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The season of romance has arrived, but if you yawn at the thought and cost of red roses, there are plenty of other plants to bring love to both outdoor gardeners and houseplant lovers alike.
Check out some plants with heart-shaped leaves and flowers that will last much longer than a dozen red roses.
bleeding heart
This beautiful, delicate, heart-shaped perennial, also known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis (reclassified from the peony), sprouts arching stems in late spring and early summer from which heart-shaped flowers hang. They grow to around 90cm and look beautiful in partial shade as each stem bears a line of these romantic little flowers. For those who don’t like pink or red, there are white varieties (‘Alba’), all of which look beautiful with low-lying plants such as saxifrage and hellebore.
Growth secrets: They prefer a cool, moist, sheltered environment but will also grow well in a sunny border. However, keeping them away from the heat of the day and ensuring the soil is moist may extend their flowering period. They form clumps that last for years and don’t like to move.
ball orchid
Also known as the sweetheart plant, this popular houseplant you can find in most garden centers is full of romantic splendor due to its heart-shaped, succulent leaves, where a single heart-shaped leaf cutting will create a stand-alone attraction.
native Thailand and south ChinaUnder the right conditions, it can fill a flowerpot with thick, leathery love-like leaves. However, be aware that if you purchase just heart-shaped leaves to plant in pots, most will not grow into full plants because they are not true stem cuttings. If you want a plant that will grow properly, you need to find one with a proper rhizome and visible other leaves. Mature plants can produce star-shaped flowers in cream and red colors.
Growth secrets: Never overwater this succulent. Water only when the soil feels very dry, don’t water the leaves, just the soil. Place it in a bright location away from direct sunlight, and do not place it near a radiator or in a ventilated area. If you want it to have a better chance of lasting, buy a more mature plant.
Heart-Shaped String (Ceropegia woodii)
native to South Africa and Zimbabwethis creeping succulent houseplant produces thin, stiff stems with heart-shaped gray leaves with pink undersides. It’s perfect for hauling off a shelf or hanging pot, and perhaps can be used with other trailers, such as string of pearls and dolphin strings.
Growth secrets: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings and never allow the roots to sit in water as this will kill the plant. If the leaves start to turn yellow, prune off the damaged leaves and don’t water until the soil is truly dry. Fertilize a houseplant with fertilizer twice a year and place the plant in a well-lit, bright spot out of direct sunlight, turning it over from time to time so that all stems receive adequate light.
Anthurium
Native to South America and Caribbean Seaalso known as the flamingo flower, this tropical houseplant’s heart-shaped red waxy flowers (also called spathes) and central yellow or cream spike are easily identifiable and add great color to any indoor area. You can also find pink, orange, and white varieties.
Growth secrets: They come from warm and humid areas of the world, so try to mimic those conditions. Place them in a warm, bright, fast-draining, peat-free acidic soil away from direct sunlight and water with rainwater, preferably at room temperature, allowing the top third of the soil to dry between waterings. Do not water them with cold tap water as this will scare them. To maintain humidity, it’s best to place them in a bathroom or mist the leaves with water regularly.
indoor cyclamen
These delicate blooms (red, pink and white) set on pretty green and gray heart-shaped leaves make a great alternative to a Valentine’s Day bouquet and will last longer than many other flower gifts, perhaps even up to six weeks.
Growth secrets: If you want it to survive, keep it cool. It won’t thank you for placing it near a radiator. If no frost is forecast, you can even place it in a pot on a covered porch or in an unheated greenhouse or conservatory. Again, don’t overwater, wait until the pot is partially dry, then water from below, place the pot in a shallow bowl of water and let the soil absorb the water, but be sure to drain the pot thoroughly after watering.