Flowers may not talk, but they sure do have a lot of history and meaning. Each month of the year has two flowers linked to it, representing everything from love and friendship to strength and wisdom. But what do they really mean? And where did they come from? At Flowers by Leslie, the top florist in Portsmouth, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of birth flowers and the fascinating stories behind each one of them!

January: Carnation, Snowdrop

Carnations, Mediterranean natives, have been adored since ancient Greek and Roman times. Often used in various celebrations and coronations, their genus name, dianthus, translates to “flower of the gods” in Greek. Snowdrops are brave little winter bloomers, symbolizing resilience. One legend says an angel transformed snowflakes into snowdrops, giving Adam and Eve a sign of hope.

February: Violet, Iris

Violets have long been tied to fertility and love—Ancient Greeks even used these heart-shaped blooms in love potions. Even through the Victorian Ages, violets were painted into poetry and included in literature as a sign of love. Irises, named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow, symbolized the bridge between heaven and earth in both Greek and Egyptian mythology. Even Van Gogh couldn’t resist painting these blooms.

March: Daffodil, Jonquil

Daffodils are one of the first signs of springtime. In Wales, it’s considered great luck to spot the first daffodil of spring, bringing a year of prosperity. Their origin story, however, is less hopeful. Greek myth says daffodils first bloomed where Narcissus, son of the Greek river god Cephissus, drowned after becoming obsessed with his own reflection. Jonquils, their delicate cousins, shift the focus from self-love to romance.

April: Daisy, Sweet Pea

Daisies were sacred to Freyja, the Norse goddess of love and fertility. Some speculate that they are among the oldest flowers on Earth, appearing in stone drawings that date back millions of years. Sweet peas, first introduced to Europe by a 17th-century monk, were admired for their soft fragrance and delicate petals. In France, they became a symbol of love and commitment, gifted to new brides for luck in their marriage.

May: Lily of the Valley, Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley is a flower of divine origins—Apollo laid it down for nymphs to walk on, and Christian tradition links it to Mary or Eve. One story says lily of the valley grew where Mary shed tears for Jesus during the crucifixion, while another attributes the blooms to Eve’s tears as she exited the Garden of Eden. Hawthorn, a key part of Celtic Beltane festivities, represents protection. Deeply connected to the fairy world, it was thought to bring good fortune and keep unwanted spirits at bay.

June: Rose, Honeysuckle

From ancient Egypt to Chinese gardens, roses have always symbolized deep love, romance, and affection. Cleopatra even used them to win over Mark Antony. Honeysuckle, with its deliciously sweet nectar, has a joyful history. Druids saw it as a sign of happiness, and European folklore believed it had protective powers, bringing luck to homes where it was planted.

July: Larkspur, Water Lily

With a name inspired by the Greek word for dolphin, delphiniums have a look that mirrors a dolphin’s nose. Linked to mythology, some say they blossomed after a blue-blooded dragon was killed, while others tie them to the Battle of Troy. Water lilies, equally legendary, were sacred to the Egyptian sun god Ra and home to water nymphs in Greek lore. In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, they remain a symbol of wisdom, enlightenment, and divine beauty.

August: Gladiolus, Poppy

Gladiolus are no delicate blooms. Also called sword lilies, they were worn around the necks of Roman warriors and gladiators for bravery and courage during battle. Victorious fighters were also showered with them by spectators in celebration. Poppies, once symbols of sleep and resurrection in ancient cultures, now serve as a tribute to fallen heroes, making August’s birth flowers a powerful mix of strength and remembrance.

September: Aster, Morning Glory

Asters are like little floral constellations, named after the Greek word for star. Morning glories, tied to Japanese mythology, are believed to have bloomed where Izanami, goddess of creation and death, was buried. They represent her everlasting beauty and devotion and serve as a reminder that love and memories never truly fade.

October: Marigold, Cosmo

Marigolds have been treasured for centuries, from Dia De Los Muertos in Mexico to Diwali celebrations in India, where they represent light, luck, and remembrance. Their bright petals are also tied to the spiritual realm and afterlife. Cosmos flowers, named after the Greek word kosmos, are admired for their symmetry and grace. They represent the natural order of the universe, and their effortless beauty reminds us that harmony is all around us.

November: Chrysanthemums, Peony

Chrysanthemums, named after the Greek words for golden flower, carry the nickname “Queen of Fall Flowers.” Peonies, however, have quite a dramatic origin story. Aphrodite turned the nymph Paeonia into a flower out of jealous rage. Another legend tells of Zeus transforming the healer Paeon into a peony to protect him from an envious mentor, Asclepius.

December: Holly, Narcissus

Holly, once sacred to the Druids, symbolized protection and fertility and was believed to bring luck when worn as a wreath. Over time, it became deeply tied to Christmas, representing eternal life in the heart of winter. Narcissus, however, is rooted in one of mythology’s most famous cautionary tales—Narcissus, mesmerized by his own reflection, wasted away, leaving behind the flower that bears his name. (You’ve heard this one before!) His story may warn against vanity, but his flowers bring a touch of brightness and new beginnings to the season.

A bouquet isn’t just a gift—it’s a message wrapped in petals. Now that you know the history behind birth flowers, find the perfect birthday blooms at Flowers by Leslie.