A new survey of 2,000 Americans found that just 24% of people in relationships who believe their partner has a favorite flower can name that bloom, while 22% say they don’t even know what their partner’s favorite flower looks like. The findings come from Talker Research, conducted online Aug. 20–25, 2025, for BloomsyBox, and explore how flowers factor into romance and everyday life.
Amid everyday life, flowers also play a notable role in apologies. Nearly three in four respondents (73%) said they’d accept flowers as a way to make up for missteps, with common reasons including saying something hurtful, forgetting a special date, or arriving late. A forgiving portion of respondents (29%) said flowers help them forgive a missed Valentine’s Day, and 28% said flowers aid in forgiving a missed birthday. The data also show 25% of those in relationships say they receive flowers monthly or more from their partner, and 24% receive them a few times a year, while 19% say they never receive flowers.
“When flowers have long been a symbol of love and appreciation, they’re also a means to communicate emotions, repair missteps, and show thoughtfulness, even when words fall short,” BloomsyBox CEO Juan Palacio said. “They remain a timeless way to strengthen connections and make everyday moments more meaningful.” A quarter (25%) of those in relationships said they receive flowers monthly or more from their partner, and 24% receive them a few times a year, while 19% say they never receive flowers from their significant other.
When flowers arrive unexpectedly, the overwhelming majority feel loved (63%) or appreciated (41%), underscoring the emotional impact these gestures can have even in routine moments.
To test familiarity with blooms, the survey asked respondents to identify common flowers. Most could name a sunflower (76%) or a rose (68%), but fewer could name an orchid (38%), and just 9% recognized a ranunculus.
Roses remain a top pick for older generations, while Gen Z and millennials appear to favor alternatives. Gen Z showed a preference for tulips (21%) and sunflowers (11%), while millennials gravitated toward sunflowers (12%) and lilies (7%). The trends illustrate how generations are diversifying the bouquet when expressing affection, apology, or celebration.
The survey, conducted online by Talker Research for BloomsyBox, surveyed 2,000 Americans between Aug. 20 and Aug. 25, 2025.
“Flowers have always been a timeless expression of love, but the survey highlights how they’ve evolved into a meaningful gesture for a range of occasions,” Palacio said. “It’s interesting to see how different generations use flowers to convey emotions, whether it’s to show affection, express regret, or simply brighten someone’s day.”
