Birthstones get all the hype, but guess what? You’ve got birth flowers, too! Each month comes with two blooms that perfectly capture the season’s vibe—like the hopeful daffodils of March or the resilient chrysanthemums of November. These floral pairings have deep roots in history, symbolism, and personality traits, making them more than just a pretty match. Get ready to dive into the stories behind your birth flower with the experts at WildFlower, the best flower shop in Annapolis. You might just discover a whole new way to celebrate birthdays!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, favored in both ancient Greek and Roman traditions, have long been used in coronations and celebratory events. Their genus, Dianthis, stems from the Greek word meaning “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops are like tiny winter warriors cherished in folklore for braving the cold. As the story goes, an angle turned snowflakes into these flowers as a heavenly gift of hope to Adam and Eve.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets have always been symbols of love and fertility, perhaps due to their heart-shaped petals. Once sprinkled into Greek love potions, they remained strong symbols of romance in Victorian art and literature. Irises, named for the rainbow goddess Iris, represented the divine connection between gods and mortals—an idea that also flourished in Ancient Egypt and on Van Gogh’s canvas.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

According to Greek myth, daffodils sprang up where Narcissus (son of the Greek river god) fell in love with his own reflection, leading to his own drowning—talk about a dramatic origin story! In Wales, these golden blooms are symbols of luck, bringing prosperity to the one who spots them first in spring. Jonquils, a variety of Narcissus, carry a softer meaning—one of love and affection rathern than self-obsession.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies, linked to the Norse goddess Freyja, have been symbols of love and fertility for centuries. Some believe they’re one of Earth’s oldest flowers, as they’ve shown up in stone carvings dating back millions of years! Sweet peas, first brought to Europe by a 17th-century monk, became a quick favorite. In France, they were traditionally given to brides for good luck in marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Greek mythology tells us Apollo laid down Lily of the Valley so nymphs could walk safely, while Christian legend says it appeared where Mary cried tears for her son or as Eve wept while exiting the garden. This fragrant bloom has been a symbol of both sorrow and purity throughout history. Hawthorn, a beloved flower in Celtic tradition, played a key role in Beltane, a festival celebrating the changing seasons. Tied to the fairy world, it was believed to bring both magic and protection to those who respected its mystical power.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been symbols of love and romance for centuries—Cleopatra even covered rooms in them to charm Mark Antony. Cultivated in China thousands of years ago, these timeless blooms have been treasured across cultures. Honeysuckle, whose name literally means “honey suck” in Middle English, has long been linked to joy. Druids saw it as a symbol of happiness, while European folklore believed it brought luck and protection to those who grew it.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

The name delphiniums (another name for Larkspur) comes from the Greek word delphis (meaning dolphin) because their blooms resemble a dolphin’s nose. But mythology gives them an even wilder backstory—some say they sprouted from a dragon’s blue blood, while others tie them to the Battle of Troy. Meanwhile, water lilies were sacred to Ra, the Egyptian sun god, and in Greek mythology, they were connected to water nymphs. Their famous cousin, the lotus, is all about spirituality, symbolizing enlightenment in Hindu and Buddhist traditions.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

In Ancient Rome, gladiolus were more than just flowers—they were seen as symbols of strength, worn around the necks of gladiators and tossed onto victorious warriors after battle. Poppies, once linked to sleep and rebirth in mythology, have since become a global symbol of remembrance, honoring fallen soldiers. Whether standing for bravery in battle or paying tribute to those lost, August’s flowers carry powerful stories of resilience and honor.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters shine bright in the flower world—their name comes from the Greek word for star, thanks to their celestial shape. Morning glories, on the other hand, have a bittersweet love story in Japanese lore. They grew where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was buried, symbolizing her beauty and undying love. Even today, morning glories represent fleeting but passionate devotion, as their delicate blooms only last a day.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds are a huge part of Mexican and Central American culture, especially during Dia De Los Muertos, where they’re believed to guide spirits home. As they traveled to India, they became essential in Diwali celebrations, weddings, and religious festivals. Meanwhile, cosmos flowers are all about balance—their name comes from the Greek word kosmos, meaning harmony and order. Their perfectly arranged petals are said to mirror the structure of the universe itself.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, the crown jewels of fall, take their name from the Greek words for golden (chrysos) flower (anthemon), celebrating their regal beauty. Peonies, though, come with a more complicated past—one legend tells of a nymph named Paeonia turned into a flower by an angered Aphrodite, while another says Zeus transformed a healer named Paeon to protect him from a jealous teacher. These blooms may be soft and delicate, but their stories are filled with strength, change, and a touch of divine intervention.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly has long symbolized protection and luck, once used in ancient Druid rituals before becoming a Christmas staple. Its enduring greenery makes it a sign of life even in the darkest months. Narcissus, however, offers a different lesson—his legend tells of a man who adored his reflection a little too much, ultimately fading away while flowers bloomed in his place. His story may be a warning, but his flowers remain a sign of renewal and fresh starts.

A bouquet with history, meaning, and beauty is a birthday gift win! Now that you’re an expert, shop WildFlower for the perfect birth flower arrangement—thoughtful, symbolic, and guaranteed to make their day.