The tradition of assigning a specific flower to each month dates back centuries, connecting the natural world with personal attributes. Birth flowers are thought to embody the characteristics of individuals born during that time, carrying meaning derived from historical and Victorian-era floriography. Understanding the true February birth flowers requires looking past the month’s commercial focus to uncover the two traditional blooms that herald the subtle shift toward spring.
Identifying the Traditional Flowers
February is represented by two traditional birth flowers: the Violet and the Primrose. The Violet (Viola) is a low-growing perennial known for its heart-shaped leaves and asymmetrical, five-petaled flowers. While commonly appearing in deep violet or purple hues, species also exist in shades of blue, yellow, white, and cream, sometimes with bicolored variations.
The Primrose (Primula) is the second designated flower for February. It is named from the Latin prima rosa, meaning “first rose,” because it is one of the earliest flowers to emerge after winter. This perennial features a rosette of leaves from which a cluster of saucer-like flowers sprouts, each having five fused petals and a central eye. Primroses display a spectrum of colors, including yellow, pink, red, purple, and white.
The Meaning Behind the Blooms
Each of February’s traditional flowers carries a distinct symbolic language. The Violet is associated with modesty and faithfulness, a meaning thought to derive from its low-growing habit, which suggests humility. In Christian art, the purple Violet often symbolized the Virgin Mary’s spiritual humility. During the Victorian era, gifting Violets was a declaration of everlasting loyalty.
The Primrose is a symbol of young, budding love, devotion, and new beginnings. As one of the first flowers to bloom, it represents renewal and the optimistic thoughts accompanying the end of winter. In the Victorian language of flowers, gifting a Primrose conveyed the message, “I can’t live without you.”
Gifting Flowers in February
The commercial reality of February flower gifting is shaped by Valentine’s Day, often overshadowing the traditional birth flowers. The red rose, a symbol of passionate love, dominates the market, despite its peak natural bloom occurring in June. Florists often use popular cut flowers like Irises and Tulips, especially those in deep purple shades associated with the Amethyst birthstone, to meet high demand.
These readily available flowers, such as the elegant Iris (signifying hope and wisdom) or the colorful Tulip (representing perfect love), are used as practical alternatives. While the Violet and Primrose are the historically accurate birth flowers, they are often available as potted plants rather than cut blooms, making them less common commercial gifts. The choice of a February gift balances the symbolism of traditional flowers with the accessibility of commercial blooms.