Signs Point to Blooming Sales for Northern Virginia Florists on Valentine’s Day

Burke floral designer Karen Promisel said last week she expects to see increased floral sales for Valentine’s Day this year. “I think people have learned to budget better and there is a little perk in the economy,” she noted.

The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects consumers to spend $1.8 billion nationwide on flowers for Valentine’s Day this year, according to a survey the group released last week. NRF predicts about a 2 percent increase in floral spending from 2011.

Northern Virginia’s mild winter weather won't hurt either, predicted Promisel, who works at . In the past, when florists have contended with icy roads or blizzards, customers either decided not to order flowers or drivers had a difficult time making deliveries, she said. (The Weather Channel predicts a high of 54 degrees for Northern Virginia this year on Valentine's Day.)

Next Tuesday, delivery drivers for flower shops across the area will likely be ready to hit the road as early as 5 a.m., Promisel said. “Many people who work in D.C. are on staggered schedules, and leave the office at 2, 3 or 4 p.m.” Her delivery drivers head into the capital and wait until businesses open, to make that holiday flower delivery in time, at the office, she said.

Some florists are promoting Feb. 13 delivery for Valentine’s Day flowers. On its Web site,  is urging guys to order flowers for delivery on Monday the 13th so the recipient can "show off all day" on the 14th.

Anyone who is considering buying roses for Valentine’s Day should think about buying them in a vase and not in a box, Promisel said, so no one has to worry about arranging them. Roses will keep longer, she said, if you keep them away from sunlight, heating vents, and change the water every few days.

Although red roses reign supreme on Valentine’s Day, Promisel says her personal favorite is a toss-up between a pink garden rose or a blue hydrangea. “The garden roses have a wonderful scent."

Surprisingly, mixed flowers are the top pick for most buyers on Valentine's Day, according to Alexandria-based . Here's the ranking in popularity for the big day:

1. Mixed flowers: 45 percent
2. Red roses: 42 percent
3. Roses (not red): 29 percent
4. An arrangement of one type of flower (all tulips, all carnations, all lilies): 23 percent
5. Plants: 22 percent

Thinking of sending roses but wondering what message you might be sending? Here’s the meaning of each rose color, courtesy of SAF:

• Red: Passionate Love
• Pink: Friendship
• Yellow: Zealous
• White: Purity
• Red and White: Unity

What's your favorite flower? Take our poll; you can also let us know in the "Comments" box below.