It’s that lovey dovey time of year when we start thinking about who we fancy.

And whether or not they’d fancy something.

Or even you (don't be scared).

Valentine’s Day seems to have a bit of a chequered past (with bizarre rituals in Roman times). However, these days it’s an opportunity to give someone a note or some flowers when they least expect it.

If you missed the opportunity on the day, no sweat. Just make it a week/month/year of love!

Here's some Valentines inspired alstroemeria to gaze at while you contemplate romantic poetry (for that lovely person you see in the morning on your way to get your coffee):

Inticancha Passion

Striking white with purple blotches

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inticancha Romance

Vibrant pink with white throat

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inticancha White Pink Heart

Light pink throats fading to white

Short (Height: 25-35cm Spread: 30cm)

Inca Sweety

Pretty pink and white

Short (Height: 30cm Spread: 30cm)

Adonis

Magic magenta flowers with yellow throat

Medium (Height: 45cm Spread: 30cm)

Flirt

Light pink petals with yellow throat

Medium (Height: 35-45cm Spread: 30cm)

Inca Smile

White with creamy pink with yellow blends

Medium (Height: 30-40cm Spread: 30cm)

Blushing Bride

Pale pink heart shaped petals with rose pink speckled throat

Tall (Height: 60-80cm Spread: 30cm)

Friendship

Cream with yellow speckled throat

Tall (Height: 60-120cm Spread: 30cm)

Charm

Lilac and some cream with yellow throat

Tall (Height: 60-80cm Spread: 30cm)

Also, if you’re struggling for words, just use flowers! Flowers really do have a language of their own.

Let the Flowers Speak

Assigning meaning to specific flower types to communicate feelings or desires is known as “floriography”. In fact, during the Victorian times it became not just a craze but one of the main ways people got any “risky” or “taboo” thoughts and feelings across.

Come to think of it - if it wasn’t for flowers, would some of us even be here…?

Floriography dates all the way back to the 1700s in Turkey. However, the Victorian era was a time when this form of communication became really popular. This was after a certain Lady Mary Wortley Montagu visited Turkey, discovering how harem girls sent coded messages to each other using flowers.

What Alstroe have to say

It’s been said that receiving an alstroemeria means you are much beloved, not only romantically but in friendships too.

Alstroemeria generally communicate friendship, love, strength and loyalty. And some say that each of the six petals hold a meaning - understanding, humour, patience, empathy, commitment and respect.

Also, their leaves have been associated with bonding, stability and supportiveness - as if to say “I’m here for you” or “Thank you for being there”.

Certain qualities are also linked with specific colours. For instance, it’s no surprise that happy little yellow blooms shout optimism and joy, while orange bursts with passionate positivity! Then pink whispers romance and playfulness (possible Valentines) and red shouts love and passion (definite Valentines).

We also have purple saying grace and beauty. And if it's love/eternal connection, strength, support and purity you want to communicate, think white (also wonderful for weddings)!

Which one floats your boat?