Buyers guide to floral gifts

Send flowers for the perfect gift

It's the oh-so-traditional gift, but do you know what you're buyingloved ones when you pick up a bunch of flowers? It can be a bitblooming confusing. Spruce up on floral etiquette and give the perfectpetals for every occasion with our expert advice.

1. Forever yours
Hyacinths symbolise constancy and are the flower for the zodiac symbolTaurus - whose famous characteristic is being stubborn! This prettydisplay of hyacinths in contrasting shades of deep blue, soft pink andwhite (£39.50) from Marks & Spencer would make a perfect gift for aconstant companion, whether a partner or an old friend.

2. Cold heart
Hydrangea means 'water barrel' in Greek and refers to the shape of thefruit after it has just sprung open. Gifts like this AutographCollections - Rose and Hydrangea bouquet (£45) from Marks & Spencerwill last in vases for two weeks. Send hydrangeas as a subtle warning,or to put the brakes on a torrid afair - they symbolise heartlessnessand frigidity.

3. Petals by post
'Freesias are a classic favourite flower with a delicate scent,' saysfloral expert Jane Scott who recommends these 25 mixed freesias by post(£22.50) from John Lewis. 'They are best displayed in a vase on theirown rather than in a display with other flowers. Simplicity is thesecret here.'

5. Rare beauty
'Orchids do best in a light place indoors,' advises Ros Cohen, aflorist for 14 years. 'Put one or two stems into a long vase and trynot to touch the petals as they're very sensitive.' Indulge in someEastern luxury with these Flowers by Post - 15 exotic orchids (£19.50)from Marks & Spencer.

6. Say it with roses
'Roses are one of those unique flowers that you can give at everyoccasion: be it declaring love, weddings, births or Valentine's Day,'says Aurelia Capez of Parisien rose specialists, Au Nom de la Rose.Yellow roses symbolise friendship - send someone special thesecolourful Flowers by post - 24 yellow roses (£25) from Marks &Spencer.

7. Lily white
'Take the stamens out of lilies so the pollen doesn't stain,' suggestsCohen. 'The best way to get the pollen off your clothes is to dab itwith sellotape. Don't wet it.' Enjoy this Ungilded lily (£75) fromFortnum & Mason for perfect lilies without the pollen. White liliessignify purity - give them to mark a new phase in someone's life.

8. Just friends
A gift of lavender to a potential suitor is a kind but firm rebuttal oftheir affections. At least this potted Lavandula angustifolia melissalilac (£4.99, was £6.99) from Crocus will continue to grow even astheir love fades. 'Lavender needs sunshine because it comes from theMediterranean,' says Cohen. 'It should be kept in a pot and does bestoutside.'

9. Brighten up
'Colours in flowers are very important,' says Capez. 'For example redis obvious - it represents love and passion, but orange means desire.'Try these hand-tied bouquet in orange, green and red (£48) from Not onthe High Street - a beatifully presented bundle sure to lead to somesteamy romance.