Flowers are one of the world’s greatest gifts. Like a kind little nod from nature, they provide so much colour, beauty and symbolism. They’ve become a cornerstone of celebratory gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and special holidays.
Just like birthstones, birth flowers are symbolic of the month we’re born in, and each one carries a special meaning.
Let’s take a closer look at each month’s birth flowers, as well as what they represent.
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- Birth Flowers by Month
- January – Carnation & Snowdrop
- February – Violet & Primrose
- March – Daffodil & Jonquil
- April – Daisy & Sweet Pea
- May – Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
- June – Rose & Honeysuckle
- July – Larkspur & Water Lilies
- August – Gladiolus & Poppy
- September – Aster & Morning Glory
- October – Marigold & Cosmos
- November – Chrysanthemum
- December – Narcissus & Holly
- A Birth Flower for Everyone
Birth Flowers by Month
January – Carnation & Snowdrop
January’s birth flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop.
The ruffled, colourful blooms of carnations are symbolic of devotion, love and loyalty. It is also a symbol of perseverance, as carnations are one of the only flowers that continue to thrive from summer, right into winter.
Learn more about the January birth flowers.
February – Violet & Primrose
Interestingly, the Month of Love’s birth flower is not the rose. Instead, it’s the violet and the primrose.
Violets are symbolic of virtue, modesty and humility. These beautifully vivid purple flowers have been around for several centuries. The flower has heart-shaped petals, which many believe to be the reason why they were used in love potions.
Primrose flowers are symbols of youth, young love and everlasting existence. The word “primrose” derives from the Latin word “primus” which means “early” or “first”, implying that the primrose is the first flower to bloom in spring.
Learn more about the February birth flowers.
March – Daffodil & Jonquil
Those born in March are on the cusp of a seasonal change, so it’s no surprise daffodils and jonquils are March’s birth flowers. These stunning blooms signify new beginnings and are a positive life-affirming symbol.
Daffodils and jonquils are considered strong and resilient, and their bright yellow and white petals are a symbol of happiness and hope. March babies are seen as optimistic and happy. The colour of these yellow flowers – and the fact that they are some of the first to bloom after colder months – align perfectly.
Fun fact: although they are technically different, both daffodils and jonquils are part of the Narcissus genus. These flowers look very similar, but you can tell them apart by their leaves.
Learn more about the March birth flowers.
April – Daisy & Sweet Pea
April’s birth flowers are the daisy and sweet pea.
The humble daisy is symbolic of purity, innocence and loyalty. It’s also believed the daisy is a symbol of motherhood, which is why the flower is often gifted to new mothers.
In the language of flowers, sweet peas are symbols of goodbye and thank you for the lovely time, making them great for a great farewell gift. The pop of colour that they bring to gardens and bouquets is representative of delicate, blissful pleasure.
Learn more about the April birth flowers.
May – Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn
Those born in May get to claim lily of the valley and hawthorn as their birth flowers.
Lily of the valley flowers are symbolic of purity, humility and sweetness. They only bloom for a short season, which makes them quite rare and exclusive. According to the Victorian era, these flowers also symbolised a sense of ‘returning to happiness’.
Also known as a May tree, hawthorn bears delicate flowers rich in meaning and symbolism, particularly in Ireland folklore. Hawthorn flowers are symbols of protection and love for everything around you. Because of their berry-like fruits, hawthorn is also seen as a symbol of fertility.
Learn more about the May birth flowers.
June – Rose & Honeysuckle
One of June’s birth flowers is perhaps the world’s most popular one – the rose. Roses are long cherished for their elegant, classic beauty. The ancient Greeks and Romans connected roses to love and passion. Although this flower is symbolic of love, its meaning can vary depending on the colour. For example, red roses mean romantic love, while yellow ones symbolise friendship.
Honeysuckle flowers are loved for their sweet-smelling yellow, pink, or white flowers. They are seen as a symbol of pure happiness, affection and sweetness. The flowers grow from climbing vines which are notoriously resilient, symbolising devotion and everlasting bonds.
July – Larkspur & Water Lilies
Larkspurs are one of July’s birth flowers and are associated with dignity and positivity. Much like the rose, the meaning of larkspur flowers can vary based on its colour. However, the true meaning of this flower signifies an open, welcoming and loving heart.
Although their name would imply differently, water lilies are not a type of lily. These beautiful freshwater plants take their meaning from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. They are a symbol of innocence, purity and fertility. The way that the flowers emerge from mud is symbolic of enlightenment and rebirth.
Learn more about the July birth flowers.
August – Gladiolus & Poppy
Gladiolus flowers are gorgeous, striking blossoms with stunning pointed tips and dramatic stalks. They’re popular in the late summer and bloom in a wide range of colours. ‘Gladiolus’ is taken from the Latin word gladius, which means sword. The flower’s name roughly translates to ‘sword lily’. Gladiolus flowers are symbolic of strength, moral integrity and generosity.
Learn more about the August birth flowers.
September – Aster & Morning Glory
The first birth flower of September is the aster. These dainty flowers represent love, wisdom, valour and faith. The aster flower is named after the Greek word for star, as the flower’s shape is reminiscent of a star.
Morning glory flowers take their name from the fact that the bell-shaped flowers last a single day. A symbol of love, affection and the essence of life, these flowers represent how September babies are affectionate, humble and spontaneous people.
Learn more about the September birth flowers.
October – Marigold & Cosmos
October’s traditional birth flower is the bright and bold marigold. These orange flowers are famous for their strong, spicy fragrance. Marigolds are one of autumn’s hardiest flowers, and as a result, are said to be representative of a strong will and determination to succeed.
Another fragrant bloom, the bright cosmos flower is a symbol of peace and tranquillity. These beautiful flowers are associated with deep emotions like sincerity, loyalty and never-ending love. They’re a favourite flower for expressing love.
Learn more about the October birth flowers.
November – Chrysanthemum
November’s birth flower is quite a celebratory one – the chrysanthemum. These flowers were first cultivated in the 15th Century in China and are known to be quite versatile. They’re available in a host of bright colours, each one of which is symbolic.
Chrysanthemums symbolise well wishes and are believed to bring good luck, joy and happiness into the home. If this sounds like something you need, why not learn how to grow and care for chrysanthemums.
Learn more about the November birth flower.
December – Narcissus & Holly
December’s first birth flower is the narcissus, which are cheerful yellow flowers named after a character from Greek mythology. Narcissus was so deeply in love with himself that he drowned in a pool of water whilst admiring his own reflection.
However, narcissus flowers aren’t merely a symbol of vanity. They also symbolise new beginnings, rebirth and rejuvenation. These blossoms are also representative of faithfulness due to their ability to reliantly bloom year after year.
The perfect plant for December babies holly bushes and their flowers are commonly associated with Christmas and the festive season. For centuries holly has symbolized life, with its evergreen leaves. In a wreath, it symbolizes friendship and faithful love.
Learn more about the December birth flowers.
A Birth Flower for Everyone
Each birth flower carries a special meaning and is believed to be symbolic of the characteristics of people born in that specific month. These sweet blossoms and their charming meanings have long been associated with each other and are sure to continue in the same vein for years to come.
Now you know which flower is associated with each of the 12 months, you can pick your birthday blooms appropriately!
Lily’s love for flowers and plants was nurtured in her grandmother’s vibrant garden. Over the years, this affection blossomed into a full-fledged passion for horticulture.
With formal training in botany and countless hours in her own backyard oasis, Lily has cultivated a deep understanding of plant care and garden design.