Birth roses, also known as birth month roses or birthday roses, are a floral tradition that assigns a specific rose color or variety to each month of the year, similar to birthstones. This guide will help you understand the symbolism, care, and gifting traditions associated with these meaningful flowers.
Birth Roses by Month
January – Red Rose The deep red rose symbolizes passion, love, and courage. It’s fitting for January babies, representing warmth during the coldest month and the determination needed for new year beginnings.
February – Pink Rose Light to medium pink roses represent grace, joy, and admiration. Perfect for the month of Valentine’s Day, they embody gentle affection and appreciation.
March – Yellow Rose Bright yellow roses symbolize friendship, joy, and new beginnings. They reflect the optimism of spring’s arrival and March’s transition from winter.
April – White Rose Pure white roses represent innocence, purity, and new beginnings. They mirror April’s fresh blooms and the sense of renewal in spring.
May – Coral or Peach Rose These warm-toned roses symbolize desire, enthusiasm, and gratitude. They capture May’s vibrant energy and the fullness of spring.
June – Cream or Champagne Rose Elegant cream roses represent charm, thoughtfulness, and grace. June, the traditional wedding month, is beautifully represented by these sophisticated blooms.
July – Orange Rose Bold orange roses symbolize enthusiasm, passion, and energy. They reflect July’s summer heat and vibrant personality.
August – Deep Pink or Hot Pink Rose Rich pink roses represent appreciation, gratitude, and recognition. They honor August’s abundant summer harvest.
September – Burgundy or Deep Red Rose These sophisticated roses symbolize beauty, devotion, and lasting love. They reflect September’s maturing season and transition.
October – Lavender Rose Unique lavender roses represent enchantment, wonder, and love at first sight. They capture October’s mystical, autumn atmosphere.
November – Russet or Autumn-Blend Rose Roses in autumn shades of rust, amber, and deep orange symbolize warmth, comfort, and gratitude. They perfectly mirror November’s fall colors and Thanksgiving spirit.
December – White or Red Rose Both colors work for December: white for winter purity and peace, red for holiday warmth and celebration. They represent the year’s end and festive spirit.
Choosing and Gifting Birth Roses
For Birthdays: Present birth roses with a card explaining their significance. Consider pairing them with the recipient’s birthstone jewelry for a thoughtful combined gift.
Arrangements: Mix the birth rose with complementary flowers in similar tones, or create a striking display using only roses in the birth month color.
Personalization: Add personal touches like the recipient’s favorite greenery, a meaningful vase, or a handwritten note about why their birth rose suits them.
Caring for Cut Birth Roses
- Initial preparation: Cut stems at a 45-degree angle under running water, removing any leaves that will sit below the waterline.
- Water: Use room temperature water mixed with flower food. Change the water every 2-3 days.
- Placement: Keep roses away from direct sunlight, heating vents, and ripening fruit, which releases ethylene gas that ages flowers.
- Maintenance: Recut stems every few days and remove any wilting petals to keep the arrangement fresh.
- Temperature: Roses last longest in cool environments, around 65-72°F (18-22°C).
Growing Birth Rose Varieties
If you want to grow roses in birth month colors in your garden, consider these varieties:
- Red: ‘Mr. Lincoln’, ‘Chrysler Imperial’, ‘Oklahoma’
- Pink: ‘Queen Elizabeth’, ‘Bonica’, ‘Pink Peace’
- Yellow: ‘Julia Child’, ‘Graham Thomas’, ‘Sunny Knock Out’
- White: ‘Iceberg’, ‘Pope John Paul II’, ‘Winchester Cathedral’
- Orange: ‘Tropicana’, ‘Livin’ Easy’, ‘Oranges and Lemons’
- Lavender: ‘Blue Girl’, ‘Angel Face’, ‘Lavender Veranda’
Most roses thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily), well-draining soil, and consistent watering. Plant bare-root roses in early spring or container roses throughout the growing season.
The Symbolism and History
The tradition of birth roses is a modern adaptation of the Victorian language of flowers, where every bloom carried specific meaning. While not as ancient as birthstones, birth roses have gained popularity as a personalized way to celebrate individuals through nature’s beauty.
Birth roses make thoughtful gifts because they combine the universal appeal of roses with personal significance, creating a meaningful connection between the recipient and their birth month’s unique characteristics.