Valentine’s Day 2023: Florists gear up for busiest day of the year
Left your Valentine Day dash to the florist till the last minute? We’ve got you sorted with where to find the cheapest roses.
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Florists are gearing up for their busiest day of the year, and traditional red roses are still the best-selling flowers for romantics looking to spoil their loved ones.
Although the week leading up to Mother’s Day is also a busy time, as a single stand alone day Valentine’s Day is typically the most frantic for florists across the state.
We asked florists how much they were charging for a dozen red roses, with the average price about $120 — but you can pick some up for $69 at Market Blooms at Dandenong Market, or a bunch of 10 for $59 at Bayside Flower Garden at Eastland shopping centre in Ringwood, the cheapest prices Leader reporters found.
Check out what some of our best florists have planned for the special day.
Mordialloc Florist
1/507 Main St, Mordialloc
Mordialloc Florist owner Mike Smits said Valentine’s Day was the busiest single day of the year.
Mr Smits said while orders typically came in quite a bit before for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day always attracted last minute shoppers.
“Definitely red roses (are the most popular flower choice) — they are the most iconic particularly for younger couples just starting out, where Valentine’s Day is a big thing,” he said.
“But we also have a lot of married couples who have been married for a long time who order different things — natives have become very popular but also multi-coloured arrangements and bouquets.”
A dozen red roses at Mordialloc Florist will set you back $139.50.
Blooms on Brice
10 Brice Ave, Mooroolbark
Blooms on Brice owner Kerri Grassby said they sold hundreds of bunches on Valentine’s Day, with traditional red roses also the most popular choice for romantics in the outer east.
“But some of the guys are also going for something a bit different, and choosing mixed romantic locally grown bouquets as well,” she said.
Ms Grassby said the store had a massive contingent of tradies — who they loved — who came in at the last minute to pick up flowers on Valentine’s Day.
“It gets absolutely crazy from about 3.30pm to 6.30pm,” she said.
This will be the store’s 28th year of operation, and every year the experience a last-minute rush.
Prices vary for a bunch of red roses, which a medium bunch costing $145.
Werribee Station Place Florist
32 Station Place, Werribee
Preparation for Valentine’s Day started weeks in advance for Nella Pyke and the team at Werribee Station Place Florist.
They are expecting an influx of traffic, both online and through the door, as the big day approaches and are encouraging people to pre-order arrangements as early as possible.
“We’ve been flat out … this period is always massive for us because we have so many specials and options available,” Ms Pyke said.
Their ‘It looks like love’ special gets you a bouquet of roses, chocolates and a teddy valued at $212, with the option to add wine or champagne.
A single rose at this Werribee florist will cost you $15.
Ten long stemmed roses are set at $120 and a dozen at $150.
Dandelion Haze
Online store
Based in Hoppers Crossing, Dandelion Haze — run by long time florist Tammie Harty — has an abundance of options for Valentine’s Day.
All the arrangements are put together by Ms Harty, who uses eco-friendly and cruelty free products for gift boxes as well as recycled and reusable products from her flower sundries.
The business also regularly donates to the Aussie Bee Foundation that helps protect and preserve the bee population.
While roses are the popular option among those purchasing Valentine’s Day flowers — Ms Haze also recommended people consider the variety of other options available, particularly those that last longer.
A bouquet of a dozen roses costs $120 at Dandelion Haze.
Blissful & Co
Based in Greensborough, this online floral studio is offering rose bouquets as well as seasonal arrangements for Valentines Day.
The store also sells a variety of gifts to accompany flowers, such as scented candles and sparkling wine — making it a one-stop shop.
Florist owner Stacie said her passion for florals began as a hobby four years ago, which turned into a full-time business.
Now, she decorates events and offers seasonal blooms to her customers.
A bouquet of 10 roses costs $100 at Blissful & Co, or 15 roses costs $130.
Check out the online store for Valentines Day here.
Woops-a-Daisy
29 Cooper Court, Cranbourne
This Cranbourne florist is offering lovers a bunch of seasonal arrangements alongside the traditional red roses.
If you are a stickler for tradition, they have a dozen red roses for $100 in a standard bouquet, or have a ‘deluxe’ bouquet available for $150.
Woops-a-Daisy has the same options for a single rose wrap.
One rose in a standard wrap is priced at $15, while a deluxe wrapped rose is at $25.
Cranbourne Florist
66-68 High St, Cranbourne
Cranbourne Florist has all the standard items ready for purchased on Valentine’s Day.
A full set of a dozen red roses is $110, alongside other seasonal bouquets for those who want to vary from tradition.
You can shop in store at the Cranbourne Florist at 66-68 High St in Cranbourne.
Market Blooms
Dandenong Market, corner Clow and Cleeland St
Situated in the popular Dandenong Market, Market Blooms is offering a range of options to match all price points on Valentine’s Day.
Owner Paul Pavlou said the prices on Valentine’s Day range depending on the wrapping of the flower.
“You can get quite elaborate wraps these days, especially with single roses,” he said.
“We offer fancy paper and boxes that all range in price.”
A standard single rose at Market Blooms will set you back between $10 and $15, while a specially wrapped single rose can range up to $25.
If you want to make a major romantic gesture, a dozen long stem red roses ranges between $69 and $100 depending on the wrapping.
Flower Pot Florist
15 Milne Place, Ringwood North
This Ringwood North florist has got your traditional roses needs sorted, but also plenty of other items which they believe will be popular for gift buyers looking to wow their Valentine.
You can grab a single rose for $14, or get a fantastically wrapped bouquet of a dozen roses for $155.
Owner Vicki Carroll said although red roses were the choice for traditional romantics, plenty of other options had proven popular with younger buyers in recent years.
They included mixed bouquets of roses with other flowers including oriental lilies, snapdragons and sunflowers, and also hampers containing sparkling wine and chocolates.
Ms Carroll said indoor plants were also a popular alternative for the non-flower types who wanted their gift to last a bit longer.
“People still do want roses, but a lot of people are getting other bunches of gift-wrapped flowers as well,” she said.
“We’re finding people are veering away more from the traditional roses. some people just get a beautiful simple bunch of flowers … natives have been very popular in recent years.
“A lot of people don’t pre-order for Valentines, so over the weekend and the day before, it’s pretty crazy for us.
Bayside Flower Garden
Eastland Shopping Centre, Ringwood
If you’re quick, you might be able to snap up roses at pretty cheap prices at this florist at Ringwood’s Eastland shopping centre.
Before Tuesday, they’re selling single roses for $10-$15, and a bunch of 10 roses for $55.
If you leave it to Valentine’s Day, due to expected demand, the prices will be going up to $59 for 10 roses.
Owner Anna Isoveska has been helping locals with their flower needs for more than 20 years, and she grows them herself from her farm in Sommerville.
Seen cheaper roses elsewhere? Let us know in the comments!
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