I would do equivalent things for him? He says he's stressed by work, finances, and other things? Do you know what the other things are or do you discuss work or finances?

I buy and cook my husband's favorite meals, find funny little things to get him that we both enjoy; I enjoy his enjoyment of what I do for him, his appreciation, almost as much as I do when he gives me something.

My husband is not very creative in the gift giving department, even when I tell him exactly what to give me, he'll get it wrong. Think about how much "practice" your boyfriend has had with flowers? Probably none at all? He may be afraid. Buy yourself some flowers when you are with him so he can see what you like, what you buy, how good they look or smell in your place, how much you like them (how much your face lights up :-)

I remember the story of my husband, when he was about 16, telling his mother he wanted a "cabot" for Christmas (but did not tell her how to spell it, it sounds like "kapo") and you have to agree it was "out there" for mothers but their relationship was such that she enjoyed the challenge. I'm sure your boyfriend has heard of "flowers" :-) but I think they sound like a challenge to him and he could be a bit scared as well as clueless as to how some women/you might feel about them; there's nothing in his experience like that? Does he have hobbies or anything that you can tell him, "My receiving flowers from you would be like. . . for you"?