Most girls will agree that flowers are the way to a woman’s heart. The good news is, based on florists’ observations and a recent survey of Kiwi men, their flower buying is on the rise – and not just the special occasion bunch or the “doghouse bouquet”. “We definitely see more men buying flowers, and feeling comfortable with it,” says Belinda Greville, of Orakei’s Eastridge Flowers. Not surprisingly, most blokes in the survey reported they bought them mostly for their partners, followed by mothers, grandmothers, friends and just-about-to-retire-or-resign colleagues. Most girls will agree that flowers are the way to a woman’s heart. The good news is, based on florists’ observations and a recent survey of Kiwi men, their flower buying is on the rise – and not just the special occasion bunch or the “doghouse bouquet”.

“We definitely see more men buying flowers, and feeling comfortable with it,” says Belinda Greville, of Orakei’s Eastridge Flowers.

Not surprisingly, most blokes in the survey reported they bought them mostly for their partners, followed by mothers, grandmothers, friends and just-about-to-retire-or-resign colleagues.

The prospect of getting more attention from their partners was another reason why boys head to the florist. One honest guy stated “I’d have a daily supply sent to her 365 days of the year!” Others saw no need for floral bribery: “I’m married to a Scorpio, if I bought her flowers to get sex I’d never get out of bed! “In another survey participant’s eyes, flowers have the greatest impact in upping brownie points when they’re neither expected nor necessary. Good point!

It seems men favour brightly coloured blooms, especially roses – for those “definitely romantic” occasions and, according to Belinda, “because they feel it’s a safe choice. But the majority of men are more than happy to follow a florist’s suggestions.”

Sunflowers, the boys say, are another favourite, “for when it might be a romantic encounter because they transport a non-committal message extremely well”, as are lilies for “when it’s definitely not romantic, because they don’t suggest anything too heavy.”

Interestingly, boys are increasingly happy to be on the (flower) receiving end, too. A recent survey revealed that more than 60 percent of men would like to receive flowers, especially on Valentine’s Day. And as one bloke pointed out: “We pay for dinners, taxis, drinks, open doors, give up seats, scare off the bad guys, mow the lawns, put out the rubbish – why shouldn’t we get flowers?” Embarrassed? No way, many boys say they love the attention and are a reminder of why they were given.

Overall, it appears boys are more attracted to clean-cut, bold flowers in bright yellows, blues and reds (and definitely not pretty pinks). So, if you want to spring a floral surprise on your man, tropical flowers like orchids are a good bet, Or, as Belinda suggests, the more masculine, funky Anthurium and Heliconia.