The Flower Blog

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and we are diligently preparing our shop with exquisite arrangements and charming bouquets for you to select from! Among all the lovely flowers, the rose stands out as the top choice. Celebrated as the beloved flower of Venus, the goddess of Love, roses are in high demand worldwide.

Yet, this surge in popularity prompts the question - why are roses so costly at this time of year? It's an intriguing question, and we have the answer ready for you!

Click the video to uncover the behind-the-scenes secrets of product pricing and how it impacts both our business and our valued customers.

One of the primary reasons roses are so pricey around Valentine's Day is their lengthy growth cycle. It takes a full sixty days for a rose bush to yield a mature bloom. To satisfy the high demand for Valentine's Day, growers face a tough choice in December—they must reduce the production of their current rose crop by harvesting them prematurely. This means they have to forgo a potentially good crop to make space for the roses needed for Valentine's Day. It's a risky decision, especially given the unpredictable nature of adverse weather conditions.

Moreover, growers encounter challenges because roses are perishable and space is limited. They can't store roses for long as they would wilt and become unsellable. Additionally, the increased cost of heating during winter and reduced daylight hours also drive up the price of roses. Ultimately, the grower determines the price of roses, which is elevated due to the crop reduction in December. This extra cost is then passed along each level of the market—from the grower to the wholesaler, to the florist, and finally to the customer.

Another element affecting the price of roses is transportation. Many roses are brought in from places like Ecuador, Colombia, and even from within the United States, such as California. As the demand for roses rises, so does the requirement for cargo space. This results in more vehicles on the roads and in the skies to deliver these sought-after flowers. The costs keep piling up—from reducing crops to meet Valentine's Day demand, to increasing the number of vehicles, and spending more on fuel.

It's not just Valentine's Day that drives up the demand for roses early in the year. Events like the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, and the Tournament of Roses parade also require an enormous quantity of roses. The average float in the Rose Parade uses about 160,000 flowers, underscoring the widespread appeal of roses.

Now that you're aware of the reasons behind the steep price of roses, you might be questioning whether to purchase them this year. At Gillespie's, we recognize the cost concerns and provide a range of alternatives to roses. Stargazer lilies, gerbera daisies, carnations, alstroemeria lilies, hydrangeas—the choices are plentiful! Our design team has crafted beautiful bouquets for Valentine's Day that will delight your loved one, with or without roses. Click below to explore our Valentine's Day specials this year!

Avoid the hassle of traffic and last-minute shopping. This Valentine's Day, express your affection effortlessly with our convenient delivery service. We'll personally deliver a stunning bouquet (and perhaps a delightful treat!) right to your loved one's doorstep, sure to bring a smile.

Click here to discover our Valentine's Day delivery schedule

Still Have Questions? We’re Happy to Help 🌸

Say “I Love You” Effortlessly with Valentine’s Day Delivery 💖

Skip the traffic, the lines, and the last-minute scramble. This Valentine’s Day, let love arrive right at their door with our reliable, hand-delivered floral service. Whether it’s a classic bouquet of roses or flowers paired with a sweet surprise, we’ll help you make a heartfelt impression—without the stress.

Valentine’s Day Delivery Details

Valentine’s Day is our busiest day of the year, and to maintain the quality and care you expect from us, a few delivery guidelines are necessary.

Beginning Friday, February 13, we will no longer accept morning delivery requests for Saturday, February 14.
All orders scheduled for Valentine’s Day will be delivered Saturday afternoon, regardless of special time requests noted in the order.

Due to the high volume of deliveries, specific delivery times cannot be guaranteed for Valentine’s Day afternoon. Orders placed after February 13 will be delivered at our earliest available opportunity to ensure your Valentine still receives their floral love note.

Thank you for understanding as we prioritize exceptional design, freshness, and service for every delivery.

💝 Want to Save $5? Choose FLEX DELIVERY

Our Flex Delivery option allows us to deliver your order anytime between February 10–12 at our earliest opportunity—and you’ll save $5 on delivery.

It’s a win-win: beautiful flowers for your Valentine and extra savings for you.
Watch Sarah explain how it works in the video below!

The Flex Delivery Option appears when a delivery date from February 10-12 is selected.

From timeless roses and whimsical Valentine’s designs to decadent chocolates and heartfelt cards, we have everything you need to make your Valentine swoon. Browse our full Valentine’s Day collection and find the perfect expression of your love.

Still Have Questions? We’re Happy to Help 🌸

Our friendly customer service team is here for you.

📞 Call: 317.273.1100
🏬 Visit: 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234

Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—so relax, order early, and let us take care of the rest.

Extended Store Hours:
Thursday, February 12: 8am–8pm
Friday, February 13: 8am–8pm
Saturday, February 14: 8am–8pm

P.S. Don’t forget our FLEX DELIVERY option—it’s a sweet deal for both your Valentine and your wallet.

P.S.S. SPECIAL DELIVERY HACK!
Want to save on delivery? Call us directly or stop by the shop to take advantage of reduced Valentine’s Week delivery pricing:

• Sunday–Tuesday (2/8–2/10): $12.99
• Wednesday–Thursday (2/11–2/12): $14.99
• Friday & Saturday (2/13–2/14): $19.99

Planning ahead = more savings (and more love delivered 💖).

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💕

🌹 Your Luxury Bloom Care Guide
Simple steps to keep your Valentine’s flowers fresh, vibrant, and breathtaking.

Your luxury floral arrangement is designed to make a statement—and with just a little care, it can stay beautiful for days to come. Follow these expert tips to help your roses, lilies, and premium blooms look their best.

1. Refresh the Water Regularly

Keep It Clear:
Check the water level daily. If the water looks cloudy or drops below the stems, it’s time for a refresh.

The Perfect Pour:
Use lukewarm water mixed with the provided flower food to nourish your blooms and keep your roses or carnations properly hydrated.

2. Give Them a Fresh Trim

The 45-Degree Cut:
Every 2–3 days, trim about one inch from each stem at a 45-degree angle to improve water absorption.

Clean Cuts Matter:
Always use sharp scissors or floral shears. Clean cuts prevent stem damage and allow your flowers to drink more efficiently.

3. Choose the Right Location

Stay Cool:
Place your arrangement in a cool area away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or drafty windows to slow wilting.

Fruit-Free Zone:
Keep flowers away from ripening fruit. The natural gases released can cause roses and lilies to fade prematurely.

4. Prune for Longevity

Keep It Tidy:
Remove any fallen petals or leaves from the water to reduce bacteria and extend the life of your arrangement.

Individual Bloom Care:
For designs like the Indianapolis Sweetheart, gently remove individual lily blooms as they fade so the remaining flowers can continue to shine.

💡 Pro Tip for Statement Arrangements
For grand designs like the Room Full of Roses & More, use a small watering can to add water directly into the glass vase. This helps maintain hydration without disturbing the carefully crafted design of the 36 roses.

🌹 In Summary

With just a little daily care, your luxury floral arrangement can remain vibrant, fragrant, and stunning well beyond Valentine’s Day. Refreshing the water, trimming stems, choosing the right location, and gentle pruning all help preserve the beauty and longevity of your blooms—so you can enjoy every moment they bring.

💝 Shop More Luxury Flowers Online
Looking for your next statement arrangement or a thoughtful gift? Visit our website to explore our full collection of premium flowers, luxury rose arrangements, and seasonal designs. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or another special occasion, you’ll find expertly crafted florals designed to impress—available for easy online ordering and delivery.

✨ The 2026 Valentine’s Luxury Gift Guide ✨
Where timeless romance meets elevated design.

This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the expected and celebrate love with arrangements that are as unforgettable as the moment itself.

Our 2026 Luxury Gift Guide showcases master-crafted florals designed to impress, delight, and linger long after the day has passed.

1. The Showstopper: Room Full of Roses & More

• For the love that deserves nothing less than everything. This jaw-dropping display features 36 premium long-stem red roses, artfully arranged with lush Italian Ruscus and Springerii for dramatic scale and texture.

  Why It Wows:
  An immersive experience of romance—this arrangement fills an entire room with beauty, fragrance, and undeniable impact.

  Investment: $419.99

  
  
  

2. The Elegant Upgrade: The Indianapolis Sweetheart

• A refined take on a beloved classic. This sophisticated favorite elevates the traditional dozen by pairing 12 velvety red roses with the striking, star-shaped blooms of a fragrant Stargazer Lily.

  Why It Wows:
  Designed in an upgraded keepsake vase, this arrangement offers beauty that lasts well beyond Valentine’s Day—a true memento of love.

  Investment: $144.99

  
  

3. The Grand Gesture: Everlasting Affection

A timeless expression of devotion. This lush design showcases a dozen deep crimson blooms, delicately accented with baby’s breath and finished with a signature satin bow.

Why It Wows:
Renowned for their exceptional longevity, these blooms remain vibrant and beautiful for days—making your message of love last even longer.

Investment: $74.99

💝 Shop Valentine’s Day Flowers & Luxury Gifts Online 💝
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day flowers? Visit our website to shop our complete Valentine’s Day collection, including luxury rose arrangements, romantic floral designs, and thoughtful Valentine’s gifts for every relationship. Order online for Valentine’s Day delivery and secure the most popular arrangements before they sell out.

Click here to discover our Valentine's Day delivery schedule

Still Have Questions? We’re Happy to Help 🌸

🌿 Your Everlasting Magenta Care Guide

Thank you for choosing a gift that grows! Your Everlasting Magenta dish garden is a curated collection of premium indoor plants designed to bring lasting beauty to your home. Follow these simple tips to keep your garden lush and vibrant.

Light & Placement ☀️

Find the Sweet Spot: Most plants in this garden thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.

Avoid Harsh Rays: Keep the basket away from direct, hot afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate leaves.

Temperature: These plants are happiest in standard home temperatures (65°F–75°F) and should be kept away from cold drafts or heating vents.

Watering Wisdom 💧

The Finger Test: Check the soil every few days. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it’s time to water.

Watering Technique: Pour water slowly near the base of the plants, avoiding the leaves. Ensure the soil is moist but never soggy.

Magenta Carnations: To keep your fresh magenta carnations looking their best, you can mist them lightly with water once a day.

Ongoing Love & Maintenance ✨

Fresh Blooms: Once the seven magenta carnations have finished their show, gently remove them from the garden.

Long-Term Growth: As your plants continue to grow, you may eventually want to move them into individual pots to give their roots more room to flourish.

Feeding: You can use a standard indoor plant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer to encourage new growth.

With proper light, thoughtful watering, and occasional maintenance, your Everlasting Magenta dish garden will remain a beautiful and long-lasting addition to your home. As the plants mature and evolve, small adjustments will keep them healthy and thriving—ensuring this living arrangement continues to bring joy well beyond its first bloom. For more plants, floral arrangements, and thoughtfully designed gifts, visit our website and explore all the ways we can help you bring lasting beauty into your space. 🌿

As we ease into the new year and settle into winter, it’s the perfect time to revisit one of our favorite traditions—celebrating birth month flowers. January kicks things off with one of the most classic blooms of all: the carnation. Timeless, meaningful, and endlessly versatile, this beloved flower sets a hopeful tone for the year ahead.

What are the January birth flowers?

January is represented by carnations and snowdrops—two very different blooms that share a quiet strength during the coldest time of year.

Carnations are known for their ruffled petals, soft fragrance, and wide range of colors, from whites and pinks to deep reds and purples. Their durability and classic style make them a staple in floral design, appearing in everything from everyday arrangements to weddings, corsages, and boutonnieres.

Snowdrops may be small, but they’re mighty. These delicate white blooms often appear while snow is still on the ground, offering one of the earliest signs that spring is on its way. They’re commonly associated with hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings—perfect symbolism for January.

A little history behind carnations

Carnations have been loved for more than 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Their name, Dianthus, means “divine flower,” and over time they’ve become a staple in floral traditions across Europe and Asia.

What do carnations symbolize?

Carnations are often associated with love and affection, with meanings that vary by color:

• Red: Admiration

• Deep Red: Romantic love

• Pink: Gratitude

• White: Purity and friendship

• Yellow: Sorrow

• Purple: Royalty

Their long-lasting nature has also made carnations a symbol of enduring love.

A few fun carnation facts

• The green carnation became a symbol in LGBTQ+ history after Oscar Wilde popularized it in the late 1800s.

• In Victorian times, striped carnations were used to subtly say, “I cannot be with you.”

• The Carnation Revolution in Portugal (1974) turned the flower into a lasting symbol of peace and change.

While the carnation takes center stage as January’s primary birth flower, it’s often paired with the delicate snowdrop. Blooming bravely through snow, snowdrops symbolize hope, renewal, and resilience, offering a quiet reminder that brighter days are ahead—even in the heart of winter. Their calm presence and winter bloom time make them a natural companion to January celebrations.

Fun fact: Snowdrops contain galantamine, a compound still used in modern medicine—connecting this petite bloom to a long history of healing and care.

At Gillespie Florists, we love flowers that tell a story. January’s birth blooms—especially the ever-classic carnation—are a beautiful way to brighten winter days and celebrate the fresh start of a new year. 🌸

Tap here to browse our entire birthday flower collection today!

Celebrate love in full bloom with a hands-on floral design experience at Gillespie Florists! Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a Galentine’s outing, or simply treating yourself to something beautiful, this Valentine-themed DIY flower class is the perfect way to create something heartfelt and unforgettable.

💐 What You’ll Learn

Join our talented designer, Kayleigh, for a fun and inspiring 1–2 hour session where you’ll explore the art of romantic floral design. With years of experience and a passion for flowers, Kayleigh will guide you step-by-step as you create your own Valentine’s arrangement filled with lush blooms, soft textures, and love-inspired colors. You’ll leave with a stunning piece that’s perfect for gifting—or keeping all to yourself.

❤️ Class Details

When: Saturday, 1/24 at 4PM
Where: Gillespie Florists — 9255 W 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46234
Cost: $50 per person
Ages: 18 and older (due to use of sharp instruments)
Includes: All materials — fresh flowers, romantic foliage, decorative accents, and a vase or container. Extra accessories will be available for purchase.

Luxury Upgrade: Want to turn up the romance? Choose a Single or Double Luxury Flower Upgrade to include premium blooms like roses, lilies, and other Valentine favorites. Our lead designer will hand-select the perfect flowers to make your arrangement truly swoon-worthy.

🌹 Why Join Us?

No experience necessary—just bring your love for flowers! Kayleigh’s hands-on guidance makes floral design fun and approachable for everyone. Class sizes are limited to keep the experience personal, so grab your sweetheart, your best friend, or come solo and enjoy a creative night surrounded by beautiful blooms.

Questions? Give us a call at 317-273-1100 — we can’t wait to design, laugh, and share the love with you! 💖

SIGN UP HERE TODAY!

Picture this: you need flowers… like yesterday. You hop online to gillespieflorists.com, ready to find the perfect arrangement, and suddenly you’re spoiled for choice. So many beautiful options! Your budget is set, time is tight, and now you’re wondering—what’s the easiest way to get something truly special?

Calling us at 317.273.1100 is always a great option, but there’s also a stress-free favorite just a few clicks away: our Designer’s Choice Bouquet.

Designer’s Choice is a top-notch option when decision-making feels overwhelming. (Trust us—we get it!) Simply choose your price point and leave the rest to our talented, creative floral designers here at Gillespie Florists. They’ll hand-craft a one-of-a-kind arrangement using the freshest seasonal flowers available, designed to impress and delight every time.

Have something specific in mind? Maybe a favorite color palette, a certain style, or a meaningful flower you’d love us to include—just pop those details into the Special Instructions box at checkout. Our team will do everything we can to bring your vision to life. And as a little extra peace of mind, once your bouquet is finished, we’ll email you a photo so you can see exactly what’s headed out for delivery.

Stop by the shop, give us a call, or order a Designer’s Choice Bouquet online today. You’re only a few clicks away from having a gorgeous, professionally designed arrangement arrive right on time at a loved one’s door.

The holiday glow has faded and winter has settled in—gray skies, chilly mornings, and maybe even a surprise snowfall. If you’ve ever woken up to find your car tucked under a fresh blanket of snow, you know the drill: bundle up, allow extra time, and prepare for whatever the roads may bring.

While you’re getting ready to brave the cold, our team at Gillespie Florists is doing the very same—preparing not only our arrangements, but also our drivers, to safely navigate winter weather. After reflecting on memorable storms past (we still remember Snowpocalypse 2014!), we thought it was the perfect time to share how we make sure your flowers arrive just as beautiful as intended.

Our Winter-Ready Delivery Team

Let’s start with our incredible drivers. Each one is equipped with a company phone featuring GPS and mapping, touch-screen gloves for safe communication, and winter cleats to handle icy sidewalks and snowy paths. Dressing in layers is key—while it may be frigid outside, delivery vans are kept at a safe, cozy temperature to protect the flowers inside. Jackets, hats, and gloves are often shed and layered back on throughout the day as drivers move from stop to stop.

Once they arrive at a destination, drivers carefully check for hazards like icy walkways or snow-covered entrances. After a full day of navigating snow, sleet, rain—or whatever winter decides to throw our way—they return to the shop before dark. Keeping both our team and your flowers safe is always the priority.

Vehicles That Go the Extra Mile

Our delivery vans get special winter treatment too. Each one is stocked with ice scrapers, salt, kitty litter, and even 2x6 boards—just in case conditions get tricky. Vans also receive regular maintenance checks, plenty of windshield washer fluid, and frequent washes to stay road-ready all season long.

Protecting Your Flowers From the Cold

Winter weather means extra care for our floral designs. Before any arrangement leaves the shop, it’s carefully “suited up” for the journey. On cold days, flowers are wrapped in protective cellophane, and when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or below, we add an extra layer of tissue. In below-zero conditions, arrangements are even covered with a blanket during delivery. Funeral flowers, including casket sprays and easel pieces, receive the same thoughtful protection.

Pro tip: If you receive flowers at work, hang on to the tissue and cellophane layers—they’ll help protect your arrangement when you head back out into the cold.

Gadgets for shoes, vehicles packed with supplies, layers upon layers of clothing, and carefully wrapped flowers—it’s a lot of extra effort, but it’s worth it. Come snow, sleet, or ice, you can count on Gillespie Florists to deliver your flowers safely and beautifully.

Too cold to stop by the shop? No worries—hop online and browse our best sellers to brighten a loved one’s winter day. 🌸

Brrr, winter’s here—and while the temperatures may be dropping, our moods don’t have to! Shake off those cold weather blues with these fun, cozy, and delightfully silly ideas to help you beat the winter blahs and stay warm all season long.

❄️ Winter has officially settled in, but that doesn’t mean we have to! Instead of letting the chill get you down, let’s flip the script with some delightfully silly, cozy, and unconventional ways to warm up and have a blast all season long.

• Homemade Cards: Let’s start with something close to home—literally. Spend an afternoon making homemade cards for friends and family! Birthdays are always popping up, or you can send a “just because” note for no reason at all. The best part about homemade cards is that you can be as creative and silly as you want. No fancy stationery? No problem. Use notebook paper from school, cut out pictures to make a collage, or color a page from a coloring book and turn it into a card. The sky’s the limit!
  

• Hot Chocolate Olympics: Forget basic hot cocoa—it's time for the Hot Chocolate Olympics! Try out different flavors, from peppermint to caramel, pile on the whipped cream and sprinkles, and challenge everyone to a marshmallow-stacking showdown. Invite friends and family to join in, taste-test each mug, and crown a cozy cocoa champion!
  
  
  
  
  
• DIY Blanket Fort Extravaganza: Why settle for just a regular blanket when you can build a full-on blanket fort palace? Channel your inner architect and turn your living room into the coziest hideaway imaginable. Drape blankets over chairs, add a mountain of pillows, string up some twinkle lights, and don’t forget your favorite snacks and a warm mug of cocoa. Whether you’re binge-watching a show, scrolling through photos, or getting lost in a good book, your fort will be your snuggly winter escape.
  
  
  
  
  
• Living Room Dance Party Warm-Up: Turn up your favorite tunes and transform your living room into a mini dance floor! A little shimmy, twist, and groove will get your blood pumping and warm you up from head to toe. Grab the kids, your partner, or a few friends, pick a fun playlist, and dance the winter chill away together.
  
  
  
  
  
• Winter Wonderland Photo Scavenger Hunt: Turn a chilly day into a picture-perfect adventure! Make a winter-themed scavenger hunt list, bundle up, and wander through your neighborhood or a nearby park. Snap photos of sparkling icicles, snow-dusted trees, cheerful front porches, and any feathered or furry friends you spot along the way. When you’re done, share your favorites with friends and family or turn them into a cozy keepsake collage.

❄️ Winter may be in full swing, but we can still have so much fun! Whether you're dancing the cold away, sipping cocoa in your blanket fort, or exploring a snowy sidewalk, remember: the best way to beat the chill is with laughter, creativity, and a whole lot of warmth from the inside out. Stay cozy, friends!

Valentine's Day is Saturday, February 14th. Click below to order a stunning bouquet today!