If you think birthstones are cool, just wait until you meet birth flowers. Every month has two signature blooms packed with meaning, symbolism, and a lot of history. Some of these flowers have roots in ancient mythology, while others were chosen for their seasonal charm. So, whether you’re a proud marigold October baby or a delicate violet February soul, your birth flower has a story to tell. Unravel the petals and dive into the magic with the experts at Toblers Flowers, the best florist in Kansas City!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, cherished since ancient Greek and Roman times, graced coronations and grand celebrations. Their genus name, dianthus, means “flower of the gods,” adding to their regal status. Snowdrops, tiny but tough, bloom in the heart of winter. One Christian legend tells of an angel turning snowflakes into snowdrops, offering Adam and Eve a symbol of hope.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets, symbols of love and fertility, were prized in Greek love potions. They also made their way into romantic Victorian works of art and literature. Irises, named for the rainbow goddess, represented divine connection in both Greek and Egyptian mythology—so mesmerizing they even inspired Van Gogh’s famous paintings.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils carry a mix of legend and luck. Greek mythology says they grew where Narcissus (son of Cephissus, the river god) drowned after being so entranced by his own reflection. However, Welsh folklore promises wealth to the one who spots the first daffodil in spring. Jonquils, a multi-bloom variety of Narcissus, are tied less to vanity and more to romance, making March a month of both beauty and love.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

The name for daisies comes from the Old English “day’s eye.” They were a sacred flower to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Legends even drive us to believe they are one of the oldest flowers on Earth, with their likeness carved into stone millions of years ago. Sweet peas, introduced to Europe in the 17th century by Sicilian monk Franciscus Cupani, quickly spread across the continent. In France, they became a wedding tradition, gifted to brides as a symbol of good luck in marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley has long been tied to myth and legend. Greek mythology tells us Apollo blanketed the ground with these delicate blooms to protect nymphs’ feet as they walked. Christian tradition says they sprouted from Mary’s tears at the crucifixion or as Eve wept while leaving the Garden of Eden. Hawthorn, beloved in Celtic cultures, was a key part of Beltane celebrations, decorating homes and fields. It was also believed to be connected to the fairy realm, offering protection to those who honored it.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

Roses have been the ultimate symbol of romance and love for ages, dating back to ancient Egypt when Cleopatra filled rooms with them to impress Mark Antony. Their cultivation began in China thousands of years ago, making them one of the most treasured flowers in history. Honeysuckle, whose name comes from honeysouke—meaning “honey suck”—has a rich folklore of its own. Druids associated it with joy, while in European mythology, it was believed to bring luck and keep negativity at bay.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

The name delphinium comes from the Greek word for dolphin, as its blooms resemble the sleek nose of these playful creatures. Other myths link it to a dragon with blue blood or even the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, on the other hand, have a more divine connection—tied to the Egyptian sun god Ra, they were also sacred to water nymphs in Greek mythology. In Hinduism and Buddhism, their cousin, the lotus, represents enlightenment, making July’s birth flowers as mystical as they are beautiful.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus (aka sword lilies due to its sword-like leaves) was worn by Roman gladiators for strength and thrown at victorious warriors like battle confetti. Poppies, once tied to sleep and resurrection in Greek, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian traditions, now hold a place of honor as flowers of remembrance. August’s blooms carry a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and history.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters get their name from the Greek word for star, a nod to their stunning, star-like shape. Morning glories have a deeper, more emotional meaning. According to Japanese legend, they grew from the grave of Izanami, the goddess of creation and death, symbolizing her beauty and love that never fades. Their short-lived blossoms remind us to appreciate beauty and life in the present moment.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds light up Dia De Los Muertos altars, believed to guide spirits home with their golden glow. Their journey to India made them just as beloved, decorating temples and weddings during Diwali and other sacred events. Cosmos flowers, with their neat and structured petals, are named after the Greek word for harmony and order, “kosmos.” They remind us that even in nature, there’s beauty in balance and structure.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, with a name meaning golden (chrysos) flower (anthemon), are also lovingly referred to as the Queens of Fall Flowers. Peonies, however, have a past laced with transformation. One legend says a nymph named Paeonia became one under Aphrodite’s jealous wrath, while another claims Zeus used the flower to save the healer Paeon from his envious mentor. With origins filled with beauty, power, and protection, November’s flowers bring more than just good looks.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly, once sacred to the Druids, symbolized protection, fertility, and eternal life before becoming a festive Christmas tradition. Its bold colors make it a seasonal favorite, representing hope through winter’s chill. Narcissus, however, has a more bittersweet past. Legend tells of a young man who was so mesmerized by his reflection that he wasted away, leaving flowers in his place. (This should sound like you’ve heard this before.) His story may warn against self-obsession, but his blooms remain a symbol of beauty and transformation.

You’ve mastered the art of birth flower symbolism—now it’s time to pick the perfect bouquet! At Toblers Flowers, our arrangements go beyond beauty, making sure every flower tells a story that’s as special as the person receiving it.