Just as birthstones hold deep meaning, each month is also graced with two signature blooms or “birth flowers!” Rich in symbolism and history, from January’s frost-kissed carnations to December’s festive holly, these flowers embody the essence of their season and the personalities of those born within it. At Schaaf Floral, the best flower shop in Minneapolis, we’re celebrating the beauty of birth flowers while offering thoughtful alternatives and complementary blooms to craft the perfect birthday arrangements. Whether you cherish a flower’s classic significance or seek a fresh take, we’ll help you find the ideal floral expression for any special birthday.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

Carnations and snowdrops, two enduring symbols of love, hope, and fresh beginnings, are the perfect blooms to welcome the new year. The delicate beauty of anemones echoes the charm of snowdrops, while the graceful calla lily, a symbol of luxury and renewal, adds a touch of sophistication. For a lush alternative, peonies—full and romantic like carnations—embody love, good fortune, and marital bliss, making them a cherished choice.

February: Violet & Iris

February’s birth flowers embody devotion, wisdom, truth, and faith. Violets and irises can share rich purple hues and a delicate elegance. For a similar aesthetic with added symbolism, deep purple or burgundy ranunculus conveys admiration and integrity, while purple hyacinths represent sincerity and the pursuit of forgiveness. To complement the look, graceful alstroemeria add a perfect finishing touch, symbolizing friendship, loyalty, and enduring love.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

March flowers are a joyful herald of spring, symbolizing renewal, new beginnings, and optimism. Daffodils and jonquils capture this spirit beautifully, as do tulips, the quintessential spring bloom representing unconditional love and fresh starts. For another elegant alternative, Easter lilies—with their graceful, star-shaped petals and symbolism of hope, comfort, and purity—offer a meaningful way to celebrate the season’s promise of renewal.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

Classic daisies and sweet peas reign as April’s delicate and quaint birth flowers. For something a little more grand, gerbera daisies offer a vibrant, playful twist, embodying beauty, cheerfulness, and pure delight while complementing the daisy’s symbolism of hope and innocence. Sweet peas bring ruffled, wavy petals and symbols of loyal friendship and bliss. Their bright spring hues mirror the charm and aesthetic of tulips.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

May’s birth flowers are a celebration of joy, optimism, and renewal. The delicate Lily of the Valley, with its bell-shaped blooms, exudes warmth and charm. For a vibrant alternative, pink hyacinths offer a striking silhouette and a playful spirit. Hawthorns, with their five-petaled blossoms and intricate stamens, share a dynamic symbolism akin to orchids—representing fertility, love, and protection. Much like peonies, they also signify happiness in marriage and the beauty of new beginnings.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

June’s birth flowers embody love in all its forms, from deep passion to heartfelt affection. Roses, the ultimate symbol of romance and beauty, pair effortlessly with honeysuckle, a bloom that represents devotion and happiness. For a similarly timeless choice, lilies bring an air of femininity, romance, and grace. Ranunculus—with its many delicate layers—offers a lush and trendy alternative reminiscent of the stunning damask rose. Each of these blooms captures the essence of love and celebration, making them perfect for birthdays.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

July’s birth flowers capture the essence of joy, love, and renewal. The tall, spiky-petaled larkspur bursts with vibrant hues, symbolizing fun, sincerity, and deep bonds of affection. A perfect alternative, stock flower shares its vertical appeal and bright colors while representing enduring love and a lifelong commitment to happiness. The water lily, July’s second birth flower, is a symbol of wisdom, rebirth, and enlightenment—despite not being a true lily. For a graceful alternative, the calla lily (also not a true lily) offers a similarly elegant aesthetic while sharing the profound meaning of renewal and transformation.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

August has two stunning birth flowers that truly balance one another — gladiolus and poppies. Gladiolus makes a bold statement with its tall, spiky stems and brilliant colors, symbolizing strength, resilience, and courage. Its equally vibrant alternative, the snapdragon, mirrors its height and strong energy while adding a touch of playful charm. Balancing out gladiolus’s power is the poppy, a soft and romantic bloom that symbolizes innocence, purity, and love. Anemones make a perfect stand-in for poppies, with their delicate petals and similar meanings, adding a whimsical touch.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

September’s birth flowers are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Asters, with their daisy-like petals and soft, whimsical look, symbolize wisdom, love, valor, and faith. To echo their vibe, daisies and sunny yellow sunflowers bring a similar brightness, carrying messages of optimism, loyalty, and luck. Morning glories have enchanting funnel-shaped blooms that represent renewal and a motivating outlook on each new day. For something unique, orchids offer a striking alternative with their graceful beauty and wealth of symbolism.

October: Marigold & Cosmo

October’s birth flowers weave a tale of magic and mystery. Marigolds stand out with glowing orange petals and represent happiness, passion, and prosperity, while also serving as a reminder of our connection to the afterlife. In their quiet company are cosmos, those delicate, star-shaped blooms that symbolize balance, harmony, and connection to the universe (or cosmos!). For more striking and seasonal blooms, dahlias blossom into bold, intricate designs and signify inner strength and creativity. Asters and gerbera daisies also offer a joyful nod to October’s radiant energy.

November: Chrysanthemum & Peony

November’s birth flower, the chrysanthemum, is often called the Queen of Fall Flowers. It blooms in a stunning variety—from delicate button mums to intricate spider mums and lush football mums to classic daisy mums. Their symbolism is just as rich, representing perfection, longevity, friendship, and good fortune. November’s second birth flower, the peony, shares a similar spirit, signifying prosperity, abundance, and happiness—especially in marriage. For an alternative, consider other autumn favorites like sunflowers, radiating peace and optimism, or dahlias. And for a flower as lush and full as a peony, the ever-charming hydrangea makes a perfect choice.

December: Holly, Narcissus

December’s birth flowers perfectly capture the season’s festive spirit and a sense of a fresh start as we prepare for the new year. Holly offers striking red berries and glossy green leaves, representing good cheer, protection, and renewal. Narcissus, with its delicate petals and radiant center, embodies self-love, hope, and new beginnings. To embrace the warmth of the season, poinsettias offer a beautiful touch, symbolizing goodwill, peace, and the joy of Christmas. And for a bloom that speaks to love, beauty, and passion, the timeless rose remains an exquisite choice.

Whether you’re celebrating with symbolic stems or seasonal blooms, Schaaf Floral makes finding the perfect birthday bouquet beautifully simple.