Birth flowers are unique floral symbols assigned to each month of the year, representing various meanings and cultural significance. This tradition dates back to Roman celebrations and was further popularized during the Victorian era through the language of flowers, known as floriography. Each month has one or two flowers tied to seasonal blooms or cultural symbolism, and, if you haven’t noticed, these are a hot item when it comes to gift ideas for loved ones. In this post, not only will you learn about the enchanting world of birth flowers and which one is yours, but you’ll also find unique gift ideas inspired by these blossoms.
January: Carnation & Snowdrop
Symbolism: The carnation is typically the flower known for January. It symbolizes love, admiration, and gratitude. Notably, pink carnations are often linked to motherly love in Christian tradition. The snowdrop is also sometimes correlated with January too, and this represents hope and renewal.
How To Grow: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; plant in full sun with well‑drained soil; deadhead to prolong blooms. Carnations are hardy in Zones 6–9.
February: Violet & Primrose
Symbolism: Beautiful violet flowers represent February and they often signify loyalty and humility. While known for their vibrant purple color, historically, violets have appeared in Greek mythology and served in medieval herbal medicine. Primroses are an alternative flower for February and are associated with young love and affection.
How To Grow: Violets prefer partial shade, along with rich and moist soil; they also self‑seed pretty easily. Violets are hardy in Zones 3–9.
March: Daffodil
Symbolism: Daffodils are one I know well, mainly because my wife was born in March, so I looked up plenty of gift ideas for her! Daffodils embody new beginnings, hope, and prosperity. They are often associated with spring festivals and just Spring in general since March is often viewed as the beginning of Spring in the United States.
How To Grow: Plant bulbs in fall; they enjoy full sun to partial shade; allow foliage to die back naturally. Daffodils are hardy in Zones 3–8.
April: Daisy & Sweet Pea
Symbolism: Daisy flowers stands for purity and new beginnings. Daisies were also known to be sacred to Freya, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. I love planting daisy flowers in my garden! Also, sweet peas, while actually a vegetable, are also an April flower. They bloom beautiful flowers and they symbolize blissful pleasure.
How To Grow: Daisies love full sun and average soil; divide clumps every 2–3 years. Sweet Peas should be sown in early spring and need trellis support as they climb. Daisies are hardy in Zones 4–8; Sweet Peas are grown as annuals in most zones, but can be perennials in zones 8–10.
May – Lily of the Valley
Symbolism: The lily of the valley is the birth flower for May. It represents happiness and humility. Historically, lilies of the valley have often been used for wedding decorations and bouquets.
How To Grow: Lillies love shade along with moist, rich soil. They spread via rhizomes. They are hardy in Zones 3–8.
June – Rose
Symbolism: A rose is the birth flower for June. Roses are obviously well-known for love and passion. Historically, roses have been cultivated since ancient Mesopotamia, making them a timeless flower of romance.
How To Grow: Roses enjoy full sun and fertile soil; they need to be pruned in early spring and are hardy in Zones 3–11.
July – Larkspur & Water Lily
Symbolism: Larkspur and Waterlily can often be corelated as the birth flower for July. Larkspur signifies positivity and joy, while water lilies represent purity and enlightenment. Culturally, water lilies have been revered in Egyptian mythology as symbols of creation.
How To Grow: Larkspur can be direct sown in early spring and tall varieties should be staked. Water Lilies can be planted as tubers in pond baskets. They enjoy full sun and still water. Larkspur is hardy in Zones 2–10 (cool season annual in warm zones); Water Lily is hardy in Zones 4–10.
August – Gladiolus & Poppy
Symbolism: Gladiolus and Poppy are the birth flowers for August. Gladiolus represents strength and integrity, whereas poppies are associated with remembrance and enchantment. Historically, poppies have been linked to World War I remembrance traditions.
How To Grow: Gladiolus is planted via corms in succession in full sun and well‑drained soil. Poppy flowers are direct sown in early spring and should avoid transplanting. Gladiolus is hardy in Zones 7–10 (lift corms in colder zones) and poppies are hardy in Zones 3–9.
September – Aster & Morning Glory
Symbolism: Asters symbolize wisdom and love, while morning glories embody affection and patience. Fun fact: Asters were considered sacred to the Greek gods, often associated with divine love.
How To Grow: Asters prefer full sun and should be pinched back for bushier plants. Morning Glory seeds should be soaked before planting and need climbing support. Asters are hardy in Zones 3–8 while morning glory is grown as annual in most zones, but can be a perennial in 10–11.
October – Marigold & Cosmos
Symbolism: Marigolds signify devotion, while cosmos represent harmony and joy. Culturally, marigolds are central to Día de los Muertos celebrations, symbolizing the beauty of life and death. Marigolds are a fantastic companion plant to gardeners as they help repel pests and bugs that can harm vegetable plants.
How To Grow: Marigolds prefer full sun and can tolerate poor soil. Cosmos are the same and are very drought tolerant. Both can be grown as annuals in most zones, and be perennials in zones 9-11.
November – Chrysanthemum & Peony
Symbolism: Chrysanthemums stand for friendship, while peonies are linked to prosperity and romance. Historically, chrysanthemums are regarded as imperial symbols in Japan, symbolizing nobility and elegance.
How To Grow: Chrysanthemum like full sun and should be pinched back in summer and mulched in winter. Peonies also need full sun, and crowns can be planted just below soil surface. Chrysanthemum is hardy in Zones 5–9; Peony hardy in Zones 3–8
December – Poinsettia & Holly
Symbolism: Poinsettias are associated with celebration and holly symbolizes optimism. Culturally, poinsettias are tied to a Mexican Christmas legend, becoming festive symbols during the holiday season, and of course holly is a tried and true Christmas symbol, fitting for the month of December.
How To Grow: Poinsettia enjoys bright, indirect light, while holly likes full sun to partial shade and you can plant male & female for berries. Poinsettia flowers are perennial in zones 9–11; Holly is hardy in Zones 5–9.
Birth Flowers Gift Ideas
Buying birth flower items as gifts has become very popular the last few years. While searching for my wife, I found a few that I thought were really cool. Here is a short list of gift ideas I found:
- Personalized Glass Tumbler– this glass tumbler is a great gift idea for a loved one who loves their coffee or any other drink.
- This customized jewelry is another great gift idea. It, like the tumbler has the option to add personalization with the name and birth flower.
- There is also a customized ornament that makes a great gift around the holidays.
What is your favorite birth flower? Or is there a product you found that you love? Let us know so we can add to our list!