How to Choose the Right Birthday Flowers Based on Their Birth Month

You have probably heard of birthstones, maybe you even remember yours. But birth flowers? Each month has its own symbolic flowers, tied to old cultural traditions, seasonal bloom times, and in some cases, Victorian-era flower meanings. Whether or not you believe in symbolism, the idea of giving someone the flower for their birth month is thoughtful in a way that doesn’t feel overdone.

What Are Birth Month Flowers?

Let’s walk through the birth flowers by month, along with a few tips to keep in mind if you’re looking for options from your local flower shop.

January – Carnation

Meaning: Love, fascination, and distinction

Carnations are the go-to for January and they hold up well in cold weather. The traditional meaning of this birth flower is admiration or love, fitting for the start of the year. There’s no need to stress too much about color. Different shades have slightly different meanings, but most people aren’t memorizing a flower dictionary.

February – Violet & primroses

Meaning: Faithfulness, wisdom, and hope

Violets and primroses are February’s main picks. Not always the easiest flowers to find year-round, so this is one of those months where flexibility helps. If violets aren’t available, ask your florist in Arlington Heights IL, for similar soft purples or blues. That way, you stay close to the theme.

March – Daffodil

Meaning: New beginnings, prosperity

A signal of spring, daffodils bring in that late winter hope without saying much. They are tied to new beginnings. March bouquets don’t need to be complicated. Just add a few daffodils, and it’s instantly a flower for birth month gift that makes sense.

April – Daisy

Meaning: Innocence, purity, and pleasure

The flower meanings here usually relate to innocence or loyalty, depending on which culture you’re looking at. Perfect if you’re sending flowers to someone you’ve known for years but don’t want the bouquet to scream “effort.”

May – Lily of the Valley

Meaning: Sweetness, humility, and happiness

A strong pick, though not always in stock. If your nearby evanston flower shop doesn’t have them, a soft white alternative can work. The meaning is sweetness or humility, and if you’re ordering a same-day delivery, this is one flower that may need to be substituted depending on time and season.

June – Rose

Meaning: Love, passion, and appreciation

Roses are everywhere- the only challenge is avoiding cliches. Go for unexpected colors or combine with wildflowers. The birth month flowers here are strong on meaning- love, passion, sometimes even secrecy.

July – Larkspur & Water Lily

Meaning: Positivity, dignity, and grace

One of the more unique ones on the list. Larkspur is tall and adds some movement to a bouquet. It’s associated with positivity and dignity. If you’re working with a florist, just mentioning the birth month can usually help narrow down options fast.

August – Gladiolus & Poppy

Meaning: Strength, integrity, and imagination

August flowers stand tall. Gladiolus represents strength, which may not be something you think to say with flowers, but the meaning holds up. It’s also the kind of symbolic flower that feels a little less common, which works well if you want your gift to feel slightly different.

September – Aster & Morning Glory

Meaning: Love, affection, and wisdom

Not always in season locally, but asters are a solid pick for fall birthdays. They pair well with other warm-toned flowers of the month, and their meaning leans toward wisdom or patience. That may or may not match the person, but it sounds good on the card.

October – Marigold & Cosmos

Meaning: Warmth, fierceness, and imagination

These are not for everyone. The color is bold and the scent is stronger. But they represent warmth and creativity. If your recipient likes something with presence, marigolds are a clear nod to their birth month.

November – Chrysanthemum

Meaning: Loyalty, honesty, and cheerfulness

Chrysanthemums are reliable- easy to find, easy to build a bouquet around. They come in plenty of colors, and their flower meanings stretch from friendship to joy. A safe and thoughtful choice.

December – Narcissus & Holly

Meaning: Respect, modesty, and fortune

Specifically, the Paperwhite variety- it’s about rebirth and hope and a good ending to the year. Availability can vary, so if you’re placing a last-minute order from your go-to florist, have a backup option ready just in case.

Order from Preston’s Florist for reliable, same-day birthday flower delivery in Evanston. Whether you’re choosing by season, meaning, or birth month flowers, our fresh selection and personal service make it easy to get it right.