Birth flowers are like a calendar in full bloom — 12 months, 24 stunning stems, each with its own story to tell. They have been around for centuries, with each one carrying its own symbolism, history, and charm. Some are tied to ancient legends, while others reflect the changing seasons. So, whether your birth flower is a daffodil (March), rose (June), or a chrysanthemum (November), it has a rich hidden meaning waiting to be uncovered! Dive in with the experts at Breens Florist, the best flower shop in Houston, to hear all the tea.

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations are native to the Mediterranean and have been beloved since ancient times. Since they played a large role in Greek and Roman celebrations and coronations, some speculate that their genus, dianthus, comes from the Greek word for “flower of the gods.” Snowdrops, admired for their winter resilience, hold a special place in folklore. One tale speaks of an angel who transformed snowflakes into snowdrop flowers to give Adam and Eve hope.

February: Violet, Iris

February’s birth flowers have roots in both romance and mythology. In Ancient Greece, violets symbolized love and fertility, often mixed into love potions to ignite passion. Their heart-shaped petals carried this romantic reputation into the Victorian era, appearing in poetry and paintings. Irises, named after the Greek rainbow goddess Iris, represented a bridge between gods and humans, a belief that also flourished in Ancient Egypt. These vibrant blooms continued to inspire artists through time—most famously, Vincent Van Gogh, who immortalized their beauty in paintings.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Greek mythology tells us daffodils (their genus being Narcissus) grew where the Greek river god’s son, named Narcissus, drowned by getting lost in his own reflection. In his place, yellow Narcissus blooms flourished. In Wales, these golden blooms mean something much brighter—spotting one first in spring is a sign of prosperity! Jonquils, a variety of Narcissus, bring a different kind of warmth as they symbolize romance and affection.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies, known as “day’s eye” in Old English, were sacred to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. These bright blooms have been spotted in cave drawings that date back millions of years, making them one of the oldest flowers on Earth. Sweet peas, introduced to Europe by a Sicilian monk in the 17th century, quickly became popular and thrived. In France, they were given to new brides as a token of good fortune and lasting happiness in marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

May’s birth flowers are rooted in both celestial and earthly magic. Lily of the Valley, said to be laid down by Apollo for nymphs to walk on, also holds Christian significance. It’s believed Lily of the Valley emerged from Mary’s tears during her son’s crucifixion or Eve’s tears as she left the Garden of Eden. Hawthorn, celebrated during Beltane, was a favorite flower in Celtic culture. It was believed to be a link to the fairy realm as a symbol of protection.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been adored as the flower of romance across cultures for centuries—Cleopatra used them to seduce Antony, and China has cultivated them for thousands of years. Honeysuckle, with its name meaning “honey suck,” is associated with joy. European mythology credited honeysuckle with magical properties, bringing luck and keeping bad energy away.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

Delphinium flowers are named after the Greek word for dolphin due to their bottlenosed appearance. However, their mythology takes a dramatic turn as some say they were born from a blue-blooded dragon. Others claim delphinium blooms have roots in the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, on the other hand, were sacred to the Egyptians. Representing the sun god Ra, they were believed to be the home of Greek water nymphs. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, they symbolize purity and enlightenment.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus got their nickname “sword lilies” for their sword-like shape. They were worn by Roman warriors for protection and thrown at victorious gladiators like floral trophies. Meanwhile, poppies have a softer, yet powerful symbolism. Once tied to sleep and resurrection in ancient cultures, they now represent remembrance, honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in war.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters, with their twinkling petals, were named after the Greek word for star, and they certainly live up to their name. Morning glories have a legendary past. Japanese mythology says they bloomed where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was buried, making them a symbol of beauty and love that never fades. Their short-lived blossoms remind us to cherish fleeting moments of each and every day.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds, bright and bold, have been a symbol of celebration for generations, appearing in Dia De Los Muertos and Diwali festivities as a sign of honor and remembrance. Their vibrant colors are also believed to carry spiritual energy. Cosmos are nature’s picture of perfection. Their structured petals earned them a name from the Greek word kosmos, meaning order and balance. These delicate flowers remind us that life flourishes when everything is in sync.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums rule the fall season with a name meaning golden flower in Greek. They’re true royalty of autumn blooms. Peonies have a more dramatic past, as one legend says Aphrodite turned the nymph Paeonia into a flower out of rage and envy. Another legend claims Zeus saved the healer Paeon by transforming him into a peony to escape his jealous mentor, Asclepius.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly has long been a symbol of protection. Sacred to the Druids, it was used in rituals to bring luck and ensure fertility. Eventually, it became a holiday staple, symbolizing hope and everlasting life. Narcissus, on the other hand, represents a different kind of legacy. According to Greek mythology, the beautiful but self-obsessed Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, perishing by the water’s edge. In his place, golden narcissus flowers bloomed. (This story should sound familiar.)

Now that you’re a birth flower expert, it’s time to turn that knowledge into the ultimate thoughtful birthday gift. Browse Breen’s Florist for stunning, meaningful bouquets that go beyond beauty—each one is telling its own a story.