One in three people do not know what flowers their partner would want

Valentine's Day is nearly here...

A poll of 2,000 adults in relationships found 29 per cent have spent more than 10 minutes blankly staring at a selection of bunches before deciding which to buy.

And 32 per cent have walked away empty-handed simply because they didn’t know what to choose.

It also emerged that despite 90 per cent of men having bought flowers for their other half before, 40 per cent are still baffled by the different blossoms.

In comparison, 27 per cent of women feel in the dark about the flowers their partner would like to receive, yet 82 per cent are confident they would make the right choice.

The study was commissioned by Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, which has teamed up with an expert to provide tips to help those stuck in a rut when it comes to what to buy.

Jodie Thompson, florist and co-owner of Flowers by Zoe, who has teamed up with the foundation, said: “Try to choose long lasting flowers like carnations, alstroemeria, chrysanthemums and tulips, as they’ll stay fresh well beyond Valentine’s Day.

“And mixing in budget friendly fillers such as gypsophila, solidago and wax flower can make your bouquet look fuller without breaking the bank.

“Another way to arrange your flowers for less is by going for smaller or alternative arrangements – a bud vase with fewer stems, or a potted plant.  

“Choosing vibrant colours like yellows, oranges and purples is an affordable way to personalise your bouquet, adding character and brightness.  

“And something people often forget is that huge arrangements aren’t always someone’s heart’s desire – a single rose, or any single stem nicely wrapped, can also bring a smile.”

The research also found that of those who had bought flowers for their other half, freshness and quality (64 per cent) were top requirements when making an uninformed decision.

With colour of the blooms (60 per cent) and affordability (40 per cent) other key factors.

But 53 per cent of those struggling with what flower to buy have ended up seeking advice from someone in-store, with this rising to 76 per cent of Millennials.

As well as consulting a professional florist, many have also turned to recommendations from friends or family, online reviews and social media.

And 14 per cent of Millennials have even checked out YouTube tutorials for flower inspiration.

It isn’t always plain sailing, though, as 32 per cent have walked away from a selection simply because they didn’t know what to choose.

With 54 per cent claiming the pressure to get it right only increases on Valentine’s Day.

But this rose to three-quarters of those aged 25 to 34, who felt the stress most compared to other age brackets.

Overall, 42 per cent of all adults polled believed flowers were best suited to Valentine’s Day gifting, with 53 per cent believing they symbolise romance.

The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found roses remain way ahead of the rest for the occasion (78 per cent), followed by lilies (21 per cent), tulips (19 per cent) and orchids (13 per cent).

With 42 per cent going as far as to say that giving flowers is the most romantic gesture you could make on the 14th February.

Monique Kemperman, a spokesperson for Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland, added: “It’s great to see flowers still play a big part in gifting and bringing the romance on Valentine’s Day.

“If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion – and even put yourself in your partner’s shoes when making a choice.

“Hopefully, these tips will go some way to helping or even giving people confidence in their selection.

“At the end of the day, it’s the thought that counts most, and if given under the right circumstances, we’d like to think they’re always well received.”