Just as birthstones are chosen to represent each month, so too are birth flowers! Offering beauty, meaning, and seasonal character, these blooms say a lot about who we are. From January’s loving carnations and December’s festive holly the fresh stems tied to specific months make the perfect sentimental birthday gifts. At QG Floral, the best florist in Manhattan, we’re exploring these meaningful flowers and suggesting creative alternatives to inspire unique birthday bouquets that are unique and thoughtful.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

January’s birth flowers, carnations and snowdrops, are like a little pep talk in floral form—symbols of love, hope, and fresh starts. Snowdrops are all about understated elegance, and carnations are the romantic staple you can never go wrong with. For an elevated look, choose calla lilies for that sleek, modern edge or peonies for a pop of joy and abundance. It’s the perfect floral recipe for celebrating all the new beginnings the year brings.

February: Violet & Iris

February’s birth flowers, the violet and iris, have this understated beauty that feels timeless, almost like they belong in an old love letter. With their deep purple hues and meanings of faith, wisdom, and truth, they set such a lovely tone. For something a little more unexpected but just as meaningful, try burgundy ranunculus. With its rich, layered petals it symbolizes admiration and integrity. Purple hyacinths are just as stunning and offer meanings of sincerity and forgiveness. To top it off, there’s alstroemeria. These blooms are cheerful sidekicks, bringing friendship, loyalty, and a playful elegance to the mix.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

March flowers feel like a breath of fresh air. Daffodils and jonquils are the perfect way to welcome spring, representing new beginnings, optimism, and renewal. They’re the kind of blooms that instantly brighten a space. For another classic choice, tulips are a versatile, timeless, stylish, and bring a sense of renewal and unconditional love to designs. And if you’re in the mood for something serene and elegant, Easter lilies are a standout option. Their star-shaped white blooms and meanings of hope, comfort, and purity add a calming touch that’s perfect for this season of change.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

As an alternative to April’s birth flower, the classic daisy, gerbera daisies represent cheerfulness, beauty, and radiance. They bring a whole new level as they boast their bold colors, big blooms, and playful energy. Meanwhile, sweet peas steal the show with their elegant, fluttery petals and irresistible fragrance. They bloom in a rainbow of springtime hues that can’t help but remind us of tulips. Both vibrant and heartfelt, they’re perfect for celebrating April birthdays.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

May’s flowers bring such a sense of renewal and celebration! Lily of the Valley enchants with its delicate, bell-like blooms and its message of optimism and joy. Pink hyacinths also bring an uplifting, playful vibe to the mix, standing tall in their spring glory. May’s second birth flower, hawthorns, are known for their intricate five-petal blossoms and layered symbolism—protection, love, new beginnings, and more. For fans of hawthrons, orchids or peonies are charming alternatives, offering the same elegance and symbolism with a modern twist.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

June’s birth flowers are an explosion of love and beauty, with roses stealing hearts everywhere and honeysuckle bringing the soft, fragrant glow of happiness. These blooms are like the ultimate summer playlist—romantic, joyful, and unforgettable. For alternatives or complementary stems, consider lilies, whose graceful elegance always hits the right note. Ranunculus — the charming flower with petals so layered and lush they practically demand a close-up — are another fab fit.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

July’s birth flowers, the vibrant larkspur and the serene water lily, are a dynamic duo of energy and elegance. The spiky petals and bright colors of larkspur are a celebration of fun, sincerity, and loving bonds—perfect for midsummer vibes. Its lush alternative, stock flower, offers a similar striking silhouette while symbolizing deep affection and lifelong commitment. On the other end of the spectrum, the water lily floats with calm grace, embodying wisdom, renewal, and enlightenment. Calla lilies step in as an ideal stand-in, offering their sleek sophistication and the same symbolism of rebirth and growth.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

Gladiolus and poppies reign as August’s birth flowers, each with their own unique charm. Gladiolus, tall and vibrant, symbolizes courage, resilience, and admiration—a bold and striking choice. Its alternative, the snapdragon, matches its height and hues while adding an air of playfulness and desire. Poppies, meanwhile, soften the mood with their delicate, romantic petals, representing things like innocence, purity, and love. For a similar aesthetic and symbolism, anemones step in as a graceful alternative, offering that same breezy, effortless beauty and meanings.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

September’s birth flowers, asters and morning glories, are a dreamy celebration of love, wisdom, and renewal. Asters, with their whimsical daisy-like blooms, symbolize valor, faith, and a deep sense of affection. If you love their playful charm, daisies and soft yellow sunflowers are wonderful alternatives, offering trust, optimism, and loyalty. Morning glories, known for their vibrant clusters and delicate shape, represent fresh starts and anticipation for the day ahead. To elevate the elegance, orchids are a stunning alternative, adding a luxurious touch to September’s floral lineup.

October: Marigold & Cosmo

October’s flowers bring fun, flair, and spiritual meaning to autumn. Marigolds are like tiny bursts of sunshine, full of happiness, passion, and a rich connection to the afterlife. Meanwhile, cosmos sprinkle a bit of calm magic with their soft, star-like petals that stand for harmony, balance, and connection to the cosmos. If you’re feeling adventurous, add dahlias for their bold colors and creative energy, or mix in asters and gerbera daisies for a playful take on October’s warm and vibrant vibes.

November: Chrysanthemum & Peony

November’s birth flowers bring both elegance and versatility to the season. Chrysanthemums, the Queen of Fall Flowers, make a statement with their variety—classic daisy mums, intricate spider mums, and the luxurious football mum. They carry timeless meanings like happiness, friendship, good fortune, and perfection. Peonies have the most lush, full blooms that symbolize prosperity and marital bliss, making them a favorite for modern floral designs. For something different, sunflowers offer bold optimism, while dahlias bring grace and positivity. For a chic and full-bodied option, hydrangeas provide the same lushness as peonies with a contemporary flair.

December: Holly, Narcissus

December’s birth flowers are as joyful as the season itself! Holly, with its vibrant red berries and evergreen charm, is a symbol of good cheer, protection, and the promise of renewal. Narcissus, on the other hand, brings a touch of elegance to winter with its delicate petals and meanings of hope, self-love, and fresh beginnings. To keep the holiday spirit alive, poinsettias add warmth with their ties to peace and goodwill, while roses are a timeless symbol of love, beauty, and passion to brighten up the frosty days.

Whether you stick to their true birth flowers or embrace the beauty of the season with alternatives, QG Floral has a curated collection to deliver the perfect birthday surprise.