''The most popular gift on the day is still a dozen red roses,'' Dunedin florist Donna Hewer said yesterday as she worked to fill orders ''from all over the place'' at her Musselburgh florist business.
The furthest request she had received for a delivery of flowers in Dunedin was from Hong Kong. And with a fridge full of roses waiting to become part of floral expressions of affection, Mrs Hewer was facing ''a midnight finish'' and an early start today.
The majority of orders were for bouquets either of red roses or including red roses.
''They are still the most popular for Valentine's Day.''
While she had no idea how many red roses she had sold so far, Mrs Hewer said she had had to buy ''heaps more'' than usual. And she thought the February 14 day for romance was more popular this year than previously.
Mrs Hewer, who has owned her business, Simply Flowers By Donna, for seven years, said she never tired of Valentine's Day.
''I love it.''
Other local florists contacted yesterday also said bouquets of classic roses, either red or a mix of colours, were very popular, despite the cost. And like Mrs Hewer, they were probably going to be working late to complete their orders for Valentine's Day.
