Embrace your birth month with the enchanting beauty of your unique birth flower
You may wonder what the March birth flower is: March has two birth flowers: the Daffodil and the Jonquil.
While it may seem unusual that both birth flowers for March belong to the Narcissus genus, it’s important to remember that the Narcissus genus is diverse and comprises many species and cultivars with unique characteristics. In this case, the Daffodil and the Jonquil are two distinct types of Narcissus flowers with subtle differences in appearance, size, and fragrance.
The Daffodil represents the broader genus of Narcissus, which includes numerous cultivars with varying colors and flower shapes. In contrast, the Jonquil specifically refers to Narcissus jonquilla, which has smaller, fragrant, yellow flowers and rush-like leaves.
Having both flowers as birth symbols for March provides a richer choice for individuals born in this month, allowing them to connect with the one that resonates more with their preferences or personality. Moreover, both flowers share the symbolism of rebirth, new beginnings, and hope, which aligns well with the transition from winter to spring in many regions.
Daffodils are vibrant, early-blooming flowers known for their trumpet-shaped blooms and cheerful appearance. They are native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and Western Asia and have been appreciated for their beauty, symbolism, and various uses for centuries.
Description: Daffodils are bulbous perennial plants with long, linear leaves and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Growth habit: Daffodils grow in clumps and reach a height of 6-24 inches (15-60 cm), depending on the species and cultivar.
Flowers: The flowers have six petal-like tepals surrounding a central trumpet-shaped corona. They come in various colors, such as yellow, white, orange, and pink.
Blooming season: Daffodils bloom from early to late spring.
Hardiness: Daffodils are hardy in USDA zones 3-9, depending on the species.
Sunlight and soil: They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil.
Garden uses: Daffodils are often used in borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens, or naturalized in lawns.
History: Daffodils have been cultivated and admired since ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans used them for their medicinal properties, particularly for treating skin conditions, respiratory issues, and joint pain. During the Victorian era, daffodils gained popularity as a symbol of chivalry, respect, and unrequited love. They were often used in art, literature, and floral arrangements to convey these emotions.
Meaning: Daffodils carry various symbolic meanings, often associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. They represent rebirth, new beginnings, and hope, as they are among the first flowers to bloom after the winter season.
In some cultures, daffodils are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, particularly when given as a gift. They are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets to celebrate the arrival of spring and to symbolize the hope, renewal, and cheerfulness that the season represents.
Why they have been selected: As a birth flower for March, Daffodils represent the renewal and optimism that people born in this month embody. The combination of their vibrant colors, historical significance, and various symbolic meanings make daffodils a unique and meaningful flower that continues to be valued and appreciated today.
Fun facts: In Greek mythology, the daffodil is associated with the story of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who fell in love with his reflection and turned into a daffodil. This story has contributed to the flower’s symbolism and connection to self-love and vanity.
Jonquil is a specific type of daffodil known for its fragrant blooms. It is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, and southern France, and has been appreciated for its beauty, symbolism, and various uses for centuries.
Description: Jonquils feature narrow, dark green leaves and small, fragrant, yellow flowers.
Growth habit: Jonquils grow in clumps and reach a height of 8-16 inches (20-40 cm).
Flowers: The flowers have six petal-like tepals surrounding a central trumpet-shaped corona, and each stem bears 2-6 flowers.
Blooming season: Jonquils bloom in mid to late spring.
Hardiness: Jonquils are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Sunlight and soil: They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil.
Garden uses: Jonquils are often used in borders, rock gardens, woodland gardens, or as cut flowers.
History: Jonquil, as a variety of daffodils, shares much of its history with the larger Narcissus family. It has been cultivated and admired since ancient times, with the ancient Greeks and Romans using it for its medicinal properties, particularly for treating skin conditions, respiratory issues, and joint pain. During the Victorian era, jonquils, like other daffodils, gained popularity as a symbol of chivalry, respect, and unrequited love. They were often used in art, literature, and floral arrangements to convey these emotions.
Meaning: Jonquils carry various symbolic meanings, often associated with the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. They represent rebirth, new beginnings, and hope, as they are among the first flowers to bloom after the winter season.
One key difference between jonquils and other daffodils is their association with strong affection and desire, which is attributed to their sweet fragrance. This makes them a popular choice for expressing romantic feelings or love.
In some cultures, jonquils are also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, particularly when given as a gift. They are often used in floral arrangements and bouquets to celebrate the arrival of spring and to symbolize the hope, renewal, and cheerfulness that the season represents.
Why they have been selected: As a birth flower for March, Jonquils represent the warmth and love that people born in this month bring to the world. The combination of their fragrant blooms, historical significance, and various symbolic meanings make jonquils a unique and meaningful flower that continues to be valued and appreciated today.
Fun facts: The name “Jonquil” comes from the Spanish word “jonquillo,” which means “rush” and refers to the rush-like leaves of the plant.
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
|---|---|
| Genus | Narcissus |
Andre Quinou, Shutterstock, 123rf
| Plant Type | Bulbs |
|---|---|
| Genus | Narcissus |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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