Did you know every month has two designated flowers? Just like birthstones, these blooms reflect the spirit of the season and the personalities of those born in it. At Wishing Well Flowers, the top florist in West Linn, we love honoring these floral traditions while also suggesting creative alternatives and pairings to make birthday bouquets extra special. Whether you adore the classic symbolism of a birth flower or want a modern twist, we’ll help you find the perfect arrangement that’s just as meaningful and beautiful.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

There is no better way to start the year than with flowers that symbolize love, hope, and new beginnings. Carnations and snowdrops are January’s birth flowers, but if you’re looking for a fresh twist, anemones offer the same soft, romantic feel as snowdrops. For something sleek and elegant, calla lilies are a stunning pick, representing beauty and rebirth. And if you love the full, fluffy look of carnations, peonies bring that same charm—plus a touch of good fortune and happiness, perfect for celebrating a birthday.

February: Violet & Iris

February’s flowers are all about devotion, wisdom, and truth—beautiful meanings for a birthday bouquet! Violets and irises both flaunt rich purple tones with a soft, delicate feel. If you love that look, deep purple or burgundy ranunculus is a stunning alternative, symbolizing admiration and integrity. Hyacinths, especially in purple, add a layer of sincerity and even represent seeking forgiveness. And for the perfect finishing touch, alstroemeria brings a heartfelt message of friendship, loyalty, and love while perfectly complementing these elegant blooms.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

Nothing says spring quite like March’s birth flowers! Daffodils and jonquils are all about new beginnings, optimism, and affection, but they’re not the only blooms with that fresh-start feel. Tulips, a classic springtime favorite, symbolize renewal and unconditional love. Easter lilies—with their striking, star-like petals—bring messages of hope, comfort, and purity. Whether you love the bright cheer of daffodils or the elegance of lilies, these blooms perfectly capture the energy of the season.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

Looking for a bold alternative to April’s classic common daisy? Gerbera daisies bring the same hopeful, innocent charm but with extra color, boldness, and personality, symbolizing beauty and joy. While sweet peas are a stunning choice due to their soft, ruffled petals, unique elegance, and their vibrant spring shades, you can find the same aesethetic in tulips. Plus, their symbolism—bliss and loyal friendships—overlaps, making them an even more perfect way to celebrate the season’s fresh, happy energy.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

May’s birth flowers are all about joy, love, and fresh starts! The dainty Lily of the Valley, with its tiny bell-shaped blooms, is a symbol of warmth and optimism. If you love a pop of color, pink hyacinths bring that same joyful energy with a fun, playful touch. Hawthorns, with their delicate five-petaled flowers and lush clusters of stamens, carry deep meaning—similar to orchids, they represent fertility and renewal. Like peonies, they also symbolize happiness in love.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

June’s flowers are all about love, beauty, and joy! Roses, the ultimate symbol of romance, are a timeless favorite, especially when paired with the sweet charm of honeysuckle. For an equally sweet alternative, lilies bring a touch of elegance, romance, and femininity, while ranunculus—with its delicate, layered petals—gives off the same lush beauty as a damask rose. Whether you’re celebrating love, happiness, or simply the beauty of summer, these birthday blooms make a stunning and heartfelt choice.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

July’s flowers are all about love, joy, and transformation. Larkspur, with its tall, spiky petals and bright colors, is a playful yet meaningful bloom, symbolizing fun, sincerity, and strong connections. If you love its lush look, stock flower is a beautiful alternative that carries a message of deep affection and lifelong happiness. And while the water lily may not be a true lily, it represents wisdom, rebirth, and enlightenment. For a different take, calla lilies bring the same elegant feel while also symbolizing renewal and transformation—perfect for celebrating milestone birthdays!

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

August’s birth flowers bring together the perfect mix of strength and romance. Gladiolus stuns with towering spikes and vibrant hues and is all about admiration, courage, and resilience—it’s the ultimate power flower. Sharing the stage is the delicate and graceful poppy, whose soft petals flutter like a summer breeze. Poppies carry a romantic charm and meanings of innocence, purity, and love. Looking for similar blooms? Snapdragons are a fantastic gladiolus alternative, with their bold colors and height representing strength and desire. Anemones are beloved for their airy petals and echo the poppy’s dreamy elegance and symbolize deep affection and purity.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

September’s birth flowers, aster and morning glory, bring beauty and meaning to the season. Sweet and whimsical, asters dazzle with their daisy-like blooms, symbolizing valor, wisdom, faith, and love. For flowers with a similar playful charm, daisies and soft yellow sunflowers are perfect alternatives, adding meanings of trust, optimism, and strength. Morning glories, with their delicate funnel-shaped blooms that flourish in clusters, represent renewal and the anticipation of each new day. For an elegant twist, orchids step in as a stunning alternative, offering a touch of refinement and a rich layer of symbolism.

October: Marigold & Cosmo

October’s birth flowers are a tribute to the unseen forces that shape our lives. Marigolds have fiery hues and symbolize happiness, passion, and prosperity while also carrying a profound connection to remembrance and the afterlife. Dahlias (a bold and intricate alternative), embody transformation, creativity, and the resilience found in change. For a gentler touch, cosmos bring harmony, connection to the universe, and balance, their delicate star-like petals radiating a sense of peace. These blooms share their graceful beauty with asters and gerbera daisies, making them perfect companions or birthday bloom substitutes.

November: Chrysanthemum & Peony

Chrysanthemums, known as the Queen of Fall Flowers, come in so many gorgeous varieties—button mums, spider mums, fluffy football mums, and the classic daisy mum. Their meaning is just as diverse, symbolizing happiness, friendship, longevity, and good fortune. Peonies, November’s other birth flower, share a similar sentiment with their ties to prosperity, abundance, and luck in love. For seasonal alternatives, sunflowers bring a bright dose of peace and optimism, while dahlias add elegance, positivity, and a sense of growth. And if you want something just as plush and full as a peony, hydrangeas are the perfect pick!

December: Holly, Narcissus

December is all about celebration, making holly the perfect birth flower with its bright red berries symbolizing holidays cheer, protection, and positivity. Narcissus blooms with elegant petals with golden center, representing self-love, renewal, and hope—perfect for a fresh start. To keep the holiday spirit alive, poinsettias bring a festive touch with their ties to peace, goodwill, and Christmas joy. And if you’re looking for something classic and romantic, roses are always a stunning choice for love, beauty, and passion.

Whether you’re crafting a meaningful birthday bouquet or searching for seasonal blooms with a similar charm, Wishing Well Flowers has the perfect picks for a heartfelt birthday surprise.