Birth MonthFlower
If you’re searching online for thoughtful birthday gifts you may have stumbled across birth month flowers.
We’ve gathered all the UK birth month flowers in one spot just for you. Whether you’re looking for the January bloom, the July flower, or the birth flower of December, we’ve got all the details you need to make their birthday gift that little bit more special.
What are birth flowers?
Before we dive into the different birth flowers by month, let’s clear up what these are all about. For every month of the year, there are flowers chosen to represent the month you are born.
There are usually two blooms to represent each month and they’re a little like star signs. Each month has flowers assigned to it which are typically chosen because they grow at that time of year. However, when you start to look at the fact that blooms symbolise different meanings, you realise that these birth month flowers are very closely linked to the personality traits of the person born in that month.
January
Let’s kick things off with our New Year, January babies! Even though the ground is cold at this time of year, there are still some plucky flowers braving the winter months.
First up, we’ve got snowdrops. With their white, bell-shaped blooms gracefully drooping from long, narrow stems, they’re a perfect symbol of resilience. Like snowdrops braving the frost, January-born babies are great at overcoming challenges. Nothing is too hard once they set their minds to it. Snowdrops are also a sign of new beginnings; when they break through the frozen ground, it’s a sure sign that brighter days are coming.
Now, here’s one your January birthday person will totally adore, carnations! Okay, we know these beauties don’t exactly bloom in the UK in January, but their vibe seamlessly matches January babies. This flower is all about being quirky, independent and free-spirited – a lot like this carnation flower which is available in an unbelievable range of colours.
February
With February being the month of love, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the rose would be the birth month flower. In fact, there are two gorgeous choices and we're all about the purple blooms.
The first February birth month flower is the iris, an absolute beauty! Irises can be spotted by their stylish blooms, which feature one upright petal and three drooping petals. In fact, this flower is so unique it is said to have been a symbol of French royalty since the Middle Ages, and the symbol of France, the fleur-de-lis, was inspired by this bloom.
Next up are violets. These are among the earliest flowers to appear in the year, bringing a touch of colour to our cold, frosty mornings. The meaning of violets is often linked to faithfulness and modesty (hence the term "shrinking violet" to describe someone shy). What we do know is that this flower is pretty useful and has been used in herbal medicine to treat anything from headaches to depression and even insomnia.
March
March’s birth month flowers are really a no-brainer because they can be spotted shining bright all over the countryside during this month. Step up our spring bunnies and in case you haven’t guessed it this month is all about daffodils and jonquils.
We know what you’re going to say, surely daffodils and jonquils are the same flowers - not quite. Yes, they both belong to the same family of flowers but there are slight differences. Daffodils have very distinctive large, yellow trumpet-shaped heads with sword-like leaves.
Jonquils may look very similar to daffodils, but they are definitely not the same flower. Think of them more like a close cousin and there are slight differences between the two. Jonquils are typically found growing wild in hot places near the Mediterranean Sea and usually feature smaller flowers in simple colours (typically only in white or yellow) with a darker centre. They also have darker and narrower leaves which look a little bit like chives. While daffodils have one flower per stem, jonquils can have up to five! Plus, they boast a much stronger scent that has even been used as a base for perfume!
April
Anyone born in April is lucky. Not only do they get to celebrate your birthday during that lovely mix of spring and summer, but they also have a choice of two beautiful, cheerful flowers to represent your month!
Let’s start with the glorious daisy. Not only are these flowers gorgeous in their simplicity, but there are also plenty of different varieties to choose from. From the simple common daisy to the multiple layers of the English variety and even a pop of colour with the gerbera, there is a wide choice available. The one thing that connects them all? It’s the fact they all have a bright yellow centre with a tightly packed halo of petals.
The second April birth flower is the powerfully fragrant sweet pea. Don’t they smell divine? These flowers are popular for decorating teepees, fences, and arches, thanks to their climbing ability, which adds beautiful height to any garden. They’re also adored for their colourful, ruffled petals that come in a stunning mix of shades like red, pink, purple, and white all from a single plant.
May
We have to admit it, May-born babies are just a bunch of sweethearts! Like the warmer weather, they’re adored wherever they go and bring great company to those around them. A lot like the May birth month flowers – lily of the valley and hawthorn.
The lily of the valley is an elegant flower that has made its mark throughout history. Legend has it that at the crucifixion of Jesus, these flowers sprouted where his mother Mary’s tears hit the ground. Since 1967 it has been the national flower of Finland while over in France they give bouquets of these flowers to celebrate International Labor Day. It's also a favourite with our royals. It was a favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth II and has featured in many royal British wedding bouquets over the decades. Phew, not bad for a delicate-looking flower!
The second option for the May birth month flower isn’t one you’d usually think of. That’s because this one typically grows amongst hedgerows. However, it’s well chosen for the month because the hawthorn is also known as the May Tree or May Flower. An apt name considering the flowers simply bursts forward during May. It’s not a bad flower to choose as a birthday gift – did you know the hawthorn is a symbol of faith and longevity?
June
Summer has finally arrived, and we’re all ready to soak up that much-needed Vitamin D! Babies born this month are in for a treat because there are two blooms perfect for adding a touch of beauty to the celebrations.
To start, we have the classic rose. That’s right, those born in June get the honour of having one of the most popular and beloved flowers in the world as their birth month flower! Did you know that the rose is packed full of different meanings? Go with a yellow rose and it’s sending out a message of friendship while an orange rose is all about joy. Go with white and you’re showing loyalty, but pink is showing your thanks and of course, the red rose is all about love. So, not only will you be spoilt for choice choosing between the different flower shapes (you can choose anything from flat to cupped, rounded to pompoms) but you can also choose a colour to give your bouquet real meaning.
The second choice is the lovely honeysuckle. Known for its stunning trumpet-shaped flowers and sweet vanilla scent, honeysuckle is a favourite in cottage gardens and country homes. Plus, as the name suggests it’s a big hit with pollinators since it’s packed with nectar. Even better, the shape of this flower is perfect for bees with long tongues, like the garden bumblebee. After it's done flowering, this climbing shrub produces berries that birds love.
July
Ah, the glorious months of July. Time to (hopefully) welcome in the sunshine and enjoy a day on the beach, it’s summer baby. With the gardens absolutely bursting at this time of year, there are certainly plenty of blooms that could have been chosen for the July birth month flower. It’s no wonder we’ve got two slightly unusual ones to choose from - larkspur and water lily.
Now, if you recognise larkspur but not the name, it could be down to the fact that they are also called delphiniums. These have become a firm staple in UK cottage gardens which has probably been helped by King Charles announcing them as his favourite flower. These striking members of the Ranunculaceae family are prized for their tall, sophisticated blooms that tower gracefully over gardens. As if it couldn’t get any better, each stem bursts with a cascade of flowers in shades of blue, dusky pink, purple, and white.
Next on the list is the water lily. You might be wondering, how on earth you gift a water lily if they don’t have a pond? Don’t worry, they can grow happily in a container. All you need to do is add to the pot some garden soil or aquatic garden soil to plant the waterlily then place a few small rocks to keep the soil in place, and add water (use dechlorinated or pond water if possible). It’s that simple! Once grown, their glossy, round lily pads and colourful, cup-shaped flowers make for a charming and delightful display.
August
Although those born in August are often the youngest in the school year (well, at least in the UK), don’t let this fact fool you. This lot are determined. Anyone born in the first half of this month is known to be confident, independent people, who know exactly what they want! While those born in the second half of the month are honest, loyal and compassionate. What a mix of personalities, it’s no wonder they have two very different birth month flowers.
Let’s start with the bold gladioli. With their bright colours and bold shape, this is a flower that practically shouts, “Look at me!”. With their tall stems packed full of almost orchid-like blooms, you can guarantee these flowers will grab your attention when sitting in a vase.
Now for the complete opposite with the equally beautiful but slightly quieter, poppy. With their striking papery petals set against a dark centre, these flowers are unmistakable. Although we are used to seeing them growing across the UK countryside in their signature red, it is possible to get these flowers in purple, coral, pink and even lilac.
September
We’re pretty sure most of you have scrolled straight to this section - how do we know? September is the most popular month for births in the UK! And if you’re wondering which day gets the most birthday celebrations, it’s the 26th. On that day alone, an average of 2,000 babies are born, compared to the yearly daily average of around 1,800!
Now, let’s talk about September’s birth month flowers. First up is the aster, also known as the September flower. For anyone who fancies a splash of floral autumn colour, then this is the flower for you. If you haven’t seen one before, they look very similar to the daisy but with long, pointy petals and a cheerful yellow centre. They also come in all kinds of colours to add a splash to your vase.
The second birth flower for September is the morning glory, which is almost as magical as it sounds. It’s all down to the trumpet-shaped blooms which open up at sunrise to deliver a glorious display. But as the warmth of the day creeps in, the flowers fade away (usually by the afternoon). But don’t worry, this tough little plant produces fresh flowers every single day, keeping the beauty going for months.
October
Ahh, isn’t October such a cosy month? That wonderful mix of Halloween magic and crisp autumn vibes fills the air, along with stunning warm colours that are absolutely to die for.
Speaking of those autumn hues, it’s no surprise the marigold is October’s birth month flower. Its rich, golden tones practically scream autumn! A bunch of marigolds in a vase can instantly brighten your space, adding a touch of warmth and joy to your home during the darker months. Fun fact, did you know you can eat them? It’s no wonder the famous herbalist Nicholas Culpeper in 1653 called marigolds "herbs of the sun".
But wait, there’s another October birth flower - the cosmos! With a mass of feathery leaves and daisy-like flowers in a range of joyful colours, these blooms are a sight to behold. Did you know this plant got its common name because of the Spanish explorers who brought it back from their homeland in Mexico? The Spanish priests on seeing the flower gave it the name Cosmos which is Greek for ‘ordered universe of harmony’. It's all down to the perfectly arranged petals on the flower.
November
We’re sorry to disappoint, but if you know someone born in November then we’ve only got one birth month flower to offer. Luckily the stunning choice of flower certainly makes up for it because the vibrant chrysanthemum bloom is here to take centre stage.
Also known as Chrysanths or Mums, we can trace this beautiful flower all the way back to China in the 15th century BC where they cultivated this flower as a herb. In fact, its reputation as a useful bloom is still going strong and this one is a big hit in traditional Chinese medicine. Over the years it has been used to treat headaches, dizziness and high cholesterol – impressive!
There's an obvious reason why this flower was chosen for November, it's all down to the fact it's one of the few plants that continues to bloom even as the temperatures drop. Not only that, even though it's cold outside, they still manage to deliver a dazzling array of colours and styles. You can choose anything from simple, daisy-like petals to bold, bright pom-poms in colours ranging from oranges and pinks to reds and even purple. As you would expect from such a colourful flower, this one is all about cheerfulness, honesty, friendship and loyalty.
December
Last but definitely not least, our December babies! While everyone else is throwing themselves into festive fun, we’re still here for anyone born this month.
The first birth month flower is the very seasonal holly. While it’s not technically a flower, we can forgive this choice because the plant continues to shine bright this month with its colourful berries when most other plants have hidden away. It’s not a bad choice either, did you know the Druids, Celts and Romans believed the plant contained magical properties. They would bring holly into their homes to ward off evil spirits and provide reassurance that spring and new growth would soon arrive.
Next up is a slightly unusual choice because you are unlikely to find it growing outside in December. Paperwhite Narcissus, as the name hints, is a flower with paper-thin petals which is adored for its beautiful snow-white trumpet with a splash of yellow in the centre. In fact, its name comes from the word papyrus which means paper-like! Don’t worry though, you can still enjoy this charming plant by bringing it indoors and growing it as a houseplant – what could be better.