If you’re unsure whether your partner prefers roses, tulips, or sunflowers, it may be time to ask. One in four Americans doesn’t know their partner’s favorite flower.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans looked at the role flowers play for people both in their romantic lives and beyond.
Results showed just a quarter (24%) of those in relationships who think their partner has a favorite flower are actually able to name their loved one’s preferred bloom.
The survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of BloomsyBox also found a similar number (22%) of those in relationships don’t know what their partner’s favorite flower even looks like.
The results suggest many romantics may need to engage their partner’s flowery side a little more when trying to impress, but findings showed they’re also very prominent in apology.
Nearly three in four (73%) said they’d accept flowers as a way to make up for missteps, the top ones including saying something hurtful, forgetting a special date, and showing up late.
A forgiving portion of respondents even said flowers help them more easily forgive a partner missing special dates like Valentine’s Day (29%) or a birthday (28%).
“Flowers have long been a symbol of love and appreciation, but it’s clear that in modern relationships, they serve as much more,” said Juan Palacio, CEO of BloomsyBox. “They’re a way to communicate emotions, repair missteps, and show thoughtfulness, even when words fall short. Flowers remain a timeless way to strengthen connections and make everyday moments more meaningful.”
A lucky quarter (25%) of those in relationships said they receive flowers monthly or more from their partner, and a similar number (24%) receive them a few times a year.
Nearly a fifth (19%) sadly say they never receive flowers from their significant other.
However, when they do receive surprise flowers, the overwhelming majority of people feel loved (63%) or appreciated (41%). The survey also tested how well Americans could recognize popular blooms — with mixed results.
While most were able to correctly identify a sunflower (76%) or a rose (68%), fewer than four in 10 could name an orchid (38%), and just one in 10 recognized a ranunculus (9%), making it the least-identified flower overall.
While roses remain a top pick for older generations, younger Americans, particularly Gen Z and millennials, are leaning toward alternative blooms.
Gen Z showed a preference for tulips (21%) and sunflowers (11%), while millennials gravitated toward sunflowers (12%) and lilies (7%).
“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,” added Palacio. “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. Flowers remain one of the most personal and heartfelt ways to strengthen relationships.”
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans; the survey was commissioned by BloomsyBox and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Aug. 20 – Aug. 25, 2025.
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