Birthdays and flowers - A guide to birth flowers by month

See which flowers are traditionally given based on month of birth

I love learning the birth months of the people I’m close to. Whether it’s discussing star signs or birthstones, I always end up finding some magical connection or revelations. 

So you can imagine how excited I was to find out that there are flowers that are unique to each birth month.

The next time you’re looking for a birthday gift for a friend or family member, consider sending a beautiful bouquet featuring the recipient’s unique birth month flower. 

Bonus points if you include some info on what makes this flower so special, just like your friend!

January - Carnation

Flower Origins:

Some scholars suggest that the name carnation comes from the old English word corone (flower garlands) or "coronation" because of its use in Greek ceremonial crowns. 

Others say it's derived from the Latin word carnis, meaning “flesh” – in reference to the flower's original pinkish-hued color.

Although carnations are the birth flower for January, they are also the symbolic flower of Mother’s Day.

Flower Meaning:

Carnations have many flower meanings, often associated with a particular colour.

Solid colour – Yes, Fascination, Womanly love, Devoted love

Pink – Gratitude, I’ll never forget you.

Purple – Capriciousness

Red – My heart aches for you, Admiration, Flashy

Striped – Sorry I can’t be with you, Wish I could be with you, No, Refusal

White – Remembrance, Sweet and lovely, Pure love, Woman’s good luck gift

Yellow – Cheerful, You have disappointed me, Rejection

Flower Availability:

Westmount Florist does not normally carry carnations, however we’d be happy to help you find an alternative that will be just as pleasing.

February - Iris

Flower Origins:

Irises are native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region. The Iris takes its name from the Greek goddess Iris, who transported messages between mortals and Mount Olympus.

Flower Meaning:

– Your friendship means so much to me

– Faith, Hope, Wisdom and Valor

Flower Availability:

Summer

Celebrating a February birthday?

Irises aren’t available in Montreal, in February , but we create lots of birthday arrangements in February. They are always a huge hit!

March - Daffodil

Flower Origins:

Daffodils seem to mean different things to different cultures worldwide.

In the West, daffodils symbolize vanity. in the East, they symbolize fortune and prosperity.

These symbolisms are linked to well-known legends.

The source of daffodils symbolizing vanity comes from the Greek myth of Narcissus, the man who died of starvation while staring at his reflection in a pond. It is said that when Narcissus died, his body turned into a daffodil flower – or more precisely, a Narcissus, the flower’s scientific name.

 The source of daffodils symbolizing fortune and prosperity comes from the Chinese legend where it is said that a poor but good man was given cups of gold every morning from this flower.

 Flower Meaning:

– Regard, You’re the only one, Affection returned

– Unrequited love, Desire, Love me

Flower Availability:

These flowers are available in Late winter and spring.

Celebrating a March birthday?

Our birthday arrangement will make the perfect gift.

April - Daisy

Flower Origin:

The lily of the valley has always been a favorite of royalty. Just look at the bridal bouquets of both Princess Diana and Princess Kate. 

In the wild, lilies of the valley can be found throughout much of temperate Europe. A Christian legend states that Mary’s tears turned to lily of the valley when she cried at the crucifixion of Jesus.

Flower Meaning:

– Sweetness

– Return to happiness, humility

– You’ve made my life complete

Flower Availability: 

Year round

Shopping for the perfect gift for someone who’s celebrating a birthday in May?

Explore all our lily bouquets and vase arrangements 

June - Rose

Flower Origin:

The rose is one of the most famous and beloved of all flowers. These timelessly beautiful blooms originated more than 4,000 years ago in the fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Middle East.

Flower Meaning:

Red – classical expression of romantic love

Pink – sending thanks, cheering up a friend, or recognizing a romantic occasion

White – conveys respect, pays homage to new starts and expresses hope for the future

Orange – passionately intense way to say thanks, congratulations or I love you

Yellow – to toast friends, lift spirits and send a general wish for well-being

Flower Availability:

Year-round

Find the perfect rose birthday bouquet - any colour or size!

Explore all our rose bouquets and vase arrangements

July - Delphinium 

Flower Origin:

Larkspur AKA - Delphinium is an old-fashioned perianal flower admired for its tall spires in shades of pink, red, yellow, blue, purple which have adorned cottages for a long time.

These flowers are thought to have earned the common name of larkspur because each bloom contains an elongated petal that looks like a spur (the pointed metal star on the heel of a cowboy boot).

Flower Meaning:

– Love, Affection, Strong attachment

– Lightness, Sweet disposition, Pure heart

– Desire for laughter

Flower Availability:

All year 

Looking for the perfect gift for a July birthday?

We recommend our summer arrangements. A burst of summertime burst in a gorgeous package!

August - Dahlia

Flower Origin: 

Dahlias are native to Central America and are the national flower of Mexico. 

The origins of the name dahlia are unclear. According to one story, Carl Linnaeus, the father of taxonomy, named the flower after a student with the last name of Dahl, although Linnaeus is said to have died before the flower was given its name. 

Some scientists have advocated renaming the bloom to its Latin name, Georgina.

Flower Meaning: 

Red – provides recipient power and strength

Pink and purple – kindness and grace

White – staying focused and pure

Blue and green – fresh starts and big changes

Black (which is actually burgundy) – warning of betrayal

Flower Availability: 

LATE SUMMER - FALL

Need a great August birthday present?

Give us a call and we'll create a custom bouquet or arrangement full of Dahlias!

September - Aster

Flower Origin: 

The Aster takes its name from the Latin word Stella meaning “star” and refers to the flower’s star-like head. 

Asters are found in many Greek myths and legends. When the god Jupiter decided to flood the earth to destroy the warring men, the goddess Astraea was so upset that she asked to be turned into a star. Her wish was granted, but when the flood waters receded, she wept for the sight of so many lost lives. As her tears turned to stardust and fell to Earth, the beautiful aster flower sprung forth.

 Flower Meaning: 

– Patience

– Love of variety

– Elegance

– Daintiness

– Afterthought (or the wish that things happened differently)

Flower Availability: 

Fall

 Got a loved one celebrating their birthday in September?

May we suggest our Colourful Designer's Choice Vase Arrangement - the perfect end-of-summer birthday flower arrangement.

October - Marigold

 

 Flower Origin: 

The common name Marigold comes from the plant’s use as an offering to the Virgin Mary in the place of gold coins.

Marigolds were also offered as a sacrifice to the gods in the Christian, Aztec, Buddhist, Hindu, and Pagan religions. They are strongly tied to the sun and its power to resurrect.

The vibrant orange and gold hues of marigolds makes them a bright addition to any fall decor. 

 Flower Meaning: 

– Creativity and the drive to succeed

– Desire for wealth

– Sacred offerings to the Gods

– Remembering and celebrating the dead

– Promoting cheer and good relations in a relationship

Flower Availability: 

Fall

Got a loved one celebrating their birthday in October?

Give us a call and we'll let you know if have marigolds on hand to make your perfect fall birthday flower arrangement.

November - Chrysanthemum

Flower Origin: 

The word chrysanthemum comes from the Greek words Chrysos, meaning “gold,” and Anthemon, meaning “flower”. Combined, they reflect the beauty and value of this fall blossom. This name carries over to the Chinese and Japanese translations, which literally mean gold flower or blossom as well.

Flower Meaning: 

– Lasting friendship and non-romantic affection

– Support from family and loved ones

– Cheerfulness and good spirits, including cheering up a sad person

– Rest and recovery after a long trial or challenge

– Enduring the birth of a child

– Loyalty and devotion

Flower Availability: 

Fall

Looking for a birthday present for a November birthday?

Gift them with an one of a kind birthday arrangements. Call either our Westmount or Pointe-Claire stores and our Florists will be happy to oblige! 

December - Poinsettia

Flower Origin: 

Also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, it's said that the poinsettia’s strong connection with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend. 

According to the legend, a boy wanted to leave flowers at the church altar on Christmas Eve, but didn’t have money to pay for them, so he gathered weeds instead. The congregation witnessed a miracle as the weeds turned into stunning red and green flowers.

Flower Meaning: 

– Good cheer, mirth and celebration

– Success for the holiday season

Flower Availability: 

Winter

 Looking for a December birthday present that won’t end up in the closet?

Surprise them with our potted poinsettias in red or white — the perfect gift for a December birthday and the over holiday season.