Birth Flowers Month-by-Month

From Asters to Water Lilies: Birth Flowers Month-by-Month 

Whether you read your horoscope regularly or wouldn’t know your “sign” from a traffic signal, even if you believe your birthstone is a garden rock, it’s fun to learn about the flowers that symbolize your birth month – and yes, there are two for every month. 

The tradition of associating specific flowers with each month isn’t new, a gimmick created by the floral industry to move more tulips, roses, or daisies. 

Instead, the concept dates back, as many things do, to ancient Roman times.

Granted, there wasn’t a defined system of birth month flowers back then; it didn’t matter which month a gladiator was born — he’d still celebrate his victory with gladiolus, now August’s flower. (The name gladiolus, which was coined by Pliny the Elder, a Roman naturalist and author of Naturalis Historia, literally means “small sword.”)

Besides gladiolus, the Romans used seasonal flowers ceremonially, to celebrate their gods and in funeral rites. This influenced the strictly symbolic birth month flower associations we recognize today. 

As for why there are two flowers for each month, a primary and a secondary, there are at least a couple likely reasons. For one thing, flowers bloom at different times in different parts of the world, so to cover the globe, each month needs more than one flower. In addition, different cultures have developed their own symbolic meanings for flowers. The chrysanthemum that signifies longevity in Japan is often used at funerals in the West. And as trade routes and cultural exchanges flourished, so did the traditions associated with certain flowers, even if the flowers themselves weren’t native to the new region.   

What are your birth month flowers and what do they mean? 

Let’s take a look.

A Calendar of Birth Flowers

January

Carnation (primary). Carnations have a long history of symbolizing various forms of affection, from romantic love to gratitude. The specific color of the carnation adds another layer of meaning, with white carnations indicating pure love, innocence, and new beginnings; pink meaning admiration; and red representing deep love and passion. 

Snowdrop (secondary). Emerging through the snow as a sign of spring's arrival, the snowdrop embodies hope, renewal, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

February

Violet (primary). In Victorian flower language, purple violets were a declaration of always being true, modest, humble, and innocent. 

Primrose (secondary). The delicate appearance and vibrant colors of primroses represent youth, innocence, and new beginnings, making it appropriate for the first part of the year and approaching springtime.

March

Daffodil (primary). The iconic March birth flower, the daffodil’s ability to bloom even after harsh winters make it an appropriate symbol of resilience, rebirth, hope, and fresh starts. In some cultures, daffodils are associated with good luck and prosperity. 

Jonquil (secondary). The Jonquil is a smaller type of daffodil, with slender leaves and clusters of fragrant yellow or white flowers.

April

Daisy (primary). The daisy is widely recognized as a symbol of innocence and purity, notwithstanding countless rounds of “he loves me, he loves me not.” 

Sweet Pea (secondary).  Sweet peas are known for their vibrant colors, delicate petals, and heavenly scent. In Victorian flower language, sweet peas conveyed blissful pleasure and delight.

May

Lily of the Valley (primary). Delicate and sweet-smelling, lily of the valley is another flower that symbolizes purity and innocence. It also represents humility and in some cultures is said to bring good luck.

Hawthorn (secondary). In Celtic mythology, the hawthorn was associated with love. It was also believed to ward off evil spirits, an idea that apparently rubbed off on the Serbians. In their folktales, hawthorn branches were used to slay vampires. 

June

Rose (primary). Nothing says love like the “Queen of Flowers,” the rose (especially the red rose). However, other rose colors hold different meanings, such as pink for admiration, white for purity, and yellow for friendship and joy.

Honeysuckle (secondary). In Victorian flower language, honeysuckle represented enduring devotion and commitment. In some cultures, it evokes feelings of nostalgia and cherished memories.

July

Larkspur (primary). Historically, this tall, spiky flowering plant was believed to offer protection against evil spirits and venomous creatures. It still represents safety and security in some cultures. 

Water Lily (secondary). The water lily's delicate beauty and ability to gracefully float on the surface of a pond or other body of water symbolize purity, tranquility, peace, and enlightenment. 

August

Gladiolus (primary). The gladiolus' tall, strong stems and vibrant flowers symbolize strength of character, resilience, and unwavering integrity. Harking back to gladiator days, the plant also represents success over challenges.

Poppy (secondary). In some cultures, poppies symbolize peace, consolation, and eternal sleep. Poppies are often worn on Memorial Day to remember those who served on the battlefield.

September

Aster (primary). Asters have historically been associated with faithful and enduring love. They can also signify wisdom.

Morning Glory (secondary). Because they open each day and close late in the afternoon, morning glories symbolize the fleeting nature of beauty and the importance of enjoying each moment.

October

Marigold (primary). The marigold's fiery orange and yellow colors and long bloom time symbolize passion, warmth, creativity, and strength in the face of adversity.

Cosmos (secondary). The vibrant colors and cheerful appearance of cosmos flowers evoke feelings of joy, optimism, and simple pleasures.

November

Chrysanthemum (primary). In Asian cultures, chrysanthemums symbolize longevity, happiness, and prosperity. Elsewhere, they typically represent cheerfulness, optimism, and resilience.

Peony (secondary). Large and showy, peonies hold a variety of meanings depending on the cultural context, from happiness in marriage to compassion, good fortune, and wealth.

December

Narcissus (primary). Symbolic of good wishes, hope, and wealth, the narcissus (especially the paperwhite variety) also represent love and purity.

Holly (secondary). With its green leaves and red berries, the holly bush epitomizes resilience, joy, and the enduring spirit of winter.  

It’s Up to You

Don’t like the flower associated with your birth month? While there are traditional associations, there’s no hard-and-fast rule. After all, this is just for fun. Choose the flower that suits you best, whether it’s “official” or not.