Do you know what your birth month flowers are? In addition to gemstones, every month has a birth flower; in fact, many months have two birth flowers! Here’s a list of both the primary and secondary birth flowers for January through December.
Birth flowers have been around for many generations, similar to birthstones. The flower designated each month is usually tied to the season when it blooms; many flowers also have cultural or religious associations from ancient times. For example, the hawthorn was known as “Mary’s Flower of May.”
In our lives today, birth flowers are an excellent way to mark an occasion, from birthdays to marriages to funerals. For example, a simple bouquet of birth month flowers is a thoughtful choice (especially if you are struggling to find a gift). Our readers have also woven flowers into unique birth month necklaces as well as designs for tattoos, cards, and even family kitchen tiles!
Why Are There Two Birth Flowers Per Month?
You’ll notice that some months have two birth flowers. Not all cultures agree on which flowers correspond to which months, plus some flowers simply aren’t as available in different regions. We’ve listed the most traditional primary flower as well as a secondary flower when there is one. Browse the links below to the individual birth month flower pages.
The Birth Month Flowers
January:Carnation & Snowdrop
January’s primary birth flower is the carnation, and the secondary flower is the snowdrop. Learn more about the January birth flowers!
The primary December birth flower is the narcissus (such as the paperwhite narcissus), and the secondary flower is the holly, which has small white berries that give way to the festive red berries that we see at the holidays. Learn more on our December birth flower page!
Find Your Birth Month Flower: Primary & Secondary Flower Guide
Month
Primary Flower
Secondary Flower
Meaning / Symbolism
January
Carnation
Snowdrop
Love, fascination, hope
February
Violet
Primrose
Modesty, loyalty, youthfulness
March
Daffodil
Jonquil
New beginnings, rebirth, prosperity
April
Daisy
Sweet Pea
Innocence, purity, gratitude
May
Lily of the Valley
Hawthorn
Happiness, sweetness, hope
June
Rose
Honeysuckle
Love, passion, affection
July
Larkspur
Water Lily
Positivity, lightness, purity
August
Gladiolus
Poppy
Strength, remembrance, peace
September
Aster
Morning Glory
Patience, love, affection
October
Marigold
Cosmos
Creativity, passion, joy
November
Chrysanthemum
—
Friendship, loyalty, honesty
December
Narcissus
Holly
Rebirth, hope, protection
Learn More
Flowers remain a welcome substitute for words, enhancing the giver’s message with fragrance and beauty. Every flower has a meaning and can convey certain emotions, thoughts, or moods to the recipient. Learn the Language of Flowers, and you can practically speak in code!
Did you know that birthstones also have special meanings? Visit our Birthstones by Month page to see each month’s birthstone.
What is your birth flower? Tell us in the comments!
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.
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