20th Jan 2023
What is my birth flower and what does it say about me?
Birthday Special Offer
Most people know their zodiac sign and their birthstone and what this signals about their personality, whether they agree with them or not! But, many people aren’t aware of the concept of birth flowers or, more importantly, what theirs is. Do you know yours? Each month has at least one flower truly unique to it, which contains its own special meaning and is suggestive of personality traits of those born in that month. Not only is it important to know your own birth flower, but knowing the birth flowers of your friends and family is equally important, if not more important, as a bouquet of birth flowers is the perfect birthday gift. So keep reading and learn about each month’s birth flower and their meaning.
January - carnation and snowdrop
January is the first month of the year, marking new beginnings and fresh starts. Whether you are looking for the perfect New Year’s gift, or know somebody with a January birthday, we’ve got you covered.
Carnation
Carnations come in a range of sizes and colours, varying from shades of pink and peach, to orange, green and even purple. Not only are carnations a beautiful flower, but they also have an interesting history behind them. It was traditionally believed that the first ever carnation blossomed from Mary’s tears when she was weeping after Jesus while carrying his cross. It has since been thought that pink carnations symbolise a mother’s undying love.
The meaning of carnations is as equally interesting as their history, as each colour carnation holds a different meaning. While a white carnation symbolises innocence, yellow carnations are thought to represent rejection. Collectively, carnations symbolise loyalty and devotion.
Snowdrop
The snowdrop is January’s second birth flower. It gets its name from its appearance, representing a snowflake with its small white head. Like the carnation, the snowdrop also has an interesting history. In Britain they represent hope and purity, due to the white colour of the petals and the fact that they bloom in the midst of cold winter.
Snowdrops are known to represent innocence and hope. Innocence due to its white petals and hope because it blooms in the middle of winter and is one of the first flowers to grow in spring.
What do January’s birth flowers say about those born in January?
Carnations suggest that January babies are loyal and affectionate - what better way to requite affection than with a fresh bouquet of gorgeous blooms? Snowdrops imply that January babies are optimistic, hopeful and kind. When you gift a snowdrop to a January baby, you are not only demonstrating value towards their warm personality, but you are also wishing them a hopeful future.
Learn more by visiting our January birth flower blog
February - violet and primrose
February is the month most famous for Valentine’s Day and, as a result, flowers are on everybody’s minds… If you want to get something different from the classic red rose and are unsure of which flowers to get your loved one, we have you sorted. Look no further than February's romantic birth flowers.
Violet
Violets are physically representative of love, with their heart-shaped leaves and small flowers that come in a wide variety of colours.
Violets were first cultivated by the Ancient Greeks for medicinal purposes and were also adored by the Persians for similar reasons. They were used to subdue headaches and calm anger. Ancient Greeks used violets in love potions due to their heart-shaped leaves - because of this, violets are known as a romantic flower. Not only do they symbolise romance and fidelity, but they also symbolise spiritual wisdom.
Primrose
The primrose is one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and was also first cultivated in Europe. Similar to the violet, primroses have a romantic appearance, closely representing roses. They also grow in a wide variety of colours, including white, yellow, blue and red.
Primroses were viewed as a symbol of love in the Victorian era, making them another ideal flower for Valentine’s Day. Even Shakespeare wrote about the primrose as a symbol of love - in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, he wrote about two young lovers who met on ‘primrose beds’.
What do February's birth flowers say about February babies?
The violet implies that those in February are humble and innocent and have good morals. The primrose suggests that those in February are affectionate and loving, as well as being good friends. These qualities combined, it is safe to say that those born in February are pretty good people and are deserving of flowers!
Learn more by visiting our February birth flower blog
March - daffodil and jonquil
March is the official arrival of spring and is therefore a month of happiness and hope where we welcome the arrival of warmer days and wave goodbye to the cold darkness of winter. What better way to celebrate the coming of sunshine than with the bright and colourful flowers of March?
Daffodil
Daffodils most commonly grow in yellow, but can also be widely found in shades of orange and even white. They are a delightfully bright and vibrant bloom and have become symbolic of Spring’s arrival. Daffodils are commonly grown in people’s gardens, as well as being a popular choice for flower arrangements. Famous English writers have paid homage to the daffodil, including Shakespeare and the Romantic poet William Wordsworth.
Over the years, daffodils have become known to represent fresh starts and new beginnings. They also symbolise forgiveness and self-reflection. The theme of self-reflection stems from the Greek myth of Narcissus who drowned in a lake after falling in love with his own reflection - the daffodil actually belongs to the genus ‘Narcissus’.
Jonquil
The jonquil is the other birth flower for the month of March, also belonging to the genus ‘Narcissus’. Jonquils also commonly bloom in shades of yellow and closely resemble daffodils so much that they are often mistaken for daffodils. Jonquils have the sweetest fragrance of all the flowers in the Narcissus gene, making them a very popular flower.
The jonquil is native to Portugal and Spain and gets its name from the Spanish word ‘jonquillo’. Just like daffodils, jonquils have also been admired in literary works, most notably Tennessee Williams in his play ‘The Glass Menagerie’. Jonquils symbolise friendship, happiness and new beginnings.
What do March’s birth flowers say about March babies?
Both the daffodil and the jonquil suggest that March babies are happy, forgiving and positive. Since March babies add positivity to the lives of those around them, we only think it’s fair to return this positivity by gifting March babies with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
Learn more by visiting our March birth flower blog
April - daisy and sweet pea
April is the midst of Spring - the month that officially says goodbye to the coldness of winter and looks forward to the warmth of May. Since Spring is well under way, it only makes sense that your gardens are too! There is no better flower to include in your garden arrangements this month than April’s birth flowers and there is certainly no better gift for an April baby.
Daisy
The word ‘daisy’ comes from the old English phrase ‘day’s eye’. This is apt considering the petals of a daisy open in the day and close up at nighttime. As well as this, the centre of the head of the daisy is known as the eye, while the pollen resembles the sun. Daisies are known to reflect innocence, true love and purity. Different cultures hold different meanings of daisies. For example, Celtic myth stated that when a child died, the gods covered their grave with daisies to comfort the child’s mourning parents. Norse mythology also linked daisies to children, believing that the daisy symbolises motherhood and childbirth. Because of this, the flower has become a popular Mother’s Day gift.
Sweet pea
The sweet pea is related to beans and legumes. Not only are they a gorgeous bloom, but they have medicinal properties. The flower has an incredibly sweet fragrance, adding to their popularity. They boom in a wide variety of colours, meaning they are the perfect gift for everyone.
Sweet peas are traditionally a bridal gift, according to French culture, and are thought to bring luck to the wife on her wedding day. Due to the beautiful fragrance of this flower, they used to be worn in the pockets of people’s suits as a natural perfume. Generally, sweet peas represent feelings of kindness and gratitude.
What do April’s birth flowers say about April babies?
From the symbolism of daisies and sweet peas, we can infer that those born in April are innocent, pure and kind souls, adding sweetness to the lives of those around them. Because of this, we think it is only fair to return the favour by gifting April babies with a vibrant bouquet of colourful daisies and sweet peas.
May - lily of the valley and the hawthorn
May is the warmest month of Spring and a time of year when people’s gardens are filled with colourful fresh blooms. Keep reading to learn more about May’s birth flowers - the lily of the valley and the hawthorn!
Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is a small flower whose heads droop downwards and closely represent the shape of small bells. While the lily of the valley often blooms in white, it can also be found in shades of pink and purple. Traditionally, it has been believed that the lily of the valley reflects motherhood, purity and sweetness. An old Christian belief is that this flower first bloomed from Eve’s tears after she left the Garden of Eden. Another link to the lily of the valley and motherhood is that it was believed by some that Mary’s tears provided for the growth of the flower. Because of this, the lily of the valley represents motherhood and protection, making it a wonderful gift of gratitude to mothers.
Hawthorn
The hawthorn is a member of the rose family and is a small flower that blooms in shades of pink or white. Due to these flowers being so dainty and small in size, they are often used as fillers in bouquets. Hawthorns are thought to symbolise hope. They have also been believed to have supernatural associations and have been linked to fairies, while the Serbians once believed that stakes made out of hawthorns had the ability to kill vampires.
What do May’s birth flowers say about May babies?
May birth flowers are delicate and sweet, suggesting that those born in May are too!
June - rose and honeysuckle
June is the first month of summer, where school kids are counting down the days until the summer holidays and those fortunate enough are looking forward to their trips abroad. June boasts one of the most popular flowers of all time - the rose. Keep reading to find out more about the rose and the second birth flower of June (the honeysuckle).
Rose
Roses are perhaps the most popular flowers of all time and are most traditionally thought of as the flower of romance. However, roses are an excellent choice of flower for almost any occasion, coming in a variety of sizes and colours, there is a rose for everyone. The meaning of the rose varies depending on their colour, but generally they are known to represent love, beauty and devotion. The theme of devotion can be thought to stem from ancient Egypt, where Ancient Egyptians offered roses to the Gods as a symbol of devotion. They have been linked to love since Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, where they were used as a sign of romance.
Honeysuckle
The honeysuckle has four petals and grows in clusters. This flower blooms in a range of colours, varying from shades of yellow, pink, purple, white and even red. This flower derives its name from the ease with which nectar can be sucked from the flowers and the name ‘honeysuckle’ finds its roots in the old english word ‘honeysouke’, which translates to ‘honey suck’.
Traditionally, it was believed that the honeysuckle symbolised happiness and new love, as well as (somewhat contradictorily) nostalgia for an old flame. It is commonly thought that honeysuckles have a generally positive meaning and have the ability to bring happiness and positivity back into the lives of those who receive it.
What do June’s birth flowers say about June babies?
June’s birth flowers suggest that those born in June are lovers of romance and are kind and affectionate. So show your affection for a special June baby with a gift of June birth flowers.
July - delphinium and water lily
July’s birth flowers are the delphinium and water lily - keep reading to discover what makes them so special.
Delphinium
Delphinium flowers bloom in a wide range of shades, including indigo, purple and pink. They are a classically British flower and can be found in many woodlands in the UK. They get their name from Ancient Greeks who believed that the flower bud resembled a dolphin’s nose! Coming in a variety of sizes, growing up to six feet, delphiniums have positive and heartfelt meanings. Delphiniums are believed to symbolise positivity and grace.
Water lily
Perhaps this may come as a surprise, considering their name, but water lilies are not actually a type of lily. They grow in shades of white, as well as other colours, blooming during the day and during the night. Water lilies’ meaning depends on their colour. Those growing in shades of white symbolise purity and innocence. Whereas pink lilies are thought to represent feelings of friendship and joy. Whereas red lilies reflect passion and romance. These gorgeous flowers derive their meaning from Hindu and Buddhist traditions and are widely appreciated as symbolising fertility, purity and innocence.
What do July’s birth flowers say about July babies?
July’s birth flowers suggest that July babies are balanced and positive people - definitely deserving of a bouquet of gorgeous birth flowers!
August - gladiolus and poppy
Not only are August babies blessed with birthdays in the hottest month of summer, but they are also lucky to have the beautiful gladiolus and poppy as their birth flowers!
Gladiolus
Gladioli grow in clusters on one side of the stem. They bloom in a beautiful variety of colours including green, lavender, rose, purple, pink, white and yellow. They can grow up to five feet tall. Each colour has its own meaning, with red representing passion and romance, pink reflecting compassion and white representing innocence. However, most commonly, gladioli are thought to represent honour and strength sine they derive their name from the Latin word ‘gladiolus’ which stems from ‘gladius’, meaning ‘sword’.
Poppy
Poppies grow pretty much all over the world and are widely appreciated. The sap of the opium property has been used for pharmaceutical purposes, but the poppy is most commonly used for its seeds which are valued for cooking and baking.
What do August’s birth flowers say about August babies?
Since gladioli reflect strength and honour, it can be said that August babies have strong characters and are naturally born leaders. Whereas poppies symbolise the softer side of August babies, representing the caring nature of those born in August.
Learn more by visiting our August birth flower blog
September - aster and morning glory
September marks the official end of summer and the start of autumn. Why not celebrate the arrival of autumn with a fresh bouquet of September birth flowers?
The aster
Asters derive their name from the Ancient Greek word for ‘star’, which is fitting considering the shape of the flower represents a star. These flowers bloom in a variety of shades including purple, blue and white. They are thought to symbolise powerful love.
Morning glory
Morning glory flowers derive their name from the way that the flower opens up each day at sunrise. The flowers close up again at the end of the day and the process repeats itself each day. This flower blooms in similar shades as the aster, in pink, purple and white.
They have been valued for their spiritual properties, but they commonly symbolise love and affection. The Victorians believed that morning glories also symbolised humility.
What do September’s birth flowers say about August babies?
September’s birth flowers suggest that those born in September are powerful, loving and kind, so be sure to signal your appreciation for them with a beautiful bouquet of fresh blooms.
Learn more by visiting our September birth flower blog
October - cosmos and marigold
In the midst of the dark, cold, autumn, we can’t think of a better time of year for flowers, especially October’s birth flowers.
Cosmos
The cosmos can be found in many gardens at this time of year, blooming in yellow, orange, pink, purple and white. They get their name from the Greek word ‘kosmos’, meaning harmony and order. Indeed, this flower radiates harmony in its symmetrical blooms. It has been used in medicine for malaria treatment and has been also compressed into oil for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A more fun and light-hearted use of this flower has been as a dye for tie-dying clothes.
Marigold
The marigold blooms in colours of orange and yellow, which capture the shades of autumn. While marigolds traditionally represented despair and grief, today the marigold symbolises optimism and prosperity.
What do October’s birth flowers say about October babies?
October’s birth flowers suggest that those born in October are optimistic and positive and have radiant personalities!
Learn more by visiting our October birth flower blog
November - chrysanthemum
November is the month of anticipation and excitement, coming just before December, where everyone is looking forward to the celebrations of Christmas and New Year. For a month that is looking forward to the next month’s festivities, it is important that we make November babies feel extra special and what better way to do this than with a gorgeous bouquet of chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums are a vibrant, bright flower, growing in shades of pink, orange, yellow and red. It gets its name from the Greek words ‘chrysos’, which translates to gold, and ‘anthemon’, which means flower. They bloom in a variety of sizes and symbolise generosity, friendship and cheerfulness. It is also believed that bringing a bouquet of these flowers into a home will bring good luck and happiness into the home. While the other eleven months of the year boast two birth flowers each, November only has one. But we think that the chrysanthemum is so stunning that it is enough all on its own.
What does November’s birth flower say about November babies?
Since chrysanthemums represent friendship and happiness, they suggest that November babies are friendly and cheerful and make excellent friends. They also are believed to reflect the generous nature of November babies. Since those born in November make such generous, excellent friends, they seem deserving of some appreciation in the form of their birth flower!
Learn more by visiting our November birth flower blog
December - holly and narcissus
December is the most magical time of year, marked by the sparkly festivities of Christmas and New Year. Since this is a month of giving and celebrating, flowers are particularly important. Keep reading to find out more about December’s birth flowers.
Holly
Holly plants have become symbolic of Christmas and have been used as seasonal decoration for decades. Traditionally, they were viewed as a form of protection against evil spirits, as well as being a symbol of fertility! Today, they represent happiness and good fortune.
Narcissus
The narcissus is a beautiful white flower, symbolising purity and simplicity. Not only are they physically stunning, but they smell amazing too. Because of their connotations of simplicity and purity, it is believed that gifting someone with narcissus flowers suggests that you want your loved one to remain exactly as they are and never change.
What do December’s birth flowers say about December babies?
December’s birth flowers suggest that those born in December are kind, happy, caring and positive individuals.
Learn more by visiting our December birth flower blog
