If you love astrology and birthstones, you’re going to be obsessed with birth flowers. Every month has two signature blooms that are packed with symbolism, history, and some seriously cool lore. From resilient snowdrops in January to love-drenched roses in June, these flowers represent more than just your birth month—they reflect personality traits, traditions, and even a little bit of destiny. Ready to meet your floral match? Dive in with the experts at Potomac Floral Design, the best flower shop in La Plata, MD.
January: Carnation, Snowdrop
Carnations have been beloved for centuries, adorning coronations and celebrations in ancient Greece and Rome. Their name, dianthus, translates to “flower of the gods,” cementing their divine connection. Snowdrops, delicate yet strong, symbolize hope. According to legend, an angel turned falling snowflakes into these tiny blooms for Adam and Eve.
February: Violet, Iris
February’s blooms tell a story of love and connection. Violets, once used in Greek love potions due to their heart-shaped petals and symbolism of love and fertility, became a romantic staple in Victorian times. Irises, named after the goddess of the rainbow, symbolized the link between gods and humans. Their beauty was so powerful that even Van Gogh couldn’t resist painting them.
March: Daffodil, Jonquil
Daffodils, named after Narcissus from Greek mythology, bloomed where he drowned after falling in love with his own reflection—talk about a cautionary tale! In Welsh folklore, these golden flowers are luckier—spot the first one of spring, and you’ll have a prosperous year. Jonquils, a daffodil variety, bring a softer touch, symbolizing romance instead of vanity.
April: Daisy, Sweet Pea
Daisies, whose name comes from the Old English “day’s eye,” were sacred to Freyja, the goddess of love and fertility in Norse mythology. These cheerful flowers are believed to be among the oldest on Earth, found in stone carvings that date back millions of years. Sweet peas, introduced to Europe by a 17th-century monk, became a staple in gardens across the continent. In France, they were traditionally given to brides for good luck, making them a symbol of love and new beginnings.
May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn
According to Greek mythology, Apollo used Lily of the Valley to cushion the path for nymphs to walk on, ensuring their delicate feet never touched the rough earth. Christian legend says they grew where Mary wept at the crucifixion or as Eve cried as she exited the Garden of Eden. Meanwhile, Hawthorn was a Celtic favorite, deeply tied to Beltane and the changing of the seasons. It was believed to offer protection, as it was closely linked to the fairy realm.
June: Rose, Honeysuckle
The rose has been a symbol of romance across cultures and eras, from Cleopatra’s grand displays to today’s connection with Valentine’s Day. Honeysuckle, whose name literally means “honey suck,” has long been linked to joy and positivity. Druids revered it for its uplifting energy, and European folklore believed its presence could bring luck and ward off misfortune.
July: Larkspur, Water Lily
Delphiniums, named after the Greek word for dolphin, were once believed to have ties to mythical sea creatures. Some legends say they emerged from the blue blood of a slain dragon, while others claim they played a role in the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, equally steeped in legend, were sacred to the Egyptian sun god Ra and were thought to be the home of Greek water nymphs. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the lotus—part of the same floral family—is revered as a symbol of enlightenment.
August: Gladiolus, Poppy
Gladiolus, known as sword lilies, were worn by Roman warriors for protection, and after victorious battles, they were showered upon them as a mark of honor. Poppies, once tied to sleep and rebirth in Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian mythology, are now used to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. August’s birth flowers are a tribute to both courage and reflection.
September: Aster, Morning Glory
Asters were named after the Greek word for star, and with their star-shaped petals, it’s easy to see why. Meanwhile, morning glories carry a mythological love story—Japanese legend says they bloomed where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was buried, symbolizing her beauty and eternal devotion. Their delicate petals open with the sunrise, symbolizing the promise that comes with each new day.
October: Marigold, Cosmo
Marigolds aren’t just for decoration—they hold deep cultural meaning, guiding spirits home during Dia De Los Muertos and blessing Indian weddings and Diwali celebrations. Their rich hues symbolize warmth, love, and life itself. Cosmos, meanwhile, are nature’s little perfectionists. Their symmetrical petals are arranged so neatly they inspired the Greek word kosmos, meaning harmony. Their delicate beauty reminds us that even the universe has its perfect order.
November: Chrysanthemums, Peony
Chrysanthemums, with their golden hues, were named after the Greek words for golden flower, fitting for their autumn reign as “The Queen of Fall Flower.” Peonies, however, have a wilder past—one myth says Aphrodite turned the nymph Peaonia into one out of jealousy, while another tells of Zeus saving the healer Paeon from his jealous mentor by transforming him into a flower.
December: Holly, Narcissus
Holly, revered in Celtic mythology, was a symbol of eternal life and protection, later becoming a beloved part of Christmas celebrations. Its resilience through winter made it a perfect reminder of life’s strength. Narcissus, however, carries a different kind of message—this myth warns of vanity, as the young man who bore his name fell in love with his reflection and was lost to his obsession (this should sound familiar). Yet, his namesake flowers remain a sign of new beginnings, reminding us that every ending brings something new.
With all this floral wisdom, you’re ready to give the most meaningful birthday gift ever! Shop Potomac Floral Design for bouquets filled with history, beauty, and heart—because flowers should always be as special as the person receiving them.
