Dutchess Florist Keeps It Traditional With Roses For Valentine's Day

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. -- Romantic Valentine's Day shoppers at Rosemary Flower Shop in Wappingers Falls like to keep it traditional.

Owner Rosemary LaSusa, left, with her mom, Theresa Morgan, preparing arrangements for Valentine's Day. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Red roses are still number one for Valentine's Day. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Rosemary Flower Shop in Wappingers Falls. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Arrangements from Rosemary Flower Shop. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

White roses from Rosemary Flower Shop. Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

02/13/2016 6:00 a.m.

Owner Rosemary LaSusa said roses -- yes, red ones -- are the number one seller on Feb. 14. "They are traditional, and women love them," she said. "They are the symbol for love."

Valentine's Day ranks among the store's busiest holidays. The flower shop, in business since 1949 when LaSusa's parents first opened it (LaSusa and her husband bought it from them in 1987), also does baskets and arrangements.

Valentine’s Day is big business from local stores to national retailers. Americans spent nearly $19 billion last year for Valentine’s Day and could spend close to $20 billion this year, according to fatwallet.com.

During the season, 250 million roses are produced. Many consumers opt for red roses, which account for 40 percent of purchases, according to the site.

Men typically outspend women two to one on holiday-related purchases. Four-legged friends figure into that amount, too: about 1 in 5 Americans will buy gifts for their pets.

Rosemary Flower Shop is at 2758 W Main St., (845) 297-4336, www.rosemaryflowershop.com/.

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