Did you know that there is a Birthday Flower for every month? Check out this list to find out if you are a Daisy Baby or a Sweet Pea!
January - Carnation
In the middle ages the carnation symbolized fertility. Later the flower became the flower of the ‘working class’ in England. Today it is available in many beautiful colours, and is still one of the longest lasting flowers around.
February – Violet
This tiny, fragrant flower grows vigorously. It is self-pollinating, which is why the Catholic church used it to represent the Immaculate Conception. It is associated with innocent love and affection. Cut violets were a staple in flower shops in the early 1900’s, but are quite rare now.
March – Daffodil
A herald of spring, the bright yellow daffodil is a member of the narcissus family.
April – Sweet Pea or Daisy
The sweet pea blooms all summer long, so it represents lasting pleasure. Florists usually have daisy chrysanthemums in stock in white, yellow and mauve – lots of other colours are available.
May – Lily of the Valley
Delicate white bells and a heavenly scent. It represents luck in love. Usually only available for a few weeks in May.
June – Rose
Truly the queen of flowers. Cultivated since ancient Rome, and available in a myriad of colours. Roses from Ecuador have large heads, many petals and vivid colour. There are even new varieties that have the lovely scent of a garden rose.
July – Delphinium or Larkspur
The backbone of an English country garden, in rich purple, bright blue, pink and white.
August – Gladiolus
With their sword-like appearance, they are named after a gladiator’s spear. Long lasting, colourful, especially elegant when several of the same colour are grouped in a tall vase.
September – Aster
There are many varieties – Matsumoto asters are an inch or so in diameter, while the Montecasino varieties are smaller with many blooms on a stem. In the wild, they are sometimes called September Wheat (or Weed...but we don’t think they’re weeds.)
October – Marigold
Like the sunflower, the marigold follows the path of the sun. Not at all a pretty scent, but bright gold and orange blooms.
November – Chrysanthemum
Now available year round, the chrysanthemum is a favourite for its longevity and variety of colours and shapes. It is a noble and revered flower in China.
December – Narcissus
Normally these don’t bloom until the spring, but they are easily forced to bloom early indoors. With their lovely scent and pure white colour, they are often used in Christmas decorations.