Will Valentine’s Day bring a bouquet of roses or a decorative potted plant to your doorstep? Fresh cut flowers and live plants make wonderful gifts.

Valentine’s Day is the number one holiday for florists, according to the Society of American Florists. More than 180 million roses were purchased for Valentine’s in 2005. Other popular cut flowers include lilies and carnations.

Linda Corbett, owner of Corbett’s Flowers Inc. in Orangeburg, says it’s important to purchase cut flowers that have been handled properly.

“It makes more of a difference how flowers are handled before they are delivered than after,” Corbett said.

“Professional florists have training and knowledge in the proper handling of flowers,” she said, adding that if you receive an arrangement of cut flowers in a vase of water, you do not need to re-cut the stems.

If the flowers come as a bouquet wrapped in cellophane, remove the sleeve and cut one inch off the bottom of the flower stems while holding them under water. This will remove air bubbles from the stems, Corbett said.

Straight water is the best solution for keeping cut flowers fresh, she said.

“Every other day dump out the old water and wash the vase with soap and water,” Corbett said. “Put plain water in the vase and your flowers will last their longest.”

How long can you expect your flowers to last? Cut flowers can last anywhere from three to 10 days or more depending on the type. Lilies have a very high fragrance, Corbett said, but have the shortest vase life. Alstroemeria can last more than 10 days.

In addition to the perennially popular rose, other fresh cut flowers that are available for Valentine’s Day include carnations, tulips and daisies. These are often combined with Baby’s Breath and a foliage such as leather leaf fern in arrangements.

Live plants also make great gifts for Valentine’s Day. Dish gardens, which include a combination of several types of plants, and individual pot plants make a lively show and will last as long as they are properly cared for.

You’ll see both foliage and flowering plants for sale as gift plants. If your Valentine is good with plants, consider getting her (or him) something special. Orchids, calla lilies, bromeliads, cyclamen or other exotic plants take a little extra care but will be a welcome gift for house plant enthusiasts. Include a card with the plant that gives the special care instructions that particular plant requires.

Dish gardens make a great gift and often come in very attractive containers.

Be careful not to over water dish gardens as most do not have drainage holes.

If you want to go the “easy care” route, choose variegated ivy or a peace lily. Both of these are very forgiving when it comes to getting the proper attention.

Dean Sandifer of Main Street Garden and Gift in Bamberg says to avoid over watering potted plants by feeling the soil before adding water. Take into consideration how much light the plant is getting, the type and size of container and whether it is in a heated room when deciding how often to water it.

Whenever possible, slip a business card in with Valentine’s Day flowers or plants so the recipient will know who to call for expert advice on keeping them living as long as possible.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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