flowers as a symbol of affection for a very long time. Historical records show that the practice of flower-giving was quite common in Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and the Roman Empire. However, in more modern times, flower giving has become a more complex and refined tradition. European settlers from England and France became fascinated with floriography when they discovered it in Turkey, in the 18th century.
Floriography is a blanket term that refers to all the symbols and connotations associated with floral varieties. Floriography is a language that uses flowers to convey various messages through their colors and types of blooms. People use flowers to express emotions. And Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to choose the perfect flower to show affection to a loved one.
History
Roses were first associated with romance thanks to the letters written by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, the wife of a British ambassador to Turkey, about the newly discovered practice of floriography. Lady Montagu was so fascinated by the Turkish approach that she wanted to share it with the world. Her writings on the symbolism of the rose gained popularity despite her inaccurate version of the Turkish tradition.
Lady Montagu wrote, “Who that ever could sing has not sung the Rose! The poets have not exaggerated its beauty, or completed its panegyric”. Other writers quickly borrowed this new approach, and they produced several books about the language of flowers throughout England. The popularity of literature and the love for the written word significantly boosted the sales of roses. This led Victorian botanists to make constant efforts to develop new kinds of roses in the 19th century, paving the way for the complex flower industry of our times.
According to the Australian Native Plants Society, the use of Australian plants as cut flowers is quite recent as the first native plantation-grown crops appeared in the 1970s. These plantations initially included a few plants such as Geraldton wax and kangaroo paws. However, over the years, there was a steady increase in demand for cut flowers, so Australia began to cultivate more and produce reliable quality products. Although native plants have always played an important role in the Australian floral industry, roses gained popularity and will often steal the show on celebrations such as Valentine’s Day.
How many roses are offered on Valentine’s Day?
Symbolising the idea of deep, passionate love, red roses are the superstars of Valentine’s Day. The connection between red roses and Valentine’s Day can be traced back to various cultures. So it comes as no surprise that these flowers are a top choice for those who want to surprise their loved ones on Valentine’s Day.
The number of roses given holds traditional meaning, with each number of stems symbolising a slightly different message of love or affection. Here are the most popular numbers of roses given on Valentine’s Day and their hidden message:
One rose: Love at first sight; or years later, “You’re still the one”
Six roses: Infatuation – “I want to be yours”
12 roses: A classic dozen roses means “Be mine”
24 roses: Two dozen roses say “I’m yours”
36 roses: Three dozen not only says “I’m a big spender!” but it also says “I’m head over heels in love with you”
50-plus roses: Fifty and beyond can mean a variety of things, from a personal perspective, but the message is always profound. Traditionally, they mean my love, like my wallet, knows no bounds.
Valentine’s Day roses statistics and interesting facts
Valentine’s Day roses statistics are quite surprising. It is estimated that roughly 224 million roses are grown and cultivated for Valentine’s Day each year and men are the major purchasers. According to an article published on Valentinesgiftsforher, men offer approximately 73% of flowers. Surprisingly, according to the same article, 14% of women will also buy flowers and send them to themselves on the most romantic day of the year. The most popular quantity of roses ordered in a bunch is a dozen, as the classic dozen red roses is the best way to say “Will you be my Valentine?”
Red roses are often quoted in movies and songs and that has greatly contributed to their popularity. If you want your Valentine’s Day to be as romantic as a Hollywood movie, you can draw inspiration from Nora Ephron’s Sleepless in Seattle, Garry Marshall’s Pretty Woman, and Nick Cassavetes’ The Notebook. Not sure what all these movies have in common? The main female characters are all wooed with red roses. Music did not neglect red roses either, as there are lots of romantic songs that mention the romantic gesture of offering red roses: Bed of Roses by Bon Jovi, Every Rose Has Its Thorn by Poison, Roses by Outkast, Kiss from a Rose by Seal just to name a few.
How much money do people spend on roses each season?
Another interesting Valentine’s Day statistic is that, according to NAB, in 2023, Australians spent more than AUD 749 million in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day. Aussies spent the most money in restaurants – around AUD 630 million. The second most valuable purchase for romantics was jewellery – AUD 86 million. Flower sales came in third, as Australians spend AUD 24 million at florists. However, a general rule is that the amount of money lovers spend on roses for Valentine’s Day will fluctuate depending on different factors such as quality, quantity, location, and source.
In Australia, a basic bouquet of red roses can cost between AUD 50 and AUD 100, but this is a rough estimate and prices can vary. Premium roses, generous bouquets, and complex floral arrangements will always have higher prices. Finding high-quality roses at affordable prices can be a challenge, especially if you prefer last-minute shopping, but the good news is that our florists can help.
At Flowers Across Sydney, you can find affordable bunches of red roses and other types of flowers year-round. Our florists can help you plan ahead, but you can also count on us for last-minute shopping. Keep an eye out for our Daily Bouquet which is always in high demand and that includes seasonal blooms.
Some of our most popular rose arrangements are: 12 Red roses, Pastel Roses, Rose Petals (for sprinkling!) and Whispers of Love.
How much money do people spend on Valentine’s Day?
According to NAB, in 2023, Australians did not shy away from spending an impressive amount on Valentine’s Day. We all know that the most popular romantic gestures on Valentine’s Day are restaurant dinners accompanied by thoughtful gifts, so it comes as no surprise that Australians spent over AUD 849 million in restaurants, in florist shops, and jewellers. Approximately AUD 100 million was spent by Australians on dining and winning, while AUD 24 million were expended at florists, and AUD 86 million were spent in jewellery stores.Valentine’s Day spending witnessed a 7% increase compared to the previous year so we can conclude that this celebration of love continues to grow in popularity year after year as it is a perfect opportunity to splurge and spoil yourself and your partner.
Do men offer more flowers than women?
On Valentine’s Day, flower shops are filled with men who try to find the perfect bouquet for their partner. According to this Medium article, a poll indicated that 64% of men purchase flowers but only 36% of women do it too. A survey by Finder revealed that, in 2023, Aussie men were expected to spend, on Valentine’s Day, an average of AUD 242 each and women just AUD 172. Interestingly enough, although men are usually expected to offer flowers, some of them would appreciate receiving flowers as well. As it turns out, 61% of men of all ages still said that they would enjoy receiving flowers from their dates for Valentine’s Day.
Receiving flowers is a wonderful experience that makes people feel appreciated, joyful, and more connected – this applies to both men and women. Research has shown that men who receive flowers become more communicative, happier, and appreciative. If you are a woman and you are reading this article, surprise your partner with a beautiful bouquet on Valentine’s Day.
What flowers do celebrities love?
Do you want your loved one to feel like a superstar on Valentine’s Day? Then you should know what type of flowers celebrities love most. Angelina Jolie’s all-time favourite flower is the orchid – exotic and unique – this flower will make an impact. Beyonce is a big fan of orchids as well and it seems that these flowers are appreciated by many celebrities.
White roses are beloved by one of the most eccentric and unconventional female artists – Madonna. The singer surely appreciates the symbolism behind the white roses which are often associated with concepts like peace, purity, innocent love, but also renewal and rebirth.
If your loved one is a Swiftie, a perfect bouquet would include orchids and hydrangeas – Taylor Swift’s favourite flowers. Taylor Swift’s favourite colour is purple, which is great because purple orchids or hydrangeas are not hard to find.
Sunflowers are less popular on Valentine’s Day, but they can be a surprising and exciting option. Dua Lipa expressed her love for flowers and mentioned that sunflowers and roses are her favourites.
In an exclusive interview with Elle, Kim Kardashian revealed that her favourite flowers are magnolias, but if she were to compare herself with a flower, she would choose a peony. If your loved one has the same refined taste as Kim K, a luxurious bouquet of peonies would be a great choice.
What are the most popular gifts for Valentine’s Day?
It has already been established that the most popular Valentine’s Day gifts are flowers, with red roses taking the lead. But these are not the only things that people like to offer at this special celebration, so let’s take a look at a few different options.
Chocolate – Delicious treats made of chocolate are the second most popular Valentine’s Day gift. If your loved one is allergic to pollen or does not appreciate flowers in particular, a box of chocolates will always be a good alternative. To make your gift stand out, opt for high-quality chocolate such as artisanal and pair it with a bottle of high-quality wine.
Jewellery – The third most popular Valentine’s Day gift is jewellery and this is no surprise because the 14th of February is a perfect day to propose to your loved one. According to NAB, in the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, Australians spent more than $86 million at jewellery and watch stores, and study from 2020 indicated that 440,000 people across the US were expected to become engaged on Valentine’s Day and half a million proposals equates to half a million rings sold, so it is safe to say that engagement ring sales are usually on the rise this month.
Hampers – If you can’t decide whether you want to offer flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine, you can opt for a gift that incorporates several items. Hampers are a great option and they will look much more elegant than buying the items separately and putting them in a gift bag. A luxurious hamper will also save you time as you won’t have to visit several shops and some might even include luxury items that you wouldn’t normally find in a supermarket.
Flowers will never go out of style
Valentine’s Day is a modern celebration that is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Offering flowers will never go out of style according to the most recent Valentine’s Day flower facts Australia. And red roses are still the stars of the show. Whether you opt for a classic and elegant red rose bouquet or a more different and unique combination of blooms, we can help you make the right decision. We offer a wide range of bouquets perfect for all tastes and budgets. Not sure what to choose? The dedicated Flowers Across Sydney florists are happy to help! Visit Flowers Across Sydney now! They offer a variety of classic red rose bouquets and other colours and varieties for purchase.
References:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-talk-your-lover-kate-peters/
https://www.timetorecycle.org/2020/02/09/my-sustainable-valentine/
https://www.birdsandblooms.com/gardening/flower-gardening/taylor-swift-favorite-flowers/
https://thursd.com/articles/favorite-flowers-of-pop-stars
https://time.com/5519476/roses-symbol-love-valentines-day/
https://news.nab.com.au/news/money-buys-love-on-the-most-romantic-day-of-the-year/
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/studies-show-men-love-flowers-230000571.html
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