Red bouquets aren’t just for Valentine’s Day. In fact, red is the colour of the moment and there are so many gorgeous red blooms that you can gift family and friends year round.
To help you find the perfect red floral arrangement, here are ten of the most beautiful vibrant red flowers and plants to look for in a bouquet.
And, thanks to floriography (the language of flowers), each of these red blooms have their own special meaning which we’ve delved into below. There’s something for everyone no matter what you want to express through your floral arrangement, from red flowers that are a symbol of love and passion, to blooms that signify strength and courage.
Rose
You can’t go wrong with a classic bouquet of red roses. The romantic flower is not only a symbol of love and passion, but also thought to be a sign of strength. They are typically found in Valentine’s bouquets paired with nightingale roses or pink lilies, or teamed with a touch of greenery. Want to express your feelings for your other half? Simply send them three roses, globally known as a way to say ‘I Love You’.
Lily
Lilies are elegant flowers that are thought to be a sign of innocence, purity and peace worldwide. But, when it comes to red lilies, the pretty blooms take on a whole new meaning and represent love, desire and passion. In some cultures, red lilies are even seen as a symbol of courage and gifted to those who you hold a deep respect and admiration for. You’ll often find red lilies in bouquets with red roses and a touch of contrasting green foliage.
Tulip
Tulips are one of the most popular additions to any bouquet. The flower has a long history, yet despite popular belief, tulips did not originate in the Netherlands and in fact came from Central Asia. Like with most flowers, depending on the colour of tulip you choose it will have a different meaning. Red tulips are seen globally as a sign of deep and unconditional love. They are popular for birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, and are traditionally given to mark a couple’s 11th wedding anniversary. Tulips bloom in springtime, and their flower buds are perfectly symmetrical.
Chrysanthemum
Thought to bring luck and light to the receiver, chrysanthemums originated in Asia, where the bloom is seen as a symbol of a happy, long and joyous life. When it comes to red chrysanthemum flowers, they are often seen to signify love and happiness, and are found in romantic floral arrangements. The fluffy blooms are also the November birth month flower, so make a great addition to a bouquet for November babies.
Peony
The peony flower has a long history (over 4,000 years!), and is available in an array of different colours all of which have a special meaning. Peonies’ symbolism also varies from culture to culture. In China and Japan, they represent wealth, bravery and good fortune, and are often gifted during important holidays like Chinese New Year. In general though, peonies are a symbol of prosperity and luck, while red peonies are, you guessed it, a sign of love and passion. The ruffled blooms are also given to couples on their 12th wedding anniversary.
Carnation
Carnations have a history that spans thousands of years and comes with many different meanings. They remain a firm favourite for gifting on everything from birthdays and weddings. While carnations have many different meanings throughout different cultures, red carnations are a symbol of love and devotion. The vibrant blooms are typically given to express romantic love, and are the official flower of a couple’s first wedding anniversary.
Dahlia
Dahlias flowers, also available in an array of colours from deep purples to bold reds, have many different meanings. In the Victorian era, they were seen as symbols of beauty and devotion – and this still rings true today. As red dahlias are a symbol of strength, resilience and confidence, these floral bouquets are often given to those embarking on a new adventure in life, whether that’s a new career or a new home.
Poppy
Red poppies make a great addition to any bouquet, and are often found in floral arrangements in the summer months. What’s more, poppies are the birth month flower for August so make the perfect gift for August birthdays. The pretty bloom is available in an array of colours, and each colour has its own meaning. In the UK, red poppies are seen as a symbol of resilience, remembrance and respect. You’ll also often see poppy bouquets and poppy pins worn in November to remember fallen soldiers.
Amaryllis
Striking Amaryllis bouquets have a rich history and symbolism, but are generally seen as a sign of pride, strength and determination. In fact, in Victorian England, the tall and sturdy amaryllis flower was often gifted to someone that you wanted to thank for their strength. When it comes to deep red amaryllis, they are also seen as a sign of love and attraction – making them a great yet subtle romantic bouquet to gift your other half.
Poinsettia
Poinsettias are seen as a Christmas flower and often found in bouquets around the festive season. A symbol of good will and community, they make a great gift for December birthdays or those getting married during the festive period. Often paired simply with dark green foliage, they add an instant pop of colour to any space, thanks to the deep, velvety red leaves.
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