Like gemstones, flowers can represent birthdays in each month of the year. Which one is yours?
January: Carnation
Spicy-scented carnations, like ‘Cinnamon Red Hot’, are the birth flowers for January. Different colors convey different meanings. White carnations symbolize pure love, while yellow means “wish you were here” and pink says, “you’re unforgettable.” Snowdrops, which indicate hope and beauty, are also flowers for this month.
February: Iris and Violet
February birthdays are represented by violets or irises, flowers that suggest loyalty and faithfulness. The three upright petals of an iris bloom can indicate courage, faith and wisdom, or friendship, hope and compliments. 'Clarence' is a tall, beareded iris with pale blue standards and violet-blue falls.
March: Daffodil
Daffodils like 'Love Call', sometimes called jonquils or narcissus, are the birth flowers for March. Because they often bloom in early spring, they symbolize new birth, beginnings, happiness and joy.
April: Daisy and Sweet Pea
Cheerful daisies, like Leucanthemum 'Darling', represent April birthdays. While they often symbolize beauty, innocence, love or purity, they can also mean, "I'll never tell." Sweet peas are also birth flowers for April.
May: Lily of the Valley
Lilies of the Valley, with their sweet perfumes, celebrate May birthdays. They suggest humility and happiness.
June: Rose
Like carnations, roses, which represent June birthdays, have different meanings for different colors. Red roses signify love, while yellow ones indicate anything from jealousy to friendship. Orange or apricot roses, like 'Lady of Shalott', mean desire and enthusiasm.
July: Larkspur and Waterlily
While pink larkspurs can symbolize a fickle love, purple ones mean first love, and white indicates a happy spirit. These pretty flowers are linked to July birthdays. Waterlilies, which stand for a pure and open heart, or majesty, also represent this month. Shown here: Larkspur 'Guardian Lavender'.
August: Glads
“Remember me” is the message of gladioli, birth flowers for August. The flowers can also mean strength and integrity, while the sword-shaped leaves suggest love-pierced hearts. In ancient times, glads were associated with magical powers.
September: Aster
Fall-blooming asters symbolize a strong and powerful love and are the birth flowers for September. They also indicate faith and wisdom.
October: Marigold
Marigolds, in their rich, autumnal colors, symbolize undying love and represent October birthdays. These pungent-smelling flowers can also mean "I'm thinking of you" or indicate sadness and sympathy.
November: Mum
Chrysanthemums, plants especially prized by Japanese gardeners, stand for November birthdays. White mums signify innocence and purity, while yellow ones indicate that a loved one feels slighted.
December: Narcissus, Holly, Poinsettia
Several plants represent December birthdays, including narcissus (think forced bulbs), hollies and poinsettias. Hollies show a desire for a happy home, while poinsettias stand for good cheer. Narcissus like 'February Gold', shown here, signify modesty and faithfulness.
