Move over, Valentine’s Day, it’s all about Galentine’s Day now!
Celebrated the day before, on 13th February, this fun holiday is a celebration of female friendship – your ride-or-dies who have stuck with you through teary break-ups, bad bosses, terrible hangovers and fashion faux pas.
The idea came from US sitcom Parks and Recreation over a decade ago, when the iconic Leslie Knope declared Galentine’s Day a time for “ladies celebrating ladies” and putting “ovaries before brovaries”. What began as a fictional brunch party soon became a real-world tradition which single people could join in with, too – think less romance, more rosé.
Like with Valentine’s Day, it’s common to exchange thoughtful gifts on Galentine’s Day – and what better way to say, “I’m so glad you’re in my life”, than with meaningful flowers that carry centuries of symbolism and stories?
So, without further ado, here are our favourite flowers linked to friendship to make your best girlfriends’ day and show them how much you care.
Roses
While red roses became forever tied to romance through Greek and Roman mythology, the yellow rose is now the go-to flower for saying “I appreciate you” – a top choice for long-distance besties, work wives and any friend in need of a pick-me-up. In 19th-century ‘floriography’, aka the language of flowers, which saw emotions cryptically expressed through carefully chosen posies, this bloom had negative connotations of jealousy, infidelity and waning love. However, thanks to its sunny colour, today it represents affection, optimism and gratitude – an instant mood boost in floral form! Pink roses are another failsafe option which any woman will love.
Chrysanthemums
In many cultures, but especially in Asia, chrysanthemums symbolise longevity, loyalty and joy – perhaps a consequence of their long vase life of up to three weeks (or even four with top-notch care!). Here in the UK, the Victorians associated them with honesty and devoted friendship – the kind that lasts through every season – with the yellow variety conveying happiness, and pink petals reflecting admiration and appreciation. In short, ‘mums are perfect for sending to any chum who always has your back, and who you hope will stick around for years to come.
Orchid
For the stylish friend who is truly one of a kind, you can’t beat an orchid to let them know how much you admire them. Long associated across cultures with respect and refinement, in the language of flowers they also carry the meaning of internal strength and beauty. In ancient Greece, orchids promised fertility and vitality, while Chinese folklore celebrates them as symbols of friendship, integrity and moral upstanding. The Chinese philosopher Confucius famously said, “If you are in the company of good people, it is like entering a room full of orchids”, which is exactly how we see our BFFs – like fabulous flowers who make life so much better!
Tulip
Tulips have a long history of being exchanged between friends, as well as lovers, to convey fondness and well wishes – the go-to, less romantic alternative to roses. They were treasured in the Ottoman Empire, before sparking ‘Tulipmania’ in 17th-century Europe. Seen as symbols of abundance, cheerfulness and new beginnings, their sleek, minimalist shape makes them well-suited for your chic chum with great taste – the enviable one who always looks amazing without trying. Choose from yellow, pink, red or purple… or a bunch of rainbow blooms, of course!
Alstroemeria
The small yet striking alstroemeria, or Peruvian lily, is nicknamed ‘the flower of friendship’. Its trumpet-shaped blooms typically have six colourful, speckled petals, with each representing the key qualities of a good friend: understanding, patience, commitment, empathy, respect and good humour. One of the longest-lasting cut flowers, its resilience also reflects the value of a steadfast pal through tough times. Give them to say, “Thank you for being my rock”, or to wish someone luck and strength in overcoming a challenge.
Sunflower
Big, bold and pure sunshine in floral form, send sunflowers to that friend who never fails to pull you out of the dumps, dust you down and put a smile back on your face. One Greek myth tells how the nymph Cyltie fell in love with the sun god, Helios. Despite his rejection, she devotedly watched him cross the sky every day until she turned into a sunflower, with her face forever turned towards the sun. Though rooted in unrequited love, this bright and beautiful bloom has come to symbolise loyalty, warmth and positivity – a bunch of these beauties will make even the dreariest February day feel like midsummer.
Daffodil
Daffodils, along with tulips, are well-known harbingers of spring, so it’s no surprise that they most strongly represent rebirth. In floriography, they are often given to convey faithfulness and thanks – to say, “I’m so glad we’re friends”. With their jolly yellow colour, daffodils are the floral equivalent of that good-time gal who always lifts your spirits, while their hardy, perennial nature symbolises the endurance of a long, meaningful friendship. In Celtic folklore, they were believed to bring good luck and prosperity into the home, making them a sweet way to send good vibes to a friend who you can’t wait to make new memories with this year.
Hyacinth
Hyacinths earned their symbolism of devotion, remembrance and love from one of the most emotional stories in Greek mythology. Legend has it that Hyacinthus was a handsome youth loved by the god Apollo. When he died tragically, Apollo magicked a flower to bloom from his blood so that he’d never be forgotten. In the language of flowers, meanwhile, hyacinths represent both playfulness and sincerity – both important traits of a close friendship. With their bold colour and intoxicating scent, they’re ideal for the friend who lights up every room she enters.
Freesia
To let your friend know you consider them thoughtful and genuine, send them a bunch of fragrant freesias. Delicate in appearance yet surprisingly tough, these pretty blooms have long been linked to care and consideration, with Victorian floriography connecting them with friendship that’s freely given, rather than demanded – especially fitting for Galentine’s Day. Brightly coloured freesias add a playful, uplifting note to bouquets, while white freesias lean into sincerity and trust – send some to friends who feel like safe harbours.
Carnations
One of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world, carnations represent affection, admiration and gratitude – all sentiments at the heart of Galentine’s Day. Pink flowers are especially meaningful, traditionally conveying appreciation, while yellow blooms express warmth, cheer and platonic love. Carnations also feature in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, where they were associated with celebration and devotion and often used in ceremonial crowns and garlands. Long-lasting and beautifully ruffled, they make a great gift for friends you want to shout about from the rooftops.
Surprise your besties with a bunch of blooms from our spring-ready range this Galentine’s Day. Order today, and don’t miss our generous offers, including over 30% off our Pretty Pastels bouquet.
