Interesting Facts About Birth Flowers and Their Meaning

Author:
Denise Handlon
Updated date:
Aug 28, 2021

Denise is a psychiatric nurse. She is passionate about writing, photography, travel, cooking, holistic health, adventure, and family.

A bed of zinnias bring a rainbow of color
Denise Handlon

The Beauty of Flowers

Rare is the person who does not enjoy the beauty of flowers. Sure, there is the annoyance of these colorful gems during springtime for anyone who suffers from allergies . . . and, for the most pragmatic among us, the impracticality of bringing into the home a bouquet of cut flowers only to have them wither and die a short time later seems absurd. But, for the average person, flowers bring happiness.

A simple splash of color can warm a room, and whether we sneak them from our neighbor’s garden, pick them from a field or spend exuberant amounts of money on a floral arrangement, the beauty of flowers is a natural artist palette of color. Red, yellow, pink in various shades, and blues merging into purples…whatever color one can imagine the Almighty Gardener has provided it. And, always, there are rich hues of green surrounding the delicate bud, petals, or cup on a stem.

"A single rose in a crystal vase set beside the bedside"—what a statement this makes to one who has romantic intentions. And compare this simple message to the vision of a scattering of rose petals strewn upon the bed. Or a dozen, long-stemmed, red roses hand-delivered to the beloved. Three examples of how one flower, the rose, can make an impression.

Do You Know Your Birth Month Flower?

Many people follow their birth month’s gemstone and assigned flower. How each month came to receive a particular flower is probably based on the natural growing period of that flower during a particular season and, thus, its availability. For instance, one of the (four) flowers that are associated with the month of December is the poinsettias. The poinsettia has long been associated with Christmas, a Christian holy day of celebrating the birth of Christ, which falls in December.

Iris is February's birth flower and symbolizes inspiration.
Denise Handlon

Popular Flowers and Their Meanings


Flower	Meaning
Sunflower	Adoration
Orchid	Delicate beauty
Pansy	Loving thoughts
Sweet pea	Shyness
Black-eyed Susan	Encouragement
Lilac	First love
Poppy	Consolation
Ivy	Fidelity

Birth Flowers: January–April

January: Carnation

The carnation has a number of different meanings depending on its color. It is a long-lasting flower often placed in men’s lapels. The hardy carnation is frequently chosen for proms and weddings. The pink carnation means gratitude.

February: Iris or Violet

It is interesting that both of these flowers are purple. Since the amethyst is February’s birthstone, one can make an assumption that this was an intentional selection based on color. The iris represents inspiration, while violets symbolize faithfulness.

March: Daffodil

Oh, the bright, joyous color of the brave daffodil-one of the first flowers to poke its head out of the cold ground on the cusp of spring. The daffodil means chivalry. William Wordsworth was so taken by the sunny daffodil during one of his walks with his sister that he penned a poem honoring it. Wordsworth's poem, "I wandered lonely as a cloud," is more commonly known as "The Daffodils." Here is the first stanza:

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils.

April: Daisy or Peony

At a very young I've been attracted to the daisy. This hardy wildflower grows along roadsides and abundantly in meadows, as well as being a perfect summer flower to grow in the garden. Its layers of white, surrounding the soft, golden center, has been a favorite of mine for years.

Do you remember this rhyme: "He loves me; he loves me not" as petals were plucked from their center? With the last petal standing alone, one was supposed to have the answer to her lover’s true intentions. Daisies portray innocence or purity, and the peony is the symbol of healing.