In the words of leading landscape architect Jinny Blom, “A pulsing blood red amaryllis is the best flower a woman can offer a love interest on Valentine’s Day. Gets the message across unequivocally.” An oversized, home-grown stem has the kind of passion that a sad, imported rose in cellophane could only dream of, weighed down as it is with environmental baggage.

In the name of meaningful offerings for this February 14, we have surveyed some of our favorite flower-oriented experts on what might be best received:

Sophia Moreno-Bunge of Isa Isa Floral

Our old friend Sophia Moreno-Bunge is a floral designer with flair (and a gifted photographer) based in Los Angeles. “I always love red or coral gloriosa lilies (Gloriosa rothschildiana); they feel very fire-y and passionate and playful. My first choice though would have to be some very juicy and special pink or red, garden-grown California camellias. We get a lot of these here in the winter and they are always so lush and exuberant.”

Frances Palmer, Ceramic Artist

High days and holidays never take Frances Palmer by surprise; she is always prepared, even when her own New England garden is buried under snow. She suggests salmon and coral Ranunculus from the greenhouses at Hautau & Sons in New Jersey, to pair with any number of her own bud vases. Alternatively, a posy of pale hellebores.

Shane Connolly, Flower Decorator to the King

Shane Connolly, whose flowers adorned the Queen’s coffin last year, is a strong advocate of seasonal flowers, arranged without the unnecessary crutch of polluting flower foam. He believes that the subject of appropriate Valentine’s flowers has not been discussed enough. “If the beloved has a garden, I’d give them a rose plant. Personally I’d go for one of the divine old roses, ‘Souvenir du Dr Jamain’, ‘Francis Dubreuil’ or a rare treat from Trevor White Roses in Norfolk, England (doesn’t even have to be red!). Or one of David Austin’s superb red roses, like ‘Darcey Bussell’, or ‘The Prince’. I think the growing element is so exciting and lovely. And then you have roses for ever, and in season too.

“Failing that, I’d send snowdrops, the symbol of Hope in the language of flowers. Or some deepest coloured hellebores. Again, all these could be sent as growing plants, or cut flowers. But the whole idea of small and exquisite appeals hugely. Like a jewel—rather than a massive eco-unfriendly bunch from God knows where!”

Sam McKnight, Legendary Hairdresser

Mainly known as the lodestar of hair styling, Sam McKnight has a parallel life as a flower obsessive on Instagram, focusing on his own London garden. He tells us: “I would go to New Covent Garden Flower Market (at Nine Elms, London) at 5 AM and get a huge bunch of the best tulips, in season from now. I’d find out the recipient’s favorite color first; make it really personal. And if that level of keen doesn’t frighten them off, you’re in with a chance!”