Every month has a flower (or two) that symbolises its essence, much like birthstones. These birth flowers are believed to represent the qualities and characteristics of those born in that month. The tradition dates back to ancient cultures, where flowers were gifted during birthdays as a token of luck, protection, and personal meaning.
While the origins of this tradition are from the northern hemisphere, today, thanks to floriculture and commercial availability, many seasonal flowers can be enjoyed in Australia year-round. With the convenience of flower delivery in Melbourne, you can easily surprise your loved ones with their meaningful birth blooms no matter the season. Knowing someone’s birth flower can make your gift more thoughtful and deeply personal. Here’s a complete guide to help you choose the right bloom for your loved ones.
January Birth Flowers: Carnation and Snowdrop
January begins the year with flowers that symbolise strength, purity, and resilience. Carnations, with their soft ruffled petals, are among the most cherished winter blooms. They come in a wide variety of colours, each holding its own special meaning. Red carnations symbolise deep admiration and affection, while pink conveys gratitude and remembrance. White carnations stand for innocence, pure love, and new beginnings, making them particularly fitting for the first month of the year. Known for their long-lasting freshness, carnations are often chosen for birthdays, anniversaries, and heartfelt celebrations.
Snowdrops, by contrast, are humble yet powerful in symbolism. They are among the first flowers to bloom at the end of winter, often pushing bravely through frozen ground. This quiet strength makes them a symbol of hope, renewal, and brighter days ahead. Their delicate white petals represent peace and encouragement, reminding us that even in the coldest months, life persists.
February Birth Flowers: Violet and Iris
February, the month of love and heartfelt expression, is beautifully represented by two flowers that symbolise loyalty, inspiration, and devotion. Violets, with their modest yet captivating blooms, carry deep meanings of humility, faithfulness, and sincerity. Their velvety purple petals bring a sense of elegance and quiet charm to any bouquet, making them an ideal choice for expressing affection and appreciation. Often associated with modesty and virtue, violets have long been linked to themes of devotion, making them especially fitting for the month when Valentine’s Day is celebrated.
Irises, in contrast, bring boldness and grandeur to the month’s floral story. Named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, these blooms represent courage, wisdom, and admiration. Their tall, elegant stems and striking colours add a sense of drama to floral arrangements, balancing the understated beauty of violets with vibrancy and energy. Irises symbolise the creativity and inspiration that February often stirs, serving as a tribute to both heartfelt devotion and visionary ideas.
March Birth Flowers: Daffodil and Jonquil
March marks the turning point from the stillness of winter to the vibrancy of spring, and few flowers embody this transition better than daffodils. With their trumpet-shaped golden blooms, daffodils are considered one of the most iconic symbols of renewal, prosperity, and hope. They are often the first to bloom after the frost, reminding us that brighter days are ahead and that new beginnings are always possible. In many cultures, daffodils are seen as harbingers of luck and joy, making them a meaningful flower for those born in March.
Jonquils, a fragrant variety closely related to daffodils, add another layer of meaning to March’s birth flowers. Smaller in size but powerful in symbolism, jonquils are associated with affection, friendship, and deep emotional bonds. Their sweet scent and delicate clusters of blooms often bring a sense of intimacy and thoughtfulness to bouquets, making them a popular choice for expressing heartfelt connections.
April Birth Flowers: Daisy and Sweet Pea
April’s birth flowers perfectly capture the themes of innocence, happiness, and the arrival of brighter days. Daisies, with their bright white petals surrounding a cheerful yellow centre, are timeless symbols of purity, true love, and new beginnings. They have long been associated with loyalty and childlike simplicity, often representing a pure heart and genuine affection. Their fresh, uplifting appearance mirrors the renewal that comes with spring, making them a fitting choice for celebrating April birthdays.
Sweet peas, on the other hand, bring elegance and fragrance to April’s floral representation. Known for their delicate pastel colours and captivating scent, sweet peas embody blissful pleasure, gratitude, and the joy of cherished relationships. They are often used to express thanks and appreciation, but historically they were also seen as a way to say farewell or “thank you for a lovely time,” giving them a versatile role in conveying sentiments.
May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
May’s birth flowers perfectly embody themes of joy, protection, and renewal. The lily of the valley, with its delicate, bell-shaped blooms, is admired for both its beauty and fragrance. Often symbolising sweetness, humility, and the return of happiness, this flower carries a deeply emotional meaning. Its dainty appearance has made it a popular choice in bridal bouquets, where it is often associated with love, devotion, and purity.
Complementing it is the hawthorn, a flowering shrub long connected with hope, fertility, and protection. Its blossoms often appear around spring festivals, where it symbolises growth, abundance, and new life. In folklore, hawthorn branches were even used to ward off negativity and bring good fortune to households.
June Birth Flowers: Rose and Honeysuckle
June is represented by flowers that symbolise deep affection and meaningful relationships. The rose has long been celebrated worldwide as the ultimate emblem of love and beauty. Each colour carries its own unique meaning: red roses stand for passion and romance, white roses convey innocence and purity, pink roses represent admiration and grace, while yellow roses symbolise joy and friendship. Their timeless charm, layered petals, and unforgettable fragrance make roses one of the most versatile and heartfelt flowers to give.
The honeysuckle, with its climbing vines and intoxicating fragrance, perfectly complements the rose’s bold symbolism. Known for representing loyalty and enduring bonds, honeysuckle has long been associated with strong friendships and lasting devotion. In folklore, honeysuckle is seen as a flower of protection, often thought to guard the home and bring positivity. Its delicate blooms are a reminder of affection that endures the test of time, making it a thoughtful choice for June birthdays.
July Birth Flowers: Delphinium and Water Lily
July’s birth flowers celebrate both strength and serenity through two very different yet equally captivating blooms. Delphiniums are tall, striking flowers that often come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and even white. Their towering spikes make a bold statement, symbolising positivity, dignity, and encouragement. In the language of flowers, they are often gifted to uplift spirits or to mark achievements, reflecting openness and confidence. Their upward-reaching form mirrors ambition and growth, making them a fitting tribute for those born in July.
Water lilies, by contrast, bring calmness and balance. Floating gracefully on ponds, these flowers are often associated with purity, tranquillity, and enlightenment. Across cultures, water lilies hold spiritual significance, particularly in Buddhism and Hinduism, where they symbolise rebirth and the soul’s journey towards enlightenment. Their ability to bloom beautifully on the water’s surface, despite roots in the mud, is a metaphor for resilience and inner peace. Combined with delphiniums, they capture July’s essence: the union of bold expression and quiet strength.
August Birth Flowers: Gladiolus and Poppy
August is represented by flowers that beautifully blend strength, resilience, and imagination. Gladiolus, often referred to as the “sword lily” due to its tall, blade-like leaves, symbolises integrity, determination, and moral courage. Its striking blooms grow in a wide range of bold colours, from fiery reds and pinks to soft pastels, making them versatile for both vibrant and elegant arrangements. Traditionally, gladiolus is seen as a flower of remembrance and strength, honouring not just physical resilience but also emotional and spiritual fortitude.
Poppies, in contrast, are delicate yet carry immense symbolic weight. Known for their paper-thin petals and vivid colours, they represent peace, consolation, and imagination. Red poppies, in particular, are globally recognised as a symbol of remembrance and honour for those who have passed. At the same time, poppies are also linked with creativity and dreaming, reflecting the beauty of imagination and inner reflection. Together, gladiolus and poppies highlight August’s unique duality: the combination of steadfast strength with compassion and creativity.
September Birth Flowers: Aster and Morning Glory
September’s birth flowers, the Aster and Morning Glory, both capture themes of wisdom, love, and the fleeting beauty of life. Asters, whose name comes from the Greek word for “star,” are daisy-like blooms that symbolise patience, elegance, and enduring affection. Their vibrant colours—ranging from purples and pinks to deep blues—make them a striking choice for birthday bouquets in this month. Beyond their beauty, asters have long been associated with wisdom and strength, often believed in folklore to provide protection and bring good fortune.
Morning Glories, by contrast, are known for their delicate nature and symbolic reminder to cherish each moment. Blooming at dawn and fading as the day progresses, they represent the fleeting nature of time, affection, and the importance of living in the present. Their heart-shaped leaves and vivid colours bring joy and lightness, perfectly complementing the deeper symbolism of asters. Together, asters and morning glories embody September’s qualities: enduring wisdom alongside a gentle reminder to embrace life’s fleeting yet precious moments.
October Birth Flowers: Marigold and Cosmos
October’s birth flowers bring together two very different yet complementary qualities. Marigolds, with their striking golden-orange and deep amber hues, are symbols of passion, determination, and creativity. Known as “the herb of the sun,” marigolds have been celebrated in many cultures for centuries. In Mexico, for example, they are used in Día de los Muertos celebrations as a way to honour and remember loved ones, while in India, they are often used in garlands and decorations to symbolise prosperity and protection.
Cosmos, in contrast, offer a gentler and more balanced energy. With their delicate petals in shades of pink, white, and purple, they symbolise peace, harmony, and a sense of order. The name “cosmos” itself comes from the Greek word for “balanced universe,” capturing their role as a flower of serenity and calm.
November Birth Flowers: Chrysanthemum
November may only have one official birth flower, but the chrysanthemum carries a weight of meaning that makes it incredibly special. Known for its vibrant display of colours and intricate, layered petals, the chrysanthemum symbolises joy, loyalty, and long life. Different colours hold unique messages: red chrysanthemums are linked to love and deep affection, yellow expresses friendship and well wishes, while white conveys honesty and purity. Their variety ensures that they can be chosen to match the personality and message you want to share with someone born in November.
What makes chrysanthemums even more remarkable is their ability to bloom late in the year, often when other flowers have faded. This resilience is why they also represent optimism, strength, and the ability to thrive despite challenges. In many Asian cultures, they are revered as symbols of longevity and nobility, while in Europe, they are often associated with remembrance and respect. For November-born individuals, chrysanthemums embody a warm yet steadfast spirit, reflecting both the brightness of joy and the depth of resilience—qualities that make them a fitting tribute to those who celebrate their birthdays during this month.
December Birth Flowers: Narcissus and Holly
December is a month full of festivity and reflection, and its birth flowers capture both hope and celebration. The narcissus, especially the paperwhite variety, is admired for its delicate, star-shaped white blooms and gentle fragrance. Blooming in the heart of winter, it carries strong symbolism of hope, renewal, and good fortune. These flowers remind us that even in the colder, darker months, new beginnings and brighter days are always just around the corner. In many traditions, narcissus flowers are also given to express good wishes, making them a meaningful gift for birthdays or milestones that fall in December.
Complementing this softness is the holly plant, with its glossy green leaves and striking red berries. Long associated with Christmas celebrations, holly represents joy, protection, and eternal life. Its evergreen nature makes it a symbol of resilience and continuity, cherished across many cultures as a decorative and spiritual emblem during the holiday season. Together, narcissus and holly reflect December’s dual character: a time for fresh starts as well as joyful gatherings.
A Quick Recap of Birth Flowers by Month
Before we wrap up, here’s a handy reference list of all twelve months and their associated birth flowers. Use it as a guide when choosing thoughtful blooms for birthday gifts or special celebrations:
· January Birth Flowers: Carnation and Snowdrop
· February Birth Flowers: Violet and Iris
· March Birth Flowers: Daffodil and Jonquil
· April Birth Flowers: Daisy and Sweet Pea
· May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
· June Birth Flowers: Rose and Honeysuckle
· July Birth Flowers: Delphinium and Water Lily
· August Birth Flowers: Gladiolus and Poppy
· September Birth Flowers: Aster and Morning Glory
· October Birth Flowers: Marigold and Cosmos
· November Birth Flowers: Chrysanthemum
· December Birth Flowers: Narcissus and Holly
Because the tradition of birth flowers began in the northern hemisphere, not all varieties will bloom naturally in Australia during their assigned month. However, many are now available year-round through commercial growers, and where they aren’t, you can always consider gifting plants, bulbs, or seeds as a meaningful alternative. What matters most is the thought and symbolism behind your gift.
At The Little Market Bunch, we take pride in helping you celebrate birthdays and milestones with flowers that truly resonate. Our florists craft each arrangement with care, ensuring it reflects both beauty and meaning. We provide reliable fresh flower delivery across Melbourne CBD, Brunswick, St Kilda, South Yarra, Brighton, Richmond, Fitzroy, Armadale, and many more surrounding suburbs, making it easy to share love wherever your loved ones may be.
If you would like to arrange a birthday bouquet or explore personalised floral options, please reach out to us at info@thelittlemarketbunch.com.au or call 0452 554 811. Let us help you deliver joy, thoughtfulness, and beauty through flowers that speak straight to the heart.