While they might not have the spiritual significance of one’s zodiac sign or birth date numerology, or the same fashion appeal as one’s birthstone, birth month flowers are a lovely seasonal way to brighten up a table or garden space for a birthday celebration. The history of birth month flowers is a bit ambiguous, with some sources proposing that the tradition dates as far back as ancient Rome. Most of the birth month flowers are widely cultivated in temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere and are commonly blooming—or at least available to buy—in their respective months. Read on to learn more about the flowers associated with each month of the year.
January
The chilly winter month of January is commonly associated with carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), a cheery and widely available cut flower that comes in a number of colors and forms. The delicate nodding snowdrop (any of several Galanthus species) is another January birth month flower and can valiantly emerge in the late winter when snow is still on the ground.
February
Spring may still be on the distant horizon in February, but playful primroses (Primula vulgaris) are sure to brighten the dreariest day. Dainty wild violets (various Viola species) are also early bloomers, and the unrelated African violet (Saintpaulia species) is a popular houseplant. Eye-catching irises (Iris species) are also sometimes listed as a birth month flower for February.
March
While most months have two (or more) birth month flowers, March is dedicated to the darling harbinger of spring: the daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus).
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April
Springtime is in full bloom in April, and the month is represented by sunny daisies, which come in a variety of colors and sizes. Fragrant sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are another wonderful option for a birthday nosegay.
May
Both of the birth month flowers for May are elegant and sophisticated. The striking and spiny hawthorn (Crataegus species) forms formidable flower clusters in dramatic whites, pinks, or reds. With a more gentle aspect, the lovely lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) features arching stalks of fragrant, blooming bells.
June
June’s birth month flowers are true classics and include one of the most timeless and symbolic of all flowers, the rose (Rosa species). From the unpretentious beauty of wild roses to the ruffled grandeur of hybrid tea roses, there is truly a rose to suit every taste. Speaking of taste, the month’s other flower, the fragrant honeysuckle (Lonicera species), offers a burst of sweet nectar to intrepid tasters. Like the rose, honeysuckles come in a wide array of forms and color combinations.
July
The sweltering heat of July is tempered by the cool, aloof beauty of the water lily (Nymphaea species), found in wild and garden ponds throughout the world. Refreshing blue hues of larkspur (Delphinium species) also bring reprieve to July’s summer days.
August
August’s birth month flowers come in a dazzling array of colors—perfect for a sizzling celebration. Towering spikes of showy gladioli (Gladiolus species) can set the tone for an August alfresco affair, while the preppy charm of the classic poppy (Papaver species) lends an air of class to any bougie birthday bash.
September
As summer’s last gasp, the birth month flowers for September are a fitting finale to the season. Ephemeral morning glories (Ipomoea species) don’t survive long in a vase but can provide warm birthday wishes for a morning in the garden. Autumnal asters (Aster species and others) usually make excellent cut flowers and come in a myriad of colors and forms.
October
The birth month flowers for October are cousins in the aster family. Cosmos (usually Cosmos bipinnatus) are popular garden flowers with airy blooms in pinks and whites. Other varieties are a bit more moody and come in fall colors such as burgundy and orange. Musky marigolds (namely Tagetes erecta) are perfect for harvest time and have long been associated with spiritual observances across the globe, including Día de los Muertos in Mexico and Central America, and Diwali and weddings in India.
November
As the seasons turn again, the chilly month of November is warmed by the romantic elegance of the classic peony (Paeonia species). Another fall classic, the charismatic chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum ×morifolium). A popular garden and potted plant as well as a florist staple, chrysanthemums can be nearly any color and come in button, pompon, daisy, and spider forms.
December
December birthdays are often overshadowed by the holidays, but the month’s two birth flowers are anything but shrinking. Showstopping narcissus (various Narcissus species) is sure to make anyone’s birthday feel special. Although not technically a flower, the flamboyant (and prickly) foliage and merry berries of holly (Ilex species) can be a pointed decoration for those who may grudgingly share the month with a certain famous birthday boy.
Melissa Petruzzello
