Discover Your Birth Flower

20th October, 2025
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The Interflora Team

Where Did Birth Flowers Come From?

No one’s entirely sure when and where the concept of birth flowers began. Some believe it dates back to Roman times, with early traditions of gifting flowers for birthdays. A book from 1907, Dame Curtsey’s Book of Novel Entertainments for Every Day in the Year, even references birth flowers. In fact, in the 1980s, the Library of Congress in the U.S. gave “birth flowers” its own subject heading, indicating enough cultural significance to merit its own category.

While the full history remains unclear, it’s clear that birth flowers have been cherished for centuries, and their rich flower symbolism continues to resonate today.

Why Some Months Have Two Birth Flowers

Ever wondered why certain months have more than one birth flower? There are a few theories behind this. One possibility is seasonality: when more than one flower is in bloom during a given month, both may be chosen as a representative.

Another theory is related to colour. February’s flowers are both purple, for example, which might have something to do with the purple-hued amethyst birthstone. The reasons behind specific birth flowers are often as complex as the history of the flowers themselves, but that doesn’t stop us from enjoying their beauty!

Birth Flowers by Month: Understanding Their Meanings and Symbolism

Every month has its own unique bloom, each imbued with its own special meaning. Here’s a deeper look into the birth flowers for each month, their symbolism, and their significance:

January: Carnation

The carnation, with its vibrant colours and delicate ruffled petals, is January’s birth flower. Historically, the carnation has deep religious significance in Christianity, symbolising a mother’s love, as it’s believed to have first bloomed when Mary’s tears fell on the earth. It’s no surprise then that today the flower has become a universal symbol of motherly love, making it a popular choice for both Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day.

The carnation represents devotion, making it a perfect gift for loyal friends born in January.

February: Violet

The violet is February’s birth flower, a symbol of faithfulness, humility, and modesty. These heart-shaped blooms have long been associated with love, especially since the ancient Greeks cultivated them for use in love potions.

With Valentine’s Day celebrated on the 14th, you could be forgiven for assuming that February’s birth flower is the rose. However, violets reflect the qualities of people born in February — honest and true — like no other flower can.

March: Daffodil (Narcissus)

The daffodil (or narcissus) is a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. Its bright yellow petals are often linked with optimism, and the flower embodies the spirit of spring.

For cultures across the world, daffodils represent prosperity and good fortune, making it a perfect gift for those born in March.

April: Daisy

The humble daisy represents purity, innocence, and loyal love. It is also associated with fertility and motherhood, making it an ideal gift for new mothers.

The name “daisy” comes from “day’s eye,” as it opens with the sunrise and closes at night, representing a fresh start each day. While daisies are more popular in flower chains than vases, a bouquet of colourful gerbera daisies makes a wonderful surprise for someone with an April birthday

May: Lily of the Valley

The delicate Lily of the Valley is May’s birth flower, symbolising purity, humility, and sweetness. Its sweet fragrance and dainty bell-shaped flowers have made it a favourite of royal brides.

This flower also represents a return to happiness, making it a lovely and meaningful gift for May birthdays.

June: Rose

The rose is one of the most iconic flowers of all time, symbolising love, beauty, and honour. Different colours of roses carry different meanings — red for love, yellow for friendship, and white for purity.

As June’s birth flower, roses are the perfect way to express your affection for any loved ones born in this month.

July: Delphinium

The delphinium is the birth flower for July, known for its tall spikes of dazzling blooms in shades of blue, purple, and white. Symbolising positivity, dignity, and an open heart, delphiniums capture the bold and joyful nature of those born in the height of summer.

Their graceful yet striking appearance makes them a perfect choice for giving the July babies in your life a present to remember.

August: Gladiolus

The gladiolus, also known as the sword lily, represents strength, generosity, and moral integrity. Its dramatic blooms are reminiscent of ancient Roman gladiators who were showered with these flowers after victory in the arena.

A bouquet of gorgeous gladioli makes a wonderful tribute to a loved one celebrating a high-summer birthday.

September: Aster

The aster is September’s birth flower, symbolising love, wisdom, and valour. Asters, often compared to daisies, are named after the Greek word for “star,” and their joyful star-like shape only adds to their charm.

This vibrant autumn flower is perfect for brightening up the darker months, and a great birthday gift for anyone born in September.

October: Marigold

The marigold is October’s birth flower and is often associated with determination, passion, and creativity.

With its fiery orange hues, the marigold represents a fierce spirit and a desire to succeed, making it an ideal choice for friends and family with October birthdays.

November: Chrysanthemum

The chrysanthemum, a symbol of friendship and well-wishing, is the birth flower for November. This popular flower comes in many colours, each carrying its own special meaning.

Chrysanthemums are known to bring good luck and joy, and in Japan, they are even celebrated with their own festival.

December: Holly

The holly is December’s birth flower, a symbol of fidelity and good fortune. Though technically a foliage, its red berries and glossy green leaves are associated with Christmas and winter celebrations.

Holly also carries deep symbolic meaning in many cultures, making it the perfect flower for a thoughtful December birthday gift.

Birth Flower Meanings Through the Seasons

Each birth flower has its own ties to specific qualities or virtues. Whether it’s the optimism of the daffodil or the strength of the gladiolus, flowers serve as a reflection of personality traits or symbolic messages for those born in each month.

As well as the the monthly symbolism, seasonal blooms offer another layer of meaning:

  • Winter (December to February) flowers like the holly and snowdrop symbolise hope and renewal, perfect for those colder, more reflective months.
  • Spring (March to May) flowers like the daffodil and Lily of the Valley bring a sense of fresh beginnings and optimism.
  • Summer (June to August) flowers such as the rose and larkspur represent passion, strength, and joy.
  • Autumn (September to November) flowers, including the chrysanthemum and marigold, signify wisdom, perseverance, and joy.

Birth Flowers vs. Zodiac Flowers: What’s the Difference?

Birth flowers and zodiac flowers both carry symbolic meaning, but they are rooted in different traditions. Birth flowers are specially linked to the month of your birth, and are traditionally associated with certain qualities and traits of individuals born in that month. Zodiac flowers, on the other hand, are tied to your astrological sign and are based on the position of the stars and planets at the time of your birth.

While zodiac flowers can reflect your personality traits according to astrology, birth flowers are unique because they are linked to the natural cycle of the year, allowing them to represent the changing seasons, renewal, and growth. Birth flowers provide a timeless, seasonal connection, while zodiac flowers offer a more astrological connection.

Ultimately, both types of flowers can have deep meaning, but birth flowers allow you to celebrate someone’s birthday in a more seasonal and personal way.

Personalising Gifts with Birth Flowers

Using birth flowers to create bespoke bouquets or arrangements can transform a simple gift into something deeply meaningful. A bouquet of violets for a February birthday expresses faithfulness and modesty, while a chrysanthemum for November conveys friendship and well-wishing. Incorporating these flowers into birthday bouquets or celebrations makes your gesture even more thoughtful and memorable.

At Interflora, we believe in creating connections through the beauty of flowers. With our hand-crafted arrangements, expert florists, and the deep symbolism behind birth flowers, your gift will always feel personal, meaningful, and filled with love.

Birth Flower FAQs

Yes! Birth flowers are versatile and can be gifted for plenty of occasions beyond birthdays. They are perfect for celebrating anniversaries, new babies, and even graduations.

You can use someone’s birth flower to add a personal touch to any special day, making their gift all the more meaningful.

While birth flowers are largely the same across countries, there can be slight regional differences. For example, in the USA, the birth flower for July is the larkspur, while in the UK, it is often delphinium.

However, the meanings and symbolism remain relatively consistent, and each country has its own unique list to honour local traditions and choose the most seasonally available flower.

Absolutely! Combining birth flowers from different months can create a beautiful bouquet that’s just as meaningful. It’s an excellent idea for family bouquets, or for couples who want to celebrate both partners’ birthdays at once.

You could even create an arrangement based on your family’s heritage, where each flower represents a different family member.

Yes, of course! At Interflora, we understand that not everyone connects with their birth flower. You can always opt for another bouquet instead, simply choosing flowers you like or which feel significant to you.

To make sure your birth flower bouquet stays beautiful, here are some simple care tips:

  • Trim the stems regularly to keep them hydrated.
  • Place the bouquet in a clean vase with fresh water and flower food.
  • Keep flowers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Change the water every couple of days to prolong freshness.

For more information on how to keep any bouquet looking beautiful for longer, read our expert guide to caring for cut flowers.

Yes! When ordering from Interflora, you’ll have the option to add a personalised message with any flower bouquet. Whether it’s a short and sweet note or a heartfelt message, you can express your feelings in a way that makes the gift even more special.

Handwritten cards and thoughtful birthday messages can make all the difference when sending flowers for someone’s special day.

Birth flowers are deeply rooted in British tradition, with many associating particular flowers with local festivals or seasonal celebrations. For example, the daffodil is a symbol of St David’s Day in Wales, and chrysanthemums are seen as meaningful in the UK as a flower of friendship.

The custom of using birth flowers as personalised gifts is growing more and more popular, making them a common feature at many British celebrations.