Before I really get into this topic, I want to start with this little disclaimer: I love roses! If you had asked me my favorite flower before I became a florist, I would have told you a white rose. I loved the pure white color and the scent of a white rose. I am in no way bashing roses!
This topic idea actually came from a poll I posted on Instagram "Red Rose or Red Gerbera Daisy". The gerbera daisy came out on top by a landslide! 83% said gerbera, 17% said rose. Keep in mind, the sample group that responded was less than 50 people. The numbers might be different if I had a larger group to ask the question to.
So, with that being said, I just wanted to talk a bit about roses and gerbera daisy. When people come in looking for roses, they generally want them in a romantic sense. However, there are people who come in and want roses because they are perceived as expensive. This is very much not the case! Bird of paradise, orchids, hydrangea, oriental liles, peonies, dahlia and more are much pricier than a rose stem is (at my shop, other shops' pricing may differ). Gerbera daisy are commonly purchased for birthday, get well or a pick me up bouquet! I hear them described as a 'happy flower' by many of my customers and family members.
Don't forget, roses come in a WIDE range of colors, not just the classic red! You can see roses in many shades of pink, orange, yellow, white, purple, cream, and more. They also come in different varieties, such as garden roses and spray roses. The classic rose that you are likely familiar with is a tea rose, which is bred to have one large, showy bloom at the end of the stem.
All in all, I would say that roses are still quite popular! I keep more roses in my cooler than I do most other flowers. At the end of the day, buy your loved one THEIR favorite flower - not what you are SUPPOSED to buy them.