Flowers are great ideas for a gift on any romantic occasion, be it just a quiet dinner for two, or a special occasion. You'd bet good money that they'll remain so too bring radiance and colour to any recipients face. Naturally there are lots of other gifts suitable for romantic liaisons, but apart from chocolate, are there actually any contenders to knock flowers off the perch?

A bright and beautiful flower is hard beaten by other potential romantic gifts as they are natural and sensuous. Being submerged in encapsulating symbolism is also a firm positive as is the fact you can also care and look after them, thus affecting any room or area that they are placed to grow in.

Intense red carnations strike a chord with rich passion and warm love. With this alluring feel and look comes fascination, but carnations also come in many different colours, so don't feel restricted. White ones can be good, relating to pure love and good luck. Carnations offer a more financially favourable alternative to roses without taking away from any of the impact.

Roses offer the sweetest of smell and are a unbeatable classic in the traditional romantics canon with in excessn of one hundred types being available to find. Famous impressionists such as Monet, Cezanne and Renoir have been given inspiration in their work by these wonderful plants. So you see, roses are an essential gift to bear in mind when deciding.

Tulips and there sublime charm and beauty are also a good choice as a well presented and colourful romantic gift. Closely linked to the Netherlands, but only introduced there from Persia in the mid 16th century, most colours are represented as hybrids exists catering for all tastes. You will most certainly be able to find the right one to impress the lucky recipient.

Lilies are sumptuous and delicate and remain a superior but popular romantic gift possibility which will bring a large smile to any willing receivers face. They come in many colours including white, yellow, orange, pink, red and purple.

The beauty in Orchids lies in their strange otherworldliness taking on forms many would not normally associate with conventional flowers. There are quite literally thousands out there and many are both expensive and rare, but they do make outstanding romantic gifts. Some of the more widely available popular types include phalaenopsis and oncidium.

The fact is, romance is not dead, but sometimes it does saunter off unnoticed for a bit of a sly snooze, and it's up to you to give it a few pokes to wake it. Flowers are definitely a firm favourite in this area, and all you have to do is to take the time to see if you want to surprise your partner. Remember, why hold back when you know she'll be over the moon when she sees them.

Maricruz Tennill is a flower expert based in Manchester with over 35 years experience of flowers. They recommend Interflora for flower delivery in Manchester.