March Birth Flowers

March is the month where everything starts to feel a little lighter with brighter mornings and the first real signs of spring popping up in parks, gardens and along roadsides. After the doom and gloom of winter, there’s suddenly a rush of energy and excitement in the air, showing that the year is well and truly back in motion.

With this in mind, it makes perfect sense that the March birth flowers are the daffodil and jonquil. Both are colourful, joyful blooms associated with brightness, warmth and fresh starts. They make wonderful birthday flowers or the perfect pick-me-up if you’re treating yourself.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the meaning, history and symbolism of the March birth flower. We’ll also provide some thoughtful gifting tips to help you choose the right spring-inspired blooms.

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Why are daffodils the birth flower for March?

Daffodils bloom during that in-between stage when winter is fading into the background, and spring is taking centre stage. March can be pretty unpredictable, with chilly mornings one day and lovely warm sunshine the next. But, despite this unpredictability, daffodils take it all in their stride. Even when the weather doesn’t quite match their sunny disposition, up they come, year after year, bright and bold as ever, reminding us to stay positive, be patient, and trust that warmer days are on the way!

This timing gives the daffodil much of its meaning. It’s associated with renewal, hope, happiness, and fresh starts, making it a fitting gift for March birthdays. After all, each birthday is a mini new beginning worth celebrating. Daffodils lean right into that feeling, bringing colour and cheer to the occasion.

They also have a strong March connection to St David’s Day, which falls on 1st March. The daffodil is considered the national flower of Wales and is often worn or given as a gift around this day. They’re also linked with Easter, another celebration closely associated with renewal, hope and new beginnings.

So, if someone you love has a birthday that lands just as the first signs of spring appear, a bouquet filled with sunny yellow flowers is a lovely way to match the mood.

History and symbolism of the daffodil

Like with so many flower meanings, the daffodil’s symbolism has changed over the years, influenced by myth, poetry and tradition. Today, we usually think of daffodils as bright, hopeful flowers, but their story goes a little deeper than that.

The botanical name Narcissus is often associated with the Greek myth of Narcissus, the young man who became so fascinated by his own reflection that he couldn’t look away. It’s a cautionary tale, of course, but for daffodils it’s taken on a gentler meaning too around self-reflection and the value of looking inward from time to time.

It’s also worth emphasising that daffodils bloom after the coldest part of the year. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re remarkably hardy, making them a powerful symbol of resilience. Their arrival each spring reminds us that even after tough times, it’s possible to stand tall and come back stronger than ever!

Daffodils also have some literary connections. For example, Shakespeare wrote, “When daffodils begin to peer”, a famous song from The Winter’s Tale. And William Wordsworth’s I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud gave us one of poetry’s most famous images of golden daffodils, “fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

For more on the meaning of daffodils, including how to keep them looking fresh and fabulous, take a look at our comprehensive daffodil flower guide. 

Gifting tips for the March birth flower: daffodil

Daffodils make a thoughtful birthday gift for those friends or loved ones who just radiate positivity, brightening every room they walk into. They’re also a meaningful way to celebrate a fresh start such as a new home or new job, and are sure to brighten any living room or office desk. Or, if someone you care about is going through a difficult time, a bouquet of daffodils makes a simple yet uplifting “thinking of you” gesture.

There’s an old piece of folklore that says that daffodils should be given in a bunch rather than as one lonely stem, as it’s considered unlucky. We’re not entirely convinced, because even a lone daffodil is still an undeniably happy little thing, but a fuller bouquet certainly feels more celebratory. So, with that in mind, here are some ideas for creating the perfect daffodil-inspired arrangement.

• For a fresh spring look: Pair yellow daffodils with white flowers such as tulips, lilies, or ranunculus. Add plenty of eucalyptus or fresh greenery for a light, natural finish.
• For a soft pastel bouquet: Combine daffodils with pink tulips and blue hyacinths for a delicate arrangement that captures the colours of spring.
• For a classic country-garden style: Mix daffodils with daisies, roses, and seasonal foliage to create a bouquet that looks as though it’s straight from the garden.

If you want to make a March birthday extra special, our local florists are ready to handcraft something bright, beautiful and full of meaning. Don’t forget to add a card explaining the birth flower connection and how much your loved one means to you. If you’re struggling to find the right words, we have plenty of birthday message inspiration!

Please note: Daffodils can irritate sensitive skin and are toxic to pets, so keep them out of reach of curious cats and dogs, and wash your hands after handling cut stems.

Why is the jonquil the birth flower for March?

Jonquils are March birth flowers for many of the same reasons daffodils are. They bloom in early spring, they bring a welcome burst of colour after winter, and they carry that same optimistic feeling. Their yellow petals reflect light, longer days, and the first proper warmth of the year. In short, their timing, colour and scent all capture the feeling of transition from winter into spring, making the jonquil the perfect secondary birth flower for March.

History and symbolism of jonquils

The name jonquil has roots in French and Spanish and means ‘rush’ or ‘reed’, referring to the flower’s slender, reed-like leaves. Native to the Mediterranean, jonquils are loved for their fragrance and clusters of golden flowers.

In terms of symbolism, jonquils are often linked with affection, happiness, friendship and hope. They can also be considered quite romantic flowers, offering an understated alternative to traditional red roses.

In some traditions, jonquils are associated with sympathy and sadness, which may feel at odds with such a sunny, cheery flower, but really adds to their emotional range; they can say “I’m thinking of you”, just as easily as “you make me happy.”

Gifting tips for the March birth flower: jonquil

Jonquils are the kind of flower suited to that special someone who is always there for you - the friend who remembers the little things and somehow always knows exactly when you need a hug or a cup of tea. They’re a simple way to show that their kindness doesn’t go unnoticed, whether it’s for a close friend, romantic partner or anyone in your life who could use a lift.

Because jonquils are linked with affection, gratitude and friendship, they’re a strong choice when you want a gift that feels truly personal. And, if the recipient likes sweet-smelling flowers, even better. Their fragrance adds an extra sensory layer, helping to brighten any space and the mood of anyone who enters it.

Why are March birth month flowers so meaningful?

March birth month flowers are meaningful because they arrive just when we need them most. Winter is starting to loosen its grip, the days are getting longer, and the first daffodils show up to say “hello world!”

Most people can’t help but get a little reflective on their birthday, and hope that the year ahead will be the one where they achieve everything they’d hoped for in years gone by. Daffodils and jonquils tap into that energy, providing a positive start to their next trip around the sun, full of hope, optimism, and that “I’ve got this” feeling.

Gifting daffodils isn’t just about the season; it’s a way of saying these are their flower, tied to the month they were born, and chosen because of what they represent: maybe sunshine, to mirror a naturally bright personality, or a bit of hope and optimism to help someone climb out of a rut.

That’s the great thing about birth flowers. They help you say something real when the right words are playing hard to get. And if you know a March baby who’s besotted by the stars, you can always make your gift extra personal with a touch of honeysuckle or water lily – March’s two official zodiac flowers.

Choosing the perfect March flower for a birthday gift

The best March birthday flower depends on the person you’re buying for and the message you want to send.

Choose daffodils for someone with a bright, optimistic personality who brings warmth and positivity wherever they go. They’re a great way to return the kindness of people who are always looking out for others, reminding them that they deserve to be celebrated, too. Bold, cheerful, and full of energy, daffodils are perfect for vibrant, uplifting bouquets, especially when paired with other spring flowers in shades of white, cream, yellow, or orange.

Choose jonquils for anyone who loves fragrant flowers. Their symbolism of affection and gratitude makes them a lovely choice for romantic partners, close friends, or anyone who enjoys flowers with a story behind them.

However you choose to celebrate March birthdays, do it with Interflora. Because each of our florist-made bouquets is handcrafted, your flower delivery can say exactly what you need it to.