If your loved one is a keen gardener, a plant will have much more appeal than cut flowers as a St. Valentine's Day Gift. We are talking here about potted plants as a Valentines gift as opposed to outdoor plants which need immediate planting outside. At first, the idea may not seem to fit in with the romantic images we all have of the ideal St.Valentine's Day gift, but, consider the longevity of the plant life compared to that of cut flowers and you will be tempted the a double benefit of flowers & longevity !.

Before you buy your loved one a plant as a St. Valentine's Day gift you need to think about the amount of care required for your particular choice. Plants should be regularly watered and periodically fertilised to ensure they remain healthy. If your loved one is very busy or slightly forgetful, you need to choose a low maintenance plant. All plants are available online with very clear guidelines as to their care and maintenance and whether they fall into the high or low maintenance category.

Benefits of Plants as a St. Valentine's Day Gift

• Plants will arrive as a gift in a beautiful pot. This will have all the feel-good factors of receiving "flowers" with the extra gift of the pot.
• Plants last much longer than cut flowers so will extend your St. Valentine's Day greeting, certainly by many months and, in some cases, depending on which plant is chosen, many years.
• Plants can be placed anywhere in a home
• Plants add oxygen to the air.
• Plants bring the outside indoors with a lush of foliage and blossoms
• Plants used as a focal point inside the home create a calm atmosphere that quiets the soul.
• Plants can become part of home décor and can be vividly used to enhance and complement the color scheme of your beloved's house or flat. E.g. a cascading plant, such as the spider plant, adds a dash of elegance to the window, or potted plants can be skillfully arranged on kitchen countertops, or on any other piece of furniture to enhance the surroundings
• Plants help people living in smaller accommodation to feel close to nature
• Plants are highly portable if moving house
• Plants afford great flexibility - they can hang from walls, line pergolas, be placed on a patio or by the entrance door

There are hundreds of varieties of plants to choose from but to help you on your way, you might like to consider some of these more popular choices:

•  Cyclamen

•  Azaleas

•  Chrysanthemums

•  Potted red tulips - Spring is on its way

•  African violets

•  Orchids. 

•  Hibiscus

•  Bonsai

•  Lavender

•  Rubber plants

•  Ivy Plants

•  Spider Plants

If you are a person who likes value for money but at the same time loves the romantic gesture, a plant as a St. Valentine's Day gift for that extra special someone in your life, has to be an excellent choice.