Birthstones may be well-known symbols of each month, but birth flowers carry their own deep-rooted meanings and seasonal symbolism. January boasts the resilient carnation, while December embraces the festive holly — each bloom magnifies the essence of its month. At Currans Flowers in Danvers, Massachusetts, we’re digging into these signature blossoms alongside stunning alternatives and complementary varieties, allowing you to create personalized birthday bouquets that feel both classic and contemporary. Whether you’re drawn to a birth flower’s traditional symbolism or looking for a unique floral twist, we’ll guide you to a perfect arrangement that speaks from the heart.

January: Carnation & Snowdrop

Starting the year with flowers that symbolize love and renewal? Yes, please! Carnations and snowdrops set the tone with their deep meanings and delicate beauty. For an equally charming alternative, anemones bring the same soft, romantic vibe as snowdrops. If you’re drawn to symbolism, calla lilies are the ultimate pick for elegance and fresh beginnings. And let’s not forget peonies — the lush, dreamy blooms that channel the same fullness as carnations while representing love, prosperity, and wedded bliss.

February: Violet & Iris

February’s birth flowers tell a story of faith, love, wisdom, and trust. Violets and irises rock those deep purple hues while keeping things soft and delicate. Want something with the same moody elegance? Burgundy or purple ranunculus fits right in, adding a touch of admiration and integrity. Hyacinths — especially in purple — represent sincerity and asking for forgiveness. And to tie it all together? Alstroemeria delivers on friendship, loyalty, and love, making it the perfect finishing touch.

March: Daffodil & Jonquil

Spring is finally a reality this month, and March flowers are leading the way! Daffodils and jonquils are all about fresh starts, affection, anticipation, optimism, and renewal, but they’re not the only blooms that capture the season’s energy. Tulips bring that same vibrant springtime mood with their message of unconditional love and rebirth. And if you’re looking for another bloom with the same sentiments? Easter lilies — famous for their large anthers and star-like shape — symbolize hope, comfort, and purity.

April: Daisy & Sweet Pea

Gerbera daisies are like common daisies on a caffeine boost — bigger, bolder, and bursting with color! They keep the classic daisy meaning of hope and innocence but amp up the cheerfulness, delight, and beauty. Unique in the world of flowers, sweet peas are April’s second birth month bloom. Their ruffled petals are sleek yet wavy, and their bright hues match those of tulips. Plus, their meaning — bliss and loyal friendships — makes them just as special and stand-out.

May: Lily of the Valley & Hawthorn

Lily of the Valley is like nature’s little chime, with its dainty bell-shaped flowers bringing joy, warmth, and optimism. Looking for a playful alternative? Pink hyacinths have you covered with their fun, fragrant, and joyful blooms. Hawthorns, with their five-petaled blossoms and bold collection of stamens, are just as impressive — representing fertility, akin to orchids. And if you love hawthorns, you’ll adore peonies too, as they share meanings of happiness in love, protection, and fresh starts.

June: Rose & Honeysuckle

Roses are the ultimate classic — seriously, is there a flower more loved around the world? As the go-to symbol of love, roses team up with honeysuckle to make June’s birth flowers all about passion, beauty, and pure happiness. Lilies bring in their own symbolism of femininity and elegance, while ranunculus, with its many layers of delicate petals, adds a modern, romantic twist. Fun fact? Ranunculus look like lush damask roses, which is super on point for this bouquet.

July: Larkspur & Water Lily

Larkspur is basically the life of the July flower party — lush, tall, and full of energy! This stunning bloom represents sincerity, joy, pure fun, lightheartedness, and strong loving bonds. If you want something just as lush, stock flower is an amazing alternative, symbolizing deep affection and lifelong happiness. On the more serene side, the water lily, July’s other birth flower, is all about wisdom, renewal, and enlightenment. And if you’re looking for a floral swap, calla lilies are a gorgeous choice, as they also symbolize rebirth.

August: Gladiolus & Poppy

Gladiolus stands tall, bold, and full of meaning, symbolizing courage, strength, and perseverance. If you love its striking look, snapdragons are a perfect alternative! With similar height and vivid hues, they also represent strength, courage, and desire. On the softer side, poppies and anemones both have a delicate, airy feel about them, with petals that look like they’ve been opened by a gentle breeze. Their meaning? Purity, innocence, and romantic love.

September: Aster & Morning Glory

September’s birth flower, the aster, is all about love, wisdom, faith, and valor. It has that soft, daisy-like charm, much like common daisies and sunny yellow sunflowers, which also symbolize strength, optimism, luck, loyalty, and trust. Another gorgeous bloom of the season is the morning glory, with its unique funnel shape and rich meaning of renewal and new beginnings. Want something more sophisticated? Orchids are a stunning alternative, packed with beauty and deep symbolism.

October: Marigold & Cosmo

October’s flowers remind us that we’re connected to something greater. Marigolds bring beauty with their bold colors and rich meanings of passion, happiness, wealth, and a profound connection to the afterlife. Dahlias are equal showstoppers of the fall season, symbolizing inner strength, growth, positive change, and creativity. Coming in with a more delicate energy, cosmos are also ambassadors of October. They represent harmony and peace, with daisy-like petals that resemble asters and gerbera daisies.

November: Chrysanthemum & Peony

As the Queen of Fall Flowers, chrysanthemums come in many forms. From friendship and good fortune to perfection, longevity, and happiness, they’re packed with meaning. The alternate birth flower of the month, the peony, shares similar symbolism, like luck in marriage, prosperity, abundance, and compassion. If you want a different fall blossom with strong significance, sunflowers exude optimism, peace, and happiness, while dahlias represent growth, positivity, gracefulness, and everlasting love. And for a bloom as lush and full as a peony, hydrangeas are the perfect choice.

December: Holly, Narcissus

With its holiday charm, December calls for flowers that match its cheerful and meaningful energy. Holly is a symbol of positivity, good cheer, protection, and rebirth, making it a perfect seasonal bloom. The graceful narcissus represents hope, self-love, renewal, and allure, reminding us of fresh beginnings. As an alternative, poinsettias, a classic Christmas staple, bring messages of rebirth, Christmas, goodwill, hope, and peace. And for those looking to add a romantic touch to their holiday floral arrangements, roses — symbols of love and beauty — never disappoint.

Whether you’re honoring tradition with a birth flower lookalike or choosing a seasonal favorite, Currans Flowers has the perfect blooms for a memorable birthday surprise. A well-chosen bouquet speaks from the heart, making their day even more special.