10 unromantic flowers

Rhododendron

The rhododendron means ‘beware’ so unless you are trying to tell your loved one that you may not be the best romantic choice, steer clear!

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Snapdragon

The pretty snapdragon has a not so attractive meaning of ‘presumptuous’. I presume this is not the best choice for you...

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Heather

Unless you want to go solo, avoid heather. It means ‘solitude’... maybe not so lucky after all.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Hyacinth

If you’re in the dog house, a hyacinth could be suitable. It means asking for forgiveness.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Lilies

Lilies are a minefield. While a white lily means purity and chastity, a red spider lily means ‘never to meet again’ and an orange lily signifies hatred and revenge. Just avoid lilies.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Primroses

Fancy giving a bunch of pretty primroses? Bear in mind that primroses mean ‘desperate’...

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Yellow tulips

Yellow tulips may not be the best flower to give on Valentine’s Day. It means ‘one-sided love’.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Sweetpeas

Hopefully you won’t be choosing sweetpeas, as they mean ‘goodbye’.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status

Roses

...So best to stick with roses at Valentine’s Day. But make sure that they’re red roses -  yellow roses mean ‘jealousy’, light pink roses mean ‘sympathy’ and white roses mean ‘purity’.

Elspeth Briscoe is an internet entrepreneur turned garden designer, and Managing Director of MyGardenSchool - the world’s first online gardening school. www.elspeth.tumblr.com.

• Where's the best place to buy plants?
• 30 ways to display flowers
• Valentine's Day indulgence, whatever your relationship status