Birth flowers, much like birthstones, are tied to each month and are filled with wonderful meaning. From the delicate carnations of January to the festive holly of December, these blooms reflect the time of year and the unique qualities of those born in it. At McNamara Florist, the best flower shop in Indianapolis, we’re highlighting each month’s designated birth flowers and showcasing stylish alternatives to craft the perfect birthday bouquets and arrangements.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

January birth flowers, carnations and snowdrops are the ultimate glow-up for winter blooms, symbolizing love, hope, and new beginnings. Anemones bring that clean, effortless aesthetic we love and see in snowdrops. Peonies add a soft yet timeless romance, like carnations, and symbolize love, luck, and happiness. Add some modern elegance with calla lilies. They scream “quiet luxury” and signify beauty and rebirth.

February: Violet & Iris

Violets and irises are February’s little love notes to the world—soft, romantic, and full of meaning like devotion and truth. For a similarly stunning alternative, add purple or burgundy ranunculus to the mix. With their velvety petals and symbols of integrity and admiration, they bring an undeniable “wow” factor. Purple hyacinth is another brilliant substitute, representing sincerity and forgiveness. Round it all out with the best accent stem, alstroemeria! It’s a true symbol of loyalty, friendship, and love.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

March blooms are a celebration of spring’s arrival. Daffodils and jonquils capture the season’s energy with their bright yellows and meanings of renewal, affection, and optimism. For a modern twist, tulips are a perfect choice—effortless, stylish, and symbolic of unconditional love. Easter lilies are another elegant option, with soft white petals and meanings tied to hope, renewal, purity, and comfort. Whether you want something bold or understated, these flowers are a simple way to welcome the season with beauty and meaning.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

A cool, colorful alternative to the classic daisy is none other than the gerbera daisy. With their oversized petals and bold shades, they’re a spirited nod to April’s birth flower and share its hopeful, innocent charm. Sweet peas, on the other hand, bring a softer elegance with their ruffled petals that look like they’re dancing in the breeze. Their vibrant shades echo the vivid hues of tulips, and their shared meanings of bliss and friendship make them a natural match. This floral crew is basically spring’s ultimate dream team.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

May birth flowers are true spring stars! Lily of the Valley’s sweet bell-shaped blossoms exude hope and joy, similar to how pink hyacinths inject a dose of fun and playfulness into the season. Hawthorns—those five-petaled wonders—offer symbolism as rich as their beauty: happiness in love, protection, fertility, and fresh starts. Orchids share this symbolism and the same classic elegance.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

June’s birth flowers, roses and honeysuckle, are a match made in floral heaven, celebrating love in all its forms. Roses are the ultimate symbol of romance—classic, refined, and universally adored—while honeysuckle, with its sweet scent and whimsical tendrils, adds a touch of carefree summer charm. Wondering what alternatives we have in store? Lilies, with their graceful petals and timeless femininity and connect to love are a natural fit. And for a modern twist, ranunculus steps in with its lush, layered petals, echoing the richness of a damask rose while bringing a fresh, loving, playful flair.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

July’s birth flowers, the cheerful larkspur and the serene water lily, perfectly capture the essence of summer. Larkspur bursts with color and energy, symbolizing fun, sincerity, and strong, loving connections. For a similar vibe, the lush stock flower shares its tall beauty and adds its own message of profound affection and joy in life. The water lily, meanwhile, floats gracefully in quiet waters, representing rebirth and sage wisdom. For an elegant alternative, calla lilies bring their sleek, sculptural beauty to the bouquet, carrying the same sense of renewal and enlightenment.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

The birth flowers of August—gladiolus and poppies—are a perfect blend of power and grace. Gladiolus stands tall with its vibrant, spiky blooms, representing resilience, courage, and deep admiration. For a similar statement, snapdragons make an excellent alternative, mirroring gladiolus’s height and bold colors while symbolizing courage, desire, and strength. Poppies, the second birth flower of August, bring a softer side with their fluttery petals and meanings of innocence, purity, and romantic love. Anemones provide a whimsical alternative to poppies, sharing their delicate appearance and symbolic charm.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

Asters and morning glories, September’s birth flowers, tell a story of wisdom, love, and new beginnings. Asters, with their soft, daisy-like petals, exude faith, valor, and affection. For a similarly cheerful vibe, daisies and sunflowers shine as perfect alternatives, carrying messages of loyalty, luck, and optimism. Morning glories, have round, funnel-shaped blooms, and symbolize renewal and taking on each new day with gusto. For a sweet and lovely swap, orchids bring their elegant beauty and rich symbolism, offering a striking alternative to September’s traditional blooms.

October: Marigold & Cosmo

October’s birth flowers capture hearts with their boldness and symbolism reflective of spooky season. Marigolds, radiant and golden, represent happiness, passion, and prosperity, while also connecting us to the afterlife. Cosmos, with their delicate, daisy-like petals, bring a sense of calm and balance, perfect for autumn’s reflective mood. For something equally stunning and ideal for autumn, dahlias exude elegance with their layered and ornate blooms, symbolizing inner strength, creativity, and growth, while asters and gerbera daisies bring their star-like charm.

November: Chrysanthemum & Peony

November’s flowers are a reminder of beauty and meaning as the seasons shift. Chrysanthemums, hailed as the Queen of Fall Flowers, have graced autumn gardens for centuries. From the delicate daisy mum to the luxurious football mum, their forms are as diverse as their symbolism—happiness, longevity, and friendship. Peonies, lush and timeless, bring a softer touch, representing prosperity, love, and compassion. For alternatives, sunflowers add a nostalgic warmth with their sunny optimism, while dahlias embody grace and growth. Hydrangeas offer pillowy blooms, are a natural choice for those who simply adore peony-like fullness.

December: Holly, Narcissus

There is no better way to celebrate December than with its iconic birth flowers. Holly, with its cheery red berries and spiky green leaves, is a festive favorite, representing protection, rebirth, and positivity. Narcissus, with its dainty, star-like petals, brings a softer side to the season, symbolizing hope, renewal, and a healthy dose of self-love. Other festive blooms, like poinsettias, bring Christmas magic with their bold, red leaves, while roses offer a romantic and passionate touch to round out the holiday season.

For meaningul bouquets full of seasonal magic, McNamara Florist has the perfect flowers to make every birthday celebration extra special.