One of the most common and popular types of flower is the daisy, which is part of the asteraceae family that also includes asters and sunflowers. (This is actually the second largest family of flowers with more than 1,600 genera and upwards of 23,000 species, including the common daisy, the African daisy, the painted daisy, the crown daisy, and the marguerite daisy.) It is believed that the flower’s name came from a combination of the words “day’s eye,” because the head of the daisy, unlike many flowers, closes completely at night and reopens in the morning.

The meanings associated with daises are all positive and include purity and innocence. Because they are commonly occurring flowers (daisies can grow practically anywhere, but do best in temperate climates), most of us have memories from childhood of picking daisies for bouquets or making daisy chains to wear as necklaces and crowns. For this reason, they are commonly linked to memories of youth and the innocent feelings of young love.

In addition to being a popular decorative plant among gardeners, daisies are incredibly popular as cut flowers, as well. (When giving fresh flowers as gifts, only roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, and tulips are more popular.) In particular, gerbera daisies make a great bouquet, especially when trying to communicate pure, innocent love. Gerbera daisies grow in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, and white. Some daisies of this species even boast petals of multiple colors, black centers, and brightly colored markings on the tips of its florets. For this reason, gerbera daisies are especially popular among birds, bees, and butterflies, which are attracted to their vibrant appearance. Speaking of the birds and the bees, if they love gerbera daisies, imagine how much your sweetheart will appreciate a beautiful bouquet of these flowers!