Many folks think florists and card companies invented Valentine’s Day. Well, here is the scoop on the day of love: There are many legends on the origin of Valentine’s Day, from saints to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. The most popular one goes all the way back to 270 A.D., when Bishop Valentine performed secret marriage ceremonies. When the Roman Emperor Claudius II discovered this, he sentenced the Bishop to death. While in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailor’s daughter and before he was executed on February 14, sent her a note signed, “From Your Valentine.”

Many folks think florists and card companies invented Valentine’s Day. Well, here is the scoop on the day of love: There are many legends on the origin of Valentine’s Day, from saints to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture. The most popular one goes all the way back to 270 A.D., when Bishop Valentine performed secret marriage ceremonies. When the Roman Emperor Claudius II discovered this, he sentenced the Bishop to death. While in prison, Valentine fell in love with the jailor’s daughter and before he was executed on February 14, sent her a note signed, “From Your Valentine.”

Handwritten Valentine’s Day cards have been found dating back to 1415; it became more common and popular in the 17th century. In the 1900s printed cards began to replace handwritten notes. Today, 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making it second only to Christmas cards.

Most Americans today celebrate Valentine’s Day with flowers, cards, chocolates and gifts of affection. Roses are the most popular flower for the romantic day, but many other plants and flowers can make it unique, with your own special style and touch. I’ll share with you a few of my favorite plants that have Valentine’s flair with heart-shaped leafs or blossoms.

Anthuriums, with their heart-shaped red, pink or white blooms, make perfect Valentine’s Day blooming plants. They symbolize happiness, hospitality and abundance. There are more than 800 species of the herbaceous epiphytes, and they are found in the tropics from Mexico to Argentina and Uruguay. Anthuriums are also called Painted Tongue, Flamingo Flower or Tail Flower.

Pothos are one of the easiest of all houseplants to grow and give. The heart-shaped leaves will vine profusely. Another name for pothos is Devil’s Ivy.

String of Hearts is another cool plant. Native to South Africa, sometimes they are called chain of hearts, rosary vine or sweetheart vine. Its trailing habit and easy care make this a very desirable plant for Valentine’s Day.

String of Pearls, with its pea-like foliage, resembles a beaded necklace and grows well indoors under bright light and sunshine. Native to Southwest Africa, this succulent trailing beauty requires very little water and care.

Other great blooming plants for your Valentine include cyclamen, orchids, azaleas and mini roses.

What plant says “Valentine’s Day” to you?