Flowers inherently evoke emotions and captivate our hearts with their charming appearance. The heart-shaped flowers make floral lovers flutter among them as they subtly express affection.
If you are looking for garden romance while brainstorming gift ideas for intimate occasions, dive into the list of 7 flowers that look like hearts in my article today.
From delicate petals arranged in perfect symmetry to vibrant colors that attract admiration, these precious flowers are nature’s own way of whispering love stories.
7 Flowers That Look Like Hearts
Plants that look like hearts are meaningful but not very common.
Still, you can still find some lovely blooms like Anthurium, Macartney Rose, Bleeding Heart, Cyclamen, String Of Pearls, Hoya Kerrii, or Heart Fern.
Anthurium
Anthurium is a tropical plant belonging to the Araceae family. Anthurium varieties are native to the rainforests of Central and South America.
Its alluring heart-shaped flowers called “spaths,” come in vibrant red, pink, white, and rare green.
The heart-shaped spath is a modified leaf known as a bract rather than a flower itself. The actual flowers are tiny and closely clustered on a spadix, which extends from the center of the bract.
This special structure makes it a well-liked plant for decorative and floral arrangements.
The timeless beauty of Anthurium flowers gets more attention. Houseplants or outdoor flowers can stay vibrant and full of life for several weeks, provided you care for them properly.
Based on their origin, Anthurium plants prefer bright, indirect light, warm conditions, and well-draining soil.
Consider their symbolic meaning if you prefer them as a present. Anthurium is often associated with love, romance, and hospitality.
In some cultures, these flowers are believed to bring good luck and positive energy to the home.
Macartney Rose
The Macartney Rose (Rosa Bracteata) is a vigorous, thorny climbing rose species native to China.
This shrub variety is cherished for its abundant blooms, which typically appear in late spring or early summer.
Five white, heart-shaped, tender, and delicate petals interspersed with pale yellow enclose the tiny yellow stamen inside.
The petals may be single or slightly double, inviting any nature-loving soul with a pleasant and lightly sweet scent.
What’s more, the Macartney Rose features attractive foliage. The glossy and dark green leaves play a role as an excellent backdrop to the blossoms.
Like bougainvillea on the trellis or arbor, this climber needs a strong structure to grow and spread its sprawling branches. It can grow to impressive heights, frequently exceeding five meters.
If you think of growing this rose species, please take note of full sun or partial shade coupled with well-drained soil.
Besides, regular pruning and training are necessary to maintain its shape and control its growth.
You do not need to worry about your region as this heart shaped flowering plant can survive well thanks to its high adaptability to various climates.
Bleeding Heart
The name Bleeding Heart somehow emphasizes the flowers’ unique heart structure.
It is scientifically known as Lamprocapnos spectabilis – a perennial flowering plant. Siberia, China, and Japan are the three main native homes of these plants.
Each flower features a pendant-shaped outer petal that resembles the shape of a heart, usually in shades of light pink or white.
The outer petal acts as a protective cover for a row of smaller inner flowers, creating an elegant and enchanting display for a corner of your green space.
The foliage stands out with the cluster of deeply-lobed and fern-like leaves. Along with the flowers, they emerge in the spring and further glorify the charming blooms.
Bleeding Heart shows a notable difference in the caring requirement, including cool and moist environments and partially shaded areas.
They are commonly found in woodland gardens, shady borders, streams, and ponds. While they can tolerate some morning sun, they prefer protection from the intense afternoon sunlight.
The Bleeding Heart carries a symbolic meaning of love, compassion, and emotions.
Its heart-shaped flowers are reminiscent of bloody drops from a broken heart and have been used to represent romance and empathy.
In many places, Bleeding Heart is nourished with the concept of good luck and protection.
Cyclamen
Thanks to the vibrant blooms with various shades and foliage, Cyclamen is among the most remarkable perennial species among the heart-shaped flowers.
The Cyclamen’s flowers are a true delight, including white, pink, and deep red, often with intricate patterns adorning their petals.
In the natural background, the petals display a charming ombre filter that is bold (deep pink, purple, red) at the bottom and gradually lighter on the top (pale pink, white).
The leaves have a complex rosette-like shape and detailed markings.
Cyclamen is a common heart shaped plant for indoor gardens and shaded outdoor areas because it prefers cool temperatures and some shade.
Its elegant and delicate beauty would make it a desirable addition to any plant collection.
String Of Pearls
The String Of Pearls (Senecio Rowleyanus) is a popular and visually captivating succulent plant from southwest Africa.
The plant easily feasts on the eyes thanks to its bead-leaved structure, which falls into strings of pure pearls.
The plants with heart shaped leaf are tightly packed along these stems, giving the impression of a delicate string of pearls.
The succulent leaves are small, spherical, and green, with a smooth, glossy texture.
Though they are not truly a flower, the leaves are often planted in hanging baskets for decoration, and their charm is not half bad compared to their blooms, so many see this plant with heart leaves as a kind of “flower.”
Besides, experienced botanists also care about their trailing growth habits. This trait and the distinctive foliage make it an eye-catching addition to any indoor or outdoor space.
The String of Pearls is a fairly easy partner, as it is a drought-tolerant succulent. It thrives in bright, indirect light (or grow light), making it suitable for well-lit indoor spaces or airy gardens with partial shade.
Hoya Kerrii
Hoya kerrii, commonly known as the Sweetheart Hoya or Valentine Hoya, is a charming succulent plant with heart shaped leaves.
Deriving from Southeast Asia, these green hearts have become a popular choice for plant enthusiasts and gift-givers alike.
Again, despite not being a flower, this heart shape plant doesn’t bloom too often (once a year or even none, and not flowering until 2-3 years old).That’s why we’d rather consider it a flower.
The succulent, fleshy leaves are thick and glossy, showcasing vibrant green tones. Hoya kerrii is a slow-growing plant that best fits indoor conditions, typically in decorative medium pots.
This adorable plant obviously manifests a sign of endearing affection. It not only breathes a satisfying life into any plant collection but also stands out as a soft, heartfelt gift.
Heart Fern
Hemionitis arifolia, also known as the Heart Fern, is a beautiful and elegant fern species that attracts attention with its unusual heart-shaped fronds.
This tropical-born fern species brings a delicate beauty to any indoor garden or shaded outdoor space. The lush, green variegation emerges heart-like, with sophisticated vein patterns.
The lush appearance is only maintained when you provide them with adequate moisture, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
With their heart-shaped leaves and preference for low light conditions, Heart Ferns are exactly the natural elegance and tranquility to any space they adorn.
What Is The Meaning Of Heart-Shaped Flowers?
If you are looking for a floral gift for Valentine’s Day, you can not miss out on these heart-shaped petals.
Undoubtedly, heart-shaped plants connect with love, romance, and affection.
Their heart shape – universally recognized as a love symbol, accompanying the pale palettes – explain why these blooms are opted for heartfelt emotional expression.
These flowers are often chosen to convey deep affection, passion, and admiration for someone special, like your sweethearts, besties, soulmates, or even other family members.
While red roses are the traditional choice, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) or Macartney Rose – the fragrant flower – can also be used to convey your affection.
The delicate, seductive, and subtle flowers are meaningful gestures of love you give your lover. If you prefer more rustic figures, you can choose a more adorable heart shape leaf plant like Hoya Kerrii.
Not only for special occasions, please feel free to plant heart-shaped flowers for ornamental purposes for daily living space.
Conclusion
It would be more lovely and creative that you give your beloved natural-based gifts. In the floral world, flowers that look like hearts hold a special place in romance expression.
Whether it’s the delicate Bleeding Heart, the charming Hoya kerrii, or the simple Heart Fern, their inherent beauty is a timeless reminder of love’s presence.
The 7 flower species in today’s list can also highlight your indoor and outdoor spaces. They are mostly easy to grow, provided that you ensure the necessary elements for each type of plant.
