This year, we suggest you avoid the expected and forgo the red roses in favour of something a little more remarkable — and suited to the receiver’s personality. Are they partial to a more classic style, à la Femme Fleur? Or something more modern, like Flowers After Hours’ vibrant bouquets? Nevertheless, we’ve whittled it down to the eight floral visionaries that will ensure 2025’s Valentine’s Day will be a memorable one.

Flowers After Hours

An Auckland institution since 1990 (and Denizen’s 2024 Everyday Heroes winner), Flowers After Hours is the go-to for luxury blooms, open early ‘til late, seven days a week. Their Radical Love Valentine’s collection blends timeless romance with contemporary flair — think classic red roses alongside statement-making arrangements. The ‘Bold Embrace‘ bouquet is a vibrant mix of pink chrysanthemums, red roses, and burgundy smokebush, wrapped in their signature bloom bag, while the ‘Forever Flame‘ is a masterclass in minimal elegance, featuring a single premium red rose with pink smokebush in a sleek glass vase. Whether you’re after a grand gesture or something quietly sophisticated, Flowers After Hours has you covered.

Blush Flowers

Crowned Runner Up in our 2024 Denizen Everyday Heroes, and continuing to prove the many reasons why, Kelly Karam has forged a pioneering path in the flower-arranging game with Blush, going far beyond the average, paper-wrapped bunch. Opt for one of Blush’s unique carrier bunches this Valentine’s — available in an easy-to-carry contraption with handles instead of the usual paper wrapping (perfect for a dinner date surprise), or go all out with their Loved Up Pamper Gift Box, complete with J’amie macarons, Love Loco chocolates, handmade soap, a Maison Balzac Le Rose candle and a simple red rose.

Greenpoint

For those who love florals with an artistic edge, Denizen 2024 Everyday Heroes runner-up Greenpoint should be your go-to. Founded by floral artist Georgie Malyon, this Grey Lynn gem brings a contemporary, design-led approach to every arrangement — whether for home, office, weddings, or grand installations. This Valentine’s Day, expect lush, textural bouquets that feel effortlessly romantic yet refreshingly modern, alongside an edit of dried flowers, art prints, plants and curio for those seeking something outside of the ordinary.

Hands in the Dirt

For those who cherish nature in its purest form, Hands in the Dirt offers wild, whimsical arrangements that celebrate the beauty of seasonal, locally grown blooms. Situated on a 12-acre farm in Ahuroa Valley, this mother-daughter-run flower farm follows regenerative principles, ensuring each bouquet is as sustainable as it is stunning. This Valentine’s Day, expect delicate, hand-tied arrangements brimming with character — no mass production, just nature at its best. Find their bouquets at Tessuti during the week, or connect directly for a bespoke bunch.

Kensal Flower Studio

After spending five magical years working at London’s Scarlet and Violet, Liv Wakem moved home to New Zealand to start Kensal Floral Studio in 2018. Located in the heart of Kingsland and, alongside beautiful bespoke arrangements in their signature wild, colourful style, Kensal stocks a range of cards, candles, glassware and more, making for somewhat of a one-stop gift shop. Kensal’s Valentine’s Day bunches are highly sought-after, so we would recommend getting in quick to secure yours in time for the big day. 

La Femme Fleur

This moveable feast of the floral kind is the brainchild of Millie Austin, who you’ll find posted up on Shore Road in Remuera. Her stunning bouquets are fanciful and romantic, and will never disappoint. Alongside bouquets, Austin also offers a floral subscription service for those who simply must have fresh flowers in their home all the time — far beyond V. Day. Choose your preferred colour, consistency and duration, and beautiful blooms will be delivered to your door for as long as you desire.

Isadia Floral

Talented florist Isabel Johnston first started in the industry over a decade ago, and quickly built up a reputation for her signature, naturalistic designs. Johnston founded Isadia Floral with co-florist Lydia Reusser in November 2020, and together the duo offers retail bouquets and subscription flowers, personalised in-home and workspace styling, and flowers for weddings and events. For each occasion, including Valentine’s Day, they incorporate foraged plants and sourced flowers in unstructured yet elegant bouquets.

The Botanist

For big, bouncing bouquets (and equally swoon-worthy dried arrangements), look no further than The Botanist. With a focus on foliage to create eye-catching bunches with depth, The Botanist’s florists are experts when it comes to crafting unconventional and undeniably beautiful flowers to cherish — and will make any recipient feel special. Their Valentine’s Edit runs the gamut from whimsical and romantic to grand and passionate, with both fresh and dried arrangements available.

Grace And Flora

Inspired by her passion for connecting with people and with nature, Hannah Low started Grace and Flora in 2017, and then, in 2021, moved her operation to Faradays luxury department store. There, visitors will find Low’s exceptional arrangements, filling the space with an air of colourful optimism. After all, Low’s bouquets are beloved for their big, bold presence and their sculptural shapes, and are perfectly suited to sit alongside the latest collections from the likes of Loewe, Celine and more.

Floralcentric

Another name that specialises in wedding and event blooms (but shouldn’t be passed up for an individual bouquet, either) Floracentric is a contemporary floristry studio offering arrangements that are sleek and sophisticated while also feeling decidedly modern and grounded in the now, each artistically put together in what feels like a careful and purposeful way. This Valentine’s Day, select a design from their impressive offering (if you ask us, The Bright One is a sight to behold) or ask for something entirely bespoke.

Rose Tinted Flowers

Inspired by her florist mother, Rosie Holt started Rose Tinted Flowers in 2015 and it has since grown a reputation for creating some of the dreamiest bouquets in town. Aside from creating beautiful arrangements, Rose Tinted Flowers also has a strong focus on reducing the waste that comes with the industry, opting for locally grown florals and replacing standard materials such as floral foam with natural alternatives. This Valentine’s Day, Rosie and her team are offering a number of striking arrangements, from the ‘Dreamboat Bouquet‘ — sure to set hearts fluttering with a truly stunning mix of roses, hydrangeas, carnations and anthuriums, all presented in a glass vase, to the simple yet stunning ‘Roses in a Vase‘.