Where to Get the Best Deals on Valentine's Day Flowers

Too bad Valentine’s Day doesn’t fall in May—it would be so much more economical to just go out in the backyard, pick some tulips, daisies or peonies, put them in a retro glass soda bottle that you saved for such an occasion and give them to your loved one. Thoughtful, right?

But really, nothing says “I love you” like a dozen roses. It’s simple. Traditional. Classic. And don’t be afraid to think unconventionally this Feb. 14. Consider tulips, lilies or sunflowers. In high school, boys would give girls carnations, so if you get them this year, don’t scoff. Hey, it’s something. And honestly, a single, long-stemmed rose can actually say a lot and it’s budget-friendly. So read on for where can you go to get the best deal on roses and more in Richmond.

Martin’s: Not quite a dozen, but close. Get a handful of 10 roses from Martin’s for $7.99. You’ve got to have your BonusCard, though. For the full set of 12 arranged in a vase, it will cost you $49.99 for Valentine’s Day (does not apply at Sycamore Square location).

Kroger: Whether you’re looking for something traditional or something unique, Kroger stores have it. Dozen roses, $19.99; Rose arrangements, $39.99 and up; Valentine’s Signature Bouquet (18-22 stems), $29.99. Orchids, $19.99 and up Hydrangea, $16.99 and up.

Food Lion: You can get a dozen roses wrapped in cellophane at Food Lion for $12.99. If you want to do some self-arranging, a clear glass vase will set you back $5.99—for a grand total of $18.98. Prices may vary at Food Lion locations.

Flowerama: A dozen long-stemmed roses with baby’s breath and greenery (comes in a vase with a bow) at Flowerama is $57.99. As an alternative, don’t discount the impact of a lovely vase full of 10 tulips for $29.99—guaranteed to capture any girl’s attention. You can find Flowerama in the Stratford Hills Shopping Center at 6798 Forest Hill Ave. (804) 560-7700. www.floweramarichmond.com

Strange’s Florist: One dozen roses (with baby’s breath, greenery, vase) costs $57.50 at Strange’s, and there are plenty of other Valentine’s-themed options to choose from, such as the “Stars of Beauty” bouquet consisting of oriental lily , spray roses, and mini carnations for a less pricey $27.95. Strange’s has four locations in Richmond. (800)421-4070, www.stranges.com

Vogue Flowers: A dozen roses here (with baby’s breath, greenery, vase) is $64.95. A dozen of the non-Valentine’s Day colors (oranges, yellows and browns) wrapped in cellophane are available cash and carry for $19.95. You can also buy other flower types by the stem and arrange them yourself. Five white hydrangeas ($3.99 a stem, cash and carry) is a thoughtful, out-of-the-box yet inexpensive idea. Vogue Flowers can be found downtown at 1114 E. Main St. and in the West End at 1106 N. Parham Road. Flower Market branches can also be found on North Boulevard and in Chester. (804) 353-9600, www.vogueflowers.com.

Danny’s Flower Market: An arrangement of a dozen red roses with misty or waxflower in a vase costs $64.95. As an alternative, a vase of 10 tulip stems in a variety of colors (with greens and misty or waxflower) is $34.95. Ordering in advance is highly recommended. Here’s a nice touch: Danny’s Flower Market offers free delivery for firefighters, EMT’s, and police (must have ID). They are located at 1533 N Parham Road. (804) 288-3202, www.dannysflowermarket.net

Coleman Brothers Flowers: A set of 12 roses at Coleman Brothers is $65 (with baby’s breath, greenery, vase). If you are not quite ready to express love, but instead, deep “like,” consider the “Sunlit Treasures” bouquet filled with yellow roses and midnight blue iris in a clear vase for $34.99. Find them at 2104 Dumbarton Road. (804) 262-8681, www.colemanflowers.com

Jennifer Pullinger is a writer and editor in Richmond. Visit her at www.jenniferlpullinger.com or on Twitter @JLPullinger.