Flowers and birthdays have a long association. Just like each month is linked with its own zodiac sign and gemstone, it also has its own unique flower. Take a look at the list below to find out what your and your loved ones’ birth month flowers are. We’re also taking a look at what each one means so next time you send someone special a bouquet of flowers it includes the blooms that are especially meaningful to them.
January: Carnation
January is the start of the year, and means a clean slate and hope for so many. The birth flower for January could only be the Carnation, a flower with such beauty, grace, and quiet power represents endless possibilities.
Generally symbolizing fascination, and a woman’s love, carnations come in a rainbow of colors to convey different meanings, much like roses. Although not the most popular flower for arrangements, carnations can look quite stylish in a bouquet and last for 2 or more weeks in a vase – talk about getting your money’s worth! Their smell is gentle and unique, and offers a subtle touch of the outdoors to your home.
February: Violet
Valentine’s Day made red roses the most popular flowers of the month, but surprisingly, February’s birth month flower is the noble violet and not the rose. This delicate bloom signifies loyalty and faithfulness and was known to be the favorite flower of Napoleon Bonaparte. He declared violets his own signature flower and was even called Corporal Violet by friends. The lovely scent of a violet hasn’t been left unnoticed either. It is widely used in perfumes, lotions, and oils because it’s so well-liked.
March: Daffodil
The cheery yellow blooms of daffodil are among the first to herald spring and are the birth flower for March. The daffodil stands for unequaled love and is the official 10th wedding anniversary flower.
The Welsh love this bloom so much that they chose it as their national flower. To represent both the Principality of Wales and new beginnings, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding cake was decorated with live daffodils. But just in case you want to do the same, make sure the flowers are used only as a decoration, not an ingredient. Daffodils are not edible and are especially dangerous for your pets (their bulbs contain poisonous crystals).
April: Daisy
Daisies are one of the most recognizable and beloved blooms found everywhere on Earth (except Antarctica). These bountiful blooms are the birth flower for April, and it makes total sense. Giving birth to poetry and songs, the daisy has an enduring quality that brings feelings of innocence, loyal love, and purity.
Did you know that the daisy is not one but two flowers? The yellow center is one bloom and the surrounding cluster of petals are technically another separate bloom. Daisy petals are edible and high in Vitamin C. They are related to the artichoke and make a tasty (and extravagant!) addition to salads.
May: Lily of the Valley
The fragrant lily of the valley is the May birth month flower. Lily of the valley embodies the hopes and dreams of those who give them. It signifies sweetness, humility, and happiness.
Lily of the valley is an attractive flower ranked as the fourth most famous flower in the world. Its pretty smell is widely used in perfumes and beauty products. It is Finland’s national flower and a favorite of royal brides. Princess Astrid of Sweden, Grace Kelly, and Kate Middleton all used the white, stylish blooms in their wedding bouquets.
The delicate beauty of Lilies of the valley can be deceptive. The flowers are poisonous and dangerous when ingested.
June: Rose
The queen of flowers, rose is the June birth month flower. There are over a hundred different species of roses with more meanings than one can count.
The June flower of the month is among the most fragrant of all. And it’s no wonder that rose oil is an important ingredient in the perfume industry. Extraction of this oil requires huge amount of resources (you need two thousand roses to produce one gram of oil!).
Roses come in pretty much any color, except for black, although there are a few species of roses that come close. The Turkish Halfeti rose, also known as “The Black Rose of Turkey,” is an extremely rare breed that looks pitch-black, but in fact is a dark red color.
July: Water Lily
The July birth month flower is the water lily, the symbol of purity and majesty. The largest water lily that grows up to 6 feet in diameter can be found in the Amazon. It may not be practical to send a water lily in a bouquet, but you can plant them in your yard especially around ponds.
Water lilies were one of Claude Monet’s favorite subjects of the father of French Impressionism Claude Monet. Over the course of his series titled “Water Lilies,” the father of French Impressionism painted them in over 250 of his oil paintings.
August: Gladiolus
August’s bright birth month flower the gladiolus capture the essence of sunny, late summer days. Its long, blade-like leaves resemble a gladiator’s sword. In fact, the name is derived from the Latin “gladius,” which means “sword”. The flowers themselves symbolize strength, victory, integrity, and infatuation. The gladiolus’ pointy leaves and sharp spike of flowers are also rumored to have the ability to pierce the heart of a loved one. So, if you have a special infatuation for someone, giving a bouquet of Gladiolus is a great way to confess your love.
Gladiolus are native to South Africa, but only 10 out of 260 species can be found in Asia and Europe. Just like a real sword, Gladiolus flowers can be dangerous. Some parts of this plant are poisonous for humans and animals, and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when touched.
September: Aster
The symbol of powerful love, aster is the September birth month flower. Their name comes from the Greek word ‘aster’ which means ‘star.’
Because of their positive symbolism associated with patience, good luck, and feminine energy, in ancient times asters were burned to ward off negative energy. They were also used in remembrance of loved ones who passed away, and medicinally to treat headaches and colds.
Many people mistake asters for daisies, but – unlike daisy – aster is a member of the sunflower family and its yellow center is made up of 300 tiny mini-flowers called flowerets.
October: Marigold
Between their vibrant orange and yellow colors and strong aroma, marigolds are some of the most exciting seasonal flowers to include in fall bouquets. But did you know these beauties are also October’s birth month flower?
Although they’re well-known as the official flower for the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, marigolds also hold significant meaning in India and Nepal. They are typically used in these countries to make floral garlands for festivals, weddings, religious events, and other celebrations.
Pot marigold (or calendula) is edible and is known as “Poor Man’s Saffron.” Its flowers can be used as a substitute for the more expensive saffron in soups, stews, and salads. Calendula is also often used as a natural dye for foods, including cheese, pasta, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, mustard, etc. It’s even fed to hens to increase the yellowness of the egg yolks.
November: Chrysanthemum
One of the most popular flowers in the world, second only to roses, Chrysanthemums are the birth flower for November. Derived from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “anthemon (flower) the chrysanthemum symbolizes happiness, joy, and love.
First cultivated in China, the plant was brought to Japan in 400 AD by Buddhist monks. Today, chrysanthemum is a national symbol of Japan. It’s emblazoned on the imperial seal and is considered the unofficial emblem of the country. In China, the flower is one of the “Four Gentlemen” and stands as the symbol for fall.
Chrysanthemum tea (flower petals steeped in hot water) is a very popular drink in Asia due to its flavor and medicinal properties. It can be used to treat sore throats, fever, acne, and inflammation.
December: Poinsettia
The best-selling potted plant in the US and the most popular Christmas flower, Poinsettia is also the birth flower for December. Symbolizing good cheer, success, and hope it comes in three colors: red, white, and pink.
A native of southern Mexico, the poinsettia blooms in December and has been used there for centuries to decorate churches. Mexicans believe that red is a symbol of purity, and traditionally used poinsettias as a part of religious ceremonies. In Mexico and Guatemala, the poinsettia is even called the “Flower of the Holy Night” referring to Christmas Eve.
Although people refer to poinsettia as the lobster flower or the flame-flower because of its red color, the red parts of poinsettias are not flowers but petal-like leaves. The actual flowers of the plant are the yellow clustered buds in the center.
Now you know the birth flower of every month! It’s fun to keep these in mind when sending baby bouquets, or birthday flowers. Or even just as a random bit of trivia to tell your friends. If your birth flower is one that doesn’t come easily in a bouquet, you can try planting it instead or just using it to inspire a choice in similar flowers. Try pairing the birthstone color with your flower choice for an extra personal bouquet.
Now you know your birth month flower and those of your dear ones, now what?
– Send them a beautiful and meaningful bouquet they will enjoy on their birthday, special occasion or just because.
– Check out 10 Beautiful Flowers from Tumblr That Will Make Your Day
– Share this knowledge with friends by clicking on your favorite social media button below.
