Roses are clichéd and harmful for the planet. But what should we instead send? These are the flowers that should be in your bouquet this Valentine’s Day
Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a bunch of roses grown overseas and flown into Heathrow – right?
Perhaps, not. The UK has a long-standing affection for the humble rose. It was popular to communicate with people in colourful blooms in Victorian times. We all know that red roses are the symbol of love, and even desire.
Today, they are more symbolic for a broken supply chain and romance than romantic. In February alone, an estimated 570 tons of roses were imported from the UK via Heathrow Airport. Most of the roses are imported from Kenya and the Netherlands where they are grown under artificial lighting in industrial greenhouses.
According to estimates, each bouquet has a carbon footprint around 32kg. Then there is the pesticides used in their cultivation, which show even less concern for the environment.
This is the backdrop against which a movement was born to change attitudes towards flowers. The SSAW CollectiveA growing community of UK florists and growers who want to encourage people in the UK to embrace seasonal flowers. The group also offers a subscription service for flowers.
“There has been a sea change in the way we source and eat food here in the UK over recent years, which has been fantastic,” said chef Lulu Cox, co-founder of the SSAW Collective. “Now it’s time for the floriculture industry to follow suit — it’s vital that we begin to consume flowers more sustainably, and to shift our focus to regenerative farming practices to keep soils healthy for the next generation.”
The UK can grow snowdrops without pesticides or greenhouses. Image: Annie Spratt
According to the SSAW Collective, a bouquet of 15 flowers grown and sold in the UK produces just 1.7kg of CO2 – 95 per cent less carbon emissions than those grown abroad.
Which rose species should we choose? Here are five options for roses that can be grown in the UK.
The primrose family’s cyclamen, which are members of the primrose plant family, originates from present-day Iran. However, they can be grown in the UK in December January and February. “In Japan the cyclamen is the holy flower of love, and in the UK it is traditionally known as the plant of ‘lasting feelings and sincere affection’, so they really do suit 14 February quite nicely,” said Olivia Wilson, co-founder of SSAW Collective.
Image by Hans Bernhard
Snowdrops – so called because they are the first flowers to peak their heads above winter snows – start popping up in the UK around February. Although they are often thought of as a British native wildflower but were actually introduced in 16th century.
“They hold a number of meanings across different cultures, from purity to fertility and renewal,” said Wilson. “Snowdrops can also symbolise hope which we think is ideal for any hopeful Valentine sending flowers.”
Image: Yokselm Zok
The Dutch are well-known for their mass production of roses. But it is the tulips that they are most famous for. These vibrant flowers, unlike roses, spring from the Dutch soil. The UK shares a similar climate as the Netherlands so the flowers can be grown on their soil. This makes them an attractive alternative to roses.
Image by Wai Siew
This six-petalled flower is a native to southern Europe. However, it has been hardy enough that it can be adapted to the UK. It provides a welcome boost of colour in the early spring, in a wide variety of colours, including purple.
Image: Yoksel Zok
Another early riser, the national flower of Wales, is also a sign of spring. If you feel it lacks the same sense as a rose or Tulip, then please be assured that it is associated with new beginnings.
Image: Andreas Brun
Main image: Annie Spratt
