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:
- 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
- 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
Violets and Primroses are the February birth month flowers. These purple-hued blooms are a symbol of modesty, faithfulness, and virtue. In the Victorian era, a gift of Violets or Primroses was a declaration of love.
What are February official birth flowers? ›
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.
Is the February birth flower an iris or violet? ›
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 represents February? ›
Symbols. The zodiac signs of February are Aquarius (until February 18) and Pisces (February 19 onward). Its birth flowers are the violet (Viola), the common primrose (Primula vulgaris), and the Iris. Its birthstone is the amethyst, which symbolizes piety, humility, spiritual wisdom, and sincerity.
What is February lucky flower? ›
Violets: Symbol of Modesty and Faithfulness
Violets, with their enchanting purple hues and delicate structure, are more than just a visual delight; they are steeped in rich symbolism and history. As the February birth flower, violets embody modesty, spiritual wisdom, and faithfulness.
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.
Why are there 2 birth flowers for each month? ›
While not every birth month has two flowers, several months such as January, April, and August do. There is not necessarily a documented reason for this, however, the pair of flowers typically have two very separate meanings that may or may not relate to the specific time of year.
What flower is for Aquarius? ›
The 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 color is the February birth flower tattoo? ›
February: Violet & Primrose
The February birth flower tattoos are the beautiful Violet and Primrose: Violets are the perfect birth flower tattoo for those who like a lot of different colors. Most commonly violet, the Violet also comes in yellow, white, blue, and even multicolored.
What is February Pisces birth flower? ›
What is Pisces birth flower? It won't come as a surprise that the water lily is the primary Pisces birth flower. Not just because they are peacefully at home floating on the water's surface, but the depths from which they grow are symbolic of Pisces' deep emotional capabilities and intuition.
The birth month birds are as follows: January: Owl. February: Parrot. March: Robin.
What color is February known for? ›
If you were born in February, your birthstone is amethyst – the purple variety of quartz that has captivated mankind for millennia. Its lilac to deep purple hues can be cut into many shapes and sizes, and it can be manufactured in a lab as well as mined.
What are the 2 birthstones for February? ›
February-born gems, unite! Whether you're basking in the innovative spirit of Aquarius or swimming in the depths of Pisces, February cradles you with not one, but two mesmerizing birthstones: Amethyst and Jasper. These stones aren't just ornamental; they're steeped in healing virtues and brimming with positive vibes.
Is February birth flower a violet or primrose? ›
If you have a February baby, her birth flowers are the wild violet and the enchanting primrose.
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.
