Birth Month Flowers: The Flower for Every Month
Every month has its own birth flower, from January carnations to December narcissus. Find the flower for each month and how to use it in a birthday gift.
Most people know their birthstone, but did you know that every month also has its own flower? Birth month flowers are a lovely way to make a birthday bouquet personal. Below you will find the traditional flower for each month, what it means and how to turn it into a gift.
- Origin: mainly British and American traditions; lists vary slightly.
- Easiest months: June (rose) and January (carnation) are widely available.
- Trick: if the flower is hard to find, use its colour or explain it in the card.
- Careful: lily of the valley (May) is very toxic if eaten.
The birth flower for every month
| Month | Birth flower | Traditional meaning |
|---|---|---|
| January | Carnation, snowdrop | Love, admiration, hope |
| February | Violet, primrose | Modesty, loyalty |
| March | Daffodil | New beginnings |
| April | Daisy, sweet pea | Innocence, gratitude |
| May | Lily of the valley, hawthorn | Happiness, sweetness |
| June | Rose, honeysuckle | Love, devotion |
| July | Larkspur, water lily | Lightness, openness |
| August | Gladiolus, poppy | Strength, character |
| September | Aster, morning glory | Wisdom, love |
| October | Marigold, cosmos | Warmth, harmony |
| November | Chrysanthemum | Friendship, long life |
| December | Narcissus, holly | Hope, good wishes |
Month by month: gift ideas
January: carnation
Easy. Carnations are available all year and last for weeks. See carnations and our carnation guide.
February to April: spring flowers
Violets, daffodils and daisies are mostly garden and pot flowers. For a bouquet, spring mixes with tulips capture the same fresh spirit. See tulips.
May: lily of the valley
Delicate and fragrant, but very toxic if eaten. A soft white bouquet with a card mentioning the birth flower is a safe and charming alternative.
June: rose
The easiest month of all. Choose a colour that fits your relationship. See roses and rose colour meanings.
July to October: summer and autumn colour
Larkspur, gladioli, asters and marigolds share a bright, warm palette. Sunflowers and gerberas make good substitutes. See sunflowers and gerberas.
November: chrysanthemum
Officially the November flower, but in Germany it is linked with graves and All Saints Day. Read chrysanthemums in Germany before you give a bunch on its own.
December: narcissus and holly
Festive and wintry. A Christmas arrangement or a white winter bouquet suits December birthdays. See our Christmas collection.
Combine with birthday customs
In Germany, birthday wishes and gifts should never arrive early. Read German birthday etiquette, and see our birthday flowers guide for choosing the right size and style.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
A flower traditionally associated with the month someone was born in, similar to a birthstone.
No. The best-known lists come from British and American traditions, and some months have two flowers or local variations.
The rose, which makes June birthdays easy to celebrate.
Use the flower's colour or meaning instead, or choose the month's second flower. A personal card explaining the idea makes it special.
Lily of the valley (May) is very toxic if eaten, especially to pets and small children. Keep it out of reach.
The chrysanthemum. In Germany it is also associated with graves, so you may prefer to mention it in the card rather than give a bunch.
Shop related products
Flowers and gifts that go with this article. Delivery is a flat €7 anywhere in Germany.
Magnificent Elegance - Lovely Pink White BouquetEUR 220
Pinky All The WayEUR 184
Pink Carnations Make a Pinky WishEUR 124
Triple SunshineEUR 75
