May used to feel like the start of something gentle—fresh blooms, cool mornings, and the promise of summer just around the corner. I remember living in Indiana and always planning to plant my garden over Memorial Day weekend.
But now that I live in Florida, and in much of the South, May brings heat, humidity, and the start of summer weather in full force.
Still, no matter where you live, May’s birth flowers bring beauty and meaning. If you were born in May—or know someone who was—your flowers are lily of the valley and hawthorn. These blooms may look delicate, but they carry powerful messages of joy, protection, and tradition. Let’s take a closer look.
Lily of the Valley
What Does It Symbolize?
Lily of the valley stands for humility, purity, sweetness, and renewed happiness. It often appears in bridal bouquets, religious ceremonies, and springtime celebrations. In France, it’s a tradition to give lily of the valley on May 1st for good luck.
Where Does It Grow?
This delicate flower prefers cool, shaded spots and moist soil. It’s a hardy perennial in zones 3–9, spreading gently through underground rhizomes. If given space and time, it will form a lush ground cover in woodland-style gardens.
How to Grow or Display It
Plant lily of the valley in a shady spot with rich soil and water it regularly. It’s easy to grow and spreads steadily. Just remember—it may look innocent, but all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.
Want to enjoy it indoors? A small bunch in a vase adds old-fashioned charm to a table or shelf. Its light, sweet fragrance fills the room without being overwhelming.
Fun Fact
Queen Elizabeth II included lily of the valley in her coronation bouquet, and it was said to be her favorite flower.
Hawthorn
What Does It Symbolize?
Hawthorn symbolizes hope, love, and protection. For centuries, it’s been tied to folklore, especially in Celtic and European traditions. Blooming in May, hawthorn was once believed to guard fairy realms and bring blessings to those who respected it.
Where Does It Grow?
Hawthorn is a flowering tree or shrub that grows well in zones 4–8. It thrives in full sun and adapts to many soil types. In spring, it produces clusters of white or pink flowers, followed by red berries (called haws) in the fall.
The berries of the hawthorn tree have been used in teas, jams, and herbal remedies for centuries. But be careful—the seeds inside the berries are toxic if eaten. If you plan to use hawthorn berries, always remove the seeds and stick to recipes from trusted sources.
How to Grow or Display It
If you have space for a small tree, hawthorn is a beautiful choice. It works well in cottage gardens or natural landscapes and provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
You can’t exactly pop hawthorn into a vase, but cut branches can add a rustic touch to floral arrangements or seasonal displays. In the garden, it adds structure and interest year-round.
Fun Fact
Hawthorn wood is dense and durable, making it a traditional choice for crafting tool handles, walking sticks, and even fence posts. Its strength made it especially useful in rural areas before modern materials became common.
A Thoughtful Gift for a May Birthday
Looking for a meaningful gift for someone born in May? Try one of these ideas:
- A potted lily of the valley plant for a shady porch or garden
- A print or embroidery design featuring hawthorn blossoms
- A candle, soap, or sachet with a lily of the valley scent
- A handmade card with a sweet note and a flower illustration
A Little Something from Me
I’ve always loved the idea of birth flowers—one more way nature marks our place in the year.
I live in Zone 10A, and it’s just too hot for both hawthorn and lily of the valley. But I still have fond memories of these flowers—especially lily of the valley. It always makes me think of older homes and cottage gardens in the Midwest. My mother-in-law had a patch of it growing in her front yard, and the scent was unforgettable—light, sweet, and one of the first signs that spring had truly arrived.
Now, with Chester—the plant-eating cat—I wouldn’t dare bring a sprig inside. Lily of the valley is highly toxic, so I’ll have to settle for scented soap instead!
Bonus Content
Each post, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic (if available), so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas.
You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon or Botanical Interests to help you find the tools and seeds you need.
Thimble & Tansy participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.
To make your homemade journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie or two each month, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.
Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to learn more.
Other Articles I’ve Written
- The Language of Flowers: March Birth Month Flowers
- Daisies and Sweet Peas: April’s Cheerful Birth Flowers
Affiliate Links
- Amazon: Holland Bulbs Farms Store: Lily of the Valley Pips
- Amazon: Indian Hawthorn – 3 Live Plants
- Amazon: TUMYBee Store: May Birthday Card with Hawthorn Flowers
- Amazon: Yardley of London: Lilly of the Valley Soap
Freebie
Pattern by Ellen Maurer-Stroh – “Lily of the Valley” Image credit: Ellen Maurer-Stroh
- Ellen Maurer-Stroh: Lily of the Valley Cross Stitch Pattern
- If you love vintage embroidery, you’ll enjoy what Vicki from Turkey Feathers has shared—she’s posted a set of vintage embroidery patterns to make a 50 State Flowers quilt. You can find the free PDF download linked in her right sidebar or throughout this post. One of the block features the hawthorn and includes the letters “MO” for Missouri, but that’s easy enough to leave off if you’d rather not include it—or maybe it will inspire you to stitch the whole quilt!
Additional Resources
- Gardenia: May Birth Flower
- Almanac.com: May Birth Flowers: Lily of the Valley and Hawthorn
- Bloom & Wild: What are the May Birth Flowers?