Jump to:
- What Is the Birth Month Flower for February?
- What Do Violets Symbolize?
- What Do Irises Symbolize?
- How to Grow February Birth Month Flowers
- Violets
- Irises
Just as each month has its own birthstone, specific flowers are associated with certain months of the year.
It’s not known exactly how or when this concept started, but it probably evolved from the art of floriography, or the Victorian language of flowers.
During the 1800s, Victorians typically followed strict rules of etiquette. Wearing or sending a flower could send a coded message to a loved one.
“It was like a 19th century emoji,” says Jessica Roux, illustrator and author of Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers. “You could express your emotions with a symbol and communicate at a time when words may have been frowned upon.”
Many early floriography books, such as Charlotte de la Tour’s 1819 book, Le Langage des Fleurs and the 1884 book The Language of Flowers by Kate Greenaway, included lists of flowers and their meanings. But depending on the source, the symbolism could differ.
What’s generally accepted is that the concept of flowers as symbols is rooted in a combination of mythology, literature, and folklore, says Roux. And while there’s no symbolism that’s set in stone for each birth month flower, many have similar meanings gathered from multiple sources.
Read on to learn more about the birth month flowers for February:
What Is the Birth Month Flower for February?
Depending on what source you consult, the birth month flower for February may differ. However, the most common flower mentioned for February is the violet, which is closely associated with St. Valentine’s Day, says Roux.
As the story goes, when St. Valentine was jailed, he crushed the purple flowers of violets, which grew near his jail cell, to make ink. He used this to write a letter to his jailer’s daughter, whom he had healed of blindness. When he wrote her, he signed the letter “Your Valentine.”
The iris often is also mentioned as a February birth month flower, says Roux. Clovis I, King of the Francs in the first century, was said to have won a battle after seeing irises growing; after his success, he and his troops adorned themselves with this flower.
What Do Violets Symbolize?
According to various sources, the February birth month flower violet signifies modesty. This may be due to the fact that the flower grows close the ground with its blooms nodding low, like a head bowed modestly over, says Roux.
What Do Irises Symbolize?
Irises, with their three main petals, symbolize valor, wisdom and faith, which is likely why they are associated with the tale of Clovis I’s battle victory.
According to legend, these were the traits that enabled Clovis I’s soliders to be victorious, says Roux.
How to Grow February Birth Month Flowers
If you want to grow your very own February birth month flowers, violets or irises, here’s how:
Violets
- The easiest types to grow are African violets, which make low-maintenance houseplants.
- Give them bright, indirect light.
- Water when the soil feels slightly dry to the touch, but do not get the fuzzy leaves wet.
- Feed regularly with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer to keep them blooming.
Read more: How to Grow African Violets for Year-Round Blooms
Irises
- Give irises full sun, which is 6 or more hours per day.
- Plant the rhizomes about 2 to 3 inches below the soil surface; don’t put them in too deep, which will prevent blooming.
- Cut back irises flowers after they fade to encourage root growth.
Read more: How to Care for Irises Like An Expert
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Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
Expert consulted:Jessica Roux
Jessica Roux is a Nashville-based freelance illustrator and plant & animal enthusiast. She loves exploring in her own backyard and being surrounded by an abundance of nature. Using subdued colors and rhythmic shapes, she renders flora and fauna with intricate detail reminiscent of old world beauty.
She is the author of Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers. You can find out more about her at Jessica-Roux.com
FAQs
The February birth flowers are the violet and primrose. Violets (Viola) are known for their delicate appearance and sweet fragrance. They have five-petaled flowers that come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, violet, white, and yellow; some are even multi-colored.
What are February zodiac flowers? ›
February: violet and iris
Those February babies just seem to love purple tones! The vivid violets have actually been around for centuries! And were cultivated by Ancient Greeks who used them for medicinal purposes and to make wine taste that little bit extra sweet.
What is a February birth flower tattoo? ›
February birth flower tattoo
A month of love, it's no surprise that the violet is a symbol of fertility, while the primrose sends the message "I can't live without you." The iris, also a purple flower, shares meaning with hope and trust, as well as being the Greek goddess of the rainbow.
What is the flower for February birthday card? ›
Violets are thought to symbolise loyalty and faithfulness. This card can be purchased alone or ideally accompanying a piece of jewellery which can be sent directly to the gift recipient.
What is the flower that blooms in February? ›
Daffodils are a crowd favorite, and some early-flowering varieties start to bloom at the tail end of February, though if not in February, definitely in March. They are super tough, easy to grow, and put on a beautiful show every spring. Purchase some early, mid, and late spring bloomers to lengthen the season.
What are the flower colors for February? ›
Whether you or someone you know was born in February, or you're just having a bit of a nosey, learn more about February's birth flowers: violet and iris, and the meaning behind them.
What is February's birth animal? ›
Rat (aka Zi): December 6 to January 5. Ox (aka Chou): January 6 to February 3. Tiger (aka Yin): February 4 to March 5. Rabbit (aka Mao): March 6 to April 5.
What is February's flower and gem? ›
Birthstones & Flowers
| Month | Birthstone | Flower |
|---|
| January | Garnet | Carnation or Snowdrop |
| February | Amethyst | Violet, Iris or Primrose |
| March | Aquamarine | Daffodil or Jonquil |
| April | Diamond | Daisy or Sweet Pea |
8 more rowsThe orchid is the most common Aquarius zodiac flower, but it's not the only option. Some people also consider the snowdrop and viola appropriate options for this zodiac sign. That's because the snowdrop is one of the January birth flowers and the viola represents those born in February.
What is the soul symbol for February? ›
February- Phoenix
A little more sensitive to the world around you than those who were born before you, those of you born in February may be overthrown by the evils of the world, it won't hold you back.
Two birth flowers - the violet and the primrose - represent February. The violet, a symbol of modesty and innocence, has been associated with the Virgin Mary since the Middle Ages. It was also said to have been the favourite flower of Queen Elizabeth I, who modelled herself as the Virgin Queen.
Is iris a February birth flower? ›
If you were born in February you have two birth flowers, the violet and the iris. Both are perfect flowers for this month filled with messages of love for Valentine's Day. The violet is a symbol of love and fertility while the iris shares its name with the messenger of the Gods and Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
What is the true birth flower for February? ›
February: Iris and Violet
February birthdays are represented by violets or irises, flowers that suggest loyalty and faithfulness. The three upright petals of an iris bloom can indicate courage, faith and wisdom, or friendship, hope and compliments. These 'Tall Dutch' irises come in a mix of vibrant colors.
What is the symbolism of February? ›
February birth month is adorned with vibrant symbols that reflect its unique character. The color popping bloom, the violet, symbolizes faithfulness and remembrance, while the amethyst birthstone enhances awareness and spirituality, providing much-needed warmth and energy during this cold, dark month.
What is the flower of life Aquarius? ›
Aquarius' characteristics
To see why Aquarius' flower is the orchid, we need to get into the nitty gritty of this air sign's personality.
Why does February have two flowers? ›
Why Are There Two Birth Flowers in February? The tradition of having two birth flowers in February, as in many other months, provides a greater variety and choice for individuals to associate with their birth month. This allows for a richer and more personalized connection to the flowers that represent them.
What is February Aquarius flower? ›
Every zodiac sign has a birth flower, and Aquarius is no exception. Those born between January 20 and February 18 can call the orchid their own. With beautiful flowers and an interesting growth form, this Aquarius birth flower fits right in with these peoples' unique and independent personalities.
Why are there two birth flowers? ›
Why Are There Two Birth Flowers Per Month? You'll notice that some months have two birth flowers. Not all cultures agree on which flowers correspond to which months, plus some flowers simply aren't as available in different regions.
What is February symbol? ›
✨Zodiac chart for 2024
| Sign | Symbol (in emoji form) | 2024 Dates |
|---|
| Capricorn | ♑ | December 22 (2023) – January 19 |
| Aquarius | ♒ | January 20– February 18 |
| Pisces | ♓ | February 19 – March 19 |
| Aries | ♈ | March 20 – April 18 |
8 more rowsJan 21, 2022
