Flowering, or Brightly-Colored, Potted Plants

Amaryllis.

These are flowering bulbs that will bloom indoors. My personal favorites include varieties like ‘Opal Star’ (Cherry Crush) or ‘Razzle Dazzle’? Eden’s Bloom also offers bulbs through their online store for early spring color. Click to learn more about amaryllis.

Bromeliads.

This is a group of spikey, colorful plants that fortunately fall into the ‘low maintenance’ category, but don’t for a minute assume that means boring. The leaves are their claim to fame, ranging in color from deepest purple to bright chartreuse and every combination in between. Your local florist should also have a fair selection of bromeliads, but if not, next try ordering online from tropiflora.com.

Cyclamen.

A bit on the tricky side, but oh, so worth it! Check out Nina Koziol’s feature, Growing Cyclamen on PlantersPlace.com for tips.

Kalanchoe.

One of the easiest plants to grow, kalanchoe is a blooming succulent that comes in many different flower forms and colors. Check with your local florist to find one that will bring long-term color to your Valentine’s home (and with very few needs!).

Albuca spiralis.

This plant can be irresistible. Picture leaves the size of medium spaghetti, only green and curly. Shirley Temple curly. It seems plant producers have also fallen in love with this African bulb, and came up with a catchy name, ‘Frizzle Sizzle’. Classified as a succulent, albuca spiralis goes dormant in the summer but because it blooms in springtime, it makes the perfect gift for a Valentine’s Day. Find it at Telos Rare Bulbs,

Gorilla Tubs.

Once you select a potted plant, why not pack it in a useful and attractive package? Also formerly called TubTrugs, Gorilla Tubs are versatile, lightweight containers that can be reused for harvesting, hauling, storing, mixing soil and more. Alternatively, chose one in red and fill it with all sorts of garden gifts.

So there you are, alternative gift ideas beyond the traditional for the Valentine gardener. Siil, there’s nothing to prevent you from making a gift from this list AND adding a box of chocolates. Editor’s Note: Cacao is a basic food group. Well, it is at my house!