Tulips are an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day—more readily available and affordable than peonies, while still being elegant and romantic. More importantly, tulips are in peak season in February, especially imported varieties from the Netherlands, making them ideal flowers for Valentine’s Day.
Why Choose Tulips for Valentine’s Day?
Seasonal Availability: February is peak season for tulips, offering the best quality at reasonable prices.
Symbolism: Tulips represent perfect love, elegance, and charm. Red tulips symbolize true love, pink represents caring and affection, and purple symbolizes royalty and elegance.
Variety: From classic single blooms to gorgeous doubles, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from.
Longevity: Well-cared-for tulips can last 7-10 days in a vase.
Best Valentine’s Day Tulip Varieties
Classic Red Varieties
Red Impression: One of the most popular red tulips. Large flowers in deep red with strong, straight stems reaching up to 60cm tall. This Darwin Hybrid variety is perfect for expressing passionate love.
Apeldoorn: A classic bright red variety with a black base and yellow stamens. The flowers are enormous and eye-catching, perfect for traditional Valentine’s celebrations.
Lasting Love: The name itself is romantic! Deep red flowers with purple undertones, very elegant with an especially long bloom period.
National Velvet: Velvety deep red with an almost black base. This variety exudes mature, sophisticated romance.
Romantic Pink Varieties
Pink Impression: From the same series as Red Impression, this one is a soft pink with subtle orange undertones. Tall and elegant with large flowers, symbolizing tender love and caring.
Angelique: One of the most romantic tulips available. A double variety that looks like a peony, with pale pink petals edged in deeper pink. It has a light fragrance and is absolutely stunning.
Foxtrot: Deep pink to rose-colored with white edges. This Triumph variety blooms later with delicate, elegant flowers.
Pink Diamond: A classic single variety in vibrant pink. Simple and beautiful, perfect for those who prefer the traditional tulip shape.
Elegant White Varieties
White Dream: Pure white Triumph variety symbolizing purity and new beginnings. Perfect for new relationships or expressing pure love.
Shirley: White with purple feathering and delicate fringed petal edges. Unique and romantic.
White Marvel: Double white variety with full, peony-like flowers. Elegant and refined, suitable for those who love luxurious textures.
Unique Bicolor Varieties
Flaming Parrot: A Parrot tulip variety with distinctive feathered petal edges. Yellow with red streaks, extremely dramatic and exotic.
Triumph Leen van der Mark: White base with deep pink to magenta stripes. Classic yet striking.
Fringed Elegance: Yellow with pink fringed edges, combining warm and soft tones.
Barcelona: Deep magenta with purple undertones, a Triumph variety. Rich, passionate color.
Luxurious Purple Varieties
Purple Prince: Deep purple with velvety texture, symbolizing royal and noble love.
Queen of Night: The deepest, closest-to-black tulip. Deep burgundy that’s almost black, very dramatic and mysterious, perfect for those who appreciate bold, unconventional romance.
Blue Diamond: Actually deep purple with blue undertones. A unique and striking double-colored flower.
What to Look For When Buying
Bud Tightness: Choose buds that are colorful but still tightly closed. They’ll open within 1-3 days, allowing your Valentine to enjoy the blooming process.
Stem Length and Strength: Look for long, sturdy stems (at least 30-40cm). Avoid soft or bent stems.
Leaf Health: Leaves should be green and firm, with no signs of yellowing or wilting.
Bud-to-Stem Transition: The connection between bud and stem should be firm, with no signs of softness or discoloration.
Care Instructions
Tulips are unique in that they continue to grow in the vase, growing up to 5-8cm more:
- Cut stems at an angle 2-3cm, using a sharp knife
- Remove leaves that would be submerged in water
- Use cold water (tulips prefer cool conditions)
- Change water and recut stems every 1-2 days
- Keep away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and fruit (fruit releases ethylene which shortens bloom life)
- If tulips start to droop, recut stems and place in cold water for a few hours
- Adding a penny to the water can help prevent bacterial growth and keep stems straight
- Expect 7-10 days of vase life
Presentation Ideas
Monochromatic Bouquet: 25-50 tulips in a single color create stunning visual impact.
Gradient Arrangement: Arrange tulips in similar tones from light to dark, such as pale pink to deep pink.
Mixed Varieties: Combine different types—fringed, parrot, and classic—for textural interest.
Minimalist Style: 10-12 tulips simply tied together and placed in a clear vase to showcase their natural beauty.
Surprise Box: Some florists offer tulips presented in boxes, with flowers laid flat in elegant packaging.
Mixed Florals: Combine tulips with other February flowers like freesias, anemones, or ranunculus.
Color Symbolism and Messages
- Red: Declaration of true love, perfect love
- Pink: Caring, good wishes, confidence
- White: Purity, respect, forgiveness, “I am worthy of you”
- Yellow: Cheerful thoughts, sunshine, “there’s sunshine in your smile”
- Purple: Royalty, elegance, luxurious love
- Orange: Understanding, appreciation, warmth
- Variegated/Striped: “Beautiful eyes”
Budget Considerations
Tulips are much more affordable than peonies, especially during peak season:
Per Stem: HKD 8-15 (standard varieties) Per Stem: HKD 15-25 (specialty varieties like doubles or parrots) Bunch (10 stems): HKD 80-150 Luxury Bouquet (25-50 stems): HKD 250-600
Special Tips
Extended Enjoyment: Buy tulips in the morning when blooms are tightest to extend viewing time.
Display Height: Choose a vase about half the height of the tulip stems for optimal visual effect.
Keep Cool: Placing tulips in a cool location at night (even the refrigerator, away from fruit) can significantly extend their life.
Embrace the Curve: Tulips naturally bend toward light sources. This is part of their charm! If you prefer upright stems, rotate the vase regularly.
Why Tulips Are a Smart Valentine’s Choice
During their February peak season, tulips offer the romance of peonies but with better availability and affordability. The wide variety of colors and styles means you can find the perfect variety to match any personality or relationship stage. Whether you choose classic Red Impression to express passionate love, or luxurious Angelique to showcase refined romance, tulips will convey your message on Valentine’s Day beautifully and memorably.