On Valentine’s Day, hundreds of flowers will be purchased as a way to show feelings.

Although roses are one of the most traditional Valentine’s Day flowers, there are other options, said Dan Brabec, owner of Coe’s Campus Floral and Gifts, 2619 Northridge Parkway. Tropical plants, spring bouquets and potted plants are other Valentine’s Day options. Each has a different meaning.

Brabec said most people are overwhelmed by choices, so they buy roses.

“If [people] have never bought flowers for their significant others, maybe they should start with something different,” Brabec said.

“Be unique and show that they put more thought into it. Then, as the relationship grows, go to something more traditional like roses.”

However, roses have different meanings.

Red roses mean ‘I love you’ and yellow roses mean ‘friendship.’ A thornless rose is sent for ‘love at first sight.’

“It all comes down to love. Flowers have been a sign of love for a long time — whether it comes in a vase or as a plant, it’s the significance of the flower that matters,” Brabec said.

Cynthia Haynes, assistant professor of horticulture, said the use of flowers to portray emotion began in Victorian times.

Haynes said daffodils meant ‘I hold you in high regard,’ while an orange lily meant ‘hatred.’

Flowers and plants are still used as symbols of emotions, Haynes said.

“Mistletoe means a kiss, four-leaf clovers mean good luck and an olive branch means peace,” she said.