Whether a single bud or brilliantly big bouquet, fragrant flora is fabulous for Valentine's Day. (Shutterstock)

Intoxicating and captivating, take time to smell the roses - and send some too. Your relationship will bloom.

Sure, flowers die quickly but the sentiment and thought endure. So delicate, yet the message is loud and clear - whether a single bud or brilliantly big bouquet, fragrant flora is fabulous for Valentine's Day.

"Roses say everything - they're the perfect way to give someone a lift as well as send a message that you may be reluctant to say," says expert Kate Smith, adding that the rose is the flower we still use to get our emotions across to the recipient

"Roses convey so much alone or in a bunch, or matched with other, complementary flowers," adds Smith, of Sensationalcolor.com 

Think outside of the vase. Get out of the rose rut. "Think about the person you're sending the flowers to - not just flowers you like. If they're a unique person, then you want the flowers to reflect that," says Leatrice Eiseman, of Colorexpert.com

Studies show that when women buy flowers for themselves, they pick more exotic types over the cutomary daisy or rose.

According to celebrity gardener Mark Cullen, the rose speaks loud and clear - "it says that the person receiving the gift of fresh cut flowers/rose are worthy of something that is steeped in tradition, rich in sentiment and romance.

"Fragrance, colour, natural beauty and the fact that they do not last forever all contribute to their allure," says Cullen, spokesman for Canada Blooms.

He adds that the fact that flowers are a product of the natural world makes them that much more special. "Remember that birds and bees visit flowers as part of their natural cycle - they are rewarded with life giving nectar while the flower is rewarded with pollination - the ability to reproduce. It is a nifty arrangement that goes back to the beginning of time. The appeal is, to some extent, primal."

Blooms for each stage of relationship:

Get her attention: "Go for something hot. Gerbera are 'plugged' colour!" says Mark Cullen. "Mind you, they are not expensive so if you want to both get the receiver's attention and impress for a longer haul, add some long-stem roses - the crème de la crème."

Just freshly dating: Play it safe, advises Cullen. Send yellow roses, six not 12, unless you want to move things along quickly. Or give something nice but not overwhelming, such as cyclamen, freesia or a single rose.

Three month mark: Ready to make a commitment? Send long-stem red roses - six sends the message you're interested but not anxious; 12 signals you're ready to commit, says Cullen. 

Six month mark:  Signal relationship confidence with an exotic orchid and a romantic, candle-lit dinner at a classy restaurant, advises Cullen. Or better yet whip up an intimate dinner at home.

One year anniversary: Wow her with a spectacular and large bouquet of bright mixed flowers - no supermarket purchase! "Presentation is everything so go to a professional florist early." Then grow the love with a fabulous dinner out.

Five year anniversary: A breath-taking bouquet, two tickets to Canada Blooms and how about theatre tickets too.

10 year anniversary: Take her to Canada Blooms and top it off with a home visit from garden designer to help with a spring garden creation - maybe even a rose garden!

The colour of rose you're attracted to reveals your personality.

Find out what your favourite hue says about you, according to Leatrice Eiseman, Colorexpert.com.

According to the international colour guru, colours are powerful so here's lookin' at you: 

RED: Dynamic. You are passionate, exciting and a mover and shaker. You ooze sensuality and passion. Red excites the brain and attracts people to you.

HOT PINK: Fun and flirty. You have a strong sense of humour, are light-hearted and happy. Your youthful spirit is a magnet.

YELLOW: Optimistic. Your positive energy and playfulness is overflowing. People are drawn to your friendliness, warmth and your happy-go-lucky nature.

WHITE: Fastidious. White represents purity, simplicity and innocence - think virginity. You like everything super organized.

LAVENDER: Intriguing. Your air of mystery is enchanting and captivating. You're complex, just like the colour itself.

PEACH: Nurturing. You come across as caring and thoughtful. The deliciousness of this hue is inviting and appealing - just like you.  

Looking for love to bloom this Valentine's Day?

The colour of rose you send to your special Valentine conveys a message loud and clear, says Kate Smith, a colour trend forecaster at Sensationalcolor.com.

Here's your message, according to Smith, who also recommends the type of rose to send for extra wow:

White: Purity, worthiness, innocence, reverence. Try the Vendela rose - medium-sized and gorgeous ivory colour, it's a pleaser.

Red: Love, respect, courage, passion, congratulations. "Popular varieties include the scarlet red Kardinal, the very fragrant Mr. Lincoln, and the deep red tea rose Madame Delbard."

Pink Roses: Happiness, elegance, romance, admiration, thank you. Lady Diana is a beautiful light pink rose, while "deep pink roses such as Laser and Diplomat are perfect choices to show someone how grateful you are to have them in your life."

Yellow Roses: Friendship, caring, joy, welcome, welcome back. Consider sending the lightly fragrant Gold Strike or the long-lasting Aalsmeer Gold.

Orange Roses: Desire, enthusiasm, pride. Express your desire and fascination with the brilliant orange of Lambredo, the vermillion orange of the long-stemmed Fire King, or the pale apricot of Pareo.

Peach Roses: Appreciation, sincerity, gratitude, modesty. Choose from the palest peach of champagne, the spray rose Porcelina, with up to five stunning peach blooms on each stem; and the deeper peach of the flawless Orsiana.

Lavender Roses: Love at first sight. "Purple is a royal colour so sending a single purple rose means you find her majestic, opulent and special," says Smith. The dynamic Blue Curiosa or the Lavender Duet speaks loud and clear.

Meanings of flowers:

Red Rose: I love you

Sweet pea: Faithful love

Hibiscus: Delicate beauty

Sunflower: Completely devoted to you

Gardenia: Secretly hot for you

Tulip: Perfect lover

Daisy: Loyalty

Alyssum: Worth beyond beauty

White Camellia: You're adorable

Four leaf clover: Good luck, be mine

Periwinkle: Friendship

Gladiolus: Infatuation