February 24, 2025

The Beauty of Birth Month Flowers & Their Meaning

Flowers have long been a way to express love, gratitude, and celebration—but did you know that each month has its own special bloom? Birth month flowers carry unique symbolism, making them a thoughtful and personal way to mark birthdays and special occasions.

At Mahoney’s Garden Centers, our talented florists are creating exclusive Birth Month Arrangements to help you celebrate in a truly meaningful way. Each month, we’ll feature a stunning arrangement inspired by that month’s birth flowers—available only for that month.

Whether you’re gifting a loved one or treating yourself to a bouquet that honors your birth month, these special arrangements are a beautiful way to celebrate all year long. Be sure to stop by and bring home yours before the month ends!

 

January — Carnation

Carnations are the official birth flower for January and symbolize love, fascination, and admiration. The different colors of carnations also carry unique meanings—red carnations represent deep love, pink signifies gratitude, and white symbolizes purity and luck.

• • Carnations have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used in ceremonial crowns.
  • The name “carnation” is believed to come from the Latin word coronare, meaning “to crown,” referencing their use in garlands and decorations.
  • In Christian tradition, legend says that pink carnations first appeared where the Virgin Mary’s tears fell as she watched Jesus carry the cross, which is why they are associated with a mother’s undying love.
  • Carnations are long-lasting cut flowers, often staying fresh for up to two weeks, making them a perfect addition to bouquets and arrangements.

 

February — Iris

The iris represents faith, hope, wisdom, and valor. Its striking form and deep hues have long made it a symbol of royalty, spirituality, and inspiration. The name “iris” comes from the Greek word for rainbow, referencing the many colors irises can bloom in, though purple remains one of the most iconic shades.

• • In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow and a messenger between gods and humans. The flower was named after her, reflecting its divine and ethereal beauty.
  • The iris is the inspiration behind the fleur-de-lis, a symbol of the French monarchy, representing nobility and wisdom.
  • The root of certain iris species (orris root) has been used in perfumes and herbal medicine for centuries.
  • Irises are perennials that thrive in many climates, often returning year after year with even more vibrant blooms.

 

 

March — Daffodil

Daffodils are a symbol of renewal, prosperity, and new beginnings, making them the perfect bloom for March, the start of spring. Their bright yellow petals are often associated with joy, hope, and positivity, and they are seen as a harbinger of warmer days ahead.

• • Daffodils have been cherished for over 1,000 years, with origins tracing back to the Mediterranean. The Greeks and Romans planted them for both decorative and medicinal purposes.
  • In some cultures, gifting a single daffodil is said to bring bad luck, but giving a bouquet ensures happiness and good fortune.
  • Daffodils are one of the earliest flowers to bloom in spring, often appearing while snow is still on the ground.
  • Daffodils are the official flower of the Boston Marathon, symbolizing resilience, hope, and perseverance. Thousands of daffodils bloom along the marathon route each April, offering a bright and uplifting display for runners and spectators alike. Many New England schools and communities also host “Daffodil Day” events, celebrating the arrival of spring through planting projects, fundraisers, and town-wide floral displays.
  • The daffodil is also the emblem of many cancer charities, symbolizing hope and resilience in the fight against the disease.

 

 

 

April — Sweet Pea

 

Sweet peas are known for their delicate beauty and enchanting fragrance, symbolizing gratitude, bliss, and heartfelt pleasure. Their soft, ruffled petals and pastel hues evoke a sense of romance and charm, making them a beloved choice for spring bouquets.

• • Sweet peas were especially popular during the Victorian era, where they were commonly included in bouquets to convey appreciation and kindness.
  • These flowers are famous for their sweet, candy-like scent, which has made them a favorite in perfumes and floral arrangements.
  • In some traditions, sweet peas represent parting and goodbyes, making them a meaningful choice for sending well wishes.
  • Sweet peas thrive in cool spring weather, making them a lovely addition to New England gardens in early to mid-spring. They are often grown on trellises or as cut flowers for their whimsical, trailing vines.
  • Unlike garden peas, sweet peas are purely ornamental—their seeds and pods are toxic if consumed, so they are admired for their beauty rather than their flavor!

 

May — Lily of the Valley

 

Lily of the valley is a delicate yet highly symbolic flower, representing purity, humility, happiness, and a return to joy. Its tiny, bell-shaped blooms emit a sweet fragrance, making it a cherished flower for both celebrations and sentimental occasions.

• • Lily of the valley has been featured in many royal weddings, including Kate Middleton’s bridal bouquet, due to its elegance and symbolism of love and devotion.
  • This flower is one of the earliest perennials to bloom in spring, often appearing in woodlands and shaded gardens as a sign that warmer days are ahead.
  • In France, May 1st is “La Fête du Muguet” (Lily of the Valley Day), where people gift sprigs of the flower as a symbol of good luck and happiness.
  • Despite its delicate appearance, lily of the valley is highly toxic if ingested, making it important to handle with care around pets and small children.
  • Lily of the valley thrives in New England’s cooler climate, often found in shaded gardens, under trees, or in wild forest patches. Its ability to spread quickly makes it a classic ground cover plant for spring landscapes.

 

 

June — Rose

 

Roses are one of the most universally recognized symbols of love, passion, beauty, and honor. With their vast range of colors, each hue carries a different meaning—red for love, pink for gratitude, white for purity, and yellow for friendship.

• • Roses date back more than 35 million years, and ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian cultures referenced them as symbols tied to gods, royalty, and ceremonial life.
  • In 1986, the United States declared the rose its national flower to represent beauty and strength.
  • Shakespeare referenced roses more than 50 times in his works, including the famous line from Romeo and Juliet: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
  • Roses thrive in New England gardens, with many cold-hardy varieties blooming throughout the summer. Climbing roses and shrub roses are especially popular for their resilience in the region’s climate.
  • A thousand-year-old rose growing at Germany’s Hildesheim Cathedral stands as the oldest known living rose bush, proving just how enduring these blooms can be.

 

 

 

July — Delphinium

 

Delphiniums, also known as larkspur, represent positivity, grace, dignity, and strong bonds of love and friendship. Their tall, spiky blooms come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, adding elegance and vibrancy to summer floral arrangements.

• • The name delphinium comes from the Greek word “delphis,” meaning dolphin, as the flower’s buds resemble the shape of a dolphin.
  • Delphiniums have long been a favorite in English cottage gardens, prized for their tall, stately appearance and ability to attract butterflies and bees.
  • In medieval times, people believed delphiniums could ward off evil spirits, so they often planted them near homes for protection.
  • While delphiniums thrive in cooler climates, they require well-draining soil and shelter from strong winds—making them a great choice for protected garden beds in New England.
  • Despite their beauty, delphiniums contain highly toxic compounds, so keep them away from children and animals.

 

August — Poppy

Poppies stand out for their vibrant beauty and carry deep symbolism, often representing remembrance, peace, imagination, and resilience. The different colors of poppies carry distinct meanings. Red symbolizes remembrance and sacrifice, white represents peace, and yellow or orange conveys success and positivity.

• • Red poppies serve as an enduring symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers, inspired by John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields, which describes poppies growing on World War I battlefields.
  • People have grown the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) for thousands of years for medicinal use, though gardeners now grow most varieties purely for ornamental appeal.
  • Varieties like Iceland and oriental poppies thrive in New England’s summers, adding bright color to gardens mid to late season.
  • Poppies bloom briefly, but their self-seeding habit ensures they return each year, often in even greater numbers.
  • In Greek mythology, people associated poppies with Hypnos, the god of sleep, because of their sedative properties. Ancient artists often depicted poppies as symbols of rest and peace.

 

September — Aster

The name aster comes from the Greek word for “star,” reflecting the flower’s delicate, daisy-like petals that radiate in a starburst shape. They symbolize love, wisdom, faith, and strength, which makes them a meaningful bloom for September. In Victorian flower language, people gave asters to express deep affection and admiration.

• • In Greek mythology, asters sprang from the tears of the goddess Astraea, who wept when she saw an empty sky.
  • Asters are among the last perennials to bloom, adding purple, pink, red, and white color as summer turns to fall.
  • Asters are a favorite of bees and butterflies, providing an important nectar source for pollinators before winter.
  • Many native asters thrive in New England, including New England aster, which brightens meadows and roadsides with purple fall blooms.
  • In ancient times, asters decorated altars and wreaths to honor the departed, symbolizing both remembrance and enduring love.

October — Marigold

 

Marigolds stand out for their bold, golden hues and symbolize warmth, creativity, passion, and protection. Their sun-bright petals make them a perfect choice for celebrating autumn’s rich colors.

• Marigolds are central to Día de los Muertos, guiding spirits to loved ones with their bright color and scent.
• Gardeners often plant marigolds as companion plants because their scent helps repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Hindu festivals and weddings feature marigolds as symbols of prosperity, and people weave them into garlands for good luck.
• Marigolds thrive in New England gardens, blooming from summer through late fall and tolerating light frosts with ease.
• Gardeners have long used certain varieties, like pot marigolds (Calendula), in herbal medicine and teas. Their petals are even edible, adding color to salads and dishes.

 

 

November — Chrysanthemum

 

Chrysanthemums, often called “mums,” symbolize joy, longevity, and gratitude. Many cultures associate them with happiness and well-being, giving this bloom special meaning for November celebrations.

• • In Japan, chrysanthemums represent the imperial family, and the nation celebrates them each year during the Festival of Happiness.
  • Mums are among New England’s favorite fall flowers, thriving in cool weather and blooming beautifully through November.
  •  The color of chrysanthemums can change their meaning. Red is for love, yellow for friendship, white for truth, and purple for good wishes.
  • Chrysanthemums often symbolize joy, but in parts of Europe, they represent mourning and honor loved ones in cemeteries.
  • According to a NASA study, chrysanthemums are one of the best air-purifying plants, helping to remove toxins from indoor spaces.

 

December — Narcissus

 

The narcissus, specifically paperwhites, symbolize hope, renewal, and prosperity, making them a perfect December bloom for reflection and new beginnings. Their pure white petals and sweet fragrance bring a sense of elegance and serenity to winter floral arrangements.

• • Narcissus blooms in late winter and early spring and symbolizes new beginnings and rebirth.
  • Greek mythology inspired the flower’s name—Narcissus, the figure who fell in love with his own reflection.
  • People commonly force paperwhites indoors during winter, making them a beloved holiday bloom in homes and festive decorations.
  • In China and the Middle East, people view them as symbols of good luck and prosperity and often give them as gifts for the Lunar New Year.
  • Paperwhites are easy to grow indoors and need only water and pebbles to bloom within 3–5 weeks.

 

Purchase Paperwhite Wishes

 

Celebrate Every Month with Meaningful Blooms

Birth month flowers are a beautiful way to honor life’s special moments, each carrying its own unique symbolism and history. Whether celebrating a birthday, giving a thoughtful gift, or enjoying seasonal blooms, our Birth Month Arrangements make every occasion special.

At Mahoney’s Garden Centers, our Winchester and Tewksbury florists craft each arrangement to highlight every month’s unique flower. These special designs are available all month—stop by and bring home a meaningful bouquet to celebrate someone special.

 

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