Table of Contents
Daffodils and Jonquils
March brings a bouquet of sunny blooms as its birthday flowers. Both species of Narcissus, daffodils showcase trumpet-shaped flowers while the jonquil offers miniature versions with an intoxicating fragrance. These flowers share symbolism around fresh starts but allow for personal preference.
This article explores daffodils and jonquils to connect people born in March to their floral familiars. Discover their history, meaning and best gifting practices to celebrate these spring babies.
Why March Has Two Flowers from the Same Genus
The March birth flowers share the amaryllis family Narcissus genus. So why claim two close cousins?
Abundant variety exists across over 50 Narcissus species and thousands of hybrids. The broad daffodil umbrella encompasses diverse options from cheerfully yellow to creamy white. Meanwhile the jonquil denotes a specific Narcissus type offering tiny, fragrant yellow blooms.
Having dual flowers allows for regional and personal preference. Some people simply connect more to the trumpet tones of bold daffodils, while others crave the sweet scent of delicate jonquils.
Either way both blooms promise hope and happiness to shake off winter’s gloom. Their early blossoms assure brighter days ahead.
March’s Primary Birth Flower: The Daffodil
Daffodils prove globally beloved harbingers of spring with over 25,000 cultivars bred to date. These familiar flowers carry varied symbolic meaning beyond their obvious cheer.
Daffodil Description
The broad daffodil or narcissus family includes blooms of all sizes but most sport the iconic cupped corona and six sweeping outer petals.
Colors span the rainbow from yellow, orange and peach to white, green and pink varieties. Less common types open in tones of red, purple and lime green.
Depending on the species and cultivar, most daffodils reach heights of 6 to 24 inches when not in bloom. The flowers add additional height and width.
Meaning and Symbolism
Daffodils ride the wave of spring fever with their bright hues after a gloomy winter. But these flowers carry deeper symbolic meaning as well.
Historical and Cultural Meaning
- New beginnings:Daffodils signal the annual rebirth and renewal of the natural world after winter’s symbolic death.
- Unlikely resilience:An ability to bloom through late snowfall demonstrates determination and grace under pressure – no wonder cancer nonprofits adopt the daffodil! Their theme color reflects support for survivors.
- Unrequited love or regard:Victorian flower poetry cast the one-sided daffodil as the symbol of admirable yet lonely admiration for someone who does not return the sentiment.
Color Symbolism
The daffodil’s bright yellow evokes joy and warmth. Meanwhile, white flowers connote purity and innocence. This informs cultural meaning:
- Yellowsignals friendship, happiness, positivity
- Whiteindicates truth, innocence or newness like a blank page
- Greencan represent prosperity and good fortune
- Orangepromises passion and creativity
History & Uses
Daffodils trace their roots to Mediterranean and Asian regions but soon spread across Europe with the Romans, who prized them for medicinal remedies.
Historically daffodils appear:
- InGreek and Roman medical textsproviding treatment for inflammation, skin issues, and coughs
- Assymbols of chivalryadmired in medieval tales and poetry
- Woven intocrown garlandsfor ancient Grecian ceremonies
Today daffodils rank globally among the most popular cut flowers and blooming perennials thanks to their extended vase life and cheery disposition.
Growing Daffodils
Daffodils thrive across USDA zones 3-9 thanks to cold-hardy bulbs and early flowering. Potted bulbs force easily indoors.
Provide conditions including:
- Winter chill
- Sunny, well-drained soil
- Delayed division every 2-3 years after blooming
Established bulbs multiply quickly, making daffodils ideal naturalized in lawns and wooded margins.
March’s Secondary Birth Flower: The Jonquil
Petite jonquils offer tiny replicas of the beloved daffodil with bright yellow cups rimmed in green and overlapping yellow petals. Their sweet perfume sets them apart.
Jonquil Description
Jonquil flowers measure just 1-2 inches but emerge in cheerful clusters atop 8-16 inch-tall slender stems with long, tubed leaves. Each stem can host up to 5 fragrant blossoms.
Over a dozen jonquil species and hybrids exist but all produce this signature medley of yellow flowers with a sweet, honey-like scent.
Petite yet abundant, jonquil flowers pack a fragrant punch.
Jonquil Meaning and Symbolism
Like the wider narcissus clan, jonquils primarily represent spring’s arrival and optimism after winter. Their sweet perfume adds notes of amorous affection.
Cultural Symbolism
- New affection– In Victorian flower poetry the jonquils intoxicating nectar came to signify new love and intoxicating desire.
- Positive outlook– The tiny flowers bouncing back against winter frosts demonstrate perseverance and hope.
- Spring herbals– Jonquils historically featured in springtime medicinal remedies, teas and lore as winter’s gloom lifted.
Use jonquils to cheer a friend recovering from illness or convey your deepening affection!
History & Uses
Like daffodils, jonquils trace their roots to Southern Europe and Northern Africa where they thrive in coastal Mediterranean climates.
The petite blooms have graced historical art and literature for centuries, included in:
- AncientRoman medical textsfor their antimicrobial potential
- Victorian flower poetry and paintingsas icons of spring
- Fragrant teas, wines and foodacross their native range ie Spain
Today jonquils stand out as early-blooming garden favorites across temperate regions. They also make charming cut flowers to perfume small spaces.
Growing Jonquils
These dainty spring ephemerals flourish in zones 4-9 or as potted bulbs. Site them in full sun and provide:
- Well draining fertile soil
- Periodic division every 4 years
- Overwintering protection in containers
Hardy jonquil bulbs multiply quickly under the right conditions.
Let clumps spread freely to naturalize spring meadows or woodland gardens with charming golden clusters.
Gifting March’s Birthday Blooms
Both daffodils and jonquils give cheery options for March birthday bouquets and arrangements. Here’s how to put them to use:
Daffodil Bouquet Ideas
- Showcase yellow, white and orange stems together
- Compliment roses, tulips, carnations and lily of the valley
- Present potted bulbs for forcing indoors
Jonquil Bouquet Ideas
- Make sweet posies with violets and hyacinths
- Weave into lemon-themed bread or herb wreaths
- Pair with paperwhites and grape hyacinths
Dual Flower Display Concepts
- Create floral smiley faces with daffodil trumpet centers
- Mix potted daffodils and hyacinths for a fragrant gift
- Include Spring blessing message with symbolic meaning
Most recipients will appreciate guidance in appreciating the thoughtful symbolism you select for their birth month botanicals.
Behind the Tradition of Birth Month Flowers
While birthstones boast soaring popularity, birth flowers fly under the radar. What are the roots behind dedicating floral mascots to calendar months?
Today attribution varies by region and organization but the custom of linking plants to seasons and cycles persists worldwide.
Global Traditions Over Eras
Every culture connects beloved botanicals to seasons, moon phases and symbolic themes. For example:
- Ancient Asian cultures: Buddhist texts link lotus blooms to rebirth and new generations in the cycle of life
- Greek and Roman: Myths reference flowers fauns, gods, or other figures created or favored ie Adonis and anemones
- Victorian: Floral dictionaries explicitly listed flower attributes for each month, linking meaning to blooms
Key Contributing Factors
Multiple dynamics influenced birth flower selection over time:
Regional availability factored heavily, ensuring winter honorees proved hardy to colder climates.
Blooming cycles also guided allocation based on when plants emerge. Hence early bloomers like crocuses and daffodils meriting honor as heralds of spring.
Medicinal properties and symbolic attributes likewise factored into consideration for traditional healers and writers.
For example floral healing guides from Medieval times assigned primroses to February for their youthful restorative potential to recover from winter’s toll.
Conclusion
Daffodils and jonquils share the stage as March’s birth bouquet. Beyond signaling spring’s imminent return, these flowers make thoughtful gifts.
Daffodils impress with abundant trumpet-shaped blooms promising joy and good fortune after winter’s passing. Their bright hues celebrate better days ahead.
Jonquils charm with their delicate fragrance perfuming the stale March air with notes of uplifting renewal. These tiny flowers whisper good things coming even through life’s late frost.
We hope their history and meaning inspires gifting March babies their kindred blossoms as personal harbingers of the happiness and optimism they bring to the world.
After reading this, check out our other articles on:
- The Corpse Flower
- The Unique Flowers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. Are Daffodils poisonous to pets?
Answer: Yes, Daffodils contain toxic alkaloids that can be harmful to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of cats, dogs, and other animals.
Q 2. Can I force Daffodil bulbs to bloom indoors?
Answer: Absolutely! Daffodil bulbs can be forced to bloom indoors during the winter months. Simply follow the appropriate chilling and potting procedures.
Q 3. How long do Daffodil blooms last?
Answer: Under ideal conditions, Daffodil blooms can last anywhere from one to three weeks, bringing joy and beauty to your surroundings.
Q 4. Do Daffodils need to be watered regularly?
Answer: Daffodils prefer well-draining soil and don’t require excessive watering. Water them when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q 5. Can I plant Daffodils in containers?
Answer: Yes, Daffodils can be successfully grown in containers, making them a delightful addition to patios and balconies.
Q 6. What is the best way to store Daffodil bulbs for future planting?
Answer: After the foliage has withered naturally, carefully dig up the bulbs, clean off any excess soil, and store them in a cool, dry place until the next planting season.
