How to choose birthday flowers.
Flowers are one of the most popular birthday gifts there is, and it is easy to see why. They brighten a room, they are a joy to receive, and they say you have been thinking of someone on their special day. If you want to make your birthday flowers even more personal, choosing a bouquet inspired by their birth month flower is a lovely place to start.
What are birth month flowers?
Just like birthstones, every month of the year has its own flower, and sometimes two. The tradition goes back centuries, and each flower carries its own meaning, often linked to the season it blooms in. Here are the birth flowers for every month, as they are most commonly known in the UK.
- January: Carnation and snowdrop. Carnations stand for love and admiration, while the delicate snowdrop is a symbol of hope at the darkest time of year.
- February: Violet and primrose. Violets represent loyalty and faithfulness, and the cheerful primrose stands for youth and new life.
- March: Daffodil. The first true sign of spring, daffodils symbolise new beginnings and good fortune.
- April: Daisy and sweet pea. Daisies stand for innocence and joy, and sweetly scented sweet peas are a lovely way to say thank you.
- May: Lily of the valley and hawthorn. Lily of the valley represents sweetness and the return of happiness, while hawthorn is a symbol of hope.
- June: Rose and honeysuckle. The rose needs no introduction as a symbol of love, and honeysuckle represents the bonds of affection.
- July: Larkspur and water lily. Larkspur stands for an open heart and positivity, and the water lily for purity.
- August: Gladiolus and poppy. Tall, striking gladioli symbolise strength and integrity, while poppies represent imagination and remembrance.
- September: Aster and morning glory. Star-shaped asters stand for love, wisdom and patience, and morning glory for affection.
- October: Marigold and cosmos. Warm golden marigolds represent warmth and creativity, while cosmos stands for harmony and peace.
- November: Chrysanthemum. In the UK, chrysanthemums are a symbol of joy, friendship and long life.
- December: Holly and narcissus. Holly represents protection and happiness, and the paperwhite narcissus stands for good wishes and hope.
Discover more about what different flowers say in our guide to decoding the meanings behind a bouquet.
What if their birth flower is out of season?
Some birth flowers, such as hawthorn, water lily or morning glory, are not grown as cut flowers, and others are only around for a few short weeks. That does not mean you have to miss out. Our florists can create a bouquet in the same colours or spirit, or combine a nod to their birth flower with the best seasonal blooms available that week. Simply call us and tell us whose birthday it is and when.
More ways to make birthday flowers personal
- Their favourite colour: a bouquet in their favourite shade always feels thoughtful, whether that is soft pastels, bright and bold, or classic white.
- A flower with a memory: the flowers from their wedding, their garden or a special trip can make a bouquet truly meaningful.
- Seasonal blooms: flowers that are in season look their best and last longer, so they are always a safe choice.
- A heartfelt card message: a few personal words often mean as much as the flowers themselves. Keep it short, warm and in your own voice.
Birthday flowers that keep on giving
For a milestone birthday, or for someone who loves flowers, a flower subscription brings fresh flowers to their door again and again, so the celebration lasts well beyond the day itself. If you are not sure what they would like, a Clapham Flowers gift voucher lets them choose for themselves.
Forgot a birthday? We can help
It happens to all of us. Order by 3.30pm and we offer same-day flower delivery across Clapham and South London, seven days a week, so your flowers