Birthday flowers by month

Looking to send the perfect gift for a special someone’s birthday? Depending on the birth month, different flowers symbolize unique characteristics and qualities, so send a gift that’s original, special and extraordinary just like they are.  

January 

Carnation (pride, health and energy)

January's birth month flowers are carnations. They are thought to be one of the oldest cultivated flowers in the world. Carnations come in a wide variety of colors and each means something different. 

Red carnation symbolizes deep love and admiration.

Pink carnations show that the sender will never forget the receiver. 

Purple carnations symbolize capriciousness.

Striped carnations mean "sorry I can't be with you". 

White carnations show pure love and good luck! 

There are different theories on how this flower was named. One theory was that the carnation was named for coronation, because of how the carnations were used to make ceremonial crowns, or flower garlands, in Greece. It is also thought to be derived from the Latin word “incarnation,” meaning the incarnation of God in the flesh. According to a Christian legend, carnations grew from the Virgin Mary’s tears as she watched Jesus carry the cross. This is how they became associated with motherly love. 

Carnations have a history of being brewed into tea to help reduce stress and restore energy. Carnation tea has also been used to reduce fever and treat stomach aches. In addition to tea, carnation oil is used in beauty products to moisturize skin, minimize wrinkles, and treat skin conditions. Carnations grown, cultivated and dried into tea brews have also been used to treat minor depression and fatigue. In aromatherapy, carnation essential oil is useful to boost mood, to remove negative feelings and creates a sense of peace and calm. 

February 

Iris (faithfulness, wisdom and hope)

February's flower is Iris. Iris was named after the Greek goddess who is considered to be the messenger of love and uses the rainbow to travel. Iris has been used as a symbol of royalty. Irises come in a wide variety of beautiful colors, but the ones most commonly used in floral arrangements come in blues, purples, yellows and whites. 

The Iris also has many practical purposes. Its roots have a long history of use in herbal medicine, and Native Americans used the fibers from the outer edges of the leaves to make strong ropes and fishing nets. The juice of the fresh roots of Iris, bruised with wine, has been employed as a strong purge of great efficiency in dropsy. Iris roots are used to treat skin diseases and sometimes used as a cosmetic for the removal of freckles on the skin. The fresh root of the Iris is chiefly used in the dry state, being said to be good for complaints of the lungs, for coughs and hoarseness, but is now more valued for the pleasantness of its violet-like perfume than for any other use. Iris flowers are used as a liver purge.

March

Daffodil (unrequited love, spring and rebirth)

Daffodils, the birth flower of March! They symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings and is virtually synonymous with spring. In Wales, it's said if you spot the first daffodil of the season, your next 12 months will be filled with wealth, and Chinese legend has it that if a daffodil bulb is forced to bloom during the New Year, it will bring good luck to your home.

Daffodil flowers have a trumpet-shaped structure set against a star-shaped background and its botanical name is Narcissus. 

It named Narcissus either from the myth of the youth Narcissus who was so enamored with his own reflection that he ignored the poor nymph who loved him and died. The narcissus flower grew where he died. However Pliny says that the narcissus family gets the name from the Greek “narkao” which means to be numb.

This plant is poisonous and contains atropine as does the snowdrop. It also has caused death by paralysis of the central nervous system to animals which have eaten the plant. Despite its toxic properties it has been used as an emetic to cause vomiting and purge the body. This emetic has been given in the form of powdered flowers or bulb. An infusion used to be made of the root or flowers or sometimes they were included in syrup for pulmonary catarrh. The bulb is narcotic and depresses the nervous system. It has been used in the treatment of hysterical affections and even epilepsy with some effect. 

The flowers are harvested are less powerful than the bulbs but are also considered to be antispasmodic and are useful in relieving the congestive bronchial catarrh of children and also useful in cases of epidemic dysentery. Daffodils are known for the treatment of the early stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Also natural extract from the daffodil has cancer-killing properties.

April

Daisy (innocence of youth, simplicity)

Daisies, April’s flowers! A daisy represents not only happiness, but also innocence and purity. They are usually linked to children or newborns. These flowers were often used in flower arrangements as gifts for children and their parents. If you are looking for a perfect gift for someone who just had a child, then look no further because the Daisy flower is going to be the perfect gift. This flower symbolizes innocence because it is also a symbol of new beginning and we all know that children are our hope for a better day and are new beginnings and hope for the future. 

Daisies seem happy, with their sun-like center surrounded by delicate petals it looks a bit like a bright sun beaming through a cloud. Even just to look at a daisy, one can get a simple, positive vibe. However, daisies can be eaten and are even medicinal. Its leaves and petals are edible and it can also be brewed as a tea to soothe sore throats, bronchitis and stomach aches. Wild daisies are also sometimes applied to the skin for wounds and diseases.

May

Lily of the valley (restored happiness, royalthy)

May's birth flower is Lily of the Valley. According to some Christian legends, Lily flowers sprang from the tears of Virgin Mary, when Jesus was crucified. It is also said that flowers were produced as a result of Eve’s tears when she was driven away with Adam from the Garden of Eden.

The bell-shaped flowers are attractive and with their sweet, strong scent, they are highly desirable. These fragrant flowers used in religious ceremonies, world celebrations, perfumes and in gardens. The flowers, when dried, also emit a strange yet pleasant scent and are often sold at higher rates in some parts of the world. In fact, Duchess of Cambridge’s bridal bouquet was made of Lily of the valley flowers on the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. The flowers were also chosen by Princess Grace Kelly as a part of her bridal bouquet.

It is thought that this flower has some medicinal benefits like enhancing memory, or improving speech; however, all parts of this flower are poisonous and could create great illness or paralysis when ingested. Similarly, when flowers are mixed with almond or olive oil, the infusion is used as essentials oil in Chinese traditional medicine. Lily of the valley is treated as diuretic and heart tonic. Flowers were used by the pheasants to remove kidney stones.

June

Rose (classic beauty and love)

Perhaps the most popular flowers, roses are the birth month flowers of June. Roses come in many different colors and varieties and have always been a timeless symbol of love, and beauty. Roses most often exemplify beautiful thoughts of friendship, love, and joy. 

In mythology, rose meaning is associated with the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite who was often depicted adorned with roses around her body. The most common interpretation is that the rose symbolizes an immortal love or a union that will never fade – even through time or death. For Christians, a rose bush was said to have grown at the site of Christ’s death. His blood serving is often associated with a red rose, combined with its thorns is thus symbolized the ultimate sacrifice.

The fruit of a rose is called a rose hip. Rose hips of certain species are extremely high in vitamin C. It is due to this that the hip is often made into jam, jelly, or brewed for tea. Rose hips also have minor medicinal uses such as antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and antibacterial among others. They are used in food supplements and can be pressed or filtered to make rose hip syrup. Hip seed oil is also used in skin products and makeup products.

July

Larkspur (cheer and hilarity)

July's flower is larkspur! The Larkspur, also known as Delphinium, is a perennial that blooms in the summer. Its genus name, delphinium, comes from the Greek word for dolphin because the plant was said to resemble a dolphin’s nose. With its lush, dolphin-shaped flowers, the delphinium or larkspur symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment. 

This flower symbolizes swiftness and lightness after the Lark bird in flight. Since these flowers symbolize an open heart, they can be easily associated with strong romantic feelings. Each color variation in these flowers has a different meaning. 

Pink larkspurs convey fickleness; white flowers signify a happy nature and the purple flowers represent first love or a sweet disposition. 

Larkspur flower is often used as a medicine, but in carefully small amounts, for it has toxic qualities. It is said that drinking the juice of the seed of this flower can help the sting from a scorpion. Also, putting this juice in your hair can actually help in killing lice and nits. In the past the juice of these flowers was also used for making blue ink. Larkspur is poisonous if ingested, and is responsible for many cattle deaths in areas where it grows wild in pastures. It is also said to have medicinal and magical properties and has been used to cure eye diseases, asthma, dropsy, and head lice. It was also believed to provide protection against lightning, and, in Transylvania, it was planted around stables, allegedly to keep witches away.

August

Gladiolus (strong character, ready-armed)

The August birth month flower is Gladiolus. Symbolizing strength and moral integrity, gladioli also represent infatuation and the strength of character. They also are the symbol of fond remembrance and honor and are often included in funeral sprays for this reason. Its name comes from Latin "gladius" meaning "sword" for its sword shaped leaves. This flower has also represented the Roman gladiators who carried swords.

Grown between July and September, the gladiolus requires full sunlight and is easy to grow and care for. For this reason and because of its stunning beauty, these flowers are extremely popular in cultivation and hybridization. A tall stalk of flowers branching coming in a rainbow of colors is the best way to describe the gladiolus. They are simply seen as a symbol of fond remembrance and honor and are often included in funeral sprays for this reason.

Some medicinal uses are to cure common colds, diarrhea, painful menstruation, and constipation. The alkaloids in the plant are responsible for its antifungal properties.

September

Aster (charm of love, patience)

Aster is the birth month flower of September. The Aster, one of the more exotic flowers, has unique ideas attached to its petals. With their wildflower beauty and lush texture, asters have long been considered an enchanted flower. Today, they're known as a talisman of love and a symbol of patience.  With the vast array of colors and sizes that Asters, this beautiful flower is often used as a filler flower in bouquets and arrangements. Not only are they lovely, these flowers will not fade as quickly as other flowers in arrangements. The Monte Casino is a popular Aster. 

In China, the aster signifies fidelity. The name "aster" has Latin origins meaning "star". Many stories tell the origins of the Aster, but the most popular ancient myth explains how asters were created from stardust as Virgo, also known as Astraea, the goddess of innocence cries over sin on earth. Her tears fell as stardust, covering the earth with asters. This myth gives light to the Aster's star-like beauty and shape.

With their lush texture, rich hues and wildflower beauty, it's easy to see why asters have had a long association with magical powers. In ancient times, it was believed that when aster leaves burned, their perfume could drive away evil. 

October

Marigold (warm, fierce)

With their rich, autumn-colored hues, marigolds or calendula are the quintessential October birth flower. Because this flower shows its open face only when the sun shines, it is known as the "herb of the sun", and can symbolize passion. The gold hue also harks to the mane of a lion, hinting at its other symbolism: that of bravery and courage. But beware! The marigold can also have undercurrents of cruelty, grief, jealousy and greed! 

Dried, the marigold or calendula can spice up and brighten up a salad. This flower can be used as many herbal medicinal remedies for headaches, toothaches, stomachaches, fever reducers and menstrual cramps. It can reduce swelling in insect bites, sprains, jaundice, sore eyes, wounds and other skin irritations when the calendula is made into an ointment. Lip balms can be made to soothe chapped lips as well. The calendula's bright colors ranging from gold to bright orange have also been boiled to make brilliant dyes for fabrics, cosmetics and food.

The calendula, or marigold (referred to as "Mary's Gold" by early Christians), was considered a sacred flower. Garlands of marigolds were crafted and strung around the necks of the holy saint statues. These brilliant flowers decorated the statue of the Virgin Mary as if they were the sun and stars surrounding her. Its floral meaning is associated with "winning grace." In ancient times, garlands of marigolds protected homes from evil by being strung at doorsteps. It was once thought that placing these garlands under a bed would cause the sleeping person to have prophetic dreams.

Brilliant and colorful, with a late-harvest warmth and a broad open bloom, marigolds signify affection and grace. Marigolds do not survive when cut so instead send a fall arrangement to those born in October.

November

Chrysanthemum (absolute truth and fidelity)

Chrysanthemum is the November's birth month flower. It's hard to believe that this vivacious bloom is a part of the daisy family, but indeed it is. The lore that surrounds the chrysanthemum is also quite fascinating! Not only do many legends and folk stories include this famous flower, but the Japanese even have a festival celebrating its beauty called "Festival of Happiness"! No doubt this gives you a clue to its meaning too; optimism and joy. Chrysanthemums, a symbol of the sun, have held many noble positions in ancient cultures. The Japanese consider the orderly unfolding of their petals to represent perfection, and Confucius suggested they be used as an object of meditation. It's said that a single petal of this celebrated flower placed at the bottom of a wine glass will encourage a long and healthy life. 

Red for love, white for truth, yellow for the slightest love, but in general, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes cheerfulness and optimism. The Chrysanthemum blooms in the fall, bringing extra cheer to a colder climate when most flowers take a break. Associated with the dead, this flower has popularity at funerals or to the bereaved in time of need. From this popularity, it was once thought that bringing the Chrysanthemum indoors meant a wishful death. Originating in China, the Chrysanthemum is considered one of the four noble plants among bamboo, the plum, and the orchid. It was once thought that drinking from a stream that flowed between Chrysanthemums would help a person live to be 100. From this myth came Chrysanthemum tea, wine and medicine to encourage a healthy, long life.

December

Poinsettia (faithfulness, modesty and respect)

December's birth month flowers vary, as do the others, depending on who you ask, and what country you happen to be in. The consensus usually agrees upon the narcissus, holly and poinsettias. However, December has long been attributed to a vast many celebrations thanks to Christmas and what would Christmas be without those brilliant red bundles of holly and poinsettias? 

It would make sense that holly has some Christian overtones then. The prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns. In Scandinavia it is known as the Christ Thorn." "The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red colored leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.

Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico and amateur botanist, introduced the Poinsettia to the United States in 1928. The bright red, pink, or white colors of the Poinsettia, which are perceived as the petals of the flower, are really leaves called bracts. This plant is sold in pots during the holiday season, yet with special attention, the Poinsettia can grow to enormous sizes. This plant is known as a short day plant because it grows best when the nights are long and the days are short.

Also known as the Christmas flower, legend has it that poinsettias began as a humble weed. When a little girl – with no means for a grander gift – placed weeds on a church altar, they turned into brilliant red blooms. Symbolizing good cheer and merriment, the December birth flower poinsettia plant is a fitting tribute to December’s joyful celebrations.

It was once thought that the Poinsettia is a poisonous threat to pets and small children. There is no evidence that the Poinsettia is a hazard. However, eating large amounts of the plant will cause upset in the digestive system.

Find online at anthemionflowers.com the perfect flower to offer to your loved ones on their birthday and beyond. Choose from a wide range of fresh flowers and plants for any style of recipient and all occasions. Send gifts from flower shops around the world.