The Tulip Revolution: Challenging Roses on Valentine’s Day
For the past five years, Molly Culver, the owner of Molly Oliver Flowers in Brooklyn, has been quietly leading a charge against the long-standing reign of roses on Valentine’s Day. While red roses have traditionally been the go-to choice for expressing love and affection, Molly and a growing number of florists are asking: Why not tulips? With their vibrant colors, delicate beauty, and enduring symbolism, tulips are emerging as a fresh, sustainable alternative to roses.
The Rise of Tulips as a Sustainable Choice
Consumers in the United States are expected to spend nearly $3 billion on flowers for Valentine’s Day this year, according to the National Retail Federation. Roses, of course, dominate the market, but tulips are gaining traction as a more sustainable and cost-effective option. At UrbanStems, an online flower retailer, tulip sales for Valentine’s Day have grown rapidly since they began offering them in 2021. This year, they expect to sell around 4,000 tulip bouquets, a small but significant number compared to the 1.8 million rose stems they’ll move.
The appeal of tulips extends beyond their beauty. Unlike roses, which are often imported from overseas and require extensive resources to grow and transport, tulips are more environmentally friendly. They grow quickly, require less heat, and can thrive in greenhouses with lower energy consumption. Tulip farmers like Allan Visser in the Netherlands highlight the flower’s sustainability, as well as its variety in color and shape. With global demand for tulips on the rise, they’re becoming a favorite for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter.
Tulips: A Symbol of Love and Connection
Tulips have a rich history of symbolism that makes them perfect for Valentine’s Day. In the language of flowers, tulips represent passion, caring, and royalty, depending on their color. A red tulip declares love, while a pink one signifies care and affection. This versatility aligns perfectly with the evolving nature of Valentine’s Day, which is no longer just for romantic love but also for celebrating friendships, family, and even pets. As Andrew Miller, owner of Tulip Valley Farms, puts it, “Roses are about sex, but tulips have the meaning that we decide to give it.”
This adaptability has resonated with customers like Dorothy Smith, a 34-year-old who subscribes to Molly Oliver Flowers’ service. After experiencing heartbreak, Dorothy found solace in the beauty and longevity of tulips, which she describes as “sculptural” and “more special than a red rose.” She even plans to bring her tulips to a Galentine’s Day celebration for her female friends. For many, tulips represent a fresh, inclusive way to celebrate love in all its forms.
Beyond Romance: Tulips for Every Kind of Love
The shift toward tulips also reflects a broader cultural shift in how we celebrate Valentine’s Day. While roses will always hold a special place in the romantic tradition, tulips offer a way to express love and appreciation beyond the confines of romance. At Southside Blooms, a floral nonprofit in Chicago, locally grown tulips have become a Valentine’s Day staple. The organization, which employs at-risk youth and prioritizes eco-friendly practices, has seen growing demand for tulips over the past three years.
For Natalie Ransom, a florist at Southside Blooms, tulips bring a touch of springtime joy during the cold, bleak winter months. “It’s just a nice spring flower,” she says, noting that the shop will use over 1,000 tulips for Valentine’s Day alone. This sentiment is echoed by florists and customers alike, who appreciate the simplicity, sustainability, and beauty of tulips.
The Future of Flowers: A Tulip-Centric World?
As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s clear that tulips are more than just a fleeting trend. They represent a new way of thinking about flowers—one that prioritizes sustainability, affordability, and meaningful connections. While roses will always have their place, tulips are carving out a unique space in the hearts (and vases) of flower lovers. Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship, or self-love, there’s a tulip for every occasion.
In a world where traditions are constantly evolving, the humble tulip is proving that sometimes, the simplest choices can have the most profound impact. As Molly Culver watches her tulips unfurl and dance in the sunlight, she knows she’s part of something bigger—a movement that’s redefining love, one petal at a time. And who knows? This Valentine’s Day, you might just find yourself falling for the tulip.
